The Most Popular Types of Paper Used for Packaging

Nowadays, there are many different types of packaging paper on the market that are tailored to certain purposes or industries, from storing, transporting items to protecting the product within due to transportation impacts. In terms of composition, manufacture, and handling, each type has distinct characteristics. Therefore, before selecting a material for a product, it is critical to be acquainted with each of them. 

This article presents an overview of the most prevalent papers on the packaging market to help you make your decision. We will try our best to answer all concerns regarding various paper kinds by providing information about the material used and some of its fundamental features, so now you can make an informed decision for all of your packaging needs!

The Most Popular Types of Paper Used for Packaging

I/. Ivory
Ivory is a two-sided paper with one smooth and one rough side. This type of packaging paper is an uncoated paper as Ford paper, but it comes in a wider range of weights, up to 450 gsm. Thanks to its thickness and strength, ivory packaging is tougher and more durable than Bristol paper. It is extensively used in packaging since it can be printed in full colour and is safe to use for containing and keeping food.

As ivory paper can be printed in full colour, it has a clean and glossy surface that adds to the packaging’s appearance. Moreover, this paper is very robust and sturdily constructed. As a result, it can be used with a variety of techniques such as cutting, folding, embossing, and die-cutting to make the entire packaging more appealing. Also, ivory paper is a flexible, lightweight, and water-resistant material. It may be utilized in many printing techniques, including offset, flexo, and UV printing.

Ivory paper packaging

Ivory packaging paper is ideal for printing book covers, shopping bags, cigarette boxes, pharmaceuticals, toys packaging, and the outer box of playing cards.
II/. Duplex
The duplex paper is made by infusing two layers of paper together. The board’s outside is frequently coated to make it more water-resistant and to give it a lustrous appearance. Depending on the need, food-grade duplex paper is used.

Duplex packaging paper is divided into two types:

  • Single-sided coated paper: This duplex paper type has a single side that is coated. It is generally 210 grams in weight.
  • Double-sided coated paper: This form of duplex paper has a coating on both sides. The weight is heavier than a single side coated at 250 gsm as both sides are coated.

duplex packaging

Duplex paperboard boxes provide excellent protection for the items inside, from big to small, due to their great stiffness and durability. Packaging products made from duplex paperboard will have vibrant and lively colours. This will make the goods look more luxurious and exquisite overall. Duplex paperboard is well-known as one of the most cost-effective materials, even more than ivory or bristol paper. Duplex packaging paper is often used to print paper boxes and folding cartons with corrugated boards.
III/. Art Card
If you are looking for a truly high-class packaging solution, then an art cart is a sort of material that should not be overlooked. An art card packaging paper has a somewhat glossy surface and is compatible with inks. Its quantitative values range from 230 to 350 grams per square meter.

art card

The most popular thicknesses are two and three-ply art card sheets, but one-ply art card has the virtue of translucency. They may give both front and rear working surfaces, unlike illustration boards, which only provide a front working surface. Art cards are perfect for soap, cosmetics, medicine boxes, shirt covers, flashcards, and visit cards.
IV/. Kraft Packaging Paper
Kraft paper is a strong, elastic, and rough material. Depending on the special type of kraft, the average weight is usually between 50 and 135 grams, sometimes up to 250 gsm (at Starprint Vietnam). Kraft paper is typically golden brown in colour; however, manufacturers can bleach it to make it pale yellow or milky white. 

kraft

Kraft packaging paper is ideal for packaging because of its strength and environmental friendliness. Large e-commerce firms have lately begun to use this material for boxes and envelopes. Unlike the plastic equivalent, which may take hundreds of years to degrade, kraft goods can begin to break down in two to six weeks. It can also be recycled, making it a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers.

Not only is kraft paper good for the environment, but it also makes excellent wrapping paper and gift boxes. The simple and natural packaging has given it a rustic and stylish vibe, which is neither plain nor boring. That is the reason why kraft boxes and paper have become the talk of the town in the past few years.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the different thicknesses can help you better grasp the material grade for your package. This will aid in the creation of an appropriate box depending on the product’s weight and packing structure.

Are you considering which packaging paper is the best material for your packaging? To have the most effective packaging solutions for your products, please contact us here or check out our packaging that Starprint has done for numerous famous clients here.

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