In today’s competitive market, packaging plays a vital role in attracting customers, protecting products, and maintaining their quality. You can see it everywhere, from online delivery to the wrapper of your favourite snack. And they work wonders!
What is Packaging Paper?
Packaging Paper is a specially designed paper that industries use to wrap, and preserve products during storage, handling, and transportation of items like food, gifts, consumer goods, industrial products, textiles, stationery, and other fragile items.
Packaging Paper differs from other packaging materials like plastic or metal. Though plastic is a good packaging material, it harms the environment. On the other hand, the paper is much safer, and biodegradable. Compared to other options, packaging paper is light weighted, and saves money.
Packaging paper is sustainable and also recyclable that’s why you can use it multiple times. There are multiple types of packaging paper such as kraft, corrugated, coated, greaseproof that are suitable for food, gifts, industrial products, and more.
Why is paper widely used for Packaging?
Industries are shifting to packaging paper to wrap their products. But the question is why? Here are some of the common reasons manufacturing units and individuals are shifting from plastic to packaging paper.
1.Eco-friendly and Sustainable
Packaging Paper has always been kind to nature. It is recyclable and biodegradable and supports global sustainability efforts.
2. Lightweight yet Durable
Packaging paper is lightweight and durable, which makes it easier to transport. That’s why it is easier to handle compared to other alternatives.
3. Excellent for Printing and Branding
Packaging paper is useful for branding. We can use it as a strong tool for marketing after printing logos and designs on it.
Different Types of Packaging Paper:
There are many types of Packaging Paper available in the market, and each has different purposes and designs. Let’s explore some of the most famous types of packaging paper.
1. Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is one of the strongest and durable papers, made from wood pulp. Notably, it is the best choice if you want fully recyclable paper and stand firm on your commitment to sustainability. Industries nowadays are using it to wrap large, heavy, or bulk products.
Properties:
- Strong
- Durable
- Recyclable.
Industries:
Food & Beverage industry, Retail & E-commerce, Gift & Stationery, Industrial & Manufacturing, Textile industry, Agriculture, Construction industry.
Common applications:
Kraft paper is useful in e-commerce, food packaging, and industrial wrapping.
2.Corrugated Paper
Corrugated paper is multiple-layered that provides cushioning and strength to packaging. This makes it lightweight but durable. Notably, this paper is also capable of absorbing shocks, ensuring that the product reaches safely to its destination.
Properties:
- Multi-layered
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Shock-absorbent and protective
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
- Flexible and easy to fold
- Good printability for branding
Industries:
E-Commerce & Retail, Food & Beverage, Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Automobile & Machinery, Textile & Apparel, and Logistics & Transport Industries.
Common applications:
Corrugated Paper is useful in shipping boxes, fragile goods packaging, and logistics.
3. Greaseproof Paper
Greaseproof paper is a thin and flexible paper that is safer to pack food because of its ability to resist oil, water, and moisture. It maintains its strength even when in contact with moisture.
Properties:
- Resistant to oil and moisture
- Heat-resistant
- Food-safe and hygienic
- Lightweight and flexible
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
- Smooth texture for easy wrapping
Industries:
Food & Beverage, Bakery & Confectionery, Fast Food Packaging, Dairy Products, Snacks & Confectionery Wrapping, and Catering & Hospitality Industries.
Common applications:
Food industries, especially bakeries and fast-food outlets, are relying on it. Bakeries use it to pack pastries and cakes, while fast-food outlets use it to pack oily food.
4. Newsprint Paper
Newsprint paper is a lightweight, flexible, and budget-friendly paper. It is less durable but recyclable.
Properties:
- Lightweight and budget-friendly
- Cost-effective and affordable
- Good printability for text and images
- Flexible and easy to fold
- Made from recycled fibers
- Biodegradable and recyclable
Industries:
Newspaper Printing, Advertising Supplements, Flyers, Magazines, Notebooks, and Packaging Industries.
Common applications:
This paper is often used in retail shops and packing services for product wrapping. It works as a protective void filler inside boxes. You can use it to pack small goods.
5.Coated Paper (Gloss/Matte)
Coated paper has a smooth and printable surface that allows you to print logos and designs on it. It is available in two types: Glossy and Matte. Notably, it gives a professional and aesthetic vibe to everything you pack with it.
Properties:
- Smooth surface
- Gloss or matte options for aesthetics
- Enhances color vibrancy and sharpness
- Durable and strong
Industries:
Magazines, Brochures, Catalogs, Posters, Packaging, Labels, and High-Quality Printing Industries.
Common applications:
Luxury brands and high-end retail stores prefer coated paper. It helps the product stand out even more. This represents the brand and its visuals. You can also use this to pack gifts.
6.Recycled Paper:
Recycled paper is made from recovered fibers. Compared to Kraft, it is slightly less durable, but it’s environmentally sustainable. It is highly cost-effective and you can usually see it in recycled cartons, wrapping sheets, etc.
Properties:
- Eco-Friendly
- Biodegradable
- Cost-Effective
- Lower Brightness
- Good Printability
- Sufficient Durability.
Industries:
Packaging, Printing, Stationery, Newspapers, Tissue Products, Paper Bags, and Eco-Friendly Product Industries.
Common applications:
Many industries use recycled paper in their packaging solutions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Packaging Paper:
Here are the factors you must consider when choosing Packaging paper-
1. Strength & durability:
You must consider Strength and durability while choosing packaging paper. But it highly depends on what you need to pack. For example- choose Kraft or Corrugated paper for heavy and bulky stuff.
2. Barrier properties:
Keeping our food or product from moisture and grease is necessary to keep them fresh. For this, you should choose Greaseproof or coated paper.
3.Cost-effectiveness:
Paper packaging uses include packing food items, gifts and more but it is important to consider your budget when you handle bulk orders.
4.Sustainability:
Nowadays, most industries prefer sustainable and recyclable paper because of its recyclability and eco-friendliness. Choosing recycled or Kraft paper shows that you or your brand cares about the environment.
5.Printing & branding flexibility:
A brand’s first impression depends on its logo, design, and colour. You should choose paper which has good printing qualities. Coated paper is an excellent choice for representing your brand.
