Printing Paper Types Commonly Used in Packaging Printing

The printing paper types commonly used in packaging printing are highly diverse. This offers numerous options to meet various aesthetic and functional needs. The right types of paper can significantly enhance the appearance and performance of packaging. This article will explore the common types of paper used in packaging printing along with their specific applications.

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Common Types of Printing Paper

1. Couche Paper

Couche paper stands out among printing papers with its smooth, glossy coated surface. This type of paper allows for high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp images. Couche paper is the most popular choice in offset printing. Its excellent color reproduction and economic efficiency are the primary reasons for its widespread use. This paper is often used for premium packaging, such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and functional food boxes. A typical example is a skincare brand that may choose this paper to convey a sense of luxury and quality. The grammage of this paper usually falls within the range of 150 to 300 gsm.

2. Ivory Paper

Ivory paper has a distinctive cream color, giving it a soft and elegant appearance. One side of the paper is coated for a high gloss, while the other side is matte. The paper has good stiffness, flexibility, and elasticity. Ivory paper is commonly used for products like invitations and gift packaging. For instance, a wedding invitation printed on ivory paper would create a classic and refined presentation. Ivory paper used for box production typically has a grammage of 210 to 350 gsm and is often utilized for printing cigarette boxes, tea, coffee, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and candies.

3. Duplex Paper

Duplex paper features one smooth white side and one gray matte side. This type of paper is very durable and has a high recyclability rate. Duplex paper is a popular choice among budget printing papers. The grammage of duplex paper used in box production typically ranges from 250 to 500 gsm. It is often used for inexpensive packaging boxes, such as those for toothpaste and bar soap. However, duplex paper has poor ink adhesion and is prone to smudging. Therefore, printed products often require gloss lamination after printing to achieve the best results.

4. Kraft Paper

Kraft paper has a natural brown color and is an environmentally friendly choice. This type of paper is made without bleaching chemicals. At lower grammages, starting from 70 gsm, kraft paper is often used for shopping bags, liners, and wrapping paper. At higher grammages, starting from 170 gsm, it can be used for paper box packaging. A typical example is the packaging for organic food products, which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. Although there is also white kraft paper available on the market, it often poses challenges for color printing. Thus, selecting appropriate printing colors to highlight information is essential.

Less Common Types of Printing Paper

5. Ford Paper

Ford paper is an uncoated white paper. It is most commonly used for photocopying and printing in schools and offices. This paper has a light, slightly rough texture and is non-glare. It is suitable for projects requiring a natural aesthetic. Compared to coated paper, which is glossy and vibrant, Ford paper has a more rustic beauty. For example, a local artisanal brand may use Ford paper for its product labels to emphasize handmade quality.

6. Bristol Paper

Bristol paper is a premium cardstock with a higher price point. It often consists of multiple layers of paper pressed together, making it typically stiffer and heavier than other paper types. Bristol paper also has two sides: smooth and lightly textured. Its most notable advantage is its excellent ink adhesion. Printed materials made from Bristol paper have high print quality, especially in offset printing. This paper is compatible with laser printing, inkjet printing, screen printing, embossing, and debossing. It is commonly used for high-end printed materials such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, invitations, and POS materials. The grammage typically used ranges from 250 to 350 gsm.

7. Art Paper

Art Paper If the type of paper you are looking for has not been mentioned, it may fall under the category of art paper. Art paper is a premium paper used in printing technology. Its standout feature is its variety in specifications, colors, and patterns. Some popular types of art paper include Malmero, Canaletto, Modi Dore, and Stardream. The commonly used grammage in box production ranges from 280 to 350 gsm. Some types of art paper are designed for easy processing with hot foil stamping and UV coating, creating unique products.

Types of Cardboard

8. Carton Board

Carton board is a thick and sturdy paper, commonly used for producing boxes and containers. Carton paper comes in various grammages, typically ranging from 300 to 600 gsm. This type of paper is very durable and has good load-bearing capabilities, effectively protecting the products inside. Carton board is often used for packaging electronic goods, fashion items, and food products. For example, pizza boxes are typically made from carton board to ensure food safety and ease of transport.

Common types of flutes in paper packaging production include A, B, C, E, and F flutes. These flutes differ primarily in their wave heights, decreasing from A flute (4.5 mm) to F flute (0.8 mm). The higher the flute, the more air is trapped between the layers of cardboard, enhancing load-bearing capacity. Conversely, lower flutes are typically used for packaging that requires higher aesthetic appeal. Depending on the intended use, the appropriate flute type will be selected to optimize functionality and effectiveness of the packaging.

9. Chipboard

Chipboard is made from recycled paper pulp and typically has a thickness of 200 to 500 gsm. This type of paper has a smooth surface and good strength. Chipboard is commonly used to produce premium packaging boxes, also known as rigid boxes. Corporate gift boxes, Lunar New Year gift boxes, and Mid-Autumn Festival cake boxes are often made from chipboard. The surface of chipboard is not smooth, and its color reproduction capabilities are limited. Therefore, it is common practice to print on thinner paper first and then laminate it onto chipboard.

Conclusion

The diversity of paper types available for packaging printing allows businesses to select the most suitable option based on specific needs and project budgets. Whether choosing the luxurious surface of couche paper, the elegance of ivory paper, the durability of duplex paper, or the environmental friendliness of kraft paper, each type serves a distinct purpose in packaging. This variety ensures that there is a paper solution for every project, enhancing brand identity and consumer experience.

NewLifePack – Your Trusted Partner in Premium Packaging

NewLifePack (since 2008) is a large-scale manufacturer of paper packaging and rigid boxes in HCMC, Vietnam. We provide comprehensive packaging solutions for premium product boxes, company gift boxes, mooncake boxes, Tet gift boxes, rigid boxes, folding boxes, corrugated boxes, POSM, anti-counterfeit labels, and so on. Experts in surface effects: lamination, foil stamping, embossing, UV coating, metalized lamination, die-cutting, and other special effects. Certifications achieved: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, GMI, G7, GSV, FSC, and SMETA.

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Thank you for choosing to consult with us among many other packaging printing facilities. We are excited to have the opportunity to serve you!