How to choose packaging box paper materials

No matter which type of packaging box you customize, you first need to choose the shape and structure of the box, then choose which material of paper to use, and finally the thickness of the paper. Linglongrui Packaging provides you with commonly used paper materials for you to choose from.

Coated paper: Is the most commonly used printing paper in gift boxes, divided into 157g, 200g, 250g, 300g, 350g.

Coated paper: also known as printing coated paper. Apply a layer of white paint on the surface of the original paper, which is processed by super calendering. It is divided into single-sided and double-sided, and the paper surface is divided into two types: glossy and textured. The surface of the paper is smooth, with high whiteness and excellent ink absorption performance. Mainly used for offset and gravure fine screen printing, such as gift box printing paper, high-end picture albums, calendars, books and magazines, etc. The disadvantage is that the powder is prone to sticking and falling off when exposed to moisture, and cannot be stored for a long time coated paper 

Main uses

Cloth patterned copperplate paper is pressed with an old blanket. In addition to having a flat surface and high whiteness, it also gives the printed graphics and images a three-dimensional sense. Therefore, this type of copperplate paper can be widely used to print pictorial newspapers, advertisements, landscape paintings, exquisite calendars, character photography, and so on.

Copperplate paper is one of the main papers used by printing factories. Copperplate paper is commonly known, and its official name should be printing coating paper. It is widely used in real life. The beautiful calendars, posters sold in bookstores, book covers, illustrations, art books, picture books, and so on that everyone sees are almost all made of copperplate paper. Various beautifully decorated packaging, paper handbags, labels, trademarks, and so on also use a large amount of copperplate paper. Copperplate paper is a paper made from coated and decorated base paper, with a smooth and fine surface. The coating can be double-sided or single-sided, and the paper can be divided into glossy and matte (matte) copperplate paper. The commonly used copperplate paper is divided into various thickness specifications ranging from 105 grams per square meter to 350 grams per square meter. In the sales of copperplate paper, the size of a single sheet of paper is generally divided into two size specifications: large (889mm x 1194mm) and medium (787mm x 1092mm)

Black cardboard

Black cardboard, also known as black kraft paper, is generally made from whole wood pulp and is also known as transparent black kraft paper due to its transparent black color. Black cardboard is a relatively sturdy and thick paper, generally characterized by smooth and delicate double-sided surfaces, good stiffness, and stable color. Paper is one of the the Four Great Inventions in ancient China. It is the general name of paper, paperboard and processed paper. It is a sheet-like fiber product used for various purposes such as writing, painting, recording, printing, packaging, etc. It is formed by depositing pulp suspended in water on the forming net of a paper machine into intertwined fibers, which are then pressed and dried. The commonly used performance indicators of paper are colored cards, blue cards refer to blue cards, red cards refer to red cards, coffee cards refer to coffee cards, and black cards refer to black cards.

1. The characteristics of black cardboard

Paper is delicate, transparent black, firm and thick, with good folding resistance, smooth and even surface, good rigidity and tensile strength, and high burst resistance

2. The use of black cardboard

Suitable for photo albums, photo frames, backboards, gift boxes, jewelry boxes, mobile phone boxes, shoe boxes, stationery, clothing tags, notebooks, desk calendars, handbags, speaker electronic pads, and various handicraft packaging.

Black cardboard has a high cost performance ratio, with good blackness, uniform and delicate surface that is not easy to fade, stable color, high folding resistance, and good stiffness. It is widely used in handbags, hang tags and elevators, stationery products, account books, photo albums, photo frame backboards, and various high-end cosmetic boxes, shoe boxes, etc. Due to its excellent waterproof and insulation performance, it is widely used in high-tech products such as electronic pads and speakers for customers in Japan and Europe.

3. Scope of application of black cardboard

①. Stationery supplies: photo frame backboard, hardcover book cover, inner pages of photo albums, notebooks, philatelic albums, puzzles, folders, writing boards, etc;

②. Clothing industry: Hanger and elevator clothing accessories, shirt boxes, shirt boards, shopping bags, hangers, etc;

③. Gift packaging: various craft gift packaging such as high-end cosmetic boxes, jewelry boxes, shoe boxes, mobile phone boxes, luggage, leather products, handbags (handbags, high-end gift bags), promotional gifts, etc;

④. Advertising industry: advertising boards, window displays, display racks, photoelectric backboards, etc;

⑤. Audio electronics: speaker, speaker gasket, sound film;

⑥. Food packaging: tea box, mooncake box, wine box;

⑦.Home decoration materials: background walls, picture frames, etc.

Grey Board

Grey board: Is a type of cardboard made from recycled waste paper and is an environmentally friendly packaging material.

Main uses

Packaging boxes, advertising boards, folders, photo frames, cooking boards, luggage, hardcover books, storage boxes, samples, lining boards, puzzles, partitions, etc.

classification

Single grey, double grey, all grey,

raw material

Grey cardboard is produced from a type of recycled waste paper. The product is divided into single ash, double ash, and full ash, which belong to environmentally friendly packaging materials. Main uses of the product: packaging boxes, advertising boards, folders, photo frame backboards, luggage, hardcover books, storage boxes, samples, lining boards, partitions, etc.

Gray board weight and thickness

The weight and thickness of the gray board are key technical indicators that directly affect its physical properties and application fields. The weight of gray board usually refers to the weight of paper per square meter, while the thickness refers to the thickness of the cardboard, both of which are closely related to the physical properties of the cardboard.

Gram: The range of grams for gray boards is wide, ranging from 250g/m ² to 1800g/m ². This range covers cardboard from lightweight to heavyweight, suitable for different application needs. For example, lower weight cardboard may be more suitable for products that require lighter packaging, while higher weight cardboard may be used for packaging or structural applications that require greater strength and durability.

Thickness: The thickness of the gray board is also an important parameter, which directly affects the stiffness and durability of the cardboard. The thickness is usually expressed in millimeters (mm), ranging from 0.4mm to 5mm. For example, 2mm gray cardboard is usually considered a standard thickness and is suitable for most common packaging and structural applications.

Physical properties: The weight and thickness of the gray board jointly determine its physical properties, such as tensile strength, tear resistance, tightness, etc. These performance indicators are crucial for ensuring the suitability and durability of cardboard in specific applications. For example, higher grams and thickness usually mean higher physical strength, suitable for applications that require heavy pressure or frequent use.

Application areas: Due to its excellent physical properties and customizability, gray boards are widely used in various packaging and structural applications such as gift boxes, shoe boxes, mooncake boxes, calendars, desk calendars, luggage factories, leather bag factories, etc. According to specific product requirements, different grams and thicknesses of gray boards can be selected to meet specific strength, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness requirements.

In summary, the weight and thickness of the gray board are key factors determining its applicability and performance. Choosing the appropriate weight and thickness is crucial to ensure that the cardboard meets the specific application requirements.

Craft paper

Craft paper: also known as kraft paper, is used as a packaging material. The intensity is very high. Usually yellow brown in color. Half bleached or fully bleached cowhide pulp appears light brown, cream colored, or white. Quantify 80-120g/m2. The fracture length is generally above 6000m. High tear resistance, fracture toughness, and dynamic strength. Most of them are roll paper, and there are also flat paper. It is made from sulfate coniferous wood pulp as raw material, which is beaten and then transcribed on a long web paper machine. Available in packaging boxes, food boxes, folding boxes, book covers, paper bags, as well as cement bag paper, envelope paper, adhesive paper packaging, etc.

Grams of kraft paper

The weight range of kraft paper is very wide, from light and thin 60-150 grams used for packaging paper, to thicker 180-450 grams used for packaging boxes and heavy items. The specific weight selection depends on the characteristics and protection requirements of the required packaging items. For example, 180-250 grams of kraft paper is suitable for small and medium-sized packaging boxes, such as food packaging, mobile phone boxes, etc., while 250-450 grams of kraft paper is more suitable for packaging bulky or large items, such as household appliances, computers, etc. In addition, there are more special uses, such as black kraft paper, which has a weight range of 9 grams to 500 grams, mainly used for stationery items such as photo frame backboards, hardcover book covers, etc. Food grade kraft paper, weighing 40-70 grams, commonly used in food packaging. Therefore, the weight selection of kraft paper is very diverse, and the appropriate weight can be selected according to specific application scenarios and needs.

Types of kraft paper

Kraft paper is a commonly used packaging material with high strength and toughness. It has a wide variety of types, and according to different classification standards, it can be divided into the following categories: 

Color classification:

Plain kraft paper: Unbleached kraft paper with high strength and toughness.

Semi bleached kraft paper: The color is brighter than unbleached kraft paper and is suitable for printing brightly colored product packaging.

Bleached kraft paper: mainly used for making paper cups and bags. Although its physical strength is not as strong as other kraft papers, it is still sufficient for making paper bags.

White kraft paper: Double sided white kraft paper, divided into two types: natural white and ultra white (high white).

Material classification:

Recycled kraft paper: includes single hanging kraft paper and fully recycled pulp kraft paper. The former has a 30% wood pulp hanging surface on the front and 70% wood pulp on the back, while the latter has rough paper with burrs.

Pure wood pulp kraft paper: Made from the wood fibers of coniferous trees, it has high strength, high pressure resistance, and high explosion resistance.

Composite kraft paper: By adding composite materials through post-processing, such as coating, coating, etc., to improve certain properties such as waterproofing and oil resistance, and meet food grade requirements.

Usage classification:

Kraft paper for packaging: used to make packaging bags, cement bag paper, envelope paper, etc.

Special purpose kraft paper: such as waterproof, moisture-proof, rust proof, plate making, process, insulation, etc.

Manufacturing process classification:

Kraft paper with sulfuric acid characteristics: using sulfuric acid coniferous wood pulp as raw material, it has high compressive strength and moisture resistance.

Kraft paper with coniferous wood pulp characteristics: smooth surface, delicate paper, high strength and toughness.

In summary, there are various types of kraft paper, which can be classified into various types according to different classification standards. Each type of kraft paper has its specific purpose and characteristics.

Specialty paper

Specialty paper: Its application in gift packaging not only adds beauty and attractiveness to gifts, but also enhances the quality and grade of gifts, thereby increasing their added value. In order to better realize the infinite creativity of designers and better fit the brand culture, paper designers will add various elements to the paper, such as tea, silk, cotton, seeds, petals, and other materials, enriching the packaging while also bringing novel feelings to users.

Coffee paper

CE-001 Coffee Paper: It is a paper made from 95% recycled PCW fiber and 5% coffee bean skin, with a coffee colored original ecological pattern on the surface, deep natural texture and comfortable feel. 

CE-002 coffee paper: is made by replacing up to 15% of native tree pulp with coffee residue, and does not contain genetically modified ingredients. The production process and products are protected by European patents.

Silk paper

Silk paper: adept at expressing the characteristics of softness and delicacy, symbolizing beauty, nobility, and elegance. When making silk paper, silk pulp is added to the pulp, greatly increasing the toughness of the paper. The texture is delicate and smooth, the colors are rich and beautiful, the degree of restoration is very high, and there is no problem of exposed white on the same base and color.

Cotton paper

Cotton paper: Its softness gives the paper a delicate texture and ultra-high loose thickness, and it is widely used in paper. The main component of RMB banknote printing paper is cotton fiber or linen fiber. Cotton paper has good flexibility, strong tensile strength, and extraordinary artistic expression, especially in the process of embossing and embossing, it can fully express the characteristics of cotton paper.

Wool paper

Wool paper: The pulp contains wool and cotton fibers, as well as high cellulose wood pulp, with wool fibers retained on the surface, and has a high loose thickness but good color restoration effect. Unlike other papers, wool paper has a slightly rough texture. When touched back and forth, the palm of the hand naturally heats up, which is also the function of the wool in the pulp, conveying a sense of heaviness and simplicity.

Leaf paper

Leaf paper: Is made by recycling, drying, and crushing naturally falling leaves, using traditional manual papermaking methods. When making paper, a large amount of plant long fibers are added, resulting in strong toughness of the paper. The surface of the paper naturally reveals broken leaves, and a unique and elegant charm is vividly displayed on the paper.

Seed paper

Seed paper:It is the process of placing the seeds that need to be cultivated in pulp and covering them with pulp on top and bottom. Lavender, Yumeiren, daisy, wild chrysanthemum, mint and other seeds can be added to the pulp, and customization is also supported. Seed paper soaked in water can sprout and grow, providing users with a more profound and interesting experience from sowing to successful cultivation.

paper cover

The texture of textured paper is relatively deep and the surface is uneven, making it widely used. Thick and heavy textured paper is suitable for sample covers, bidding documents, while thin and heavy textured paper is suitable for gift packaging and binding covers.

Gold and silver cardboard

Gold and silver cardboard: Gold and silver cardboard is a printing process widely used in color printing and packaging. It belongs to an emerging anti-counterfeiting technology in the industry.

principle

Gold and silver cardboard uses UV transfer printing technology to apply a layer of UV oil on the surface of the paper through rubber cloth, and then transfer the light column film or special patterns onto the printing paper through a roller. Create a beam of light on the surface of the paper, which has the effect of laser paper. This technology is widely used in cigarette boxes, wine boxes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and so on. It belongs to an emerging anti-counterfeiting technology in the industry.

application

Mainly used for color printing and packaging, suitable for box making and box printing packaging in industries such as cigarettes, alcohol, food, cosmetics, toothpaste boxes, pharmaceuticals, and gifts.

Common phenomena and solutions

Common phenomena and solutions in the gold and silver cardboard process

ink adhesion

1. It depends on whether the surface of your gold and silver cardboard has undergone corona treatment. If there is no instrument for testing this project, the supplier can be requested to provide it, which affects the surface tension of the substrate. Because only a suitable surface tension value is a prerequisite for good ink adhesion.

2. Is the ink curing strength sufficient? Dark colored ink has better light absorption, so if the printing content is darker, remember not to open it too quickly. If the ink is not fully cured, it will affect the adhesion effect of the ink.

3. Ask your ink supplier. Because I don't know the quality of your ink, you need to negotiate with your ink supplier to request that they increase the content of adhesion enhancers in the ink or add specialized chemicals to promote curing, thereby promoting physical curing effects. I don't know the specific name of the agent, just know that it promotes curing.

4. Confirm that your UV lamp is still at its effective power. The normal lifespan of domestically produced UV lamps is about 600 hours to balance power, so be careful in the future. A little better in Japan can reach 1000-1200 hours.

If it is a clear paint spraying type of gold and silver card, there is basically no problem of poor ink adhesion, and even quick drying ink can be used more realistically. However, due to the production and inventory cost issues of this type of card paper, few factories are willing to use it (except for high-end products such as cigarette packs/wine packs). Therefore, most of the gold and silver card paper currently used is some acquired composite materials with thin films as the medium, similar to the lamination process, which requires as much composite as needed. In addition, electrostatic treatment is not about removing static electricity, but about stimulating the surface active energy of this material, which can better lay a foundation for ink adhesion, especially for materials that have been stored for a period of time.