Paper & Paperboard Packaging Materials
Paper and paperboard are widely used across food packaging because they combine structure, printability, and flexibility across different packaging formats.
From kraft paper and white paperboard to corrugated board, the right material should be selected based on the product structure, food application, strength requirements, printing needs, and any required barrier coating.
Common Paper & Paperboard Materials
Compare primary material options for structural, printing, and application requirements.
1. Kraft Paper & Paperboard
Known for its natural brown appearance and good strength, kraft material is commonly used for takeaway boxes, food containers, bags, and other food packaging where a natural or minimal look is preferred.
2. White Paperboard
Provides a clean, smooth surface for high-quality printing and branding. It is widely used for food boxes, cartons, cups, dessert packaging, and other foodservice or retail food packaging.
3. Corrugated Board
Combines linerboard with a fluted inner layer to provide additional strength and cushioning. It is commonly used for pizza boxes, larger food boxes, and food packaging that requires greater structural protection.
How to Choose Paper & Paperboard for Food Packaging
The right paper material should be selected according to the packaging structure, food application, required strength, printing needs, and barrier performance.
1. Packaging Structure
Cups, bowls, folding cartons, takeaway boxes, and corrugated food boxes require different levels of stiffness, forming performance, and structural strength.
2. Food & Conditions of Use
Consider whether the packaging will be used for hot, cold, frozen, oily, moist, or dry foods.
3. Strength & Stiffness
Paper weight, thickness, and board structure should match the product size, filling weight, stacking, and handling requirements.
4. Forming Performance
For cups, bowls, ice cream containers, and other formed food packaging, cupstock or bowl-grade paperboard is commonly selected for its stiffness, forming performance, and compatibility with barrier coatings.
5. Printing & Appearance
Surface smoothness, paper color, and printing requirements can influence whether kraft or white paperboard is more suitable.
6. Barrier Requirements
Paper packaging used with liquids, grease, or high-moisture foods may require a suitable barrier coating such as PE, water-based, or PLA coating.
Paper Weight, Thickness & Structural Performance
Paper and paperboard specifications affect how the finished packaging feels, forms, stacks, and performs during use.
Paper Weight (GSM)
GSM indicates the weight of paper per square meter. Higher GSM generally provides more material and can contribute to greater stiffness, but the final performance also depends on the paper grade and structure.
Thickness & Stiffness
Packaging for larger portions, heavier foods, or stacking may require greater thickness or stiffness to maintain its shape during handling.
Product Structure
The same paperboard can perform differently depending on whether it is formed into a cup, bowl, folding box, or corrugated structure.
Application Requirements
The appropriate specification should be selected according to the food weight, temperature, moisture exposure, transport, stacking, and expected handling conditions.
Sustainability of Paper & Paperboard Packaging
Paper and paperboard are fiber-based materials made primarily from renewable resources and are widely used in food packaging where recyclability and responsible material sourcing are important considerations.
Renewable Fiber Source
Paper packaging is primarily made from wood fiber or other plant-based fibers, providing a renewable material base for many food packaging applications.
Recycled Content
Depending on the packaging application and food-contact requirements, recycled fiber may be used in selected paperboard structures.
Recyclability
Many paper and paperboard products can enter established paper recycling streams, depending on the finished packaging structure, food contamination, and local collection systems.
Responsible Sourcing
For projects with specific sourcing requirements, certified or responsibly sourced paper materials can be considered during material selection.
The appropriate sustainability approach should be balanced with food-contact safety, structural performance, printing requirements, and the intended use of the packaging.
Recommended Paper & Paperboard Packaging Products
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