5 Popular Paper Grades and Types In Packaging

We all know that a good packaging is vital to your product. More important, paper grade greatly affects the quality of the package.

In packaging, each grade of paper has specific uses and benefits. understanding these basics is key to optimizing your packaging strategy.

But with so many different paper grades, how should you choose? Don’t worry. With 20 years of experience in the custom packaging industry, I can help make this process easier for you.

Next, let’s explore five popular paper grades commonly used in the packaging industry. Understand the characteristics and uses of each grade easily, and make smart decisions for your business.

Table of Contents

What Is Paper Grade?

A paper grade refers to the classification of paper based on its physical characteristics and intended usage. These grades are based on factors such as materials, production processes and the finishing processes.

Paper grades are used to define the suitability of different types of paper for specific applications. For instance, normal chocolate packaging and luxury cosmetic bags use different paper grades.

What Are the Different Paper Grades?

Paper grades are generally classified based on their composition, manufacturing process, and intended use. Here are main types of paper grades in various industries:

Printing and Writing Papers

Printing and Writing Papers are primarily used in office, and for academic or personal writing.

These papers are made to accommodate different printing and handwriting methods. They are smooth, durable, and can absorb ink.

Printing and Writing Papers are ideal for creating documents, reports, letters, and books.

Packaging Papers

Packaging Papers can be specialized to meet the needs of the packaging industry.

They’re designed to provide structural strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.

Packaging Papers are commonly used for manufacturing boxes, bags, and wrappings. These papers are important in both industrial and consumer packaging.

Specialty Papers

Specialty papers are often made with unique materials and processes to meet specific applications.

They’re designed to have special qualities like absorbency and texture. For example, water-resistant or fire-retardant papers for specific industrial needs.

Newsprint

Newsprint is used to print newspapers and other publications.

Newsprint has low quality. They will tend to yellow and degrade over time. It is suited for high volume printing where longevity and durability are less important.

GSM and PT

Paper grades are easy to differentiate, they are related to GSM and PT.

In packaging, GSM (Grams per Square Meter) refers to the weight of the package. It indicates how many grams per square meter a sheet of paper weighs.

PT (Point) refers to the thickness of paper in terms of points. One point (pt) is equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001″). This measurement is used more in the US.

These are some paper categories according to different GSM:

35-55 GSM: Lightweight paper, often used for newspapers.
90-100 GSM: Common office paper, suitable for printing and photocopying.
120-140 GSM: Good quality poster paper or brochure paper.
210-300 GSM: Ideal for premium brochures, heavy flyers, or the covers of a booklet.
Over 300 GSM: This category includes thick papers like card stock, perfect for business cards or invitations.

In general, the higher the GSM or PT, the thicker and stronger the paper. Lipack’s custom paper bags are made from 250 GSM or above.

5 Popular Types of Paper Grades in Packaging

Understanding these terms can help you select the right grade of paper for different packaging requirements. Here are the five most popular types of paper grades commonly used in packaging:

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) is a high-quality paper grade used heavily in the packaging industry, especially for high-end and visually appealing products.

It is made from 100% bleached virgin wood fiber, which gives it a smooth appearance and consistent quality.

SBS is known for its high brightness and white surface, which makes it excellent for printing.

The strength and durability of SBS make it ideal for a wide range of packaging applications, including protective cartons and high-end product boxes.

Furthermore, SBS can be coated with different barriers to make it even more versatile.

Applications: cosmetic packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, food packaging

Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB)

Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB) is another popular paper grade in the packaging industry, particularly valued for its cost-effectiveness and recyclability.

It is made from a recycled cardboard core consisting of old newspapers and mixed secondary paper fibers. It’s more sustainable than paper grades made from virgin fibers.

While using CCNB may cost less, it is easy to be moist and is less durable. However it is often used for cheap cereal packaging.

Applications: consumer goods packaging (dry foods, cereals, shoes, and toys), pharmaceuticals packaging, cosmetics packaging

Folding Box Board (FBB)

Folding Box Board (FBB) is a paperboard for premium packaging that need a combination of lightweight characteristics and structural durability.

FBB is made up of multiple chemical and mechanical pulp layers. The top bleached layer of FBB is super white and smooth, which makes it great for high-quality printing and graphic applications.

Even though its lighter than other types of cardboard, FBB is very stiff and provides great protection and structural integrity.

Applications: cosmetic and perfume boxes, pharmaceutical packaging, jewelry packaging, electronics packaging

Natural Brown Kraft (SUS) / Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)

Both paper grades are made from unbleached wood pulp, which is why they’re brown. CUK is coated to improve its barrier properties and printability.

Both kraft papers are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, which is great for green business practices and consumer preferences for sustainable packaging.

They offer high durability and tearability and the coating on CUK can improve moisture, grease, and odor barriers.

Applications: food packaging, carrier bags, retail bags

Coated Bleached Kraft

Coated Bleached Kraft, known as White Kraft Paper, is a versatile and widely used paper grade in the packaging industry. It offers a clean appearance, but still has the strength and durability of traditional brown kraft paper.

Coated Bleached Kraft is usually made from virgin fibers that come from managed forests and is totally recyclable.

In addition to the advantages of natural brown kraft, coated bleached kraft has a more refined appearance.

The bleached surface is a great base for printing, businesses can use it for branded packaging that requires clear, sharp images and text.

Applications: retail packaging, food packaging, pharmaceutical and medical packaging

Which paper grades are suitable for premium packaging?

For premium packaging, two of the most suitable paper grades are Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) and Folding Box Board (FBB).

How to choose the right grade of packaging paper?

Choosing the right grade of packaging paper involves considering 5 key factors：
1. Understand Product Requirements
2. Consider Branding Consistency
3. Understand Environmental Standards
4. Evaluate Cost Constraints
5. Compliance with Regulations

Conclusion

Choosing the right paper grade for packaging is important to ensure product safety and meet environmental goals. Each type of paper has different properties that meet different packaging needs, from basic protection to luxury and premium branding experiences.

At Lipack Packaging, we specialize in providing high-end customized packaging solutions to enhance your brand’s values. With our expertise in various paper grades, we can make custom packaging that protects and improves your products.