Paperboard is a thick, paper-based material used for packaging. In the mid-1800s, with the introduction of the Fourdrinier Machine, mass production of paper and certain forms of paperboard was introduced. Soon after, an inexpensive method for mass-producing paperboard folding cartons was developed.
What Kinds of Products are Made from Paperboard?
Paperboard is used to package various products. The grade of paperboard used depends on the products’ needs and requirements.
Major market segments that use solid bleached sulfate:
- Medical packaging
- Hot and cold paper cups
- Milk and juice gable top cartons
- Aseptic drink boxes
- Cosmetic and perfume packaging
- Frozen food packaging
- Candy boxes
- Stand up displays
Major market segments that use coated unbleached Kraft paperboard:
- Frozen food packaging
- Pharmaceutical packaging
- Beverage carrying containers
Major market segments that use uncoated recycled paperboard:
- Shoeboxes
- Composite cans and fiber drums
- Coated Paperboard
Major market segments that use coated recycled paperboard:
- Soap and laundry detergent packaging
- Cookie and cracker packaging
- Paper goods packaging (facial tissue and napkins)
- Cake mix packaging
- Cereal boxes
- Other dry food packaging
Why Use Paperboard?
Performance and Flexibility
Paperboard offers strength and durability to house products of all shapes and sizes, while also offering flexibility. Easy to cut and form, it is both lightweight and strong, which makes it ideal for packaging.
Consumer Appeal
Paperboard packaging is appealing to consumers. Due to processes that make the surface printer-friendly and the ability to either bleach it white or dye the board to desired colors, companies can market their products with bright, fresh writing and images. This is key, as packaging catches consumer’s eyes on store shelves and Internet ads.
Sustainability
Paperboard packaging is made from a renewable resource, trees, that are replanted to ensure a sustainable supply and recovered paper. The U.S. grows more wood than it harvests. There are 20 percent more trees in the U.S. now than there were in 1970. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper and paperboard packaging account for nearly three-quarters of packaging materials recovered for recycling in the U.S. That is more than any other packaging material.
Sources
American Forest & Paper Association. (2019). Paper-based Packaging. Retrieved December 8th, 2020 from https://www.afandpa.org/our-products/paper-based-packaging/paperboard