Exploring the Essential Types of Paper in the Packaging Industry

Selecting the right kind of paper is vital in the packaging industry, as it affects the functionality, durability, and customers' perceptions of your brand.

In this article, we’ll explore fourteen types of paper widely used in packaging along with their characteristics, uses, and benefits.

Different Types Of Papers For Packaging

Following are the different kinds of paper which are available in the market:

1. Kraft Paper

It is very popular in the packaging world, due to its durability and strength. This paper is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and easily recyclable. Kraft paper is made from food pulp.

Kraft paper is used for wrapping and making shopping bags & boxes. Its natural brown color adds a rustic charm that is appealing to customers who value sustainability.

To show their commitment to the environment many brands print their logos on Kraft paper. The products remain secure during transit, due to its sturdiness. This makes it ideal for retail packaging and shipping purposes.

2. Cardstock

Cardstock provides a premium feel, as it is thicker and sturdier than normal printer paper. It is made from recycled paper and has a smooth finish, which makes it perfect to get high-quality printing results.

It is mostly used to make high-end packaging, business cards, and greeting cards. It provides a professional look and is perfect for products that need a premium presentation.

People think that cardstock is the same as construction paper, these are similar to some extent, but cardstock has a smoother surface. As a result, it enhances the quality of printing. It is preferred where sophistication is needed.

3. Corrugated Paper

The corrugated paper consists of three layers, two flat layers and a fluted layer between them. Due to this it provides remarkable strength and is an excellent choice for heavier items.

It is widely used for protective packaging and shipping boxes. It also reduces the shipping cost due to its lightweight nature. Many e-commerce businesses use it to ensure the safety of their fragile products during transit.

Furthermore, it is also recyclable, which makes it a good choice for eco-conscious brands and consumers simultaneously.

4. Vellum Paper

Vellum paper is known for its smooth texture and semi-transparent quality. It is used for high-end products, as it provides an elegant touch to packaging.

It is fantastic for specialty items, such as premium product packaging and wedding invitations. It provides a memorable unboxing experience.

It can be used with other materials to further enhance the visual appeal of your packaging. It looks great as it diffuses light and provides a mesmerizing effect.

5. Tissue Paper

Tissue paper is light and colorful. It is often used as a filler in gift boxes and also to wrap delicate items. It comes in various colors and thicknesses, that’s why these can be used for customization purposes.

It elevates the unboxing experience by providing excitement to the customers. To provide extra protection and aesthetic appeal to the products, retailers use them to wrap the product, before placing them in the boxes.

You can print on tissue paper as well, which makes them a unique opportunity for branding. It's also cost-effective for shipping, due to its lightweight nature.

6. Coated Paper

Coated papers provide a glossy or matte finish. It is good for high-quality visuals for product marketing. It is usually used for brochures and labels.

The coating acts as a shield against moisture, thus ensuring that your packaging remains attractive over time.

To communicate their messages many brands in the food and cosmetic industries use coated papers in their packaging. This helps their products to stand out from others in the market.

7. Recycled Paper

With time, people are adopting sustainable alternatives, even in the packaging industry. Due to this, recycled paper has become very popular.

It helps the brands to integrate eco-friendly practices into their packaging processes. Recycled papers are used for various purposes like making boxes and bags.

It provides the same quality as virgin paper and also reduces the overall impact on the environment. It uplifts your brand’s image among eco-conscious customers, as well.

8. Paperboard

It is thicker than normal paper but lighter than cardstock. This makes it suitable for a wide range of packaging solutions. It is normally used to package items such as cosmetics, cereal, and food items, etc.

It provides great branding opportunities, as it is very easy to print on and can also be shaped into different designs.

It is lightweight and hence cost-effective for shipping purposes. Many brands choose it for both retail and bulk packaging, due to its sturdiness and versatility.

9. Newsprint

It is a budget-friendly option for packaging. It’s ideal for cushioning products during shipping and it is lightweight.

It is useful for temporary packaging needs, as newsprint is not as strong as other kinds of paper.

Newsprint is best for budget-conscious brands that do not want to sacrifice the basic protection needs of their products.

10. Specialty Paper

Specialty papers are uniquely designed papers that are made for specific purposes such as water resistance or tear resistance.

It is used for high-end packaging like limited-edition products and luxurious gifts. It helps the brands to outshine their peers in the crowded market.

Specialty papers add a feel of exclusivity to your packaging, thus it enhances customers’ perception of your brand.

11. Synthetic Paper

Synthetic paper is made from plastic, due to which it is durable enough to offer water and tear resistance. It is perfect for products that need a high level of protection that are mostly exposed to moisture.

It is mostly used for labels and tags that are often placed outdoors. Synthetic paper can be printed on to add vibrant graphics on them, to match the vibe of your brand.

It is perfect for businesses that are operating in challenging environments, as it provides a high level of resilience.

12. Copy Paper

It is a commonly used paper for everyday copying and printing. It has a smooth finish and provides clear print quality.

Copy paper is not primarily used for packaging, but it can serve as an economical option for temporary packaging.

These can be used by businesses that need to maintain basic functionality while keeping the cost to the minimum level.

13. Printer Paper

Printer paper is specially designed to be used in printers. It is available in different weights for different printing applications.

It is not directly used for packaging, however, these can be used for promotional purposes with the products in your packaging.

Choosing the right type of printer paper according to your products elevates the overall presentation for marketing purposes.

14. Construction Paper

It is a colorful and textured paper that is used for arts and crafts. It is not typically used in commercial packaging, but it has some other applications.

You can print on construction paper, but it doesn’t provide results like printing papers. Their standard sizes are 9” x 12” or 12” x 18”.

These can be used to add a creative touch to your packaging, especially in the stationery and education industries.

Which Kind Of Paper Are You Going To Choose?

We’ve discussed above the various options of papers that are available in the market for packaging. Selecting the correct one is crucial for your brand’s success.

When you are selecting any kind of paper to fulfill your packaging needs, always consider the weight of the paper, as it indicates the thickness and sturdiness of the paper.

Heavier papers are good for products that need more protection. For example, copy paper is lighter and is good for everyday use, on the other hand, various thicknesses and qualities of printer papers are available for specific tasks.

You can get any type of packaging paper from us at Your Box Packaging at affordable rates. So, without any further ado, contact us via email today at sales@yourboxpackaging.com to enjoy a hassle-free packaging experience.