Paperboard

Cardboard All Flutes

File:Pakje sigaretten.jpg

Pakje sigaretten

Takon kartonkitehdas Tammerkoski

Single vs multiply

Paperboard is a thick, paper-based material used extensively in packaging, art, and various industrial and commercial applications. Unlike ordinary paper, which is usually less than 0.30 millimeters (0.012 in) thick, paperboard is thicker and has a higher basis weight. It is made by compressing fibres extracted from wood or from recycled waste paper. The primary distinction between paperboard and cardboard is that paperboard is a single layer of material, while cardboard is a term often used to describe a construction made of several layers of paperboard.

Types of Paperboard

There are several types of paperboard, each with its unique properties and uses:

• Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS): Known for its strength, brightness, and printing surface, SBS is commonly used in cosmetic packaging, medicine packaging, and for frozen food boxes.
• Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK): Also known as Kraft paperboard, CUK is durable and resistant to tearing. It is often used for beverage carriers and fast food packaging.
• Folding Boxboard (FBB): This is a lower density material with high stiffness, primarily used for lightweight product packaging such as cereal boxes and other dry food packaging.
• White Lined Chipboard (WLC): Made from layers of waste paper or recycled fibers, WLC is often used for products where the aesthetic is less critical, such as shoe boxes or as backing for notepads.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of paperboard involves several steps:

1. Pulping: The process begins with pulping, where wood chips or recycled paper are mixed with water and chemicals to break them down into fibres. 2. Sheet Formation: The pulp is then spread onto a moving screen to form a continuous mat, where water begins to drain from the pulp, and the fibres start bonding. 3. Pressing: The mat passes through rollers to remove excess water and compress the fibres, increasing the density and strength of the paperboard. 4. Drying: The pressed sheets are dried using heated rollers or cylinders to remove any remaining moisture. 5. Finishing: Finally, the paperboard may be coated, laminated, or treated with various finishes to enhance its properties or appearance.

Applications

Paperboard is versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications:

• Packaging: Its primary use, paperboard is ideal for creating boxes, cartons, and other forms of packaging due to its rigidity and durability.
• Graphic Arts: High-quality paperboard is used for book covers, postcards, and business cards, offering a premium surface for printing.
• Industrial: In thicker grades, paperboard can be used for creating backing for notepads, in automotive parts, and for other industrial purposes.

Environmental Considerations

Paperboard is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic packaging due to its biodegradable nature and the fact that it is made from renewable resources. The industry has made strides in improving the recyclability of paperboard products, and many paperboard packages now contain recycled content. However, the environmental impact of paperboard still includes concerns over deforestation, water use, and the chemicals used in its production.

Conclusion

Paperboard is a crucial material in the global packaging industry, offering a combination of strength, flexibility, and sustainability. Its wide range of applications and types make it a versatile choice for many industries. As environmental concerns continue to drive innovation in packaging materials, paperboard is likely to remain a key player in the development of sustainable packaging solutions.

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