What are the Primary Uses of Paper and Paperboard in the Packaging Industry?
Paper and paperboard are used for various purposes in the packaging industry. Let’s look at the uses for both in separate sections.
Primary uses of Paper in Packaging Industry
Below is a well-structured table highlighting the primary uses of paper in packaging industry with its type, and key applications:
| Paper Category | Product Type | Key Uses / Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging & Shipping | Corrugated boxes, Kraft paper, cartons | Shipping boxes, e-commerce packaging, food containers |
| Food-grade Packaging | Paper cups, butter paper, plates | Takeaway packaging, QSR packaging, grease-resistant food wraps |
| Writing and Printing | Newspapers, copies, books | Recording information, publishing |
| Labels and Release Papers | Label paper, sticker backing, release liners | FMCG labelling, retail branding, adhesive applications |
| Industrial and Specialty | Filter paper, insulation paper, greaseproof paper | Lab filtration, food wrapping, industrial applications |
| Hygiene & Disposable Products | Toilet paper, napkins, facial tissues, paper towels | Personal hygiene, hospitals, offices, institutions |
| Art & Technical Uses | Cardstock, drawing paper, photographic paper | Creative arts, design work, professional printing |
| Security and Banking | Currency paper, stamp paper | Secure documents, anti-counterfeit applications |
| Decorative & Coated Papers | Laminated paper, coated packaging paper | Premium packaging, branding, decorative applications |
| Medical-based Paper | Surgical wraps, sterilization pouches | Medical packaging, infection control solutions |
Primary Uses of Paperboard in Packaging Industry
The table given below highlights the primary applications of paperboard in different categories and their types, too.
| Paperboard Category | Product Type | Primary Uses / Applications | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Box Board (FBB) | Carton board for consumer packaging | Toothpaste cartons, cosmetic boxes, pharma cartons, branded retail packaging | Broadly overlaps with paper packaging applications |
| Food Service Paperboard | PE-coated and barrier-coated board | Ice cream tubs, quick service meal boxes, bakery cartons requiring moisture and grease resistance | - |
| Corrugated / Containerboard | Corrugated sheets, fluted boards | Heavy-duty shipping containers, bulk transport packaging, pallet-ready cartons | Overlaps with paper packaging but differs in structure and strength |
| Graphic and Premium Board | High GSM coated board | Book covers, luxury rigid boxes, presentation kits, premium retail packaging | - |
| Industrial / Specialty Board | Solid board, tube board | File covers, lever arch folders, textile roll cores, paper tubes, edge protectors | - |
| Greyboard / Chipboard | Recycled dense board | Hardbound book backing, rigid box structures, puzzle boards, backing boards | - |
| Liquid Packaging Board | Multi-layer laminated board | Milk cartons, juice cartons, aseptic beverage packaging | - |
| Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) Board | High-quality bleached board | Pharmaceutical cartons, premium cosmetic packaging, healthcare packaging | - |






