Paper packaging materials have gained popularity in recent times due to their characteristics of being environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and recyclable.

As the demand for eco-friendly packaging materials increases worldwide, paper packaging materials have become the preferred choice. Additionally, paper packaging materials are also preferred due to their ability to facilitate rapid logistics and cost savings.

This article will explore the advantages of paper packaging materials and their performance in food packaging.

Advantages of Paper Packaging Materials:

Modern paper packaging materials are mainly used to make cartons, paper boxes, paper bags, and paper containers. Corrugated cardboard and its cartons dominate the paper packaging materials and products industry. Furthermore, composite paper and cardboard made from a variety of materials and special processing paper have also been widely used.

These types of paper are expected to partially replace plastic packaging materials in food packaging applications to address environmental problems caused by plastic packaging.

Performance of Paper Packaging Materials in Food Packaging:

When used as food packaging, paper packaging materials are evaluated based on their printing performance, health and safety performance, and barrier performance.

Printing Performance:

Paper and cardboard have a strong absorption and bonding ability for ink, and therefore, they have good printing performance. The smoothness of the surface, sizing, elasticity, and adhesion determine the printing performance of paper and cardboard.

Health and Safety Performance:

In the processing of paper, especially chemical pulp, certain chemical substances are usually left behind, such as sulfate pulp process residual lye and salts. Therefore, it is essential to select various types of paper and paperboard based on the contents of the packaging.

Barrier Performance:

Paper and cardboard are porous fibre materials that are permeable to moisture, gas, light, and grease. Their barrier properties are impacted by temperature and humidity. Single-paper packaging materials are generally unsuitable for packaging high moisture, oil, and grease content and high barrier requirements for food.

However, appropriate surface processing can be done to meet the requirements of barrier properties.

Innovative Paper Packaging Products:

The paper packaging industry is closely related to downstream industries such as household appliances, food and beverage, consumer electronics, and other retail consumer industries. While these industries are weakly cyclical, they are still impacted by macroeconomic fluctuations.

A decline in the domestic economic growth rate or lower consumer demand can significantly affect the development of the paper packaging industry.

Currently, the market is focused on the development of innovative paper packaging products such as waterproof portable paper bags, paper food waste wet garbage bags, non-glue paper straws, non-fluorine pulp moulded products, and others.

To address the challenges of food waste separation, some cities require food waste to be put in "broken bags." However, in practice, this can lead to dirty hands and cause disgust among residents, impacting the effectiveness of waste separation.

To address this issue, companies have developed paper food waste wet garbage bags that do not require breaking when used. They are biodegradable, compostable, and welcomed by consumers.

Surface treatment of paper straws through acrylic emulsion can be formed by heating, resulting in a product that does not contain glue. This reduces the amount of paper straw original paper wet strength agent.

The maximum use temperature can reach 60°C, and there is no deformation or cracking at the interface after use, greatly improving the user's consumption experience. Moreover, this type of straw is also recyclable and reputable.

Paper packaging materials are an excellent alternative to plastic packaging materials, offering environmental protection, recycling, cost savings, and quick customs clearance.

When used for food packaging, paper packaging materials are evaluated based on their printing performance, health and safety performance, and barrier performance.