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"Graphical coated board is used for a wide range of applications, such as promotional brochures, direct mail, invitations, menus, greetings cards and art books as well as being ideal for luxury packaging," explains Angela De Vorchik, operational marketing manager at Arjowiggins Graphic.
By contrast, the consumer packaging market relies mainly on cartonboard, with price being a major factor. "It's cheaper than graphical products. They really come into their own for luxury product applications, such as perfume packaging, where higher quality or full-colour printing is required on both sides," adds De Vorchik.
In the packaging sector, designers and brands are pushing the creative boundaries of cartonboard, with unusual shapes and effects gaining popularity.
"The main challenge here is for the packaging designers to ensure that the folding and packing can meet more complex briefs," says De Vorchik. "From the manufacturer's point of view, the key is to develop a quality product that is adaptable for a variety of briefs."
Green angles
And as with any paper market, environmental considerations remain paramount. "We have seen an increasing demand for environmental coated one-sided boards that are comparable with virgin fibre products in terms of both quality and price," explains Angela Piasente, Robert Horne Revive marketing operations manager.
Using a recycled coated board boosts not only the retailer's green credentials, but also the manufacturer's. However, when it comes to food packaging it's a good idea to tread carefully.
"Coated board that's 100% recycled can be used for food packaging. However, there are restrictions in place where food is in direct contact with the paper and specialist mills that manufacture food-grade products must be used," warns De Vorchik. For food packaging where there is no direct contact with the food, recycled boards can be used.
And like any other job, it's worth considering the end-use when choosing a substrate - remember that the product may need to be folded, scored or embossed.
What's new in coated board
- M-real has increased its folding-boxboard prices in the UK, following Iggesund Paperboard. The Finland-based company revealed it would increase its folding-boxboard prices by £80 per tonne as of 15 October
- Robert Horne Group’s Revive pure white silk grade has been used to print the Butterfly Conservation’s members’ information literature. The FSC-accredited paper is made from 100% recycled fibre and is available in a range of weights from 90-350gsm
- Independent Scottish papermaker Tullis Russell has added to its Trucard range with the launch of Trucard Ice Silver Portabio. The company teamed up with API Laminates of Stockport to launch the grade, which is a smooth, high-gloss metallised one-sided coated board
- In May, PaperCo launched A-ok, a PEFC-certified mid-range coated stock, in response to increasing European demand for coated woodfree paper. Sheets are available in SRA2 to 720x1,020mm, and from 100-300gsm weights. It can be used for posters, flyers, folders, calendars and catalogues
- Paper and board manufacturer Fedrigoni has added a 400gsm board weight to its Symbol Freelife Satin and Gloss ranges to meet customer demand
