Trends in Containerboard Coating, 1993 China Paper Conference Proceedings

Charles P. Klass

The purpose of this paper will be to discuss trends in pigmented coating of paperboard. There are other types of coatings applied to some grades of paperboard--for example, extrusion polyethylene coating of liquid packaging board--that will not be included in this discussion.

The primary objective in pigmented coating of paperboard is to improve printability and appearance. The motivation to do this is the role of the package as a selling tool in packaged goods. This role has changed dramatically over the past several decades in response to changes in retailing. Until the past few years, the only grades of paperboard coated were those used for folding cartons and beverage bottle/can carriers. Corrugated containers were generally “plain brown boxes” with only single color flexographic printing. This situation changed dramatically in the 1980’s with the development of mass merchandising and self service discount stores. The package becomes the “sales person” in point-of-purchase displays. This creates a need for a package surface which can be printed with process color to produce a high quality image which will induce the consumer to buy. Also, it is now common practice for corrugated boxes to be placed directly on store shelves, so appearance and function as a communication medium become critical.