Whether it’s paper cups, paper salad bowls, or paper food bags, PE-coated paper is a vital material in the production of disposable paper packaging for many different applications. Its high barrier properties help protect the contents of the package from moisture, grease, and other contaminants. It’s also extremely sturdy and difficult to tear, making it the ideal choice for packaging fast food and food on the go. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this popular paper type and learn how it’s made to achieve its unique performance.
Paper with PE coating is typically used in the deli and fast food industry for products such as French fries, fried chicken, or other foods that require grease resistance. The underlying kraft paper offers excellent moisture and grease resistance, while the PE coating prevents stains and soiling. This coating is also very strong, ensuring that the packaging stays intact even when the product inside is shaken or dropped. This makes it an excellent choice for transporting food to go or storing it in the refrigerator.
To make PE-coated paper, polyethylene is heated up and pressed on to the kraft paper sheet. This creates a thin layer that is not easily stripped off. The paper is then heat-sealed to a plastic film or other material such as foil or corrugated to form an airtight container. This makes it a good choice for packaging cold food and drinks, as well as some dry goods like bakery items.
One downside of PE-coated paper is that it does not allow for high levels of printing and labeling due to its rigid structure. This can be a problem for companies that want to display their logo or other information on their products. However, it is possible to produce aesthetically pleasing branding on PE-coated paper by using offset printing.
The manufacturing process of paper with PE coating involves strict quality control measures to ensure that the finished product is up to par. During this process, workers test the paper for water resistance, thickness, weight, and other core traits. After the production process, the paper is inspected again to ensure that it meets all required specifications.
In addition to its durability, PE-coated paper is also eco-friendly. It can be recycled, unlike uncoated paper, which requires hydro pulping to separate the paper fibers from its polymer coating. This is an expensive and energy-intensive process that has a negative impact on the environment. In contrast, biopolymer-coated papers are sustainable and reduce the environmental footprint of your business.
Despite its sustainability, PE-coated paper is not biodegradable, so it’s important to keep this in mind when designing your paper packaging. If it’s not disposed of properly, it could persist in the environment for hundreds of years, causing pollution and other negative environmental impacts. To minimize this, manufacturers can use biodegradable polymers in the manufacture of paper with PE coating, which will reduce its environmental impact without compromising its quality. This is an essential step in creating sustainable packaging for your business.