50+ Industry Terms Defined for Packaging Buyers & Professionals
A quick-reference glossary of common paper packaging industry terms. Designed for buyers, procurement professionals, and anyone new to paper cup and packaging manufacturing.
A protective layer applied to paperboard to resist water, oil, and grease penetration. Common types include PE coating, Water-Based coating, and PLA coating. Barrier coatings are essential for food-contact paper packaging such as paper cups and food containers.
A high-bulk uncoated paperboard specially engineered for disposable cup production. Typically available in 170–320 GSM, cupstock offers excellent stiffness, forming performance, and printability for paper cup manufacturing.
The standard metric for measuring paper weight and thickness. Higher GSM means thicker and stiffer paper. Common cupstock range: 170–320 GSM. Playing card paper: 250–400 GSM.
A petroleum-based plastic coating applied to paperboard to provide waterproofing and heat-sealing capability. PE coating is the most widely used barrier solution in disposable cup production due to its cost-effectiveness and reliable performance.
A bio-based coating made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. PLA coating offers water and grease resistance and is compostable under industrial composting conditions. It is a popular alternative to PE for sustainable packaging.
A family of bio-based polymers produced by microbial fermentation. PHA offers biodegradation potential across a broader range of environments than PLA, but is currently less commercially mature and more expensive.
An eco-friendly barrier coating that uses water as a solvent instead of petroleum-based materials. Water-based coated paperboard is more easily recyclable than PE-coated board and is gaining popularity in sustainable packaging applications.
Paper or paperboard manufactured using virgin pulp that complies with food-contact safety regulations such as FDA 21 CFR and EU 1935/2004. Essential for disposable cups, food containers, and packaging that touches food directly.
A premium solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard with high brightness and smoothness. Ivory board is commonly used for high-end packaging, cosmetic boxes, greeting cards, and premium printed materials.
A multi-layer paperboard made from mechanical and chemical pulp, offering good stiffness at lower weight. Widely used for folding cartons, dry food packaging, and consumer goods packaging.
A strong, brown paper made from wood pulp through the kraft process. Known for its high tensile strength and durability. Used in packaging bags, corrugated boxes, wrapping paper, and kraft paper cups.
A specialty paperboard created by laminating metallic film (PET, OPP, or aluminum foil) onto paper stock. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, and holographic finishes. Used for luxury packaging, premium cards, and high-end printed materials.
A standard paper cup with a single layer of paperboard. Suitable for cold beverages and room-temperature drinks. Cost-effective but provides less insulation than double wall or ripple wall cups.
A paper cup with two layers of paperboard for improved insulation. The air gap between layers helps keep hot beverages warm and the outer surface cool to touch. Ideal for coffee and hot drinks.
A paper cup with a corrugated outer layer that provides excellent heat insulation without the need for a sleeve. The ripple design also enhances grip and premium appearance.
Three common paper cup constructions. Single wall is standard and economical. Double wall adds insulation with two layers. Ripple wall uses a corrugated outer layer for superior insulation and grip. Each suited to different beverage types and budgets.
A manufacturing arrangement where Salon Paper produces paper cups or packaging according to the buyer's specifications, including custom sizes, printing, and packaging.
A service where the manufacturer handles both design and production. Salon Paper offers ODM services for custom paper cup designs, packaging solutions, and private labeling.
The smallest quantity a manufacturer will produce for a single order. MOQ varies by product type, size, coating, and printing complexity. Contact Salon Paper for product-specific MOQ details.
Paperboard coated on one side only. The coated side offers a smooth printing surface, while the uncoated side maintains natural fiber texture. Common for folding cartons and labels.
Paperboard coated on both sides, providing a smooth printing surface on both faces. Used for high-quality printed materials such as book covers, postcards, and premium packaging.
Paper fiber made directly from wood, not recycled. Virgin pulp offers superior strength, cleanliness, and consistency compared to recycled fibers. Essential for food-grade paper packaging.
Forest Stewardship Council certification that ensures paper products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC-certified options are available for environmentally conscious buyers.
Compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations for materials that come into contact with food. Salon Paper's paper cup materials are FDA-compliant.
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation — a comprehensive regulation that sets requirements for packaging recyclability, recycled content, and substance restrictions in the European market, effective August 2026.
EU regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. Ensures that packaging materials do not contain harmful substances above regulated limits.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive. Limits the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic equipment and related packaging components.
A controlled biodegradation process requiring elevated temperature (50-60°C), humidity, and microbial activity. PLA-coated products require industrial composting conditions to biodegrade efficiently.
The ability of a material to break down naturally into water, CO2, and biomass through microbial action. True biodegradability depends on environmental conditions, not just material composition.
Packaging designed to minimize environmental impact through material selection, reduced waste, recyclability, compostability, or use of renewable resources. Key trends include water-based coatings, plastic-free solutions, and FSC-certified paper.
Have a specific question about paper packaging materials? Contact our team for expert guidance.
