PE coated kraft paper is a type of packaging paper with an extra layer of polyethylene on one or both sides. It is commonly used for food packaging, such as salad and cucumber trays, where the added layer of protection from moisture can make all the difference in preventing spoilage and retaining the freshness of the produce. It is also commonly used for paper bags and other types of retail bag, due to its water resistance.
The increased popularity of sustainable, eco-friendly products is likely to continue to drive revenue growth for the global PE coated kraft market. This is because the PE coating protects the paper from environmental hazards such as stains and mold. In addition, it allows for the paper to be printed with aesthetically appealing designs, which can add value to the product and increase customer appeal.
In order to ensure that the PE coating is applied evenly, the process of converting the raw material into a finished paper requires a high level of skill and experience. For this reason, most of the companies producing this type of paper have their own production plants. Generally, the PE coating is added using an extrusion process, in which a molten layer of polyethylene is expelled onto the surface of the paper and then cooled. The resulting film is thick and uniform, making it ideal for printing purposes.
This type of paper is also suitable for use in applications requiring heat, as it has good temperature resistance properties. This makes it an ideal choice for products like paper cups and take-out cartons, which are often heated in automatic washing tunnels. In contrast, uncoated and some types of coated papers have poor heat resistance properties and can become damaged or lose their structural integrity when exposed to heat.
Another advantage of the PE coated kraft paper is that it can be recycled, unlike plastics and other materials that are not recyclable. However, because the PE coating is attached to the paper so firmly, it is necessary for a specific hydro pulping machine to be used at the recycling plant in order to separate the two. This means that the paper will not be as biodegradable or as recyclable as uncoated paper, but it is still a better option than most other non-recyclable materials.
The PE coating on kraft paper is not microwave-safe, but this is generally not an issue for most retailers and consumers. The most common way to identify whether a paper is microwave-safe is by looking for a label on the package that states so. Alternatively, it is possible to check the paper’s grammage and PE coating thickness to determine its ability to withstand heat. The higher the grammage, the more heat it can withstand. A high grammage will also indicate that the paper is stronger and more durable.