In today's world, many businesses are asking a crucial question: can shiny, premium paper be sustainable? This question is becoming more critical as brand owners strive to align their paper and packaging choices with sustainability goals while maintaining a high-end look.
One of my clients recently asked about the difference between glossy and laminated paper—this is a common concern as businesses navigate the complexities of choosing eco-friendly paper materials.
Glossy vs. Laminated Paper: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between glossy and laminated paper is vital for making sustainable paper choices. Here’s the breakdown:
Glossy paper: Often made from coated paper, it’s frequently used for premium, high-end print products.
Laminated paper: Achieves its shiny look by applying a plastic film over uncoated paper, offering a similar finish at a lower cost.
For the untrained eye, glossy and laminated paper can look quite similar, but they come from different processes with distinct sustainability implications.
How to Identify Laminated vs. Glossy Paper?
Recently, I conducted a simple tear test to demonstrate the difference. The laminated paper with plastic film tore differently compared to the three-layered, premium glossy paper. Laminated paper often feels more plastic-like due to the film, while glossy paper maintains a more traditional paper feel.
Even though the tear test is simple it can be hard for people who are not expert in papermaking, it's necessary to tear the paper in different directions to make sure there is no plastic film covering the top side.
Below the picture shows on the left-hand side the blue plastic film creating the shiny effect and on the right-hand side the coated paper, which is often three layers of paper that goes through a series of coating applications during the papermaking process at the paper mill, before the conversion and printing.
An even better way to distinguish them is to wet the paper with water for a couple of hours to try pulpability.
The glossy paper will disintegrate easily however the laminated one will keep the paper layer held by the plastic film and it won't tear apart.
Why Laminated Paper Isn't Sustainable
Choosing laminated paper with a plastic coating can seem appealing for its sleek, shiny appearance, but it comes with environmental downsides:
Plastic film is hard to recycle and doesn’t break down like traditional paper.
In many regions, including parts of Australia, laminated paper packaging with plastic is already being banned.
Laminated paper undermines sustainability efforts, especially for brands trying to reduce plastic in their products.
The Sustainable Solution: Glossy Paper Without Plastic
If you’re looking for premium, shiny paper options that align with your sustainability goals, glossy, coated paper is the way to go.
It offers the high-end look many brands desire without the need for harmful plastic coatings.
Need Guidance on Sustainable Packaging and Paper Choices?
If you're unsure which type of paper best suits your brand’s sustainability goals, reach out. As a papermaker (yes, I have studied Masters in paper technology) and packaging specialist, I can help guide you through the options and ensure you make choices that benefit both your brand and the planet.
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