Scandinavian type Folding Box Board (FBB) is a versatile packaging material that is used in various industries. From cosmetics and cigarettes to pharmaceuticals and confectionery items, folding boxboard is an ideal choice for packaging these products. It is also commonly used for postcards and book covers.

One of the key factors that determine the quality of folding boxboard is its basis weight, which typically ranges from 160 to 450 g/m2. This weight ensures that the boxboard is sturdy enough to protect the contents inside while still being lightweight and easy to handle. Depending on the customer’s needs, folding boxboard can be delivered as rolls or already sheeted, depending on the printing method.

Folding boxboard is usually made up of three or four plies. The top and back plies are made of bleached chemical pulp, which gives the boxboard a clean and smooth appearance. The middle ply or plies, on the other hand, are made of mechanical pulp, such as groundwood, pressure groundwood, TMP, or CTMP. This type of pulp is used to provide the highest possible bulk, making the boxboard more flexible and easier to fold. Additionally, using mechanical pulp for the middle plies helps to minimize the basis weight of the top and back plies, reducing the overall cost of the raw materials.

Depending on the desired end use, folding boxboard can be surface sized and coated. The board can be uncoated, single coated on the top side, double coated on the top side, or double coated on the top side and single coated on the back side. This coating enhances the printing properties of the top surface, making it smoother and more receptive to inks and other printing materials.

Smoothness is an important factor in the printing process, as it is measured as Parker Print Surf (PPS) roughness. This ensures that the printed design appears sharp and vibrant. Additionally, the surface strength of the folding boxboard is crucial to prevent delamination, especially when tacky printing colors are used. This strength is measured as IGT surface strength.

In terms of mechanical properties, thickness, bending stiffness, and z-directional strength are the most important factors for folding boxboard. The thickness of the boxboard contributes to its bending stiffness, with a higher caliper resulting in better stiffness. However, it is important to strike a balance between thickness and smoothness, as smoothness is critical for the printing process. The smoothness-bending stiffness property pair is considered the most critical for folding boxboard.

In conclusion, Scandinavian type folding boxboard is a versatile and high-quality packaging material used in various industries. Its unique composition and properties make it ideal for protecting and showcasing products such as cosmetics, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, confectionery items, and food. With its excellent printing and mechanical properties, folding boxboard provides a reliable and visually appealing packaging solution.