Key question
Which paper type is right for which printed matter?
Paper can be divided into a few key families: coated, uncoated, recycled, speciality paper and board. Each family has its own distinct strengths. Knowing them helps you find the right paper more quickly and explain your choice to clients with confidence.
Learning objective: You can distinguish between the main paper families, choose a suitable type for a specific application, and correctly interpret environmental labels.
Family first, then the product.
3.1 / The Great Families
Every family has its strengths.
Most printing papers belong to one of these families:
01
Cancelled
A coating of pigments makes the surface smooth; images become sharp and brilliant.
02
Uncoated paper
Uncoated, tactile and easy to write on; colours appear softer and more matt.
03
Recycled paper
Made from recycled paper and nowadays also available in bright white shades.
04
Speciality paper
Textured, dyed, or transparent papers for special effects.
Coated papers are available in gloss, silk, and matt finishes. Uncoated papers differ primarily in bulk and surface texture, ranging from supercalendered smooth to rough. Speciality papers are more expensive and often only available in specific sizes and weights.
Coated for brilliance, uncoated for texture.
3.2 / Varieties for Every Purpose
The application determines the grade.
From around 150 g/m², it is referred to as paperboard or card, and from around 600 g/m², as cardboard; the boundaries are fluid. Board is available in single or multiple plies, such as folding boxboard with a coated top surface for packaging.
Special rules apply to direct contact with food. Recycled cardboard can contain residues such as mineral oils from printing inks; in this case, virgin fibre or a functional barrier is required. Check this with your manufacturer and printer (simplified explanation).
01
Business card
Cardboard from around 300 gsm provides stability; the finish defines the first impression.
02
Menu
Robust, easy to read, and, depending on use, wipeable or easy to replace.
03
bread bag
Tear-resistant, food-safe and easy to fold; usually kraft paper.
Function comes first, then appearance.
3.3 / Reading labels correctly
A seal is a promise with rules.
The FSC label represents wood from responsibly managed forests. There are three tiers: FSC 100%, FSC Mix, and FSC Recycled. For the logo to be used on printed material, the printing company must also be certified.
The Blue Angel label identifies paper made from 100% recycled paper that meets strict manufacturing standards. The EU Ecolabel and PEFC are also widely used. Producing recycled paper requires significantly less wood, water, and energy than virgin fibre paper.
Check seals, don't just display logos.
Exercise
Select paper
Task: Choose a paper type for all four 'Kornfeld' printed materials.
STEP 1
Determine the purpose and lifespan for each printed item.
STEP 2
Select a paper family and a paper weight.
STEP 3
Check whether a suitable eco-label is available.
STEP 4
Explain each choice in one sentence for the customer.
Evaluation: Would the printing company understand your choice without needing to ask questions? Where are details missing?