What is SBS?
SBS paper board or Solid Bleach Sulphate is a graphical product that can be coated on either one (C1S) or two sides (C2S), with a mineral or synthetic coated top surface. Made from 100% chemical pulp, this medium density board offers a smooth, printable surface. It is a perfect product for use in luxury packaging, where typically a heavier grammage is used from the available range of 150-400gsm.
With SBS, much thought goes into the shape and length of the fibres, which are then tailored to suit the end-use.
How is SBS Paper Board made?
In the making of the product, hardwood is used before the chemically pulped fibres are bleached. As the fibres are bleached they offer a brighter and whiter finish, with the short hardwood fibres polished and coated in a mineral or synthetic coating. By using virgin fibres, the pulp method becomes more hygienic and this results in an odour free, taste-free, hygienic product.SBS Paper Board– a versatile product
SBS has extensive end uses. It is also considered an excellent product when quality, durability and aesthetics are important to the end packaging product. This is owed to the fact that it can be embossed, stamped, creased and even film laminated. A key feature of SBS is that it is odour-free and does not have any lingering smells attached to the product, because of the manufacturing process.
This makes it a perfect product for use in cigarette packaging manufacturing, chocolate box construction and luxury cosmetic, perfume and champagnes packaging. SBS is considered to have the top-quality specification required for luxury goods packaging; more suited than other grades that are defined as premium grade packaging.
Luxury Packaging
The overall finish of the SBS paper board is finer and smoother than many other packaging grades, and this perhaps explains its popularity with luxury packaging manufacturers. With the global fragrance market estimated to be worth $43.9 billion in 2019*, it is no surprise that demand for SBS remains buoyant. And this does not include other luxury packaging requirements from other market sectors such as cosmetics, champagne, and the boxed chocolate and confectionery.
Luxury – at any cost?
Let’s talk about the environment! It is widely known that paper products have a lesser detrimental effect on our environment as opposed to plastic – and that switching packaging choices from plastics to paper, can help protect our endangered environment. How many of us over recent months have been following the efforts of 16-yr old climate activist, Greta Thunberg – and making more conscious choices on the packaging and looking for sustainable options?
The sobering statistics that there will be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050, and that around 8 million tonnes of plastic waste are discarded in our oceans yearly, with hundreds of species of animals threatened by extinction because of our irresponsible consumerism and overuse of plastic are positively influencing our manufacturing and purchasing choices.
The good news is that luxury does not need to come at a price! Uncoated SBS is biodegradable and can be broken down quickly and safely without leaving a pernicious impact on our planet.
To discuss how PG Paper can meet your packaging and board requirements, reach out to a member of our team today!