The performance of paper packaging materials used as food packaging is mainly reflected in the following aspects.

1. Printing performance

Paper and paperboard have a strong ability to absorb and bond ink and have good printing performance. Therefore, they are often used as a printing surface on packaging. The printing performance of paper and cardboard is mainly determined by surface smoothness, sizing, elasticity and adhesion.

2. Hygiene and safety performance

In the process of paper processing, especially chemical pulping, certain chemical substances (such as lye and salt residues in the kraft pulping process) are usually left, so it is necessary to select various kinds of materials correctly and reasonably according to the contents of the package. Paper and cardboard.

3. Barrier performance

Paper and cardboard are porous fibrous materials, which have a certain degree of permeability to moisture, gas, light, grease, etc., and their barrier properties are greatly affected by temperature and humidity. A single paper packaging material generally cannot be used to package foods with high moisture and oil content and high barrier properties, but it can meet its barrier properties through appropriate surface processing.

4.Mechanical properties

Paper and cardboard have certain strength, stiffness and mechanical adaptability. Its strength is mainly determined by the material, quality, thickness, processing technology, surface condition and certain temperature and humidity conditions of the paper; in addition, the paper also has a certain degree of folding Properties, elasticity and tear ability, etc., suitable for making molded packaging containers or for wrapping.

Environmental temperature and humidity have a great influence on the strength of paper and cardboard. Changes in air temperature and humidity will cause changes in the equilibrium moisture of paper and cardboard, which will eventually change its mechanical properties to varying degrees. The mechanical properties of paper vary with relative humidity. Because paper fibers have greater water absorption, when the humidity increases, the tensile strength and tearing strength of the paper will decrease, which will affect the usability of paper and cardboard. A relative temperature and humidity condition must be maintained when measuring the mechanical properties of paper and paperboard.

5.Processing performance

Paper and cardboard have good processing properties, can be folded, and can be sealed in a variety of ways. It is easy to process into packaging containers with various properties, and it is easy to realize mechanized processing operations. There are mature production processes recently. Good processing performance creates conditions for the design of various functional structures (such as window openings, handles, partitions and design display stands, etc.). In addition, through proper surface treatment, paper and cardboard can be provided with necessary moisture resistance, insect resistance, barrier properties, heat sealability, strength and physical properties, etc., and expand their scope of use.

Disadvantages of paper packaging:

The water resistance is relatively poor. Although the carton can be coated, it can only handle products with a small amount of water.

In terms of toughness: cartons are easily pierced by sharp objects, which is not suitable for products with sharp edges and corners.

In terms of load-bearing: the carton has a limited load-bearing capacity, usually ranging from a few kilograms to more than ten kilograms. It is recommended to use wooden boxes and other packaging for items that are too bulky.