What is solid unbleached board?

Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a type of paperboard that is commonly used for packaging and printing. It is made from unbleached chemical pulp and typically has two to three layers of mineral or synthetic pigment coating on the top and one layer on the reverse side. Recycled fibers are sometimes used to replace the unbleached chemical pulp. The resulting material is strong, durable, and versatile, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

One of the defining characteristics of SUB is its natural brown color, which is a result of the unbleached pulp used in its production. This gives it a unique, rustic appearance that is often favored by eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, SUB is known for its excellent printing and graphics capabilities, making it a popular choice for packaging and marketing materials.

Overall, Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a versatile and sustainable material that is well-suited for a variety of applications. Its natural appearance, durability, and printing capabilities make it a popular choice for packaging and marketing materials, as well as other applications where strength and versatility are important.

Key Takeaways

  • Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a type of paperboard made from unbleached chemical pulp and typically has two to three layers of mineral or synthetic pigment coating on the top and one layer on the reverse side.
  • SUB is known for its natural brown color, strength, durability, and excellent printing and graphics capabilities.
  • SUB is a versatile and sustainable material that is well-suited for a variety of applications, including packaging and marketing materials.

Definition of Solid Unbleached Board

Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a type of paperboard that is commonly used in packaging applications. It is typically made from unbleached chemical pulp, which gives it a natural brown color. Most often, it comes with two to three layers of mineral or synthetic pigment coating on the top and one layer on the reverse side. Recycled fibers are sometimes used to replace the unbleached chemical pulp.

 

Material Composition

The material composition of SUB typically consists of the following:

  • Unbleached chemical pulp: This is the primary material used in the manufacture of SUB. It is made by chemically breaking down wood fibers into a pulp and then bleaching it to remove any impurities. However, in the case of SUB, the pulp is not bleached, which gives it a natural brown color.

     

  • Mineral or synthetic pigment coating: This is a layer of coating that is applied to the top and reverse side of the board. It provides a smooth surface for printing and also enhances the visual appeal of the board.

     

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of SUB typically involves the following steps:

  1. Preparation of the pulp: The unbleached chemical pulp is prepared by chemically breaking down wood fibers into a pulp.

     

  2. Coating: The pulp is then coated with a layer of mineral or synthetic pigment coating on the top and reverse side of the board.

     

  3. Drying: The coated pulp is then dried to remove any excess moisture.

     

  4. Cutting: The dried board is then cut into the desired size and shape.

 

Overall, SUB is a versatile and cost-effective material that is widely used in the packaging industry. Its natural brown color and smooth surface make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including food packaging, consumer goods packaging, and more.

Properties and Characteristics

Physical Properties

Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a type of paperboard made from unbleached chemical pulp. It is typically coated with two to three layers of mineral or synthetic pigment on the top and one layer on the reverse side. This gives it a smooth and glossy surface that is ideal for printing and packaging applications. The thickness of SUB can range from 12 to 60 points, making it a versatile material for a wide range of uses.

Solid unbleached board features:

  • High stiffness and caliper for strong structural integrity
  • Excellent folding endurance without cracking
  • Good surface smoothness which enables high print quality
  • Resistance to repeated puncture, abrasion, and scuffing
  • Dimensional stability across a range of humidity levels
  • Durable stacking strength and edge crush resistance
  • Water/grease resistance with added barrier treatments

SUB is known for its high strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty packaging applications. It has a high tear resistance and can withstand high levels of stress without breaking or deforming. It is also resistant to moisture and can be used in applications where the packaging material needs to be protected from water damage.

Chemical Resistance

One of the most significant advantages of SUB is its chemical resistance. It is highly resistant to most chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents. This makes it an ideal choice for packaging materials that need to be protected from chemical damage. It is also resistant to oil and grease, making it a popular choice for food packaging applications.

Sustainability Factors

SUB is an environmentally friendly material that is made from renewable resources. It is typically made from unbleached chemical pulp, which is a byproduct of the paper-making process. This means that it is made from waste material that would otherwise be discarded. Additionally, many manufacturers use recycled fibers in the production of SUB, further reducing its environmental impact.

SUB is also recyclable and can be reused in the production of new paper products. This makes it an excellent choice for companies that are looking to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Applications and Uses

Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a versatile paperboard that is widely used in various industries. The following are some of the most common applications and uses of SUB.

Packaging Solutions

SUB is a popular choice for packaging solutions due to its strength and durability. It is commonly used for packaging frozen foods, dry food, cereals, consumer electronics, hardware, shoes, toys, and more. SUB is also used for beverage carriers, which require a strong and sturdy material to hold the weight of the bottles or cans.

One of the advantages of using SUB for packaging solutions is that it can be easily printed on, making it an ideal choice for branding and marketing purposes. The mineral or synthetic pigment coating on the top layer of SUB provides a smooth surface for printing high-quality graphics and text.

Industrial and Commercial

In addition to packaging solutions, SUB is also used in various industrial and commercial applications. It is commonly used as a backing material for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, labels, and stickers. SUB is also used in the construction industry for making insulation boards, soundproofing materials, and roofing.

Another use of SUB is in the automotive industry, where it is used for making headliners, door panels, and trunk liners. The strength and durability of SUB make it an ideal choice for these applications, where it needs to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Overall, Solid unbleached board (SUB) is a versatile material that offers a wide range of applications and uses. Its strength, durability, and printability make it an ideal choice for various industries, including packaging, construction, automotive, and more.

Comparison with Other Materials

When considering packaging options, it’s important to compare Solid Unbleached Board (SUB) with other materials to determine which is best for your specific needs. Here are two common materials that are often compared to SUB:

Against Bleached Board

Solid Bleached Sulphate Board (SBS) is a premium grade paperboard that is typically bleached to create a bright white appearance. While SBS can be an excellent option for certain types of packaging, it may not always be the best choice. One key difference between SUB and SBS is that SUB is typically made from unbleached chemical pulp, whereas SBS is made from bleached virgin wood pulp. This means that SUB has a more natural appearance, which may be preferable for some products. Additionally, SUB is often more cost-effective than SBS, which can be an important consideration for businesses that are looking to save money on packaging costs.

Versus Corrugated Fiberboard

Corrugated fiberboard is another common packaging material that is often compared to SUB. Corrugated fiberboard is made up of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. While corrugated fiberboard can be an excellent option for certain types of packaging, it may not always be the best choice. One key difference between SUB and corrugated fiberboard is that SUB is typically smoother and more rigid than corrugated fiberboard, which can be important for certain types of products. Additionally, SUB is often more cost-effective than corrugated fiberboard, which can be an important consideration for businesses that are looking to save money on packaging costs.

Overall, when considering packaging options, it’s important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each material to determine which is best for your specific needs. While SUB may not always be the best choice, it can be an excellent option for businesses that are looking for a cost-effective, natural-looking packaging material that is both durable and rigid.

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