PearlKote™ Unbleached Paperboard

PearlKote™ unbleached paperboard (also known as coated unbleached kraft or CUK paperboard) is a high-stiffness sheet, suitable for most folding carton applications.  

Manufactured using a blend of renewable fiber from sustainably managed forests and at least 15% recycled fiber, PearlKote is designed to provide enhanced package integrity, line efficiency, and performance in filling line production, distribution, and usage. 

Available in a wide range of grades, PearlKote is engineered with resistance to tear, puncture, and corner crush to deliver outstanding strength and durability, and high-quality print results. 

PearlKote™ Unbleached Paperboard

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PearlKote Benefits

Sustainability Benefits
Sustainability
  • Paperboard products like PearlKote unbleached paperboard are made from plant-based fiber, a renewable resource 
     
  • Paperboard cartons are generally viewed as being widely recycled with >90% of U.S. communities having access to recycling for non-poly-coated paperboard and 60% of communities having access to recycling for poly-coated paperboard (American Forest and Paperboard Association’s Access to Recycling Study 2021)   
     
  • We use up to 65% renewable biomass energy in the manufacturing of our paperboard
Fiber Procurement and Chain of Custody 
  • Graphic Packaging International is compliant with Forest Stewardship Council®, Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ Chain of Custody forest certification standards 
Environmental and Safety 
  • Complies with California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (California Proposition 65)
  • Complies with European Union Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
  • Contains no REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) at levels above the 0.1% threshold
  • Complies with CONEG/Toxics in Packaging laws and with Article 11 of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC)  
Compostability
  • Paperboard is manufactured from plant-based fiber from sustainably managed forests. As there is no specific test for paper compostability, it is recommended that ASTM 6400, 6868, or similar test methods are used to verify the compostable nature of paperboard or paperboard packaging. 
Machine Models
Manufacturing 
  • Mills are third-party certified to the ISO 9001: Quality Management System standards

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PearlKote Product Information  

Applications
Benefits
specifications
compliance
Beverage multipack packaging laid out on the table
Applications

The ideal solution for a variety of folding carton and custom applications including: 

  • Beverage
  • Food
  • Foodservice   
Benefits

Excellent printability and glue adherence 

  • PearlKote provides a superior printing surface that is engineered to deliver excellent print results and a cleaner running press
  • The multiple-layer coated surface allows for beautiful graphic reproduction for eye-catching packages
  • Made from unbleached paperboard with a blend of wood-based fiber from responsibly managed forests and at least 15% recycled fiber content
  • PearlKote is engineered as a high-performance sheet that provides high stiffness with resistance to tear, puncture, and corner crush and provides efficient, reliable performance on packaging lines 
  • Multiple layers of coating provide a clean surface for high-quality graphics with a naturally beautiful brown back

Consistent performance in a variety of converting processes 

  • Carefully monitored board production and testing ensures that PearlKote coated unbleached paperboard will run consistently well in all of your printing and converting operations   
Specifications
Basestock PropertiesUnits16pt17pt18pt20pt22pt24pt26pt28pt30ptStandard
CaliperInches0.0160.0170.0180.0200.0220.0240.0260.0280.030T-411
ThicknessMicrons406432457508559610660710762T-411
BrightnessGE797979797979797979T-452
Compliance

Food contact compliant 

  • FDA and EU compliant for contact with dry, non-fatty foods  

Food contact compliance (USA) 

  • 21 CFR 176.170 (components of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods) 
  • 21 CFR 176.180 (components of paper and paperboard in contact with dry foods)  

Food contact compliance (EU)

  • Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food
  • Manufactured in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 2023/06 on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food