Tariff-Driven Mill Shutdown in Canada Squeezes Paperboard and Pulp Buyers
Rayonier's Témiscaming plant shutdown under new U.S. tariffs removes substantial paperboard and pulp capacity.
Coated Paperboard
Surface Layering
Multi-layered fibrous material supports high-resolution printing by incorporating a mineral pigment finish on one or both sides. These variations of coated paperboard improve ink holdout and provide a smooth printing surface for packaging applications. Mineral particles, typically clay or calcium carbonate, bond to the base sheet with synthetic binders to fill the voids between fibers.
Such a surface allows for higher dot gain control during the lithographic process.
Production Mechanism
Chemical bonding agents secure the pigment layer to the substrate to prevent picking or tearing during high-speed offset printing runs. Operators monitor the coat weight expressed in grams per square meter to ensure the opacity and brightness remain within required tolerances. Thinner applications result in a satin finish, while heavier layers enable a high-gloss appearance through mechanical calendering.
Heat-set drying tunnels solidify the binder before the material passes through final winding stations.
Market Integration
Retail demand for premium packaging drives the adoption of this material in consumer goods and pharmaceutical supply chains. Manufacturers select grades based on structural rigidity and folding endurance to protect contents during transit. Inventory controllers track the weight and dimensions of pallets because moisture absorption influences the curl and dimensional stability of the board.
Proper climate control inside storage facilities prevents the pigments from cracking during the folding of cartons.