In today’s fast-paced supply chains, the materials that hold, protect, and present products are just as important as the products themselves. From the food we eat to the appliances we buy, packaging plays a critical role in ensuring goods arrive safely, look appealing, and meet regulatory standards.
At the heart of many of these solutions lies converted paper and paperboard — versatile, sustainable, and customizable materials that serve countless industries. But what exactly do “converted” paper and paperboard mean, and why are they essential for modern packaging?
Let’s explore.
What is Converted Paper and Paperboard?
The term “converted” refers to the process of taking raw paper or paperboard from the mill and transforming it into a finished or semi-finished product that meets specific performance requirements.
This conversion process can include:
- Coating – Adding protective or functional layers, such as moisture resistance, anti-slip finishes, or food-grade coatings.
- Laminating – Bonding multiple layers together for enhanced strength, barrier protection, or print quality.
- Die-Cutting – Shaping the paper into precise forms or patterns for use in packaging, displays, or industrial applications.
- Printing – Applying graphics, branding, or instructions directly to the surface.
- Scoring & Folding – Preparing the material for assembly into boxes, sleeves, or custom shapes.
At Southern States Packaging Company (SSPC), we specialize in custom converted paper and paperboard solutions, tailoring every sheet or roll to meet the exact needs of our customers.
The Difference Between Paper and Paperboard
While “paper” and “paperboard” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct characteristics:
- Paper – Generally thinner (less than 0.012 inches in thickness) and more flexible, suitable for items like labels, wrapping, and inserts.
- Paperboard – Thicker and more rigid (0.012 inches or more), used for structural applications like cartons, tier sheets, and slip sheets.
By converting both paper and paperboard, manufacturers can create functional, durable, and sustainable packaging solutions for virtually any industry.
Key Applications of Converted Paper & Paperboard
Converted paper and paperboard are everywhere — from the packaging around your morning cereal to the slip sheets protecting pallets of automotive parts. Here are some of the most common and valuable applications:
1. Tier Sheets
Tier sheets made from 100% virgin food-grade paperboard are designed for stacking products safely on pallets. They add stability to loads, prevent shifting, and protect products during transport.
Example: Beverage companies use coated tier sheets to prevent moisture damage and maintain load integrity during long-haul shipments.
2. Slip Sheets
As a cost-effective alternative to wooden pallets, slip sheets made from converted paperboard reduce shipping weight, save space, and are often recyclable. They’re ideal for high-volume shippers aiming to cut costs and improve sustainability.
Example: Food exporters use moisture-resistant slip sheets to comply with international shipping regulations while maximizing container space.
3. Coated Paperboard Rolls
SSPC’s state-of-the-art coating technology produces specialized paperboard rolls that enhance performance on high-speed production lines. Coatings can be tailored for moisture resistance, anti-slip surfaces, or FDA-approved food contact.
Example: Confectionery manufacturers use coated rolls for candy wrappers that keep products fresh and prevent sticking.
4. Custom Die-Cut Components
Converted paperboard can be precision die-cut into shapes for retail displays, protective inserts, or industrial packaging.
Example: Electronics companies use die-cut inserts to secure delicate components during shipping, reducing breakage rates.
5. Laminated Paperboard for Strength and Barrier Protection
Laminating adds strength, improves moisture resistance, and can create multi-layer barrier properties.
Example: Frozen food brands use laminated cartons to prevent freezer burn and maintain product integrity.
Advantages of Converted Paper & Paperboard
Switching to custom converted paper and paperboard offers numerous benefits compared to off-the-shelf packaging materials:
1. Customization
Every product has unique needs. With converted materials, thickness, coatings, and dimensions can be adjusted to fit specific applications — reducing waste and improving performance.
2. Sustainability
Paperboard is one of the most sustainable packaging materials available. It’s made from renewable resources and is often recyclable or compostable. SSPC prioritizes eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact.
3. Cost Efficiency
Optimizing material size and thickness through conversion helps lower material costs, minimize freight expenses, and streamline storage.
4. Performance
From moisture resistance to tear strength, converted paperboard can be engineered to excel in challenging conditions, outperforming many traditional packaging alternatives.
5. Compliance
For industries like food & beverage or pharmaceuticals, converted materials can meet FDA, ISO, or industry-specific standards — ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Industries That Rely on Converted Paper & Paperboard
Converted paper and paperboard are essential to a wide variety of sectors:
- Food & Beverage – Cartons, wrappers, tier sheets, and protective liners.
- Automotive – Slip sheets, layer pads, and protective packaging.
- Pharmaceutical & Healthcare – Sterile barrier systems, cartons, and instructional inserts.
- Retail & E-commerce – Product sleeves, branded boxes, and point-of-purchase displays.
- Logistics & Warehousing – Pallet liners, slip sheets, and load separators.
The Conversion Process at SSPC
At Southern States Packaging Company, we pride ourselves on precision converting. Our process includes:
- Material Selection – Choosing the ideal paper or paperboard grade for the application.
- Custom Coating & Laminating – Adding performance layers tailored to the customer’s needs.
- Precision Cutting – Using advanced die-cutting or guillotine trimming for exact dimensions.
- Quality Assurance – Conducting rigorous inspections for flatness, stability, and durability.
- Efficient Delivery – Leveraging our strategic Spartanburg, SC location for fast shipping across the U.S. and internationally.
Why SSPC Leads in Converted Paper & Paperboard Solutions
Since 1984, SSPC has been at the forefront of paper converting in the U.S., serving both domestic and international markets. Our strengths include:
- Decades of Expertise in coating, laminating, and die-cutting.
- State-of-the-Art Technology for consistent, high-quality output.
- Sustainability Commitment through recyclable materials and waste reduction.
- Customer Collaboration to create solutions that fit specific operational needs.
The Bottom Line
Converted paper and paperboard may seem like simple materials, but they are the foundation of countless packaging solutions that drive efficiency, protect products, and support sustainability.
Whether you need custom-coated rolls for a high-speed production line, precision die-cut inserts for fragile products, or moisture-resistant slip sheets for export, SSPC has the expertise, technology, and commitment to deliver.
Ready to improve your packaging with custom converted paper and paperboard solutions?
Contact Southern States Packaging Company today for a consultation or quote.