PaperWorks introduces Masterworks Ultra 100 Whiteback

PaperWorks, an integrated paperboard company headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, says it has introduced a new 100 percent recycled content coated recycled board (CRB) folding carton that meets the quality specifications that put it in competition with virgin solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board.

PaperWorks says its MasterWorks Ultra 100 Whiteback is the first CRB to offer multiple characteristics and performance attributes like SBS, including high brightness for both front and back sides. PaperWorks claims that the MasterWorks Ultra 100 Whiteback is its first offering in a new folding carton line that is expected to ultimately include multiple grades for a variety of applications—including those that need moisture resistance such as refrigerated and frozen foods and beverages.

“Our goal was to push performance boundaries for CRB cartons. We wanted to give brand owners and private label companies many of the attributes they have come to enjoy from virgin grades, but do so with 100 percent recycled content fibers,” says Brandon Clairmont, PaperWorks senior vice president, packaging sales and marketing.

The product is manufactured at the company's Wabash, Indiana, paperboard mill and then converted into folding cartons at several of its U.S. facilities.

“We believe that for the first time there is a viable CRB alternative to SBS, which will help product marketers support their environmental initiatives, while still getting the performance and visual attributes that are critical in brand positioning,” Clairmont continues.

In addition to being cost-competitive to virgin grades, the new carton line has a comparable look, offers excellent printability and delivers desired filling line attributes. This includes front and backside brightness equal to or better than SBS, as well as lighter caliper and lower basis weight without sacrificing performance. MasterWorks Ultra 100 Whiteback also offers more stiffness and improved strength-to-weight ratios than traditional CRB.

MasterWorks Ultra 100 Whiteback is also Food & Drug Administration compliant for direct food content and meets the Recycled Paperboard Alliance’s 100 percent recycled paperboard symbol licensing requirements. It is also Forest Stewardship Council certified. 

The company says that the minimum post-consumer recycled content is 35 percent. However, the MasterWorks Ultra 100 Whiteback averages a 65 percent postconsumer content level.

PaperWorks Industries has three paperboard mills and six packaging plants in North America.