PE coated paper, alternatively called plastic-coated paper, is a paper-plastic composite material manufactured by hot-melt extruding thermoplastic resin pellets such as polyethylene (PE) via a cast film extruder and evenly coating the molten resin onto paper substrate. It combines the tensile strength of base paper and the barrier protection of plastic film. Depending on end-use requirements, the paper can be single-sided or double-sided extrusion coated, with either glossy or matte finish options.

A wide selection of base stock is available, including white kraft paper, offset paper, coated art paper, cardboard, virgin wood pulp paper and recycled paper. Coating configurations cover single-side and double-side coating in glossy or matte variants. Standard coating weight for single-side PE coating ranges from 15–20 g/m². For double-sided coating, the release side is coated at approx. 20 g/m² while the non-release side runs around 15 g/m².

Technical Specifications

Brightness

Paper brightness is determined mainly by the base paper’s inherent whiteness and light transmittance of the PE coating layer. Standard white PE coated paper delivers a brightness above 90%; premium fully virgin wood pulp offset base after coating reaches 100±1 brightness value. The coating layer can be customized into high-gloss or matte finish to match diverse packaging appearance requirements.

Thickness

Total paper thickness = base paper thickness + PE coating thickness. Approximate conversion: 100 gsm base paper ≈ 0.126 mm in caliper. Single-layer PE coating is specified by coating weight at 10–20 g/m², equivalent to roughly 0.01–0.02 mm.

Coating weight varies per application:

10 g/m² for basic waterproof & moisture-proof packaging;

12–15 g/m² for adhesive-related products;

18–20 g/m² for heat-sealable carton manufacturing. Total thickness tolerance: ±5% (e.g., 20 μm PE coating allows ±1 μm deviation).

Moisture Content

Base paper moisture is controlled between 6.0%–8.0%. Excessive moisture causes paper deformation during extrusion coating and weakens lamination adhesion; overly low moisture leads to brittle paper prone to cracking. Final product moisture is dominated by base stock, while the PE coating provides excellent water barrier performance.

Product Features

Water & Moisture Resistance: Dense, pinhole-free PE coating effectively blocks moisture penetration with zero liquid seepage after 24-hour water immersion. Unlike untreated absorbent paper, the attached plastic film isolates base paper from ambient moisture.

Grease Barrier Property: Outstanding oil repellency with oil resistance grade ≥ Level 6, widely used for oily food packaging. It resists leakage from 80°C edible cooking oil for 10 minutes as verified with McDonald’s food packaging standards.

Heat-Sealable: The PE coating fuses under heat for secure sealing without extra adhesive, ideal for high-speed automatic packaging equipment to form tight, leak-proof seals.

Food Safety & Eco-Friendliness: Extrusion coating adopts solvent-free hot-melt process, non-toxic and odorless. Both base paper and PE pellets comply with China national food contact standards GB 4806.7 and GB 4806.8 for safe food-contact applications. New-generation biodegradable coated paper uses PLA (polylactic acid) coating, fully biodegradable by natural microorganisms for enhanced environmental performance.

Excellent Processability: Smooth surface supports high-fidelity printing on both glossy and matte finishes. Good stiffness and tensile strength suit automated high-speed cup-forming and bag-making machinery.

Application Fields

Food Packaging

Disposable paper cups (cold drink, hot drink, coffee cups), paper bowls, food containers; fast food packaging (hamburger bags, fried potato boxes, pastry pouches); snack bags for melon seeds & candies, vacuum food cartons; airline & high-speed rail disposable storage pouches, liquid packaging bags.

Industrial Packaging

Hardware & electronic component moisture-proof / vacuum wrapping; chemical packaging for desiccants, mothballs, laundry detergent and preservatives; iron & copper sheet wrapping, furniture and mechanical parts protective packaging.

Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging

Medical device packaging, traditional Chinese medicine wrapping, pesticide and veterinary drug packages.

Daily Consumer Goods Packaging

Wet wipe pouches, edible salt packaging, toothpick, ice spoon, cotton swab and tongue depressor wrappings.

Buildwise Paper provide high quality of PE coated paper with various grammages from 30-500gsm

PE coating weight: 10–35 gsm (standard range: 10–20 gsm, customizable from 8 to 40 gsm)

Regular size:787mm,889mm,787*1092mm,889*1194mm,700*1000mm.

Core:3/6 inch.

Format:sheet and roll.

Packing:reel packing,bulk packing,ream packing.