What Is Glassine Paper? How It Is Manufactured?

Custom glassine paper is one of the most commonly used custom paper specifically in sectors where durability is required. This paper is manufactured with a combination of the complex that makes it a resistant material that keeps the packed items secure. 

This paper is printed with the best printing facilities so that it can add to the aesthetic appeal of the wrapped items and allow brands to brand promotion. So let’s read the blog and get to know more about this custom paper.

What Is Glassine Paper?

It is a unique paper that is manufactured with a blend of natural as well as synthetic fibers. The raw materials in this paper are combined in such a way that the paper appears like traditional paper while its strength is equivalent to synthetic material. This paper has specific qualities that make it different from the traditional custom food wrapping papers, such as: 

• Water-resistant
• Tear-resistant 
• Highly durable

Manufacturing Of Glassine Paper 

The key features of durability and robustness in custom glassine paper are due to the selection of materials and chemical treatment of paper. As we know this paper is a combination of synthetic materials and natural fibers the manufacturing process is a little different. So let’s see what is glassine paper made of: 

Wood Pulp

Woof pulp or cellulose is the main raw material used in the manufacturing of paper. This material is converted into a pulp. After pulping the residues are removed and the remaining pulp is chemically treated and blended with other materials that enhance its strength and flexibility while making it resistant to moisture.  

Synthetic Polymers

There are two major types of polymers that we use in the manufacturing of glassine paper sheets, namely: 

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Other copolymers. These polymers retain the paper-like appearance of glassine sheets but impart properties like synthetic materials such as water and tear resistance. 

Fillers

The mixture of natural and synthetic material lacks the opacity and smoothness that is required by the papers. To give glassine rolls a clear consistency like that of parchment or printed greaseproof papers, we apply certain fillers that are:

• Calcium carbonate
• Clay 
• Titanium oxide

They improve the opacity of glassine paper rolls and give a clear consistency. These filters also contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness of material and make bulk production easy. 

Chemical Additives

To improve the performance of glassine paper, it is treated with a variety of chemical additives. These additives enhance the paper’s quality and give it resistance to several undesirable factors. These additives include: 

• Stabilizers that protect against UV rays. 
• Fluorescent brighteners to improve whiteness.
• Flame retardants that enhance fire resistance.

Coatings

In order to enhance the protective abilities of the paper we apply different coatings. These coatings allow the paper to withstand moisture and enhance the printability of the paper. While comparing glassine paper vs wax paper the main difference lies in the base material and coatings.

The following steps are adopted to manufacture a perfect quality paper: 

Preparation of Pulp

It is the first step in which cellulose pulp is prepared. Wood chips or other cellulose-rich materials are used for this. These materials are treated with chemicals to break down the lignin and hemicellulose. This breakdown releases cellulose fibers. The resulting paste is then treated with water and chemicals to get the desired consistency. 

Polymer Blending

After the pulping synthetic polymers are added to the material that add strength and durability to the paper. The addition of polymers is done in a controlled manner to ensure that its consistency remains paper-like. The addition of polymers in the pulp clearly gives the answer to the question “Is glassine recyclable”. Which is a big no. Due to the addition of synthetic polymers, you cannot recycle it. 

Sheet Formation

To create glassine paper sheets the blend is fed into the paper machine and spread onto the wire mesh. This process is just like traditional paper-making with one difference. Here synthetic materials are added in the formation stage. The resulting sheets are then spread onto the mesh so that the excessive water drains. 

Drying

In this step, the paper is passed to the drying cylinder that drains the excessive water. The presence of synthetic polymers in the material makes it difficult to dry the paper therefore higher temperature is required. 

Coating And Surface Treatment

After the drying of the paper it is treated with a coating that enhances its surface properties, these coatings include:

• Polymer coatings give water resistance and smoothness. 
• Acrylic or UV coatings for UV light resistance and prevent paper yellowing. 
• Silicone coatings give non-stick and heat resistance properties like parchment paper. 

Cutting And Finishing

After the paper is produced it is cut into the desired shapes and sizes as per you require. Due to the crinkly nature of the paper, it is difficult to use processes such as embossing and debossing. 

Temperature And Moisture Resistance

Custom printed glassine paper is resistant to temperature and moisture when we compare it to traditional food wraps such as wax paper which may burn when exposed to high temperature. It can bear a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius for a short duration. For long-duration use under high temperatures, you must use glassine paper that is coated with silicone.   

Glassine paper is non-porous therefore moisture cannot deteriorate its quality. From high humidity to brief immersion into water this paper can significantly withstand moist conditions. 

What Is Glassine Paper Used For? 

Due to its diverse nature, custom glassine paper is used for a wide range of applications. From its use in the food industry to its use in label making, this paper is an excellent and lightweight option. 

Packaging

Glassine paper is commonly used in the packaging industry due to its durability and tear-resistant properties. Premium products can be packed using this paper, such as cosmetic products. 

Labels

This paper is often used on labels because of its tear resistance when exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as humidity and sunlight. It is especially preferred for luxury product brandings, especially wine, perfume, and food brands.

Food Industry

In the food industry, the applications include food wrappings and labels. It is preferred due to its water-resistant capacity and non-toxic, safe surface for direct contact with food.

Medical Administrative And Pharmaceutical Uses

In medicine, it can be used as surgical gowns, gown lining, wrapping materials, sealing of medical products and foodstuffs, labels for the product, and cards for diagnosis. Due to its effectiveness in the preservation of medical products.

Can glassine paper be Used in the Oven?

Although glassine paper offers higher heat resistance than normal paper, the use of this paper in an oven is not preferred at all unless it is specially manufactured for high-temperature applications. Glassine paper’s synthetic polymer base is vulnerable to temperature degradation once temperatures rise above 150°C or 302°F, while if the material is exposed to somewhat lower temperatures for an extended period, its strength properties and overall structure can also suffer. There are special types of glassine paper, coated with high-temperature resistant coatings. 

Glassine Paper Alternative

Glassine paper comes under the highest quality custom packaging materials that are used in different sectors. Nonetheless, custom paper with similar properties such as heat-resistance, tear-resistance, and moisture resistance can be used as an alternative, such as:

• Parchment paper can be used due to its heat resistance ability but it can not withstand moisture 
• Wax paper can be used as a glassine paper alternative, however, its heat resistance is much lower than glassine paper 

Final Words!

Glassine paper is one of the most durable custom papers. This is a kind of hybrid packaging material that is used for multiple purposes. The high-end resistance to moisture, tearing, and heat makes it a perfect wrap for high-end product packaging. The combination of synthetic and natural fibers imparts unique and exceptional quality properties to this paper. It is food-safe and is completely impermeable to water so you can freely use it to pack your premium products.