Packaging and Label Design Packaging Materials and Substrates 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'release liner' in pressure-sensitive label construction?
- To protect the adhesive until the label is applied and allow labels to be wound on a roll (Correct answer)
- To provide structural rigidity to the label
- To carry the printed design
- To act as a moisture barrier during storage
Correct answer: To protect the adhesive until the label is applied and allow labels to be wound on a roll
The release liner is a silicone-coated paper or film that protects the pressure-sensitive adhesive and allows labels to unwind without sticking to adjacent layers.
Question 2: What type of adhesive is used for labels that need to be removed cleanly without residue?
- Removable pressure-sensitive adhesive (Correct answer)
- Permanent acrylic adhesive
- Hot-melt adhesive
- UV-cured structural adhesive
Correct answer: Removable pressure-sensitive adhesive
Removable PSA labels use a lower-tack adhesive formulated to release cleanly from surfaces, leaving no residue behind.
Question 3: What is 'Kraft paper' and where is it commonly used in packaging?
- A strong, unbleached paper made by the sulfate process, used in bags, wraps, and corrugated packaging (Correct answer)
- A bleached paper used for premium cosmetic cartons
- A glossy coated paper for high-end labels
- A recycled paper used exclusively for folding cartons
Correct answer: A strong, unbleached paper made by the sulfate process, used in bags, wraps, and corrugated packaging
Kraft paper, named from the German word for strength, is produced by the kraft chemical process and is valued for its high tear strength and natural brown appearance.
Question 4: What is 'metallized' film in packaging?
- A plastic film with a thin aluminum layer deposited by vacuum deposition for barrier and aesthetic effects (Correct answer)
- A film made entirely from aluminum foil
- A film with metallic ink printed on its surface
- A film laminated to metal foil
Correct answer: A plastic film with a thin aluminum layer deposited by vacuum deposition for barrier and aesthetic effects
Metallized film has a nanometer-thin layer of aluminum vapor-deposited on its surface, providing improved oxygen and moisture barriers along with a metallic appearance.
Question 5: What is 'corrugated board' and what are its structural components?
- A layered board with fluted medium between liners, providing cushioning and stacking strength for shipping (Correct answer)
- A rigid solid board used for premium cartons
- A flexible paperboard used for pouches
- A foam-core board used for insulation
Correct answer: A layered board with fluted medium between liners, providing cushioning and stacking strength for shipping
Corrugated board consists of an arched inner medium (flute) sandwiched between flat liner sheets; the flute structure provides compression strength and cushioning.
Question 6: What does 'caliper' measure in paperboard specifications?
- The thickness of the board in thousandths of an inch (points) (Correct answer)
- The weight of the board per 1,000 square feet
- The stiffness of the board
- The surface smoothness of the board
Correct answer: The thickness of the board in thousandths of an inch (points)
Caliper measures physical thickness of paperboard in thousandths of an inch (points or mils), directly affecting stiffness and perceived quality.
Packaging and Label Design Packaging Materials and Substrates 2
What is the purpose of a 'release liner' in pressure-sensitive label construction?