Buyer guide · Materials
Should packaging use coated or uncoated paper?
Coated paper usually gives smoother image reproduction, while uncoated paper offers a more natural feel; the decision must also include ink, finish and forming behaviour.
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Checklist
Material facts to request and approve
- Surface coating
- Ink and substrate interaction
- Finishing specification
- Stiffness and forming
- Target quantity and SKU allocation
- Approval sample and decision owner
- Required date and Mainland China delivery point
- Change and repeat-order record
Material evaluation
Four checks before approving the material
Surface coating
Clarify coated, uncoated, varnished or laminated surfaces because ink holdout, rub resistance and recyclability can change.
Ink and substrate interaction
Check absorption, opacity, drying, odour and rub performance on the actual substrate, not only on a screen proof.
Finishing specification
Define location, area, gloss, texture, registration and acceptable variation for every foil, varnish, emboss or lamination effect.
Stiffness and forming
Evaluate folding, scoring, opening force and load support on the intended structure rather than judging material only by hand feel.
Execution method
Four actions from RFQ to production
Define the application
Start from protection, forming, print, appearance and distribution needs.
Compare physical samples
Review representative material under agreed lighting and handling conditions.
Run process trials
Test printing, creasing, gluing, finishing and packing on the proposed build-up.
Freeze an approved specification
Record supplier, grade, weight, thickness, colour and permitted substitution rules.
FAQ
Questions buyers often ask
Should packaging use coated or uncoated paper?
Coated paper usually gives smoother image reproduction, while uncoated paper offers a more natural feel; the decision must also include ink, finish and forming behaviour.
What should be written in the specification?
At minimum, define Surface coating, Ink and substrate interaction, Finishing specification, Stiffness and forming, then link quantity, sample, timing, inspection and the approved revision.
Is a physical sample needed?
A decision involving structure, material, colour, finish, assembly or use performance normally needs a physical sample matched to that question; a screen proof cannot approve everything.
Can the previous standard be reused for a repeat order?
Reuse a controlled standard only when files, material, structure, supply chain and use conditions remain unchanged. Record every change and decide whether resampling or reapproval is required.
Continue building the procurement specification