What is poly coated paper?

Poly coated paper packaging and products are made of the same kinds of fibers used to make paper and paper board.

A thin coating is then added to one or both sides of the paper to provide a barrier against water, oil, and grease so that it can be used to serve, package, and protect a wide range of products. These can be multi-material, foils, laminations, steel bottoms/tops, and more. Common poly coated paper products include:

Two empty beige paper cups connected with a white string, casting shadows on a brown background.

Food and beverage packaging

like cartons for milk, juice, or broth, cans or tubes for chips or refrigerated dough, tubs for ice cream, or resealable pouches for nuts or coffee.

Two brown paper package bags, one standing upright and the other lying flat, on a white surface.

Household and personal care packaging

like shipping envelopes, push-up tubes for deodorant, and blister pack backing.

Foodservice items

like beverage cups, paper plates, trays, and carriers.

Two ice cream containers, one pink standing upright and one purple lying on its side, decorated with ice cream graphics and a circular logo featuring a stylized ice cream cone.

Flexibles and laminates

like bags or pouches for coffee beans or nuts.

Several brown padded mailing envelopes on a brown surface, with one envelope partially open showing an inner clear plastic bag.