Understanding Recycled Paper: Duplex Board, Grey Chipboard and WTL

Introduction

In the paper industry, “Reclycled Paper” is a common market term used by some buyers to describe dark-colored paperboard products, especially grey-backed and recycled paperboard materials used for packaging applications. Although the name suggests a black appearance, these products are usually not pure reclycled paper. Instead, they mainly refer to paperboards with grey, dark, or recycled fiber surfaces, including:

• Duplex Board with Grey Back

• Grey Chipboard

• White Top Testliner (WTL)

These paper grades are widely used in packaging, printing, and industrial applications due to their good strength, cost efficiency, and environmental advantages.

1. Duplex Board with Grey Back

What Is Duplex Board with Grey Back? Duplex Board with Grey Back is a coated paperboard featuring a white coated front side and a grey recycled fiber back side. It is one of the most commonly used packaging boards in the global market.

The white coated surface provides excellent printability, while the grey back helps maintain competitive pricing and sufficient stiffness.

1.1 Main Features：

White coated surface for high-quality printing

Grey recycled back layer

Good stiffness and folding performance

Cost-effective packaging solution

Suitable for offset printing and laminating

1.2 Common Applications：

Duplex Board with Grey Back is widely used for:

• Food packaging boxes

• Pharmaceutical packaging

• Cosmetic boxes

• Household product packaging

• Toy packaging

• Retail cartons

For brands looking for an economical paperboard with good printing performance, duplex board with grey back is a popular choice.

2. Grey Chipboard

What Is Grey Chipboard? Grey Chipboard is a recycled paperboard mainly produced from recovered paper fibers. It has a grey appearance throughout the board and is known for its thickness, rigidity, and durability. Unlike coated duplex board, grey chipboard usually does not have a white printable surface. It is mainly selected for structural applications where strength and thickness are more important.

2.1 Main Features：

• Made from recycled fibers

• High thickness and rigidity

• Strong compression resistance

• Environmentally friendly option

• Available in various grammages

2.2 Common Applications：

Grey Chipboard is commonly used for:

• Rigid gift boxes

• Book covers

• Packaging inserts

• File folders

• Furniture protection boards

• Industrial packaging

Due to its excellent stiffness, grey chipboard is often used as the core material for premium packaging structures.

3. White Top Testliner (WTL)

What Is White Top Testliner? White Top Testliner (WTL) is a high-quality liner paper mainly used for corrugated packaging. It consists of a white top layer and a recycled fiber base layer. Compared with traditional kraft liner, WTL offers better printing performance while maintaining the strength required for corrugated boxes.

3.1 Main Features：

Smooth white printing surface

Good printability

High bursting strength

Made with recycled fibers

Suitable for flexographic printing

3.2 Common Applications:

White Top Testliner is widely used for:

• Corrugated shipping boxes

• E-commerce packaging

• Beverage cartons

• Food transportation boxes

• Printed outer packaging

With the rapid growth of sustainable packaging, WTL has become increasingly popular as companies look for recyclable alternatives with better appearance.

Comparison Between Duplex Board with Grey Back, Grey Chipboard and WTL

Why Choose These Paper Grades for Packaging?

1. Cost Efficiency

Compared with fully virgin fiber paperboards, these grades provide a more economical solution while maintaining required performance.

2. Sustainability

Most of these products contain recycled fibers, supporting environmentally responsible packaging development.

3. Versatile Applications

From luxury gift boxes to transportation cartons, these paper grades can meet different packaging requirements.

4. Good Processing Performance

They are suitable for various converting processes, including:

• Printing

• Lamination

• Die cutting

• Folding

• Corrugation

How to Select the Right “Reclycled Paper” Grade?

Choosing the right paperboard depends on the final application:

• For printed retail packaging, Duplex Board with Grey Back is usually preferred.

• For rigid and structural packaging, Grey Chipboard is a better choice.

• For corrugated packaging requiring a better appearance, White Top Testliner is recommended.

Understanding the differences between these grades helps buyers select the most suitable paper material based on strength, printing requirements, and budget.

Conclusion

Although commonly called “reclycled paper” in some markets, Duplex Board with Grey Back, Grey Chipboard, and White Top Testliner are three different paper products designed for different packaging needs. Their combination of strength, recyclability, and cost advantages makes them important materials in today’s global packaging industry. As a professional paper supplier, China Paper provides various packaging paper solutions including duplex board, grey chipboard, and white top testliner to meet different customer requirements worldwide.