F&B Packaging Glossary
Complete reference of 58+ food and beverage packaging industry terms. From materials and production processes to certification standards — everything you need to know to choose the right packaging.
Aluminium Foil
An extremely thin sheet of aluminium metal (typically 6-20 microns) used as a barrier layer in packaging. Provides superior protection against moisture, oxygen, light, and odors. In paper cups, aluminium foil is laminated to paperboard to create aluminium cups with premium heat insulation.
View related productAqueous Coating
A water-based protective coating applied to printed paper surfaces to provide gloss or matte finish, and protect against scuffs and fingerprints. More environmentally friendly than UV coating as it contains no harmful chemical solvents.
BPOM
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) — Indonesian government agency that regulates the safety of food, drugs, and food-contact packaging. Food-grade packaging must meet BPOM standards for use in the Indonesian F&B industry.
Barrier Properties
The ability of a packaging material to block the penetration of gases, moisture vapor, light, or aroma. Better barrier properties mean longer product freshness. Materials like aluminium foil and EVOH coatings provide the best barrier properties for food and beverage packaging.
Biodegradable
The ability of a material to decompose naturally by microorganisms under certain conditions. Biodegradable packaging like PLA (from corn starch) serves as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic. Note that biodegradable is not the same as compostable — biodegradable items may take years to break down.
Blow Molding
A manufacturing process where heated plastic is inflated into a mold cavity using air pressure to form hollow containers. Used to produce plastic bottles, jugs, and pressurized containers. Three main types: extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, and stretch blow molding.
Board (Paperboard)
A paper-based material thicker and more rigid than regular paper, typically above 300 GSM. Paperboard is the primary material for manufacturing paper cups, paper bowls, and folding cartons. Common types include SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), FBB (Folding Box Board), and duplex board.
View related productCaliper
The thickness of paper or paperboard measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) or microns. Caliper determines the rigidity and durability of packaging. Paper cups typically use board with a caliper of 280-350 microns depending on size and application (hot or cold).
Corrugated
A packaging structure consisting of a wavy paper layer (fluting) sandwiched between one or two flat paper layers (liner). Provides structural strength and cushioning protection. In cups, corrugated sleeves serve as additional insulation for hot cups (double wall effect).
View related productCustom Printing
The process of printing custom designs, logos, and branding on packaging according to customer specifications. SEAL Indonesia offers full-color custom printing with flexographic and offset printing technology for paper cups, paper bowls, PET cups, and other packaging products.
View related productCup Stock
Specialty paper or paperboard designed specifically for manufacturing paper cups. Cup stock comes pre-coated with PE (polyethylene) or PLA on one or both sides to provide liquid resistance. Available in various GSM and caliper values to suit different cup sizes.
View related productDie Cutting
A process of cutting materials (paper, cardboard, plastic) using specialized cutting tools (dies) to create precisely shaped pieces. In the packaging industry, die cutting is used to make paper cup blanks, packaging lids, labels, and custom-shaped packaging.
Double Wall
A paper cup construction featuring two layers of paper walls that create an air gap between them. Provides better heat insulation so the cup is comfortable to hold with hot beverages without needing an additional sleeve. More premium than single wall but at a higher production cost.
View related productDebossing
A decoration technique where a design is pressed into the surface of material, creating a recessed or indented effect. The opposite of embossing. Provides a premium tactile effect on paper packaging and is often used for logos or decorative patterns on paper cups and luxury packaging.
Embossing
A decoration technique that creates a raised pattern on the packaging surface. The design is pressed from behind to create a protruding 3D effect. Widely used on premium paper cups, folding cartons, and gift boxes to add aesthetic value and a luxurious feel.
Extrusion Coating
A coating process where molten plastic (typically PE/polyethylene) is directly extruded onto paper or film surfaces to form a thin waterproof layer. This is the primary method for manufacturing paper cup stock, making paper resistant to liquids without significantly affecting paper recyclability.
View related productFlexographic Printing
A rotary printing method using flexible printing plates (photopolymer) and water-based or UV inks. This method is highly efficient for high volumes and suitable for printing on paper cups, plastic cups, labels, and flexible packaging. Print quality up to 175 LPI with very accurate color registration.
View related productFood Grade
A safety standard indicating that packaging material is safe for direct contact with food and beverages. Food grade materials must be free from harmful contaminants and comply with BPOM (Indonesia), FDA (US), or EU Food Contact Materials regulations. All SEAL Indonesia products use certified food grade materials.
View related productFSC Certified
Certification from the Forest Stewardship Council guaranteeing that paper or wood products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC Certified packaging demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability. Available in three levels: FSC 100%, FSC Mix, and FSC Recycled.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
A unit measuring paper weight per square meter. Higher GSM means thicker and stronger paper. Paper cups typically use 190-350 GSM board. Examples: 190 GSM for small cold cups, 280 GSM for standard hot cups, and 350 GSM for large or double wall cups. Spunbond bags are available in 60-100 GSM.
View related productGrease Resistant
A property of packaging material that can resist oil and grease penetration. Essential for packaging greasy foods like fried chicken, donuts, and other fatty foods. Achieved through special coatings, fluorochemical treatment, or the use of naturally grease-resistant papers.
View related productHalal Certified
Certification ensuring that a product or production process complies with Islamic law. For F&B packaging in Indonesia, halal certification covers packaging materials, printing inks, and production processes that do not contain prohibited (haram) ingredients. MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) issues halal certification in Indonesia.
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene — a versatile plastic that is rigid and strong with high chemical resistance. Used for milk bottles, food containers, and other rigid packaging. HDPE is food grade, resistant to high temperatures, and easily recyclable (recycling code #2).
Heat Sealing
A packaging sealing process using heat and pressure to bond two layers of thermoplastic material together. For PET and PP cups, heat sealing is used to attach sealing film (seal lids) to the cup rim. Temperature, pressure, and sealing time must be properly calibrated to produce a strong yet easy-to-open seal.
View related productHot Cup
A cup specifically designed for hot beverages (coffee, tea, chocolate) with heat insulation and thermal resistance capabilities. Hot cups are typically made from PE-coated paperboard with single wall or double wall construction. Must withstand temperatures up to 100°C without deformation or leakage.
View related productIML (In-Mold Labeling)
A decoration technology where a pre-printed label is placed inside a mold before plastic injection or thermoforming. The label permanently fuses with the container wall as the plastic solidifies, producing a seamless and scratch-resistant appearance. Ideal for ice cream cups, yogurt containers, and premium branded packaging.
View related productInjection Molding
A plastic manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected into a high-pressure mold cavity. Used to produce lids, rigid plastic containers, and other precision components. Produces products with high consistency and sharp detail in large production volumes.
Kraft Paper
A strong natural brown paper produced through the kraft (sulfate) process. Known for its high tensile strength and aesthetic natural appearance. Widely used for paper bags, eco-friendly themed paper cups, food wraps, and takeaway packaging. Kraft paper is also popular as part of the eco-friendly packaging trend.
View related productLamination
The process of bonding two or more material layers using adhesive, heat, or pressure to form a multilayer structure. In F&B packaging, lamination adds barrier properties, strength, and print durability. Common types include PE lamination, aluminium foil lamination, and film lamination (matte or gloss).
View related productLead Time
The time required from order placement to product readiness for shipping. For custom printed packaging, lead time includes design, printing plate making, production, and quality control. SEAL Indonesia offers 2-4 weeks lead time for standard orders and 4-6 weeks for orders with special specifications.
View related productLid
A cup cover that prevents spills and maintains beverage temperature. Available in various types: flat lid (for cold drinks with straws), dome lid (for beverages with toppings), sipper lid (for hot drinks), and sealing film (sealed lid). Common materials used are PS, PP, PET, and PLA.
View related productMOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The minimum order quantity accepted by a manufacturer. MOQ is set to ensure production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. SEAL Indonesia sets an MOQ of 10,000 pcs for paper cups and other packaging products. For custom printing orders, MOQ may be higher depending on design complexity.
View related productMicrowave Safe
A label indicating the packaging is safe for microwave use without melting, releasing harmful substances, or deforming. PP (polypropylene) packaging is generally microwave safe as it withstands heat up to 120°C. PET and PS packaging are NOT microwave safe. SEAL Indonesia PP cups are microwave safe.
View related productMoisture Barrier
The ability of packaging material to resist water vapor penetration. Critical for moisture-sensitive products like dry foods, powders, and snacks. Measured by WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate). Materials with good moisture barriers include aluminium foil, EVOH film, and PE coating.
Non-Woven (Spunbond)
A textile material made directly from fibers without weaving or knitting. Spunbond is a type of non-woven made from PP (polypropylene) fibers bonded thermally. Used to make reusable shopping bags, thermal bags, and promotional packaging. Available in various GSM weights and colors.
View related productOffset Printing
A high-quality printing method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. Produces the highest print quality with consistent colors and sharp detail. Suitable for premium packaging with complex designs. Plate costs are higher than flexo but print quality is superior, especially for photographic images.
View related productOTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate)
A measure of how quickly oxygen permeates through packaging material under specific conditions (typically cc/m2/day). Lower OTR indicates better oxygen barrier, important for maintaining food freshness and preventing oxidation. Materials with low OTR include aluminium foil, EVOH, and PVdC film.
Paper Cup
A disposable cup made from PE or PLA-coated paperboard. Available in sizes from 4oz to 22oz for both hot and cold beverages. Can be printed full-color with custom designs. Paper cups are a core F&B packaging product and one of SEAL Indonesia's flagship products.
View related productPaper Bowl
A food-grade paper bowl used for soups, rice bowls, salads, desserts, and other foods. Made from PE or PLA-coated paperboard for resistance to liquids and oils. Available in sizes from 8oz to 32oz with custom printing options. Popular for restaurant delivery and takeaway packaging.
View related productPE Coating
Polyethylene Coating — a thin plastic layer applied to paper to make it waterproof and liquid-resistant. PE coating is the most common coating on paper cups and paper bowls. Available in single-side PE coating (for cold cups) and double-side (for hot cups). PE provides heat sealability for the cup forming process.
View related productPET
Polyethylene Terephthalate — a transparent, strong, and lightweight plastic widely used for cold beverage cups, bottles, and food containers. PET has crystal clarity perfect for showcasing colorful beverages. It is food grade, 100% recyclable (recycling code #1), and shatter-resistant. Not suitable for hot beverages.
View related productPLA (Polylactic Acid)
A bioplastic made from plant starch (corn, cassava, sugarcane) that is compostable in industrial composting facilities. PLA is used as an alternative to PE coating on eco-friendly paper cups and as a clear cup material replacing PET. PLA withstands temperatures up to 40-50°C so it is only suitable for cold beverages.
PP (Polypropylene)
A versatile plastic that is heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and microwave-safe. Used for beverage cups (hot and cold), lids, food containers, and flexible packaging. PP has a melting point of approximately 160°C, making it an ideal choice for packaging requiring sterilization or heating. Recycling code #5.
View related productPrinting Plate
A printing plate that carries the image or design to be transferred onto packaging. For flexographic printing, flexible photopolymer plates are used. For offset printing, aluminium plates are used. Plate cost is an initial investment in custom printing that only needs to be made once and can be used for multiple production runs.
View related productQuality Control
A systematic set of procedures to ensure products meet established quality standards. In F&B packaging, QC includes material testing (GSM, caliper, food safety), print testing (color, registration, sharpness), functional testing (leak test, compression test), and visual inspection. SEAL Indonesia applies strict QC at every production stage.
View related productR-PET (Recycled PET)
Recycled PET made from collected, cleaned, and reprocessed post-consumer PET bottles and containers. R-PET reduces virgin plastic usage and carbon footprint. R-PET cups from SEAL Indonesia use recycled content that still meets food grade standards and crystal clarity.
View related productReady Stock
Plain (non-custom printed) packaging products available immediately from warehouse, ready to ship without production lead time. Ready stock is ideal for urgent needs or trial orders. SEAL Indonesia provides ready stock for paper cups, paper bowls, and PET cups in popular standard sizes.
View related productRim (Cup Rim)
The top edge of a cup that is rolled outward (rolled rim) to provide structural strength, drinking comfort, and lid compatibility. Rim diameter determines the matching lid size. A consistent and perfectly round rim is essential for tight sealing on PET and PP cups.
Sealing Film
A thin plastic film heat-sealed onto the cup rim to provide a leak-proof closure for beverages. Typically made from PP, PET, or aluminium foil laminate. Provides a professional appearance and prevents spills. Widely used for bubble tea cups, juices, and delivery drinks. Can be custom printed with brand logos.
View related productSingle Wall
A paper cup construction with a single layer of paper wall. The most common and economical type of paper cup. Suitable for cold beverages and hot beverages consumed quickly. For hot drinks held for extended periods, single wall usually requires an additional sleeve for insulation.
View related productSpunbond
A type of non-woven fabric made from polypropylene (PP) fibers bonded thermally without weaving. Strong, lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. Used to make reusable shopping bags, thermal bags, goodie bags, and promotional packaging. Available in 60, 80, and 100 GSM weights with various color options.
View related productStacking
The ability of cups or containers to be stacked stably and efficiently. Good stacking design reduces storage space and shipping costs. PET and PP cups are designed with specific taper angles for easy stacking without jamming (nesting). Stacking efficiency is important for restaurant and cafe operations.
Tamper Evident
A packaging feature that provides visual evidence if packaging has been opened or tampered with. Examples: plastic shrink seals on bottle caps, tear strips on cartons, or perforations on cup sealing films. Tamper evident increases product safety and consumer trust, especially important for food and beverage delivery.
Thermal Bag
An insulated bag designed to maintain food and beverage temperature during delivery. Made from an outer spunbond layer with aluminium foil or PE foam insulation inside. SEAL Indonesia manufactures custom thermal bags in various sizes with logo printing options for delivery businesses.
View related productThermoforming
A plastic forming process where a heated plastic sheet is shaped using a mold with vacuum or air pressure. Used to manufacture PET cups, food containers, trays, and blister packaging. Thermoforming is more economical than injection molding for mass production of thin-walled containers.
View related productUV Printing
A printing technology using special inks that are instantly dried (cured) by ultraviolet light. Produces prints that are highly scratch-resistant, waterproof, and vibrant in color. UV printing can be applied to various materials including plastic, paper, and metal. Suitable for premium packaging requiring high-quality finishes.
View related productWater-Based Ink
Printing ink that uses water as the primary solvent instead of chemical solvents. More environmentally friendly with significantly lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions. Standard for flexographic printing on paper cups and food packaging. Meets food safety regulations due to minimal harmful chemical residues.
View related productWVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate)
A measure of how quickly water vapor permeates through packaging material under specific conditions, expressed in g/m2/day. Low WVTR indicates good moisture barrier. Important for packaging that protects products from humidity. Aluminium foil has WVTR near zero, while uncoated paper has very high WVTR.
Common Packaging Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about F&B packaging materials and processes.
1 What does "food grade" mean for food packaging?
Food grade means the packaging material is safe for direct contact with food and beverages, free from harmful contaminants, and complies with Indonesian BPOM regulations. All SEAL Indonesia products use certified food grade materials.
2 What is the difference between PE coating and PLA coating on paper cups?
PE (Polyethylene) is a conventional plastic coating heat-resistant up to 100°C, suitable for hot cups. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic from corn starch that is compostable, but only withstands temperatures up to 50°C so it is suitable for cold cups only. PE is more durable, while PLA is more eco-friendly.
3 What GSM paper is best for paper cups?
It depends on size and application: 190-210 GSM for small cold cups (8oz), 250-280 GSM for standard hot cups (12-16oz), and 300-350 GSM for large cups (22oz) or double wall. Higher GSM means stiffer and more premium feel, but material costs are also higher.
4 What is MOQ and what is the MOQ for custom printed packaging?
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the minimum order quantity. At SEAL Indonesia, the MOQ for paper cups and other packaging is 10,000 pcs. MOQ is needed because printing machine setup, plate making, and color calibration require initial investments that are only efficient at certain volumes.
5 What is the difference between flexographic and offset printing for packaging?
Flexographic printing uses flexible plates and water-based inks, ideal for high volumes with low per-unit costs. Offset printing uses aluminium plates and produces higher print quality with sharper photographic detail. Flexo suits simple to medium designs, offset suits premium and photographic designs.
Need Help Choosing Packaging?
Our team is ready to help you understand the right materials and specifications for your F&B business needs. Free consultation via WhatsApp.