Stocklot Paper| Why is it a big No for food packaging?

Stocklot paper is named this way for a reason. If you are unaware of existence of any such commodity, you will have all the required information about it by the end.

The reason why we are unable to replace plastic as a means of packaging is because of its low cost and high durability. But it's time when nobody wants to compromise over sustainability issues.

Seeing the problem posed by plastic packaging, most of the world is switching to paper packaging. Paper, no doubt, is a sustainable option but when chosen carefully.

There are several varieties of paper available in the market. For instance, stocklot paper, recycled paper, and virgin kraft paper.

The answer to sustainability problems lies in the paper but in a specific form. As we know different types of paper are used in various industries for various purposes. When it comes to food packaging, kraft paper is the best. While the one option which we must avoid for packaging edibles is stocklot paper.

CONTENT

What is Stocklot paper

Stocklot Paper Origin

Is it a big NO for packaging?

Conclusion

What is stocklot paper

Stocklot paper poses a hazard because its safety is not claimed by any organization. These papers are a matter of concern because their source is not known. It is imported mostly from UK or USA in large quantities but their exporter also doesn't know the point of origin of these papers.

Stocklot paper is suspected to be contaminated with heavy metals and impurities and can be harmful to human health and hence its use is not recommended for food packaging. These paper stocks imported from overseas are sold in bulk in India or sometimes they might have been manufactured at the same place but the key criteria to distinguish are unclaimed possession and missing FSC certification.

As said, the characteristic of these papers is that it's not certified by FSC. FSC certification guarantees that the manufacturing has not compromised on future sustainability goals. Unlike stock lot paper, FSC-certified paper is often made from responsibly sourced raw materials, exerting zero stress on the planet's resource reservoir. The prices of these paper are set as per the weight or quantity to be purchased. Higher the quantity, lower the price. That's why it is often sold in large stock and hence is called stocklot paper.

These contaminated- FSC uncertified stock lot papers can be avoided for food packaging.

Stocklot Paper Origin

Stocklot paper can have a variety of origins, and may be sourced from different parts of the paper production and distribution chain.

Some of the most common sources of stocklot paper include:

1. Paper mills: Paper mills may produce excess paper due to overproduction or changes in product specifications. This excess paper can be sold as stocklot paper to help offset the costs of production.

2. Merchants and brokers: Merchants and brokers may purchase paper in bulk from paper mills, but may find that they are left with excess inventory due to cancelled orders or changes in demand. This excess inventory can be sold as stocklot paper.

3. Converters: Converters are companies that take raw paper and convert it into finished products, such as packaging or printing materials. Converters may find that they have excess paper left over from production runs, or that the paper they received from their suppliers has imperfections or irregularities that make it unsuitable for their specific production needs. This excess or imperfect paper can be sold as stocklot paper.

4. Printers and publishers: Printers and publishers may have paper left over from printing runs that they are unable to use for future projects. This excess paper can be sold as stocklot paper.

Overall, the origin of stocklot paper can be quite varied, but it is typically a result of excess inventory or irregularities in the paper that make it unsuitable for its intended use.

Is it a big NO for packaging?

Yes, it is a No. Stocklot paper is avoided in paper packaging for a number of reasons, mainly related to quality and consistency.

Since stocklot paper is excess, surplus or obsolete paper, it can vary in quality and consistency from the standard or regular paper. In packaging, the quality and consistency of the paper are critical to ensure that the packaging looks and performs as expected.

Additionally, Slotcklot papers are not even safe as it is suspected to contain contaminations and heavy metal which is very harmful for health. It is known that these paper are discarded by generating agency to be sold at a lower price. But the reason is not very clear so better to avoid such risks.

Finally, while stocklot paper may be cheaper than regular paper, it can be risky to use in packaging applications. If the paper is not of sufficient quality, it could result in lost time and materials in the production process, or in packaging that fails to protect the product, which could lead to customer complaints or even liability issues. For the safety issue, import of stock lot of paper and paperboard was prohibited back in 2017.

Conclusion

Stocklot paper is sold in bulk at a lower cost. It's point of origin is ambiguous and it also lack FSC certification. Sometimes, it contain heavy metal and other contamination. Also, Its quality and strength is not claimed by any organization so it can impact the performance of packaging. Hence, many paper packaging manufacturers and converters prefer to use regular kraft paper that is specifically designed to meet their requirements, rather than taking the risk of using stocklot paper.