CRB Paperboard Packaging in West Des Moines, IA

CRB (Clay-Coated Recycled Board) -- also called CCNB (Clay-Coated News Back) -- is produced from recycled paper fiber (primarily recovered newspaper and corrugated) with a clay coating applied to the front face to provide a printable white surface. CRB enables brands to make documented post-consumer recycled (PCR) content claims on their packaging while maintaining adequate print quality for standard consumer goods applications. The material's recycled fiber content typically ranges from 50% to 100% post-consumer recycled content.

CRB Print Quality vs. SBS

CRB's clay-coated front surface provides adequate print quality for most consumer goods applications. The material's limitation compared to SBS is in brightness -- CRB typically achieves 78-85 ISO brightness versus 88-92 for SBS -- and surface consistency. For packaging where maximum color accuracy is required (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals), SBS is the appropriate specification. For packaging where adequate color reproduction at maximum recycled content is the priority, CRB is appropriate.

Sustainability Claims for CRB

CRB's recycled content enables specific sustainability claims: the percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content documented through the board manufacturer's certification. FTC Green Guides require that recycled content claims be substantiated with documented PCR percentage. For brands making recycled content sustainability claims, CRB with documented PCR percentage certification is the appropriate material specification.