What is Metallized Paper?

Introduction

In the paper industry, beyond the common types like printing paper and packaging paper, there are also specialty papers made to meet unique needs. Metallized paper is one of them. With its metallic shine and eco-friendly qualities, it has become an increasingly popular choice in the packaging industry. In this article, you’ll learn about the definition, types, and production process of metallized paper, so you can make better decisions when sourcing packaging materials.

Metallized Paper Definition

Metallized paper is produced by applying an ultra-thin layer of aluminum to the surface of base paper, often combined with functional coatings. This process gives the material the printability of paper while adding the shiny metallic appearance of aluminum. It offers a glossy look while still being flexible, lightweight, and recyclable.

Because of its smooth surface and strong aluminum adhesion, metallized paper is both decorative and practical. It is widely used in cigarette packaging, alcohol packaging, tea, food, cosmetics, personal care products, gifts, and crafts. In addition, it can even be used in architectural decoration. With the global push toward green packaging, metallized paper’s sustainable advantages are driving strong demand in both domestic and international markets. In addition to its visual appeal, metallized paper offers good printability and barrier properties, while remaining a lightweight packaging material suitable for high-speed printing and converting processes.

Types of Metallized Paper

Vacuum Metallized Board

Vacuum metallized board is a high-end packaging material with a strong metallic effect. Its glossy appearance can replace large-area hot stamping, giving products a premium look.

Unlike traditional laminated aluminum board or PET film-laminated board, vacuum metallized board uses only about 0.25–0.3 microns of aluminum, which is just one-five-hundredth the thickness of composite aluminum foil materials. This makes it both luxurious in appearance and environmentally friendly, since it remains recyclable and biodegradable. For this reason, it is considered a new material aligned with international green packaging trends. As an alternative to traditional aluminum foil laminated board, vacuum metallized board offers a balance between premium appearance and recyclable packaging performance.

Holographic Metallized Paper

Holographic metallized paper features hologram patterns that create dazzling light effects. It is produced mainly by two methods:

Direct method: Aluminum is deposited directly onto the paper surface in a vacuum environment, suitable for thin papers.

Transfer method: Aluminum is first applied to a PET film or holographic PET film, and then transferred onto paper using adhesive.

The transfer method allows for complex patterns and anti-counterfeit features, making it especially suitable for high-end packaging such as liquor, cosmetics, and gift boxes. Since this process is technically demanding and requires large investments, it is difficult for small manufacturers to copy, which further strengthens its security and brand protection advantages. This makes holographic metallized paper a preferred solution for anti-counterfeit packaging and brand protection in high-value consumer products.

How is Metallized Paper Made?

The key production technology is vacuum metallization. Under high vacuum (about 1.33×10² Pa or above), aluminum wire is heated to around 1400℃ until it vaporizes, then evenly deposited onto the paper surface to form a dense aluminum layer. This controlled vacuum metallization process ensures stable quality, uniform aluminum layers, and consistency, which are critical for industrial-scale packaging production.

There are two main manufacturing methods:

Direct method: The base paper is coated, then directly metallized in a vacuum chamber. This method works well for coated paper, whiteboard, and paperboard in the 40–120 g/m² range.

Transfer method: A PET or BOPP film goes through coating, metallization, and lamination. The aluminum layer is then transferred onto the paper. Compared to the direct method, the transfer method produces a flatter, shinier surface and enables the production of holographic metallized paper.

Advantages of the Transfer Method:

Stronger aluminum adhesion, suitable for papers and boards from 40 g to 450 g.

The PET film’s smoothness improves surface gloss and appearance quality.

Enables the creation of custom holographic security patterns, meeting the needs of premium brands.

Conclusion

Metallized paper is a specialty paper that balances visual appeal with eco-friendliness. It enhances the look of product packaging while remaining recyclable and sustainable. From tobacco and alcohol packaging to food, cosmetics, and premium gift boxes, it has proven to be a highly competitive packaging material. At Golden Paper, we provide high-quality metallized paper and other packaging papers tailored to meet your business needs. If you are looking for a reliable supplier of eco-friendly packaging materials, contact us today and let’s explore more applications together.