About Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Our mission: Bringing practical business and technical intelligence to today's structured cabling professionals

For more than 30 years, Cabling Installation & Maintenance has provided useful, practical information to professionals responsible for the specification, design, installation and management of structured cabling systems serving enterprise, data center and other environments. These professionals are challenged to stay informed of constantly evolving standards, system-design and installation approaches, product and system capabilities, technologies, as well as applications that rely on high-performance structured cabling systems. Our editors synthesize these complex issues into multiple information products. This portfolio of information products provides concrete detail that improves the efficiency of day-to-day operations, and equips cabling professionals with the perspective that enables strategic planning for networks’ optimum long-term performance.

Throughout our annual magazine, weekly email newsletters and 24/7/365 website, Cabling Installation & Maintenance digs into the essential topics our audience focuses on.

  • Design, Installation and Testing: We explain the bottom-up design of cabling systems, from case histories of actual projects to solutions for specific problems or aspects of the design process. We also look at specific installations using a case-history approach to highlight challenging problems, solutions and unique features. Additionally, we examine evolving test-and-measurement technologies and techniques designed to address the standards-governed and practical-use performance requirements of cabling systems.
  • Technology: We evaluate product innovations and technology trends as they impact a particular product class through interviews with manufacturers, installers and users, as well as contributed articles from subject-matter experts.
  • Data Center: Cabling Installation & Maintenance takes an in-depth look at design and installation workmanship issues as well as the unique technology being deployed specifically for data centers.
  • Physical Security: Focusing on the areas in which security and IT—and the infrastructure for both—interlock and overlap, we pay specific attention to Internet Protocol’s influence over the development of security applications.
  • Standards: Tracking the activities of North American and international standards-making organizations, we provide updates on specifications that are in-progress, looking forward to how they will affect cabling-system design and installation. We also produce articles explaining the practical aspects of designing and installing cabling systems in accordance with the specifications of established standards.

Cabling Installation & Maintenance is published by Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

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Editorial

Patrick McLaughlin

Serena Aburahma

Advertising and Sponsorship Sales

Peter Fretty - Vice President, Market Leader

Tim Carli - Business Development Manager

Brayden Hudspeth - Sales Development Representative

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Acrylic Emulsion, PLA, and Water-Based Coating – What’s the Difference?

As sustainability and performance continue to shape the Paper packaging industry, manufacturers and buyers alike are exploring alternatives to traditional plastic coatings. Among the most popular coating options today are Acrylic Emulsion Coating, PLA Coating, and Water-Based Coating.

But what are the differences between these three materials? Which one is best suited for your packaging needs? Let’s break it down:

✅ 1. Acrylic Emulsion Coating

What it is:Acrylic emulsion is a water-based synthetic resin made from petroleum-derived polymers. It is applied to paper surfaces to enhance gloss, printability, and water resistance.

Key Features:

  • High gloss and clarity

  • Excellent printability

  • Strong adhesion and scuff resistance

  • Commonly used in photo paper, labels, and Coated boards

  • Not biodegradable or compostable

  • Relatively high cost due to resin content

Best for:High-end print applications, advertising materials, and packaging that requires durability and appearance.

✅ 2. PLA Coating

What it is: PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. When used as a paper coating, it offers good barrier properties and isindustrially compostable.

Key Features:

  • 100% compostable under industrial conditions

  • Suitable for food contact

  • Acts as a waterproof and grease-resistant layer

  • Requires higher coating weight than PE to achieve the same barrier effect

  • More sensitive to temperature and sealing conditions

Best for: Eco-friendly paper cups, bowls, and other food-grade disposable packaging where sustainability is a key concern.

✅ 3. Water-Based Coating

What it is: This type of coating uses water as the main solvent and may contain natural polymers (such as modified starch, PVA, or biodegradable resins). It’s designed to provide grease resistance, heat sealability, and printability without plastic.

Key Features:

  • Plastic-free and repulpable

  • Ideal for food packaging and wrapping paper

  • Lower barrier performance than PLA or PE, but improving with new formulas

  • Excellent for customers seeking PFAS-free, eco-conscious options

  • Usually has a matte or soft finish

Best for: Greaseproof paper, burger wraps, paper cups, and plastic-free packaging solutions.

Comparison Table

FeatureAcrylic EmulsionPLA CoatingWater-Based Coating
Source Material Petrochemical resin Renewable (corn/sugar) Water + natural polymers
Biodegradable/Compostable ❌ No ✅ Yes (Industrial) ✅ Yes / Repulpable
Water Resistance ✅ Excellent ✅ Good ⚠️ Moderate to Good
Heat Sealable ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Grease Resistance ⚠️ Moderate ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Common Applications Labels, photo paper Eco paper cups, trays Burger wraps, cup stock

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Conclusion

Each coating has its own strengths and ideal applications:

  • Choose Acrylic Emulsion if you need high-quality printability and gloss.

  • Choose PLA Coating if sustainability and compostability are top priorities.

  • Choose Water-Based Coating if you want a plastic-free, recyclable solution for food packaging.

At Sure Paper, we supply all three types of coated paper materials and help you choose the best fit based on your product needs, sustainability goals, and budget.

Contact us today to request free samples or learn more about custom coating solutions.

Media Contact
Company Name: Ningbo Sure Paper Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: https://www.sure-paper.com/

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