Disposable tablecloths offer many advantages both in the catering industry and in the home, which means they sell very well through specialized channels, distributors and the retail sector. Our customers appreciate the colored paper, the range of colors, the design and the quality of our Made in Italy products, with the possibility of choosing from tablecloths in rolls, folded tablecloths and place mats. However, few purchasers know that the quality of paper tablecloths is also measured by their water absorptiveness. To assess this factor, the Cobb test is used. Let’s find out what it is and its value.
The Cobb value provides information on the water absorptiveness of paper and cardboard, meaning the amount of water absorbed through direct contact for a given time, in standardized conditions. This is expressed with the symbol (Cobb) and with the number corresponding to the time in seconds used in the test. Therefore, it represents the mass of water absorbed, expressed in grams per square meter. So, how do we assess the Cobb value when purchasing disposable paper table linen? We should look for products with a low Cobb value, indicating a hydrophobic paper. This means that it is difficult for water to pass through the paper making it more tear resistant when wet.
The Cobb value in paper normally varies from 30 to 35, while the colored paper we use for our private label disposable table linen has a Cobb value of 22. This value certifies the quality of our products in terms of resistance to water, which translates into greater durability and higher performance. In substance, even if tablecloths and place mats get wet during use, as the paper has reduced water absorption capacity they will not easily tear. This is a very important factor, which ensures the quality of the product both for those who use our tablecloths in the hospitality sector and for those in the retail sector who resell them with their own brand.
