Abstract: The current invention provides improved electrostatic shielding packaging materials. The improved materials comprise paper having a electrostatic shielding layer capable of attenuating high voltage discharges sufficiently to preclude damage to an ESD-sensitive device. The electrostatic shielding layer comprises at least one coat of a conductive material and at least one coat of a protective varnish. The current invention also provides a method for preparing electrostatic shielding packaging materials. The method of the current invention applies the electrostatic shielding layer using a preprint process. Further, the current invention provides a method for protecting ESD-sensitive components from electrostatic discharge. Finally, the current invention also provides electrostatic shielding packaging material having a visually identifiable mark within an electrostatic shielding layer carried by the packaging material and a method for preparing the same.