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When it comes to choosing the best material for your custom packaging boxes, it is necessary to keep sustainability, durability and visual appeal in mind. Businesses can boost their brand image by choosing the best paperboard or cardboard options for custom boxes to package their products that align with their brand identity. Paperboard and cardboard materials are green packaging solutions for eco-conscious brands.
Both of these materials are widely popular and commonly used for manufacturing custom packaging boxes in bulk. While these materials share similar properties, they also have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes in packaging. Recent studies show that 71% of respondents were more likely to purchase products from brands that package in paperboard or cardboard than other materials.
There are many cost-effective packaging materials that don’t compromise quality. Here we will discuss the best paperboard and cardboard option for custom boxes. Want to know more about these materials and which material is best for your business? Let’s explore paperboard and cardboard material options in depth!
What is a Paperboard?
It is a thick and more durable material than regular paper. Paperboard usually starts at 0.30mm, 0.012 in, or 12 points. Paperboard material is widely used in packaging boxes or containers. They are used for making folding cartons and other retail packaging. It is a versatile material and can be folded into different shapes and designs. It is easy to print on paperboard and that’s why it is preferred for branding.
Advantages Of Paperboard:
Here are some of the advantages of paperboard:
- Versatile: It is a versatile packaging option as it can be cut and folded into different shapes and designs.
- Printable: It offers a high quality printing surface for brand visibility.
- Recyclable: It is recyclable and biodegradable which is a good fit for eco-conscious brands.
- Light Weight: It is a light weight material as compared to cardboard.
- Cost-effective: It is cost effective due to its weight and reduces the shipping cost.
Common Applications Of Paperboard Packaging:
Here are some of the common applications of paperboard:
- Food & beverage cartons such as cereal boxes and frozen food packaging boxes.
- Retail packaging for health and beauty products.
- Sustainable luxury packaging, like high end retail boxes and custom designed packaging.
Paperboard Option For Custom Boxes
There are many types of specialty paperboard but we will discuss here some of the popular paperboard options for custom box:
- Chipboard Paperboard
- Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) Paperboard
- Folding Boxboard (FBB) Paperboard
- Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) Paperboard
Chipboard Paperboard
Chipboard is made from recycled fibers and it is a more economical packaging material than others. This material is used for lightweight packaging options such as tissue boxes, cereal boxes etc. It is easily affected by moisture which weakens and discolours it.
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) Paperboard
It is a premium quality material made from chemically whitened wood pulp. The bleaching process leaves the surface smooth and white. Which helps to make it an excellent option for printing and graphics. This type of paperboard is more expensive than the other options as it provides a sleek and high-end appearance to the custom boxes. Sectors that regularly use SBS include:
- Cosmetics
- Wet foods
- Frozen foods
- Tobacco
- Dairy products (butter, ice cream, milk)
- Meats
- Perishable bakery products
- Medical products
Folding Boxboard (FBB) Paperboard
Folding boxboard is made from several different layers of mechanical and chemical pulp. It is a lightweight & durable material and can be folded into many shapes without any breakage. It provides excellent flexibility and foldability. It is majorly used for health and beauty products and is an ideal option for retail packaging.
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) Paperboard
Coated unbleached kraft is made from unbleached virgin fiberboard. It is clay-coated or laminated with matte finish on the outer side for printing and the inner side is uncoated. This material offers a rustic and aesthetic appearance to the eco-friendly custom packaging boxes bulk. It is a strong and eco-friendly packaging material for brands looking for sustainable packaging options to reduce environmental impact. This custom packaging option can be used for frozen food items as it resists moisture and dust. It’s commonly used for beer and soft drink beverage containers as well as heavy-duty retail packaging such as hardware and concentrated laundry detergents.
Designing for the Future with Paperboard Packaging
Paperboard packaging is becoming more popular as different companies are now developing innovative packaging solutions to meet customer’s demands. Every year, the Paperboard Packaging Alliance challenges students across North America to develop innovative, recyclable paper-packaging solutions for real-world scenarios. See what the next generation of design talent is up to.
What Is a Cardboard?
It is a thick paper-based material with different layers of compressed paper pulp. It is a durable and sustainable packaging material that is used for product protection during shipping. It is an adaptable material that comes in different thicknesses. Due to its versatility and durability it is becoming a popular and preferred choice for companies in different industries. Material choices affect durability of packaging as durable cardboard material can be used for packaging different items.
Advantages Of Cardboard:
Here are some of the advantages of cardboard:
- Cost-effective: It is a cost-effective solution as compared to plastic and metal packaging.
- Durable: It is a durable material option and is used to protect fragile products or heavy weight items.
- Customizable: It can be customized to fit branding and functional requirements.
- Sustainable: It is made from recyclable materials and is an eco-friendly option.
- Marketing Tool: Due to its printability option like logo and other brand elements, it acts as a powerful marketing tool for brands.
Common Applications Of Cardboard Packaging:
Here are some common uses of cardboard packaging:
- E-commerce packaging and shipping boxes.
- Heavy-duty packaging for fragile items.
- Customized protective inserts and partitions inside the packaging boxes.
Cardboard Options For Custom Boxes
There are different types of cardboard options with different specifications that are used for manufacturing custom boxes. Some of them are as follows:
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Kraft Cardboard
- Rigid Cardboard
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard consists of multiple ply that include an inner fluted layer sandwiched between two outer linerboards. The fluted layer acts as a cushion to create a shock-resistant structure that makes it a durable option for shipping and heavy duty product packaging boxes for sale. There are three types of corrugated cardboard:
- Single-wall: It consists of one fluted layer between two linerboards.
- Double-wall: It consists of two fluted layers between three linerboards.
- Triple-wall: It consists of three fluted layers between four linerboards.
Kraft Cardboard
Kraft cardboard is a thick, strong and durable packaging material option. It has a natural aesthetic look which appeals to customers. It is a sustainable material and has a high tear-resistant quality. That makes it a perfect choice for those brands looking for natural and eco friendly product packaging boxes.
Rigid Cardboard
Rigid material is used for premium packaging for luxury unboxing experience. It is a thick and durable cardboard material. It is used for packaging different products that require a luxury look and feel. It is essential for making decorative gift boxes, jewellery packaging and electronic appliance packaging boxes etc. You can choose corrugated cardboard or rigid boxes for shipping purposes due to their durability.
Comparison Of Paperboard Vs Cardboard
Here are some of the key components between specialty paperboard and cardboard summarized in the table below:
| Feature | Paperboard | Cardboard |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single, dense sheet | Multi-plies with fluted layers |
| Thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Strength | Lower strength, less durable | Higher strength, more rigid |
| Costs | Lower cost | Slightly higher cost |
| Aesthetics | Smooth surface for better printing options | More rugged surface |
| Best Uses | Consumer-facing cartons, retail packaging | Shipping, structural packaging, heavy items |
| Examples | Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, greeting cards | Shipping boxes, moving boxes, electronics packaging |
Choosing The Right Option For Custom Boxes
Choosing the right option for custom boxes totally depends on your specific business type and your products. Both materials offer their unique benefits as cardboard’s strength and recyclability makes it a perfect choice for shipping heavy items. Whereas, paperboard’s flexibility and better print quality makes it a preferable option for attractive packaging design.
The key is to analyze your specific business and product requirements. Whether cardboard’s ruggedness and sturdiness align better with your product or paperboard’s design adaptability proves more beneficial to your business. The answer to this question lies in integrating the role of packaging in your product lifecycle, from production to customer’s hands.
Turn Your Visions Into Reality- Start Designing With Hot Custom Boxes Today!
Interested in learning more about our paperboard and cardboard packaging capabilities? Get in touch through a call (332) 263-6086 with our team’s experts at Hot Custom Boxes to discuss your packaging needs with us or request a free quote now!