Product Weight
Support the product without unnecessary bulk, considering dimensions, weight distribution and handling.
Packaging materials
Packaging Materials
for Custom Boxes
Compare materials for custom packaging, from natural kraft and folding boxboard to corrugated and rigid board. The right choice depends on what you are packing, how much protection it needs, the box structure, and how you want the finished packaging to print, feel and perform.
Explore the main material families below or tell us about your product and packaging requirements if you need help deciding.
Not sure which board to specify? We can review your product, dimensions, structure, printing and finishing requirements before the material is confirmed.
Define the job first
Start With What the Packaging Needs to Do
A material that works well for a lightweight retail carton may not suit a shipping box or rigid presentation pack. Start with practical requirements, then narrow down the board specification.
Protection
Retail, storage, ecommerce fulfilment and distribution place different demands on packaging.
Box Structure
The material must work with folds, creases, panels and the assembly method.
Printing
Surface colour, smoothness, texture and coating influence artwork reproduction.
Finishing
Lamination, foil, Spot UV and embossing have substrate requirements.
Presentation
Kraft, smooth white board, corrugated and wrapped rigid board each feel different.
Material selection is part of the complete packaging specification—not simply a choice between board colours or thicknesses.
Compare the main families
Explore Packaging Materials
The broad material family is a useful starting point. Exact grade, thickness and construction can then be selected around the product and box.
Kraft Paper & Board
Natural brown material whose visible surface becomes part of the design. Printing must account for substrate colour.
Explore Kraft Materials →Folding Boxboard & Paperboard
A versatile base for lightweight folding structures and detailed printed graphics.
Explore Paperboard →Corrugated Board
Liners and a fluted inner layer add structural performance for mailers, ecommerce and shipping.
Explore Corrugated Board →Rigid Board
Constructed presentation packaging where stiffness, substantial feel and premium presentation matter.
Explore Rigid Board →Compare Packaging Materials
Use this comparison as a starting point rather than a fixed specification.
| Consideration | Kraft Board | Folding Boxboard | Corrugated Board | Rigid Board |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural appearance | Excellent | Depends on grade | Available | Depends on wrap |
| Detailed printing | Good* | Excellent | Depends on liner | Excellent via printed wrap |
| Lightweight cartons | Excellent | Excellent | Less typical | Not typical |
| Shipping protection | Structure dependent | Limited | Excellent | Application dependent |
| Premium presentation | Good | Excellent | Application dependent | Excellent |
| Folding structures | Excellent | Excellent | Suitable styles | Constructed differently |
| Structural stiffness | Grade dependent | Grade dependent | High | Very high |
*Natural kraft influences colour reproduction. Characteristics vary with grade, thickness, flute, coating, construction and product requirements.
Need help comparing materials?Ask Our Team →
Choose Material by Packaging Requirement
You do not need to know a board specification before starting. Begin with the result the packaging needs to achieve.
I want a natural kraft appearance
Consider Kraft BoardThe recognisable brown substrate can remain visible within the design.
I need detailed retail graphics
Consider Folding BoxboardSmooth paperboard suits detailed artwork and full-colour presentation.
I need protection for shipping
Consider Corrugated BoardFluted construction adds structural support for ecommerce and shipping.
I want substantial presentation packaging
Consider Rigid BoardRigid construction provides stiffness and substantial feel.
I need a lightweight folding carton
Kraft or Folding BoxboardChoose around print surface, product weight and structure.
I need packaging for a heavier product
Start With the StructureAssess dimensions, weight distribution, handling and required protection.
These are starting points, not universal rules. Product weight, dimensions, construction and use determine the final specification.
Kraft Packaging Materials
Kraft is not one universal board specification. Grades differ in weight, thickness, surface and construction.
Natural Appearance
The brown surface can remain visible, from minimal branding to detailed substrate-aware printing.
Different Specifications
A kraft folding carton and corrugated mailer use material differently.
Printing on Kraft
The coloured surface affects lighter inks; white ink may be considered where supported.
Structural Uses
Suitable grades work for cartons, sleeves, mailers and retail packaging.
Finishing
Foil, embossing and other treatments depend on surface and production setup.
Paperboard for Printed Folding Cartons
Folding boxboard and other paperboard grades combine efficient carton construction with a good printing surface.
Smooth Print Surfaces
Suitable grades reproduce typography, graphics and photography.
Folding & Creasing
The board must work with cuts, creases, tabs and closures.
Different Grades
Surface treatment, fibre composition, thickness and stiffness vary.
Product Considerations
Board grade and caliper must suit dimensions, product weight and structure.
Select grade and caliper around the box dimensions, product weight, construction and print surface.
Explore Paperboard Packaging →Corrugated Board for Added Protection
Corrugated board is a layered construction. Its fluted medium creates space between liners and contributes cushioning, stiffness and compression resistance.
Outer Liner
Exterior protection and the primary direct-print surface.
Fluted Medium
Shaped paper providing cushioning and stiffness.
Inner Liner
Completes the construction and interior surface.
Different flute profiles and liner combinations alter thickness, appearance and performance. Printing may be direct or incorporated through a printed liner.
Explore Corrugated Packaging →Rigid Board for Presentation Packaging
Rigid board provides greater stiffness and a substantial constructed format. Thick board components are formed and covered with printed or decorative wrapping material.
High Stiffness
A firm structure suited to presentation packaging.
Wrapped Construction
The structural core and exterior wrap perform different jobs.
Printed Presentation
Detailed artwork is printed onto the wrap before application.
Tactile Experience
Board, wrap and finishes contribute to physical feel.
Inserts
Internal configurations can be developed around the product.
Thickness Is Only Part of the Specification
GSM, thickness and flute describe different aspects of packaging material.
GSM
Grams per square metre describes mass over an area. It is not a universal measure of thickness, stiffness or box strength.
Board Thickness / Caliper
Physical thickness influences stiffness, folding, crease requirements and feel, alongside material grade and structure.
Corrugated Flute
Flute profile changes spacing between liners; flute and liner specifications contribute to overall performance.
A higher GSM does not automatically mean a better or stronger box. Grade, fibres, caliper, flute, structure, dimensions and use all contribute.
Materials by Packaging Application
The product journey often provides a better starting point than appearance alone.
Retail Packaging
Balance presentation, information and construction.
Folding boxboard or kraftEcommerce Packaging
Account for fulfilment, handling, delivery and unboxing.
Corrugated or kraftFood Packaging
Assess product, barriers, storage and intended contact.
Cosmetics & Beauty
Detailed graphics, compact structures and decorative finishes.
Paperboard, kraft or rigidGift & Presentation
Material feel, opening experience and presentation matter.
Rigid, premium paperboard or kraftShipping Packaging
Protection, handling and structural performance take priority.
Corrugated boardThe Material Changes the Printed Result
The same artwork can appear different depending on the surface beneath the ink.
White Paperboard
A light neutral base for controlled colour reproduction.
Natural Kraft
The brown substrate influences colours printed over it.
Corrugated Liner
Liner and construction affect graphic reproduction.
Rigid Box Wrap
Artwork is normally printed onto the wrapping material.
Printing should be specified after the substrate is known.
Explore Printing Methods →Check the Material Before Choosing the Finish
Decorative and protective finishes need to work with the substrate beneath them.
| Material | Lamination | Foil | Spot UV | Embossing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft board | Depends | ✓ | Depends | ✓ |
| Folding boxboard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Corrugated | Depends | Specification dependent | Depends | Depends |
| Rigid box wrap | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
This is general guidance. Compatibility depends on substrate, coating, printing, artwork, tooling and construction.
Explore Packaging Finishes →Consider the Complete Material Specification
Environmental decisions should be based on the complete packaging design rather than the appearance of a single material.
Material Efficiency
Use enough material for protection without unnecessary board.
Fibre Source
Specify sourcing or certification requirements when relevant.
Recycled Content
Balance available recycled grades with print and performance.
Recyclability
Laminates, windows, coatings, adhesives and inserts affect the whole pack.
Right-Sizing
Reduce unnecessary space and improve packing efficiency.
Natural-looking packaging should not automatically be assumed to have a lower environmental impact. Consider source, construction, product protection and realistic end-of-life.
From Material Selection to Production
Material selection sits between understanding the product and finalising print and production.
Product Requirements
Box Structure
Material Selection
Printing Method
Finish Specification
Artwork & Proof
Production
Material is reviewed alongside product, dimensions, structure, print requirements and intended use before finalisation.
See How It Works →Packaging Material FAQs
What material is best for custom boxes?
There is no single best material. Product weight, dimensions, structure, protection, printing, finishing and use determine the choice.
What is the difference between kraft board and paperboard?
Kraft commonly has a natural brown appearance; paperboard covers carton boards with different surfaces, grades and constructions.
What is the difference between paperboard and corrugated board?
Paperboard is generally a single board structure. Corrugated combines liners with a fluted medium for greater structural performance.
What material should I use for shipping boxes?
Corrugated is a common starting point, specified around product weight, dimensions and distribution.
Can kraft packaging be printed in full colour?
Yes, but the brown surface affects colour. Artwork, ink, process and possible white ink must be considered.
Does higher GSM mean stronger packaging?
Not necessarily. GSM measures mass per area; composition, density, caliper, construction and design affect performance.
What is corrugated flute?
The shaped paper medium between liners contributing thickness, stiffness, cushioning and structural behaviour.
Can foil or Spot UV be applied to kraft?
Sometimes, depending on the exact surface, print process, artwork and production setup.
What material is used for rigid boxes?
Thick board commonly forms the core, with a separate paper or printed wrap applied over it.
How do I choose board thickness?
Start with the product, weight, dimensions, structure, material grade and intended use—not a predetermined thickness.
Related Packaging Resources
Material is one part of a connected packaging specification.
Get expert specification support
Choose the Material Around Your Packaging
Tell us what you are packaging, the box style or dimensions, preferred appearance and printing or finishing requirements. If you have not chosen the material, we can help assess suitable options.
Material Guidance
Compare board options against the product.
Free Artwork Check
Check artwork against material and printing.
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