The foundation of a good box
Materials with purpose.
Consider the surface, structure and feel of your packaging. These are the four board families the studio supports; your printer confirms the exact grade during quoting.
White SBS
- Thickness
- 18 pt (0.46 mm) or 24 pt (0.61 mm)
- Look and feel
- Bright white, smooth surface. The best base for accurate colour and fine detail.
- Best for
- Cosmetics, supplements, retail cartons and anything with photography.
- Watch for
- Shows scuffs on dark full-colour designs; a matte or soft-touch coat helps.
Try it with: Straight Tuck End, Reverse Tuck End, Auto-Lock Bottom, Five-Panel Hanger Box
Natural Kraft
- Thickness
- 18 pt (about 0.46 mm)
- Look and feel
- Warm brown, natural fibre texture. Dark inks and one-colour designs look strong.
- Best for
- Soaps, candles, food and brands with a natural or low-waste story.
- Watch for
- Bright colours print darker than on white board.
Try it with: Straight Tuck End, Pillow Box, Gable Top Carton, Packaging Sleeve
Rigid board
- Thickness
- 1.5 to 3 mm greyboard, wrapped in printed paper
- Look and feel
- Heavy and solid in the hand. The wrap paper carries the print and finish.
- Best for
- Gift boxes, jewellery, launch kits and keepsake packaging.
- Watch for
- Does not fold flat once made, so storage and shipping cost more.
Try it with: Two-Piece Rigid Box, Magnetic Closure Book Box, Sliding Rigid Drawer Box, Shoulder & Neck Box
Corrugated board
- Thickness
- E-flute about 1.5 mm; B-flute about 3 mm
- Look and feel
- Fluted core between liners, in kraft or white. Strong for its weight.
- Best for
- Mailers, shippers, displays and anything that travels by courier.
- Watch for
- Fine print detail softens over the flutes; keep small text bold.
Try it with: Roll-End Tuck Front Mailer, Regular Slotted Carton, Counter Display Unit, Die-Cut Pizza Box
Colours on screen are a guide. Board shade varies by mill and batch, and printing changes how it looks. Order a sample or a printed proof before a large run.