What is a paperboard? You might be searching for this. Let me tell you, it is a thick and strong paper. However, it is widely used to make custom boxes for luxury products.
One of the most important features is that it is lighter than cardboard. Lightweight but still it is durable enough to keep things safe. However, you can find paperboard in many products, like food boxes, gift boxes, and even luxury packaging.
In this guide, we will explain what is paperboard made of, the different types, how thick it can be, and why it is a popular choice for packaging.
What Is Paperboard Made Of?
Paperboard is made from a combination of materials that give it strength, durability, and a smooth surface for printing. These materials work together to create a lightweight yet sturdy sheet that can be used to make boxes and folding cartons.
The main components are:
- Wood pulp
- Recycled fiber
- Coatings
- Additives
Together, these materials make paperboard strong, reliable, and perfect for protecting products while looking attractive.
Paperboard Measurements and Thickness
When picking packaging, you must understand how the industry measures thickness. The most common way to measure paperboard is by using points.
1 point = 1/1000=0.001 inches.
For example, a 16pt paperboard is 0.016 inches thick. It is the standard size for retail boxes, like those used for tea. If you have a heavier product, you might move up to 24pt.
Why Is Paperboard a Popular Packaging Material?
The simple answer is it is strong and good for creating a luxurious look and feel. Is it strong enough? Yes. It is strong enough to protect products while being light and easy to handle.
You might also have seen it for different products. It is ideal used for everything from custom snack boxes to high-end gift sets. But how? Because, it offers a great surface for bright colors and sharp logos, which helps brands stand out on a shelf. Plus, it is a smart choice for the planet since it is easy to recycle and breaks down naturally.
People choose it mainly because:
- It stays light but keeps things safe
- Branding is a breeze
- It fits almost any product
What are the Different Types of Paperboard Used in Packaging?
What is paperboard used for? And what are its types? Paperboard comes in several types, each serving a different packaging sustainability need. Meanwhile, the pulp and paper industry designs some types to provide strong protection, while others focus on smooth surfaces for better printing quality.
However, as this material includes everything you need, it make your easeir to choose the right material based on product weight, packaging design, and durability requirements.
The most common types of Paperboard used in packaging are:
Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB) for Cost-Effective Packaging
Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB) is a common type of Paperboard used for creating affordable packaging. We create this type of paperboard using recycled paper fibers and apply a clay coating on the surface for quality printing.
However, the coating helps brands add clear graphics and product details on the custom paperboard boxes. Many brands choose CCNB paperboard for the folding carton packaging, such as cereal boxes and toy packaging. It is because they offer a good balance and cost performance.
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) Paperboard for Premium Printing
What is paperboard? Still looking for it or SBS paperboard, the high-quality paperboard type with bleached sulfate for awesome printing. This solid bleached sulfate (SBS) comes from pure wood pulp, which gives it a clean white surface and strong structure.
In addition, it offers strength, safety, and an excellent printing finish. However, the smooth surface allows brands to print sharp colors, brand information in detail, and awesome designs.
Meanwhile, it is ideal for cosmetics, food products, and luxury folding cartons.
Folding Box Board (FBB) for Lightweight Folding Cartons
FBB is another type of paperboard. It gives brands strong yet lightweight paperboard packaging options. And what is paperboard made of? However, at Packaging House US, we offer this paperboard material with layers of mechanical pulp in the middle and chemical pulp on the outer sides.
Meanwhile, this structure creates a stiff board that folds easily and keeps its shape. Many companies use FBB for folding cartons, food packaging, and healthcare products. Brands choose this packaging paperboard grade when they need strong protection, smooth printing, and lighter packaging weight.
Natural Kraft (SUS) and Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) for Strong Eco Packaging
The coated unbleached Kraft paper gives brands strong and durable packaging options. However, it lets you create custom eco friendly packaging and do branding. Paperboard manufacturing companies create this from unbleached wood fibers, which keeps the natural brown color and strong structure.
In addition, SUS offers a natural look, while CUK adds a coated surface that improves printing and design quality. Meanwhile, many brands use kraft paperboard boxes for food packaging, beverage carriers, and retail packaging.
Paperboard vs Other Packaging Materials
Brands choose a packaging type that suits their product needs, like strength, weight, and how it looks. Paperboard is a top choice because it is strong and also light.
It helps companies keep products safe without adding too much weight to shipping.
Understanding the Key Materials
| Material | Standard Thickness (Points) | Best Use Case | Print Quality |
| Cardstock | 10pt to 14pt | Business cards, thank you notes, light inserts. | High |
| Paperboard | 16pt to 24pt | Retail boxes, cosmetics, medicine, dry food. | Excellent |
| Chipboard | 30pt to 60pt | Rigid gift boxes, notepad backs, box dividers. | Poor |
| Cardboard | 125pt+ (E-flute to C-flute) | Shipping boxes and heavy mailers. | Fair |
What is the difference between paperboard and chipboard?
- Paperboard: It is a high-quality virgin or recycled wood fiber material. It features a bleached or coated surface to bring a very smooth look for printing. In addition, it is ideal for retail packaging, medicine, or cereal boxes because it looks great for printing.
- Chipboard: It comes from completely recycled paper. It is usually gray or tan, and it is less strong than paperboard. It is difficult to print on because it absorbs ink like a sponge.
Also, many people ask, what is the difference between Cardboard and paperboard?
Paperboard: A single, thick layer of paper. Think of a macaroni box. It is stiff but thin.
Cardboard (Corrugated Cardboard): It includes 3 layers. Two flat outer layers and one fluted or wavy layer for flexibility. It is stronger, ideal for heavy lifting, and protection during mail delivery.
3 Common Types of Paperboard Boxes
What is paperboard used for in the product types? Companies use three main styles to pack their goods:
- Folding Cartons: These are the classic boxes you see in the cereal or medicine aisle.
- Rigid Boxes: These are highly durable and feel high-end, like the box for a new smartphone.
- Paperboard Boxes: General-purpose boxes used for everything from toys to electronics.
Advantages of Using Paperboard Packaging
Paperboard gives brands a perfect mix of strength and style. It keeps your products safe without adding extra weight, which is a great way to save on shipping costs.
Because the surface is so smooth, your logos and designs will look sharp and professional every time. Choosing this material is also a huge win for the planet. Since it is recyclable and breaks down naturally, it helps your brand stay eco-friendly while looking high-end.
If you want a cost-effective and durable solution that works for almost any product, paperboard is the way to go.
- Lightweight but Strong Packaging Material
- Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging
- High-Quality Printing for Branding
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is paperboard is the first step toward creating high-quality packaging. It offers the perfect mix of strength, light weight, and a premium look for printing. Because this material is so versatile, you can use it for everything from simple snack boxes to high-end gift sets.
Really? Yes. And, if you need a help, you can get custom boxes with your logo from Packaging House US. Picking paperboard also shows that your brand cares about the planet. Since it is easy to recycle and breaks down naturally, you can reduce waste while keeping a professional look.
If you want a packaging choice that saves you money and looks amazing, paperboard is easily the best pick for your project.
