Paperboard packaging is the most commonly used packaging in the market. We all have our encounters with paperboard packaging. But have you ever wondered what paperboard packaging is?
Made of thick paperboard material with printed branded artwork, these boxes are perfect for storing retail products.
These custom boxes come in unique styles and structures, and paperboard packaging helps in engaging consumers on the store shelf.
In the era of eco-awareness, many businesses have made paperboard packaging their number one way to pack products and attract customers.
Before we talk more about paperboard packaging, let’s discuss what is paperboard.
What is Paperboard?
Paperboard is one of the primary materials that is used in manufacturing cartons and bags, such as folding cartons, paper cups, and coated boards.
Paperboard comes in various thicknesses, and the use of thickness totally depends on what kind of product you want to store in your custom paperboard packaging.
Types of Paperboard
There are four common types of paperboard materials, and they are mentioned below:
SOLID BLEACHED SULFATE (SBS)
SBS, or solid bleached sulfate, is a premium grade of paperboard known for its exceptionally smooth and bright white surface. Its clay coating provides excellent printability, making it ideal for packaging luxury items, cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals where both visual appeal and hygiene are paramount.
COATED UNBLEACHED KRAFT (CUK)
CUK, or coated unbleached kraft, is a versatile paperboard offering strength and printability. Made primarily from long-fibered softwood pulp, it gets its durability from these tough fibers. A clay coating on one side provides a smooth white surface for high-quality printing. CUK is favored for beverage packaging, heavier retail items like hardware and detergents, and anywhere a combination of strength and visual appeal is needed.
COATED RECYCLED PAPERBOARD
This eco-friendly paperboard is manufactured from recycled fibers, including post-consumer waste and paper mill scraps. It often features a top layer of white fibers for a clean appearance and a clay coating to enhance printability. Coated recycled paperboard is a sustainable choice for packaging dry goods like cereals, pasta, bakery items, and household products like soaps, detergents, and tissues.
NON-BENDING CHIPBOARD
This thick, rigid paperboard is primarily made from recycled paper products, such as newspapers and corrugated boxes. Non-bending chipboard provides exceptional strength and stability, making it perfect for creating sturdy boxes that resist crushing during shipping. It’s often used as the core material for high-end packaging of cosmetics, chocolates, jewelry, and electronics, and then finished with a decorative paper or printed outer layer.
Types of Paperboard Packaging
Paperboard packaging comes in various types, each designed to suit specific packaging needs and some of the most popular ones are mentioned below:
- Folding Cartons: These are the most commonly used paperboard packaging, crafted from flat sheets of paperboard folded into box-like structures. They find applications in industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods.
- Rigid Boxes: Also known as set-up boxes, these are made from thicker and sturdier grades of paperboard, offering high protection and a premium appearance. They are often used for luxury or high-end products such as electronics, perfumes, and jewelry.
- Tubes and Cores: These cylindrical structures are created from spiral-wound layers of paperboard. They are commonly employed for packaging items like posters, textiles, and industrial materials.
Benefits of Paperboard Packaging:
Choosing the right packaging is crucial for product success. Paperboard boxes shine in this arena, offering a winning combination of practicality, eye-catching appeal, and sustainability. Let’s break down why they’re a top choice:
- Shelf Superstars: These boxes are designed to turn heads. Their customization options are vast – from vivid colors and graphics to unique textures and finishes. This means your product won’t just sit on a shelf, it will leap out at customers. Additionally, their strength ensures they arrive in perfect condition, enhancing the consumer experience.
- Eco-Friendly: In today’s market, sustainability matters. This aligns with consumer values and makes your brand an environmentally-conscious choice.
- Design Freedom: They take printing and finishes beautifully, letting you express your brand’s personality. Embossing, foil accents, and creative shapes all elevate your product packaging.
- Budget-Friendly: All these advantages might sound expensive, but paperboard boxes are surprisingly cost-effective. Their streamlined production and flat shipping format keep costs down, delivering incredible value for your packaging investment.
