Quick Overview: Rigid stock is a premium material option. It is a combination of two basic materials, such as thick cardboard/chipboard and specialty paper, that helps in manufacturing custom rigid boxes.
Many people consider rigid stock a separate category in the materials section. But in reality, rigid stock combines two basic materials: cardstock and paper stock. Together, they form rigid stock, a solid, printable material.
In this definitive guide, I will walk you through what rigid stock is, why it matters, how it’s made, and the benefits of using this material.
What is Rigid Stock?
Rigid stock is a solid, printable material that is used to manufacture premium rigid boxes. Rigid stock combines two different materials, such as cardboard/chipboard and paperboard, to create a premium material.
Process of Making Rigid Stock
As discussed above, rigid stock is made of two materials: cardstock and paper stock. But you may wonder how these two materials contribute to assembling a premium and luxurious rigid stock.
Making rigid stock involves two steps: compressing or selecting the right chipboard and pasting paper stock for printing. Below, you can find the details of the process of making rigid stock.
Cardboard Compressing
Cardboard generally starts at 300 grams. For rigid stock, you will need it to be 800 grams.
To do this, compress the cardboard layers until they reach 800 grams, resulting in a wood-like texture. Now, you have rigid material, but it isn’t printable yet. For that, you’ll need paper stock.
Or you can simply select the right chipboard material with the right thickness, ranging from 2mm–3mm.
Paper Stock Helps with the Printing Procedure
After compressing your cardboard material into a rigid shape, you can utilize the paper stock for printing. Consequently, you’ll be able to undertake post-processing for your box manufacturing, which includes printing, foiling, embossing, and other decorative elements.
Types of Rigid Stock
Rigid stock can be found in various forms, but the most durable and sustainable rigid stock options are as follows:
Duplex Chipboard
The duplex chipboard consists of two main layers. One is coated, and the other is grey. This material gives your box a sturdy structure and a printable surface. Duplex board is perfect for manufacturing luxury rigid boxes for various businesses, including:
- Retail
- Cosmetic/Skincare
- Electronics
- Jewelry
Grey Chipboard
Grey chipboard is made from recyclable paper and comes in thicknesses ranging from 800 gsm to 2000 gsm. This rigid stock is sustainable and durable, and many businesses use it to manufacture eco-friendly luxury boxes.
Here are some of the benefits of using grey chipboard:
- Offers a sturdy and strong base for your box
- Sustainable and recyclable
- Provides excellent protection for delicate products
- Creates a premium and luxurious presentation
Kraft Chipboard
Kraft chipboard is made from recycled paper fibers and is known for its natural brown appearance. It is strong, recyclable, and commonly used to manufacture sustainable rigid boxes.
Here are some benefits of using kraft chipboard:
- Offers excellent strength and durability
- Sustainable and recyclable material
Thick Cardboard
Thick cardboard provides a strong and sturdy base for manufacturing rigid boxes. Its thickness helps protect products while giving the packaging a premium and well-structured appearance.
Here are some benefits of using thick cardboard:
- Provides excellent product protection
- Maintains the box shape and structure
Benefits of Using Rigid Stock
Now that we know what rigid stock is, it’s time to see what benefits rigid stock has to offer. Rigid stock is popular for various reasons, including its key features, but here are some of the benefits of rigid stock that make it popular among various industries as a premium material option:
- Strong and Durable: Rigid stock provides excellent strength and keeps the box in shape during storage, handling, and transportation.
- Premium Appearance: Its thick and sturdy construction gives packaging a high-end look and feel.
- Better Product Protection: Rigid stock protects delicate and high-value products from impacts, pressure, and other damage.
- Highly Customizable: You can wrap it in custom-printed paper and enhance it with foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, and other finishes.
- Reusable: Rigid boxes are durable enough to be reused for storage, gifting, or other purposes.
- Suitable for Various Industries: Rigid stock is commonly used for jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, apparel, gifts, and other premium products.
Conclusion
Rigid stock is a reliable material for creating strong, durable, and premium packaging. With options like grey, kraft, and duplex chipboard, businesses can choose the right material based on their products. Its strength, customization options, and premium appearance make rigid stock an excellent choice for manufacturing high-quality rigid boxes.
Need expert help for choosing the right rigid stock? If you’re not sure which rigid stock is right for your rigid box packaging, our packaging experts can help you choose the best option for your needs.
