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HELLO CUSTOM BOXES · MATERIAL GUIDE

Packaging materials
guide for
custom boxes.

Compare packaging materials for custom boxes, wraps and liners. Find the right balance of product protection, print quality and presentation before choosing your specification.

Box materialsWraps & linersSpecialty surfaces
Illustrative collection of paperboard, kraft, corrugated, rigid packaging and specialty material samples
Explore the structure. Feel the surface. Choose with purpose.

BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Structure, surface,
and the layers in between.

A box stock, a wrapping paper and a decorative finish do different jobs. Start with the structure that holds your product, then choose the surfaces and inner layers that complete the packaging.

01 / StructureThe board and construction that form the box.
02 / Inner layersFlexible papers for wrapping, lining or separation.
03 / SurfaceColor, texture and reflective effects for presentation.

01 / BOX MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Build the box around your product.

Six starting points for retail cartons, protective packaging and premium presentation.

White stock for printed folding cartons

SBS Paperboard

Solid bleached sulfate (SBS) is white paperboard with a smooth surface for detailed graphics and clean-looking folding cartons. Start here when print clarity and a bright white base are central to your packaging design.

Typical uses Cosmetics, skincare, supplements and lightweight retail products.

Consider A retail carton usually needs an outer shipping box for parcel delivery.

Material details

Compare caliper, coating and crease performance against your box size and filled weight. A white base gives artwork a different appearance from brown or colored stocks. For exposed food, confirm the suitability of the complete packaging specification, including inks and coatings.

Specify: Caliper in pt or mm; coating; crease performance.

Explore box options

Fluted board for shipping packs

Corrugated Board

Corrugated board combines flat liner papers with a fluted paper layer. That structure adds cushioning and stiffness, making it a practical starting point for mailer boxes, shipping cartons and protective packaging.

Typical uses E-commerce orders, subscription boxes, shipping and heavier products.

Consider Choose the board grade and inserts around the packed product; thickness alone does not prove shipping performance.

Material details

Review flute profile, wall construction, liner surface and the relevant strength specification. Smaller flutes can suit compact printed mailers, while other constructions suit different loads and handling conditions. Validate the filled package for its actual shipping route.

Specify: Flute; wall construction; board strength; liner.

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Brown stock for folding boxes

Kraft Paperboard

Kraft paperboard brings a natural brown appearance to folding boxes and sleeves. It works well with simple artwork and understated branding, with the paper color becoming part of the finished design.

Typical uses Soap, candles, handmade goods, apparel accessories and natural-style brands.

Consider Brown stock changes printed colors. A kraft appearance does not establish recycled content or certification.

Material details

Review the exact grade, caliper and surface before choosing artwork. Dark designs often suit the natural background; bright or pale colors may need a suitable white-ink process. Confirm recycled content and responsible-sourcing claims for the selected stock rather than for kraft as a whole.

Specify: Caliper; surface; fiber-content documentation.

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Firm construction with a chosen wrap

Rigid Box Construction

Rigid boxes use a firm supporting structure with an outer wrap to create a substantial presentation. The construction, wrap and insert work together to shape the unboxing experience for premium products and gift sets.

Typical uses Jewelry, perfume, premium gift sets and presentation packaging.

Consider A presentation box may still need a protective outer shipper. Construction affects storage and freight volume.

Material details

Specify the actual supporting stock, thickness, wrap and insert with your packaging team. Rigid describes the finished construction rather than one universal material grade. Compare the finished size, closure and interior fit before committing to production.

Specify: Supporting stock; thickness; wrap; insert fit.

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Dark stock with artwork considerations

Black Cardstock

Black cardstock creates a dark base for premium folding boxes, sleeves and presentation details. It can make a small logo or carefully chosen embellishment stand out without covering the entire surface in print.

Typical uses Beauty, jewelry, accessories, gifts and limited-edition packaging.

Consider Standard process inks will not appear on black as they do on white. Check ink coverage and fold edges.

Material details

Distinguish through-colored black card from white card printed black; cut edges and crease appearance can differ. White ink, foil or other compatible processes may suit the design, depending on the exact stock. Review a physical sample for rubbing, scuffing and artwork contrast.

Specify: Through-color vs printed; caliper; ink compatibility.

Decorative and textured card options

Fancy & Textured Cardstock

Fancy card is a broad name for decorative stocks with distinctive textures, colors or surface effects. Linen-style, embossed and other specialty surfaces can add tactile interest to boxes, sleeves and presentation details.

Typical uses Boutique retail, jewelry, gifts, beauty launches and premium accessories.

Consider Texture can affect fine print, foil coverage and folding. The exact grade matters more than the label.

Material details

Choose from a physical swatch and review the intended print and finishing process on that surface. Some specialty sheets work as a wrap or sleeve rather than as the main structural stock. Confirm color consistency, grain direction and repeat-order availability for the selected grade.

Specify: Named grade; texture; caliper; finishing compatibility.

02 / WRAPPING PAPERS & LINERS

Consider what goes inside.

Flexible layers for presentation, separation and application-specific lining.

Flexible layers inside the box

Paper & Tissue Wrap

Lightweight wrapping paper and tissue create a neat inner presentation around products. They can separate surfaces and add a branded layer inside a suitable outer box, without replacing the box's structural protection.

Typical uses Apparel, accessories, gifts and inner-box presentation.

Consider Thin tissue can tear and offers limited cushioning. Review color transfer around delicate products.

Material details

Specify whether you need tissue, printed wrapping paper or another paper grade; these are not interchangeable. Compare basis weight, opacity, feel and print suitability. Choose an appropriate insert or protective layer where the product needs impact protection.

Specify: Paper grade; GSM; opacity; color-transfer check.

Paper for wraps, liners and light fill

Kraft Wrapping Paper

Kraft wrapping paper is a flexible paper for wrapping, lining and paper-based void fill. Unlike kraft paperboard, it is intended for a wrap or support layer rather than a self-supporting folding carton.

Typical uses Apparel wraps, gift wrapping, box liners and light void fill.

Consider Paper weight and packing method affect performance. It is not a substitute for a load-bearing box.

Material details

Compare GSM, tear behavior, sheet or roll format and print requirements. A wrapping application needs a different specification from crumpled void fill. If direct food contact is intended, request the appropriate stock and documentation for that use.

Specify: GSM; tear behavior; sheet or roll format.

Specify the paper for the food application

Butter / Greaseproof Paper

Often called butter paper in some markets, greaseproof paper is used for food wraps and liners where the specified grade provides the required grease resistance. Describe the food and contact conditions when requesting a recommendation.

Typical uses Bakery liners, food wraps and food-service presentation, using a suitable grade.

Consider Greaseproof, waxed and baking parchment papers are different products. Do not assume oven or microwave suitability.

Material details

Confirm the actual paper identity, grease barrier, direct-contact suitability and any permitted heating conditions. Printing, coatings and adhesives must also suit the intended application. The trade name butter paper alone is not a technical specification or a food-contact assurance.

Specify: Exact grade; barrier; contact conditions; temperature limits.

03 / SPECIALTY SURFACES

A different way to catch the light.

Choose the visual effect and the supporting base stock together.

Color-shifting surface on a base stock

Holographic Stock

Holographic packaging uses a surface effect that changes with the light and viewing angle. It is usually created through a specialty surface, film or foil on a base stock, so appearance and structural strength must be specified separately.

Typical uses Beauty launches, promotional packaging, accessories and statement retail boxes.

Consider The reflective background affects artwork. Recyclability depends on the full material construction.

Material details

Confirm the base board, holographic pattern, coverage and print process. An opaque white layer can help selected artwork remain readable where the process allows it. Review a physical sample under typical retail lighting, and distinguish full-surface stock from a holographic foil accent.

Specify: Base stock; surface construction; pattern; print coverage.

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Reflective surface on a base stock

Metallic / Metallized Stock

Metallic packaging creates a reflective silver, gold or other metal-like appearance on a paper-based substrate. The effect may come from a metallized surface or foil-based construction; the selected base stock determines the box's main structure.

Typical uses Perfume, cosmetics, confectionery gift packaging and premium retail launches.

Consider Metallic stock is different from a small foil-stamped logo. Check the exact construction and recycling guidance.

Material details

Compare full-surface metallic stock with local foil accents before choosing the production route. Confirm ink adhesion, white-ink needs, scuff behavior and fold performance. A reflective appearance does not make the package a metal container or establish a moisture barrier.

Specify: Base stock; surface construction; print and fold compatibility.

Explore box options

Holographic and metallic describe the appearance or surface construction. They do not replace a board-strength specification.

THE SIDE-BY-SIDE VIEW

Compare packaging materials.

Compare each option by its role, surface and typical protection needs.

Packaging materials: typical roles and characteristics
MaterialRole in the packageSurface / appearanceProtection context
SBS PaperboardFolding carton stockSmooth, whiteRetail handling
Corrugated BoardMailer / shipping structureBrown or white linerShipping, when specified
Kraft PaperboardFolding carton / sleeve stockNatural brownRetail handling
Rigid Box ConstructionPresentation box constructionChosen outer wrapPresentation; add transit protection
Black CardstockColored carton / sleeve stockDark, matte or coatedDepends on grade and structure
Fancy & Textured CardstockSpecialty carton stock or wrapTextured / decorativeDepends on selected base
Paper & Tissue WrapInner wrap / presentation layerLightweight and flexibleSurface separation only
Kraft Wrapping PaperWrap / liner / light void fillFlexible, typically brownLight fill or surface separation
Butter / Greaseproof PaperFood wrap / linerGrade-dependent; often translucentGrease barrier, grade-dependent
Holographic StockSpecialty surface on base stockRainbow / color-shiftingSet by base board and structure
Metallic / Metallized StockSpecialty surface on base stockReflective / metal-likeSet by base board and structure

A starting comparison, not a performance rating. Final strength, cost and recycling guidance depend on the selected grade, size, construction and finishing.

START WITH THE JOB

What does your packaging need to do?

Choose a priority for a useful starting point. Multiple materials can work together in one package.

YOUR STARTING POINT

SBS Paperboard

A clean white base for product information, detailed graphics and folding-carton presentation.

See material

BEYOND THE MATERIAL NAME

Choose the specification,
not just the swatch.

The final package depends on how the material is used. Review these details before approving a design.

Discuss your packaging requirements ↗
01

Product, size & route

Measure the packed product, including inserts, and consider weight, fragility, storage and delivery.

02

Thickness & board grade

Compare caliper, paper weight and construction. GSM measures mass per area; it is not a direct thickness or strength rating.

03

Printing & finishing

Check color on the actual stock. Dark, textured and reflective surfaces can need a different artwork approach.

04

Contact needs & end of life

Confirm food-contact requirements where relevant, and review the complete finished package before making recycling or sourcing claims.

A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS

Packaging materials,
explained.

Still weighing up a specification? Share your product and packaging requirements with our team.

Get material guidance ↗
Which material should I choose for a custom box?

Start with the product weight, box size and delivery route. SBS and kraft paperboard suit many retail cartons; corrugated is a starting point for shipping; rigid construction suits presentation. Then select the surface, print and any inserts. Validate the complete package for the intended use.

Are kraft paper and kraft paperboard the same?

No. Kraft wrapping paper is flexible and used for wraps, liners and light void fill. Kraft paperboard is a stiffer stock used for folding cartons and sleeves. Ask for the exact grade and thickness rather than choosing from the color alone.

What is the difference between GSM, points and millimeters?

GSM measures mass per unit area, not thickness. Points and millimeters can describe caliper: one point is 0.001 inch, so 18 pt is about 0.457 mm. Papers with the same GSM can have different thicknesses and stiffness. Compare the actual stock specifications.

Is butter paper the same as baking parchment?

Not necessarily. Butter paper is a trade name used differently across markets. Greaseproof paper, waxed paper and baking parchment can have different treatments and heating limits. Confirm the exact grade and intended use; do not assume a liner is suitable for an oven or microwave.

Are all of these materials suitable for direct food contact?

No material name establishes food-contact suitability by itself. The selected paper, barrier, inks, adhesives and use conditions need to suit the application. Tell us the food type, direct-contact needs, storage conditions and any heating requirements so the specification can be reviewed.

Are holographic and metallic effects the same as foil stamping?

No. Holographic and metallic stocks can have an effect across the surface of a base material. Foil stamping typically adds selected details such as a logo. The chosen process, base stock and coverage affect printing, folding, appearance and end-of-life handling.

Can black and textured stocks be custom printed?

They can be printed using compatible processes, but artwork needs to suit the actual surface. Black stock may need opaque white ink or foil for contrast; a textured surface may affect fine details. Review the intended print and finishing method on a physical sample.

Which packaging materials are recyclable?

Assess the complete finished package rather than its material name. Coatings, films, metallic layers, adhesives, inserts and contamination can affect acceptance. Check the selected construction and local recycling instructions. Brown color alone does not establish recycled content, recyclability or certification.

LET’S MAKE IT FIT

Bring us the product.
We’ll help you choose the packaging.

Share your product, dimensions, quantity and preferred look. Hello Custom Boxes can review the materials and construction for your project.

Get a custom quote

Material imagery is illustrative. Actual color, texture and appearance vary by grade and production.

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