Paperboard

What is paperboard?

Paperboard is a versatile, thick paper-based material, generally above 200gsm in weight. Paperboard is strong, flexible, and sturdy. It has a good balance of thickness and light weight, making it both durable and light. These qualities are important in industries that need strong structures. This includes packaging and high-quality graphic printing. Examples are luxury packaging and cartons, book covers, postcards, and magazines. Additionally, it’s a popular choice in fine arts for creating sculptures due to its formability and sturdiness.

There are different types of paperboard. These include graphical boards and cartonboard. They come in single- and multi-ply formats. This variety offers flexibility for creative and practical uses. Paperboard is also environmentally friendly, especially when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Unlike plastic, it’s recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable, supporting eco-conscious efforts in multiple sectors. Common synonyms for paperboard include cardboard, solidboard, cartonboard, and coated board, each often reflecting specific uses or properties.

Why choose paperboard and how to select the right type

Paperboard offers a unique combination of strength, lightweight properties, and versatility, making it ideal for various applications. It provides robust protection for products during transportation and storage while remaining easy to handle. The high-quality printability of paperboard lets brands make eye-catching designs with special finishes. This helps products stand out on shelves.

Beyond packaging, paperboard is important for communication. It is a great medium for educational and informational materials like books, cards, and documents. In addition to its functional benefits, paperboard is a sustainable alternative to plastics. Sourced from renewable materials, it is recyclable, biodegradable, and supports a natural ecological cycle. By choosing paperboard, companies help conserve forests and support the environment. Sustainable production keeps forests healthy, which is important for biodiversity and the planet.

Choosing the right paperboard for packaging needs depends on specific requirements like print quality, durability, and environmental impact. For high-quality prints, Solid Bleached Sulphate Boards are a great option. They offer a smooth, bright surface ideal for luxury products.

Folding Box Board (FBB) is strong and lightweight. It is great for many uses, especially in retail and food packaging. FBB is available in two types: GC1 and GC2. GC1 typically has multiple coatings on the print surface and a single coating on the reverse. GC2 is typically coated on the print surface and has an uncoated reverse. This variety offers flexibility for different design needs.

Greyboards are strong and made from recycled materials. They are versatile and used in many applications. Fine Boards provide a premium feel for luxury uses. They are perfect for high-end tags, bookbinding, and point-of-sale displays. These boards enhance portfolio for specialist applications.

Choosing the right type of paperboard is important. It can be for print, strength, or environmental benefits. This choice helps protect your products. It also makes them look good and match your brand’s values.

What paperboard options are available for graphical and packaging design projects?

When selecting paper boards for graphical or packaging design, it's essential to consider sustainability, without compromising on print quality or durability.

One standout option is Invercote Range, Invercote G is a triple-coated solid bleached board (SBS). Invercote G has a smooth, silky surface. It accurately reproduces detailed printed images. It also works very well with challenging finishing methods like foil and film lamination. Its structural strength and excellent foldability make it perfect for graphical applications and high-end packaging.

Another option is Incada Silk. It is a GC1 Folding Box Board (FBB) with a silk coating on the front and a single coating on the back. Incada Silk stands out for its stiffness and visual impact, delivering exceptional results across various printing techniques, including litho, flexographic, and digital presses. Its multi-layered design has fresh fibre outer layers and CTMP inner layers. This gives it strength and bulk, making it perfect for high-end carton use. Incada Silk has great runnability and nice print finishes on both sides. It is a fantastic choice for sustainable packaging solutions.