Packaging by Material
Packaging by Material
Custom Packaging Materials for Different Box Types
Protect your products and strengthen your brand by choosing the right packaging materials, from kraft and paperboard to corrugated and rigid board, based on your product, budget, and branding needs.
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Kraft Board
#kraftPaperboard
#paperboardCardstock
#cardstockCorrugated Board
#corrugatedRigid Box Materials
#rigidColoured Board Options
#colouredRecyclability and Paper-Based Options
#sustainable
Packaging Materials We Work With
Packaging materials differ in stiffness, protective performance, surface finish, and print compatibility. Compare their constructions and typical uses to find the right material for your product.
Mailers
Product boxes
Bags
Kraft Board
Kraft board is unbleached brown paperboard made from wood fibres, giving packaging a natural appearance. Its weight and construction affect rigidity, print quality, and suitability for different boxes.
Key characteristics
Natural brown colour and paper-fibre texture
Available in different weights and constructions
Suitable for flexographic and digital printing, depending on specification
Retail cartons
Cosmetics cartons
Product sleeves
Paperboard
Paperboard is a smooth, lightweight board for folding cartons. Its printable surface reproduces brand colours and graphics, making it suitable for retail packaging without corrugated fluting.
Key characteristics
Smooth surfaces for detailed, full-colour print
Creased and folded into carton styles
Board grade affects stiffness and protection
Inserts
Tags
Small packaging components
Cardstock
Cardstock is a thicker paper stock used for lightweight packaging components, cards and inserts. Its weight and finish affect firmness, print detail, and suitability for die-cut shapes.
Key characteristics
Coated and uncoated options, subject to availability
Typically specified by weight in gsm
Suitable for printed details and die-cut shapes
Mailer boxes
Shipping boxes
E-commerce packaging
Corrugated Board
Corrugated board has a fluted layer between flat liners that adds cushioning and strength. Flute profile, board grade, and wall construction affect stacking performance and transit protection.
Key characteristics
Single-wall and double-wall constructions
Flute profiles affect thickness and cushioning
Outer liner influences print quality
Gift boxes
Jewellery boxes
Presentation packaging
Luxury
Rigid Box Materials
Rigid boxes use thick greyboard wrapped in printed or decorative paper to create a firm, ready-formed structure. They suit presentation packaging but require more storage and shipping space.
Key characteristics
Thick greyboard core with a wrapped finish
Holds its shape without folding flat
Compatible finishes may include foil and embossing
Retail packaging
Gift packaging
Coloured Board Options
Coloured board gives packaging a distinctive base shade before printing. Available colours, surface finishes and compatibility with white ink or foil depend on the selected stock.
Key characteristics
Colour may run through the board or cover its surface
Available shades depend on supplier stock
Print and finish compatibility requires checking
Kraft board
Uncoated paperboard
Corrugated board
Recyclable and Paper-Based Packaging Options
Paper-based packaging is widely collected for recycling in the UK, but the recyclability of a finished box depends on its coatings, laminations, adhesives and attached components, as well as local recycling facilities.
Things to consider
Board composition and recycled content
Coatings, laminations and attached components
Acceptance by local recycling facilities
Also available
Flexible Packaging: Kraft Mylar Bags
Need a pouch rather than a box? Kraft Mylar bags combine a kraft-style exterior with a flexible format. Barrier properties depend on the bag’s construction.
Compare Packaging Materials for Your Requirements
A general guide. Strength, print quality, moisture resistance and recyclability all depend on the exact grade, thickness, coatings and construction.
Material
Construction
Strength and Protection
Printability and branding
Typical Applications
Recyclability Considerations
Kraft Board
Natural brown paper-based board
Depends on grade and box design.
Depends on grade and print process.
Mailers, product boxes, bags
Coatings and local facilities affect recyclability.
Paperboard
Smooth, foldable solid board
Suitable for many lightweight cartons
Supports printed graphics, subject to specification
Retail cartons, cosmetics cartons, sleeves
Coatings and laminates may affect recyclability
Cardstock
Thick paper stock
Suitable for lightweight components
Supports printed details and die-cut shapes
Inserts, tags, small components
Composition and finishes affect recyclability.
Corrugated Board
Fluted core between flat liners
Provides structural support during handling and transit
Depends on the outer liner and print process.
Mailers, shipping boxes, e-commerce packaging
Construction and local facilities affect recyclability.
Rigid Box Materials
Thick board core with a paper wrap
Provides a firm, structured presentation
Depends on the wrap and print process
Gift boxes, jewellery boxes, presentation packaging
Wraps, coatings and attached components affect recyclability.
Which Material Is Right for Your Product?
Find custom packaging materials for product protection, branded presentation and shipping. Compare options by product type, then explore suitable box styles.
Cosmetics and Skincare
Paperboard cartons showcase brand colours; rigid boxes present skincare gift sets.
Bakery and Confectionery
Kraft and paperboard boxes suit bakery packaging when specified for food contact.
E-commerce
Corrugated mailer boxes combine transit protection with printed outer branding.
Jewellery and Gifts
Rigid gift boxes pair structured presentation with fitted inserts and foil details.
Retail Products
Printed paperboard cartons display product details and brand graphics on shelves.
Apparel and Accessories
Kraft mailers and printed cardstock packaging support lightweight clothing and accessories.
Foil detail
Embossing
Spot UV
Custom insert
Customisation and Finishing Options
Customise your packaging with tailored dimensions, printed artwork, surface coatings and decorative finishes. Available options depend on the material, box style and specification.
Size and structure
Custom box dimensions, structural styles and inserts designed around your product.
Printed artwork
Digital or offset printing, brand colour matching and artwork prepared to the box dieline.
Coatings
Matt or gloss lamination, soft-touch lamination, aqueous coatings and varnishes.
Embellishments
Gold or silver foil, spot UV, raised ink, embossing and debossing for added visual detail.
Why Choose Artsy Packaging?
Artsy Packaging helps you select suitable packaging materials based on your product, protection needs, presentation, and budget.
Custom Sizes for Your Products
We specify box dimensions to suit your products, helping you assess the fit and internal space required for the intended packaging.
Materials to Suit Your Packaging Needs
Our team discusses paperboard, corrugated and rigid-box constructions to help you compare product protection, presentation and cost.
Printing and Finishing for Your Brand
Artsy Packaging offers printing and finishing options to carry your brand colours, graphics and visual identity across your packaging.
Clear Artwork Guidance
Our team explains the dieline and artwork requirements so you can prepare files for review before production.
UK-Based Team and Delivery Planning
Our UK-based team discusses estimated production lead times, delivery arrangements, and applicable costs before you place your order.
Support from Brief to Sample
We explain the available sampling options so you can review the proposed construction, materials and finishes before approving production.
Find the Right Packaging Material for Your Product
Share your product dimensions, order quantity and budget. Our team will discuss suitable materials, box constructions and finishing options for your order.
Prefer to talk? 0121 582 4303
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Contact our team.
What materials are commonly used for custom packaging?
Common options include kraft paper and board, folding carton board, corrugated board, and the materials used to construct rigid boxes. The suitable specification depends on your product, required protection, presentation, printing, order quantity, and budget. Material and box structure should be assessed together.
What is the difference between paperboard and corrugated board?
Folding carton board is a solid paperboard used for cartons and sleeves, while corrugated board contains one or more fluted layers between flat liners. Folding carton board is commonly used for retail presentation; corrugated board is often selected for shipping and transit protection. The appropriate grade and construction depend on the product and packaging requirements.
Is kraft board suitable for custom-printed boxes?
Yes, suitable kraft paper and board grades can be printed with logos and other artwork. On unbleached brown stock, the substrate colour can affect the appearance of printed colours. White ink or selected spot colours may be suitable where the printing process and specification allow.
Which packaging material is suitable for e-commerce shipping?
Corrugated board is commonly used for e-commerce mailers and shipping boxes. The appropriate board grade, flute profile and box dimensions depend on the product's weight, fragility and distribution conditions. Inserts or other protective components may be required to limit movement during transit.
Can packaging materials be customised with printing and finishes?
Yes, suitable packaging materials can be printed and finished using processes compatible with the selected substrate and box construction. Available options may include lamination, varnishing, foil blocking, embossing and debossing. Confirm the specification and approve the artwork against the dieline before production.
Which packaging materials may be recyclable?
Kraft paper and board, paperboard and corrugated board may be recyclable through suitable collection systems. However, coatings, laminations, adhesives and attached components can affect the recyclability of the finished packaging. Check the complete construction and relevant local recycling guidance before making a recycling claim.
How do I choose the right material for my product?
Start by assessing your product's weight, fragility, dimensions and distribution conditions. Consider the required presentation, printing, finishes, order quantity and budget. Artsy Packaging can then discuss suitable material and box specifications, along with available sampling options and quotation requirements.