Key takeaways
- Paper is thin and flexible; paperboard is thicker and stiffer.
- Paper is measured in GSM; board often in points.
- SBS, FBB, CUK and CRB are the main paperboard grades.
- Corrugated board is a separate, stronger structure.
- Choose by product weight, print needs and sustainability.
Paper vs paperboard
Paper is thin and flexible, usually under about 200 grams per square metre (GSM), and used for printing, wrapping, labels and inserts. Paperboard is thicker and stiffer, usually above 200 GSM, and is used to make folding cartons such as cereal boxes, cosmetic boxes and pharmaceutical packs. The line between heavy cardstock and light paperboard is blurry, so suppliers often specify thickness in points.
How paper and paperboard are made
Wood chips or recovered paper are pulped with water, cleaned and refined. The pulp is spread on a moving wire mesh, drained, pressed and dried into a continuous sheet. Paperboard machines build up several layers to create thickness and stiffness, and coatings are applied to give a smooth, printable surface.
GSM and points
GSM measures weight per square metre; points measure thickness in thousandths of an inch. Common folding carton boards range from about 14 to 24 points, roughly 250 to 450 GSM, depending on density.
The main paperboard grades
The grade you choose affects look, strength and cost:
| Grade | Description | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| SBS (solid bleached sulfate) | Bright white virgin fibre, smooth print | Cosmetics, pharma, premium food |
| FBB (folding boxboard) | Light, stiff, multi-layer | Food, retail cartons |
| CUK (coated unbleached kraft) | Very strong, brown core | Beverage carriers, frozen food |
| CRB (coated recycled board) | Recycled fibre, grey back | Cereal, dry food, household |
| Kraft board | Unbleached natural brown | Eco brands, food |
Recycled vs virgin fibre
Recycled board is economical and sustainable but may be grey on the reverse and slightly less bright. Virgin fibre boards such as SBS give the brightest white and the smoothest print, so they are preferred for premium cosmetics and pharma.
Where corrugated and rigid board fit
Corrugated board combines paper liners with a fluted middle layer, making it much stronger and suited to shipping. Rigid board is very thick, dense board wrapped in printed paper for luxury boxes that do not fold.
Choosing the right material
Use paper for wraps, labels and inserts; paperboard for retail cartons; corrugated for shipping; and rigid board for premium presentation. Consider weight, print quality, moisture exposure, budget and sustainability.
Recycling
Paper and paperboard are among the most widely recycled packaging materials when clean and free from heavy plastic coatings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between paper and paperboard?
Paperboard is thicker and stiffer, used for cartons.
What is SBS board?
Solid bleached sulfate, a bright white virgin-fibre board.
Is recycled paperboard good for packaging?
Yes, it is economical and sustainable.
Is corrugated board paperboard?
It is made from paper but has a fluted structure, so it is treated as a separate category.