FSC, recycled, kraft or white: which board should you pick?
How each board prints, feels and recycles, and which brands tend to choose it.
Pick white board when color accuracy matters, kraft when you want a natural look, and recycled board when recycled content is part of your story. Corrugated is for shipping strength. Most brands pick the board for the look first and the claims second.
White SBS paperboard
Solid bleached sulfate board has a smooth bright white surface. It prints the truest colors and the finest detail. It is the standard for cosmetics, supplements and anything with pastels or small type.
Kraft paperboard
Brown, natural and slightly rough. Colors print deeper and a little muted, so dark inks and bold logos work best. White ink on kraft looks translucent, so test it first.
Recycled greyback board
White face with a grey reverse and recycled content. It costs less than SBS and suits retail boxes where the inside is not on show. Ask your supplier for the recycled percentage.
Corrugated E-flute
A thin corrugated board of about 1.5 mm. It is stiff enough for mailers and holds print well. B-flute is thicker, about 3 mm, and protects heavier or fragile items.
Greyboard for rigid boxes
A dense 2 mm board wrapped in printed or textured paper. It gives rigid boxes their weight.
Where FSC fits in
FSC is a certification for the fiber, not a type of board. Any of the boards above can be available with FSC certification when the supplier holds it. Ask for the certificate code and chain-of-custody details before you put it on a box.
How to decide
- Detailed art or pastel colors: white SBS.
- Earthy or hand-made look: kraft.
- Low cost plus recycled content: recycled greyback.
- Posting products: E-flute corrugated.
- Premium keepsake: wrapped greyboard.