Why the board matters
Two boxes with the same size, style and artwork can look and feel completely different depending on the board. The board determines the colour of the surface, how bright and sharp the print looks, how stiff the box feels and how much it costs. It also sends a message: a brown kraft box says "natural" before anyone reads a word, while a bright white box lets colours and fine details stand out.
Kraft board
Kraft board keeps the natural brown colour of the paper fibres. It is strong, recyclable and instantly recognised as a natural, environmentally friendly choice — which is why it is popular with bakeries, natural cosmetics, coffee, tea and gift brands.
Printing on kraft needs a different approach. Dark colours print well; light colours look softer because the brown board shows through. Where brighter colours are needed, white ink can be used as a base. Many kraft designs deliberately use one or two dark colours and let the board itself do the rest.
White boards: GC1, GC2, GD2 and SBS
GC1 and GC2 are folding boxboards made from virgin fibre with a white coated printing surface. GC1 has a white back, GC2 a cream back. They offer excellent print quality and are the standard choice for cosmetics, pharmaceutical and retail cartons.
GD2 is a coated recycled board with a grey back. The printing side is white, so it prints well, but it is less bright than virgin board. It is the most economical white board and well suited to price-sensitive and high-volume products.
SBS (solid bleached board) is bleached throughout, white on both sides and very smooth. It gives the brightest print and the cleanest look on the inside of the box, and is used for premium cosmetics, perfume and luxury packaging.
Comparison at a glance
| Kraft | GC1 / GC2 | GD2 | SBS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural brown | White print side; white (GC1) or cream (GC2) back | White print side, grey back | White throughout |
| Print result | Dark colours strong, light colours soft | Very good, bright colours | Good | Excellent, brightest |
| Typical uses | Natural, eco and food brands | Cosmetics, pharma, retail | High-volume, price-sensitive products | Premium cosmetics, perfume, luxury |
| Relative cost | Depends on grade | Mid to higher | Most economical | Highest |
Food contact
If the box touches food directly — chocolates, baked goods, dried fruit — the board must be suitable for food contact. Virgin fibre boards are usually preferred for direct contact; recycled boards may need a barrier layer. For oily or moist foods, grease-resistant board is another option. Tell us what goes into the box and we will recommend a suitable board.
Thickness and strength
Folding carton board is typically between 250 and 450 g/m². Small, light products such as lipsticks or sachets need less; heavier jars, bottles and larger boxes need thicker board. When a box has to survive shipping on its own, E-flute corrugated board — available with a kraft or white outer liner — is often the better choice. See our guide to E-flute and B-flute for details.
Sustainability
All of these boards are paper-based and widely recyclable. Kraft communicates naturalness most clearly, but white boards are just as much a paper solution, and GD2 is made from recycled fibre. Whichever board you choose, avoiding plastic laminates and plastic windows keeps the box mono-material and easier to recycle; a water-based varnish can protect the print without film.
Which board should you choose?
- Choose kraft for a natural, eco-friendly look and designs with one or two dark colours.
- Choose GC1 or GC2 for bright, detailed print on cosmetics, pharmaceutical and retail boxes.
- Choose GD2 when budget matters and the inside of the box is not on display.
- Choose SBS for premium products where whiteness inside and out matters.
Not sure? Send us your product, quantity and design idea — we will recommend the board that fits your look and your budget.
