What is a Cardboard?
Cardboard is a versatile paper-based material widely used in the packaging industry to craft boxes of various shapes and styles. It is created by pressing and gluing layers of paper pulp into durable sheets. The thickness of cardboard varies based on the number of layers and the manufacturing process, ranging from lightweight forms to heavy-duty rigid boards. Its affordability and sustainability make it a popular choice for both shipping and storage applications.
Typically composed of 70–80% recycled paper, cardboard is blended with additional fibers and materials to enhance its strength. Even shredded cardboard can be treated with specific chemicals and recycled into other forms of paper stock, making it an environmentally friendly packaging solution.
How Cardboard Material is Made?
Many people often wonder whether cardboard is made of paper — and the answer is yes. However, it’s not the same as regular paper. Cardboard is a paper-based product that is much thicker, more rigid, and durable than standard paper. Its flexibility allows it to be easily cut and folded into various shapes and sizes to meet specific packaging needs.
The manufacturing process of cardboard involves several steps, starting with pulping the raw fibers. These fibers then go through multiple stages of pressing and molding to form the sturdy, structured material we recognize as cardboard.
Custom Cardboard Boxes
Black Cardboard Boxes
Laser Cut Boxes
Cardboard Gift Boxes
Cardboard Shoes Boxes
Custom Round Cardboard Boxes
White Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard Box with Lid
Cardboard Display Boxes
Types of Cardboard
Cardboard is a widely used material across industries such as packaging, printing, and construction. Its versatility comes from the availability of different types, each tailored to specific applications, making it a functional and adaptable choice for various needs.
1: Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is valued for its exceptional strength and durability, made possible by its distinctive structure—a fluted inner layer placed between two flat outer layers. This fluted core offers both cushioning and rigidity, making it perfect for packaging and shipping. Its ability to endure rough handling and heavy stacking during transport makes it a reliable choice for safeguarding products in transit.
2: Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)
SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate) is a preferred material for applications that demand high-quality printing. Its smooth, bright surface makes it ideal for premium packaging, offering excellent results for special finishes like embossing, debossing, creasing, and folding. Made from bleached virgin wood pulp, SBS delivers a clean, bright appearance along with superior strength. It’s commonly used for luxury packaging, cosmetic boxes, greeting cards, and high-end retail products.
3: Solid Unbleached Surface (SUS)
SUS, also known as Solid Unbleached Kraft (SUK), retains its natural brown color as it skips the chemical bleaching process. This gives it an eco-friendly look along with cost-effective benefits. Made from unbleached virgin fibers, this cardboard type features a clay-coated surface on one side, providing a smooth and consistent area for high-quality printing and writing.
4: Chipboard
Chipboard is a unique type of cardboard ideal for packaging applications. Made from recycled paper and wood waste, it’s an environmentally friendly option that helps reduce landfill waste. Its compressed structure makes it strong and durable, perfect for crafting sturdy boxes and cartons. In addition to being cost-effective, chipboard serves as a versatile solution for various packaging needs—offering both strength and sustainability in one reliable material.
Benefits of Cardboard Material
- Cardboard is highly adaptable and can be easily customized to meet a wide range of packaging requirements, from sturdy shipping boxes to attractive retail packaging and display solutions.
- Despite being lightweight, it is remarkably strong and durable, providing excellent protection for packaged goods during transit and handling.
- Cardboard packaging is generally more affordable compared to alternative materials, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses looking to minimize packaging expenses.
- It is recyclable, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources, making it an environmentally sustainable packaging option that aligns with green initiatives and consumer preferences.
- It offers excellent printability, allowing for vibrant and high-quality graphics, branding, and product information to be displayed on packaging, enhancing visual appeal and brand recognition.
- Its lightweight nature helps reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions associated with transportation, making it an eco-friendly choice for packaging materials.
- It can be easily cut, folded, and shaped into various sizes, shapes, and configurations to accommodate different products and packaging requirements, offering flexibility and customization options for businesses.
Cardboard Thickness Guide
Understanding cardboard thickness is essential across industries like packaging, printing, and manufacturing. Typically measured in microns, inches, or millimeters, the thickness directly impacts the material’s strength, durability, and suitability for different uses.
Whether you’re working in packaging design, product development, or industrial manufacturing, knowing the right cardboard thickness allows you to make smarter decisions and improve efficiency. In this guide, we explore the importance of cardboard thickness and how it plays a critical role in various applications.
| Basestock Properties (Units) | Nominal Basis Weight (GSM) | Caliper (Inches) | Thickness (Microns) | Commonly Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
28pt |
527gsm |
0.028” |
710μ |
Very heavy duty boxes |
24pt |
400gsm |
0.024” |
610μ |
Heavy duty boxes |
18pt |
350gsm |
0.018” |
456μ |
All box packaging |
16pt |
300gsm |
0.016” |
406μ |
Heavy duty bags and takeout box |
14pt |
275gsm |
0.014″ |
356μ |
Takeout Boxes, Cups |
12pt |
250gsm |
0.012″ |
305μ |
Bags |
