Folding Box Board and other Carton Boards
One of the most common questions asked by PG Paper clients is “what are the different types of folding box board and carton board, and which one is the most suitable for my packaging requirements?”
Carton board is a group consisting of four paper boards; Greyboard, Duplex, Folding Box Board (FBB) and Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS).
Folding Box Board FBB
Folding Box Board, aka FBB, is classified as GC.
As with duplex board, FBB has 3 subtypes however these are not categorised by bulk but by the colour on the reverse.
FBB is produced with bleached coated fibres on the top layer with the reverse layer being white (GC1), cream (GC2) or brown (GC3).
FBB is used in direct contact food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging and cosmetic packaging.
PG paper would recommend choosing FBB for your packaging needs if you require a cost effective but slightly higher quality board.
We have European suppliers of folding box board including Belgian suppliers and German suppliers although we also source high quality keenly-priced FBB from suppliers in USA, suppliers in Turkey and particularly suppliers in India.
Greyboard
Greyboard, also referred to as unlined chipboard, is classified as GK.
Produced using unbleached fibres the paper is grey on both sides and is uncoated.
Typical end uses may include protective packaging, notebook backing and folders.
PG Paper would suggest using Greyboard if you require a high strength, low cost packaging solution.
Duplex
Duplex, or white lined chipboard, is classified as GD.
There are 3 GD subtypes categorised based on bulk.
This paper is produced using two layers of fibres - a bleached and coated layer on the top and an unbleached uncoated fibres on the reverse.
Duplex is commonly used in non-direct contact food packaging such as cereal boxes, household good packaging and electronic packaging.
PG Paper recommends using duplex for a low cost printable packaging solution.
Solid Bleached Sulphate SBS
Solid Bleached Sulphate, or SBS, is a virgin fibre carton board made using bleached chemical pulp.
This paper is a white shade and typically has a coating on one or both sides.
Due to the higher quality of SBS, it is slightly more expensive than other carton board products.
For this reason PG paper suggests using SBS for higher end packaging requirements such as perfume.