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Paperboard Boxes

Custom paperboard boxes from Boxify Now are lightweight folding cartons that print beautifully and ship flat to save you storage and freight. Pick SBS, kraft or recycled board in the thickness your product needs, then choose a tuck end, sleeve, window or display style in any size. Order custom printed paperboard boxes wholesale with your logo in CMYK or PMS, with foil, embossing or spot UV, and free design support included. Buy custom paperboard boxes now or request a quote.

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CUSTOM SIZE
STYLE
FREE DESIGN
SUPPORT
COMPETITIVE
PRICING
NO DIE CUT
PLATE CHARGES
12-14 BUSINESS
DAYS TO DISPATCH
FREE SHIPPING

Paperboard boxes are folding cartons made from a single solid sheet of thick paper-based board that is die-cut, creased and glued so it ships flat and folds into shape when filled. They are the standard retail package for lightweight goods, from cosmetics and food to small electronics. Boxify Now makes custom paperboard boxes in SBS, kraft and recycled grades, in any size, style and print finish.

Paperboard Box Specifications at a Glance

  • Board grades: SBS (solid bleached sulfate), natural kraft, clay-coated recycled board and textured stocks
  • Thickness: commonly 12 pt to 24 pt, chosen by product weight (1 pt is 0.001 inch)
  • Styles: straight tuck, reverse tuck, auto-lock bottom, sleeve, two-piece, window, hanging tab, display and gable
  • Sizes: fully custom length, width and depth
  • Printing: CMYK and PMS, outside and inside
  • Finishes: matte or gloss lamination, soft-touch, aqueous coating, spot UV, foil stamping, embossing and debossing
  • Add-ons: custom inserts and dividers, die-cut windows, perforated tear strips
  • Artwork: PDF, AI or EPS at 300 DPI in CMYK
  • Proofing: digital proof and 3D mockup before production
  • Delivery: shipped flat

What Is Paperboard, and How Is It Different From Corrugated Board?

Paperboard is a dense, single-layer board, whereas corrugated board sandwiches a wavy fluted layer between two flat liners. That difference decides the job each one does. Paperboard is thin, smooth and precise, so it folds into crisp cartons and reproduces fine print. Corrugated board is thicker and cushioned, so it carries weight and survives parcel handling. Most brands use both: a paperboard carton on the shelf and corrugated shipping boxes around it for transit. In everyday speech both materials are called cardboard, which is why paperboard styles also appear in our cardboard boxes category.

Which Paperboard Grade Should You Choose?

Choose the grade by the look you want and the product you are packing; the three main options differ in color, surface and cost.

SBS (solid bleached sulfate)

SBS is white all the way through, with a smooth coated face that holds fine type and saturated color. It is the premium choice for cosmetics, confectionery, fragrance and gift cartons where print quality sells the product.

Natural kraft board

Kraft board is made from unbleached fiber, so it is brown on both sides and strong for its weight. Its natural look suits soaps, candles, coffee, organic foods and handmade goods, and it pairs well with one- or two-color printing.

Clay-coated recycled board

This grade is made largely from recovered fiber, with a white clay-coated print surface and a grey or brown back. It is an economical option for dry foods, household goods, toys and hardware, where the inside of the carton is rarely seen.

Textured and specialty boards

Linen-finish, pearlescent and metallized papers are available when a carton needs a distinctive feel before any ink is applied.

How Thick Should a Custom Paperboard Box Be?

A custom paperboard box should be thick enough to hold its shape under the product’s weight without adding needless cost. Thickness, called caliper, is measured in points:

  • 12 to 14 pt: light items such as sachets, tea bags, small cosmetics and wrap-around sleeves
  • 16 to 18 pt: the all-round choice for most retail cartons, including bottles, jars, soaps and candles
  • 20 to 24 pt: larger or heavier products, display cartons and designs with big window cut-outs

If a product is heavy or fragile, a fitted insert or an auto-lock bottom adds support without changing the board. We will recommend a caliper once we know the weight and dimensions.

How Do You Measure for a Custom Paperboard Box?

Measure the product in the order length, width, depth, where length and width describe the opening and depth is the distance from the opening to the base. Box dimensions always refer to the inside of the carton.

  • Measure the product in its final form, including caps, pumps and inner wraps.
  • Allow a small clearance so the product slides in without scuffing the print.
  • For multi-packs, measure the group as it will sit in the carton.
  • Tell us if an insert is needed, because it changes the internal size.

Our designers check these figures against the dieline before your proof is issued.

Which Styles of Paperboard Packaging Boxes Can You Order?

Paperboard packaging boxes can be ordered in almost any folding carton style, because the board cuts and creases cleanly.

  • Tuck end cartons: flaps at both ends that tuck in by hand; our tuck boxes are the most popular format.
  • Auto-lock bottom cartons: a pre-glued base that pops into place for faster packing and heavier loads.
  • Sleeves: an open-ended wrap that slides over a tray, a jar or another box; see sleeve boxes.
  • Window cartons: a die-cut opening that lets shoppers see the product.
  • Hanging tab cartons: a punched header for peg displays.
  • Two-piece cartons: a separate lid and base for gifts and apparel.
  • Display cartons: a perforated lid that tears away to form a counter tray.
  • Gable cartons: a built-in carry handle for food, favors and promotional kits.

What Are Paperboard Boxes Used For?

Paperboard boxes are used wherever a product weighs little and needs to look good on a shelf. Common applications include:

  • Skincare, makeup and fragrance cartons
  • Cereal, snack, tea, bakery and frozen food packs
  • Vitamin, supplement and over-the-counter product cartons
  • Phone accessories, cables and small electronics
  • Candles, soaps and bath products
  • Toys, games, stationery and craft kits
  • Subscription samples and promotional mailer inserts

How Are Custom Printed Paperboard Boxes Decorated?

Custom printed paperboard boxes are decorated with offset or digital printing followed by a coating and optional special effects. CMYK handles photographs and gradients, and PMS spot colors lock in an exact brand shade. After printing you can add:

  • Lamination: matte for a calm, modern look, gloss for brightness, soft-touch for a velvety feel
  • Aqueous coating: a water-based protective layer that resists scuffing
  • Spot UV: glossy highlights on selected areas
  • Foil stamping: metallic logos, borders and patterns
  • Embossing and debossing: raised or recessed detail
  • Inside printing: a pattern or message revealed on opening

Are Paperboard Boxes Recyclable?

Yes, paperboard is made from wood fiber and is widely recyclable with other paper packaging. Uncoated and aqueous-coated cartons are the simplest to recycle, and kraft and recycled grades signal that choice visually. Because the cartons ship and store flat, they also take up far less truck and warehouse space than pre-formed packaging.

Why Order Custom Paperboard Boxes Wholesale From Boxify Now?

Ordering custom paperboard boxes wholesale brings the unit price down and gives you one consistent carton across every production batch. Boxify Now adds:

  • Free design support for dielines and artwork placement
  • No die or plate charges, even on fully custom sizes
  • Low minimums for launches and seasonal lines
  • Free shipping, with your quote confirming delivery details for your location
  • A digital proof and 3D mockup before anything is printed
  • Custom inserts and dividers matched to your product

How to Order Custom Paperboard Boxes

  1. Measure your product and decide how many units go in each carton.
  2. Choose a style, a board grade and a thickness, or ask for our recommendation.
  3. Select printing, finishes and any window or insert.
  4. Send artwork as PDF, AI or EPS at 300 DPI in CMYK.
  5. Review your quote, which confirms price, timeline and delivery details.
  6. Approve your digital proof and 3D mockup.
  7. Receive your cartons flat-packed and ready to fill.

Ready to Buy Custom Paperboard Boxes?

Send us your dimensions and artwork to buy custom paperboard boxes built around your product, not a stock size. Buy now or request a quote and our team will take it from there.

Paperboard is one material among several we work with. Compare natural kraft boxes, browse the full range of folding boxes, add retail-ready display boxes for the counter, or explore our eco-friendly boxes if recycled content is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paperboard Boxes

What is a paperboard box?

A paperboard box is a folding carton made from one solid layer of thick paper-based board. It is die-cut, creased and glued, ships flat, and folds into shape at packing. It is the most common package for lightweight retail products.

What is the difference between paperboard and cardboard?

Cardboard is an everyday term covering any stiff paper-based board. Paperboard is the specific single-layer material used for folding cartons, while corrugated board, with its fluted middle layer, is the thicker material used for shipping boxes.

How thick is paperboard?

Paperboard for folding cartons is commonly between 12 and 24 points thick, where one point equals one thousandth of an inch. Light products suit 12 to 14 point board; heavier items and display cartons need 20 points or more.

Which paperboard grade prints best?

SBS board has a bright white, coated surface that reproduces fine detail and saturated color most accurately. Kraft board gives a natural brown look, and clay-coated recycled board offers a white print face at a lower cost.

Can a custom paperboard box hold heavy products?

Paperboard is designed for lightweight to medium-weight goods. For heavier items, we can specify a thicker caliper, an auto-lock bottom or an internal insert, or recommend corrugated board if the product needs more strength than a folding carton provides.

Are paperboard boxes recyclable?

Paperboard is made from wood fiber and is widely recyclable with other paper packaging. Uncoated and aqueous-coated cartons are the simplest to recycle. Local rules differ for laminated or foil-heavy designs, so check the guidance in your customers’ area.

Can I add a window to my box?

Yes. Die-cut windows can be added to most styles so shoppers can see the product. Tell us the shape and position you want and it will be drawn into the dieline and shown on your proof and mockup.

What sizes are available?

Any size. Custom paperboard boxes are made to the length, width and depth you specify, so there is no stock size chart to work around. Send your product dimensions and we will add the right clearance for easy packing.

What finishes can I choose?

Choose from matte or gloss lamination, soft-touch lamination, aqueous coating, spot UV, foil stamping, embossing and debossing. Finishes can be combined on one carton, and each is indicated on your digital proof before production begins.

Can you print inside the box?

Yes. CMYK and PMS printing are available on both the outside and the inside of the carton. Inside printing is a simple way to add a pattern, a message or usage instructions without changing the exterior design.

Do you offer custom inserts?

Yes. Paperboard inserts and dividers are cut to hold bottles, jars, tubes or multiple items in place. They stop movement inside the carton and improve presentation when the box is opened. Provide product dimensions and we will design the fit.

What is the minimum order for custom paperboard boxes wholesale?

Minimums are low, making short runs practical for new products and seasonal lines. The exact quantity depends on size, board and finish, and your quote will confirm it together with pricing at higher wholesale volumes.

How long does an order take?

The timeline depends on order size, box style and finishing steps. We confirm it on your quote rather than publishing a fixed number of days, and production starts after you approve the digital proof and 3D mockup.

Are there die or plate charges?

No. Boxify Now does not charge for dies or plates, so fully custom sizes carry no tooling surcharge, and design support is free. Shipping is also free, with your quote confirming delivery details for your location.

How do I buy custom paperboard boxes?

Send your box dimensions, style, board preference, quantity and artwork through the quote form. We return pricing and a timeline, prepare a proof and mockup, and print your order once you have approved them. Boxes are delivered flat.

Dimesnion
All Custom Sizes & Shapes
Quantities
No Minimum Order Required
Paper Stock
10pt to 28pt (250gsm to 600gsm) Eco-Friendly Kraft, Corrugated, Bux Board, Card Board
Printing
No Printing, CMYK, PMS, Digital and Screen
Finishing
Gloss Lamination, Matte Lamination, Aqueous Coating
Included Options
Die Cutting, Gluing, Scored, Perforation
Additional Options
Gloss AQ, Gloss UV, Matte UV, Spot UV, Embossing / Debossing, Foil Stamping
Proof
Flat View, 3D Mock-up (On request)
Turnaround
Standard 7 – 9 Business Days, RUSH 4 – 6 Business Days
Shipping
Shippied Flat (Free Shipping to USA, UK, Canada & Australia)

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