What Is Paperboard Box? A Comprehensive Guide
Packaging is a crucial element in any business’s marketing and branding strategies. One popular packaging option is paperboard boxes, also known as folding cartons. In this article, we will dive into the details of what paperboard is, what paperboard boxes are, the benefits of using paperboard boxes, their costs, and how to order custom printed paperboard boxes.
- What is Paperboard (Folding Paperboard)?
Paperboard is a thick, paper-based material that is commonly used for packaging applications. It is made by layering several sheets of paper together, then compressing them to form a dense, stiff board. The thickness of paperboard typically ranges from 10pt to 24pt, making it a lightweight yet sturdy material for packaging.
There are different types of paperboard, including coated and uncoated varieties. Coated paperboard has a layer of clay or other coating applied to its surface, which can improve its printing capabilities, durability, and resistance to moisture. Uncoated paperboard, on the other hand, does not have any coating and is typically used for applications where printing quality is not a priority.
The color of paperboard varies depending on the type of paper used in its composition. Natural paperboard has a brown, kraft-like appearance, while bleached paperboard is white. Other colors can be achieved by adding dyes or pigments to the paperboard during the manufacturing process.
- What is Paperboard Box?
A paperboard box, also known as a folding carton, is a box made from paperboard material. These boxes are typically used for retail packaging, such as for food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Paperboard boxes come in various styles, including straight tuck end, reverse tuck end, seal end, and more.
The box style refers to the way the box is constructed, such as how the flaps are tucked or sealed. The printing on paperboard boxes can be customized to suit the needs of the product, including brand logos, product information, and more. Box inserts, such as trays or partitions, can also be added to paperboard boxes to keep products securely in place during transportation and storage.
- What Are the Benefits of Using Paperboard Boxes?
Paperboard boxes offer several benefits for businesses, including:
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Versatility: Paperboard boxes can be customized to suit the needs of various products, from small items like cosmetics to larger products like electronics.
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Sustainability: Paperboard is a renewable and recyclable material, making it an eco-friendly option for packaging. Many paperboard boxes are made from recycled materials, further reducing their environmental impact.
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Branding: Paperboard boxes can be customized with brand logos, colors, and other branding elements, helping to reinforce brand recognition and create a cohesive brand image.
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Cost-effective: Paperboard boxes are typically less expensive than other packaging materials, making them a budget-friendly option for businesses.
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Protection: Paperboard boxes provide a layer of protection for products during transportation and storage, helping to prevent damage or breakage.
- How Much Does a Paperboard Folding Carton Box Cost?
The cost of a paperboard folding carton box can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as size, shape, material, printing, and quantity. Generally, larger boxes with more complex designs will be more expensive than smaller, simpler boxes.
To get an accurate cost estimate for a paperboard box, we can provide quotes based on your specific requirements and help you to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
- How to Order Custom Printed Paperboard Boxes?
To order custom printed paperboard boxes, businesses can work with a packaging supplier or manufacturer like BPS. The process typically involves providing the supplier with the desired box specifications, such as the size, material, and printing requirements. The supplier will then provide a quote accordingly.

AUTO LOCK BOTTOM
To save time in the packing process, choosing the auto bottom box style is the right choice. The auto bottom is pre-glued by us before sending the empty box to you. Once you need to pack something, just open the top, load products directly into the box, and then close it. This can save a lot of time, especially if you have an extended product range or high-quality products.
Custom auto bottom paperboard boxes can be made from thin paperboard (folding carton paper) or corrugated material. However, we suggest using small cardboard as it is elegant and easier to fold. Regarding the glue, we apply a strong adhesive to ensure the box’s quality, which can withstand extended use without falling apart.
TUCK END (STE/RTE)
The tuck end box can be classified into two types: STE (Straight Tuck End) and RTE (Reverse Tuck End). Usually, manufacturers prefer to use RTE because it saves on printing costs. One piece of paper can contain more pieces of single RTE than STE after being illustrated.
In the pictures on the right, you can see examples of tuck end boxes used for eyewear, fragrances, black tea, and perfume packaging. A customized box insert can also be added to the box. Please let us know your requirements, and our R&D department will send you some ideas.

Customer Success Story
The customer case of the paperboard boxes / folding cartons below will give you an idea of our ability to customize, design, and shipping. We commit to quality, and you are invited!