Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Custom Printed Paper Boxes and Bags

We believe the foundation of exceptional packaging lies in selecting the right materials. Whether you’re designing folding carton boxes, luxury rigid gift boxes,sturdy mailers, or eye-catching retail bagsthe material you choose impacts aesthetics, durability, and functionality. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular materials for custom printed paper boxes and their ideal applications to help you make informed decisions for your brand.

1. Art Paper: Elegance for Premium Print Projects

Features: Smooth, coated surface with a glossy or matte finish.
Benefits:

  • Delivers sharp, vibrant prints—ideal for intricate designs and high-resolution images.
    Common Uses:
  • Cards & Posters: Perfect for wedding invitations, greeting cards, paper bags or promotional posters.
  • Rigid Gift Boxes: Often used to cover greyboard (see below) for a polished, high-end look.
  • Paper Bags: Luxury shopping bags for high-end retail or boutique stores.
Art paper covered greyboard

Art paper covered greyboard

2. Brown Kraft Paper: Eco-Friendly & Rustic

Features: Unbleached, natural texture with a warm, earthy tone.
Benefits:

  • 100% recyclable and biodegradable, appealing to eco-conscious brands.
  • Durable and tear-resistant, ideal for shipping and everyday use.
    Common Uses:
  • Folding Carton Boxes: Retail packaging for organic foods, skincare, or candles.
  • Mailers: Sustainable shipping solutions paired with corrugated liners.
  • Paper Bags: Grocery bags, eco-friendly retail carriers, or branded takeout bags.
brown kraft paper

brown kraft paper

3. White Kraft Paper: Clean & Versatile

Features: Bright white surface with the strength of kraft paper.
Benefits:

  • Provides a neutral backdrop for bold branding and colorful prints.
  • Maintains the recyclability of traditional kraft.
    Common Uses:
  • Folding Carton Boxes: Cosmetics, candles.
  • Mailers:Subscription boxes or pizza boxes
  • Paper Bags: Premium retail bags with a minimalist, modern aesthetic.

4. C1S Card (Coated One Side): Print-Ready Professionalism

Features: One side has a smooth, coated finish; the reverse is uncoated.
Benefits:

  • Combines excellent print quality with cost-effectiveness.
  • Lightweight yet rigid enough for folding cartons.
    Common Uses:
  • Folding Carton Boxes: Pharmaceutical packaging, food boxes, or electronics.
  • Product Inserts: Paper trays or informational cards.
  • Paper Bags: High-end retail bags with a glossy or matt exterior and natural interior.
C1S card with neon color printing

C1S card with neon color printing

5. Gold/Silver & Holographic Paper: Luxe & Eye-Catching

Features: Metallic or iridescent finishes that shimmer under light.
Benefits:

  • Make packaging with a premium, festive, or futuristic vibe.
  • Complements foil stamping and embossing for added dimension.
    Common Uses:
  • Folding Carton Boxes: Holiday gift sets, chocolates, or skin care products.
  • Rigid Gift Boxes: Jewelry, luxury cosmetics, or limited-edition releases.
  • Paper Bags: Glamorous gift bags for weddings, holidays, or luxury retail.
Holographic Paper

Holographic Paper

6. Greyboard: The Backbone of Rigid Boxes

Features: Thick, uncoated board made from recycled fibers.
Benefits:

  • Ultra-sturdy structure for high-end, reusable packaging.
  • Eco-friendly and customizable with laminates or art paper covers.
    Common Uses:
  • Rigid Gift Boxes: Luxury watches, perfumes, or high-end apparel.
  • Presentation Boxes: Often wrapped in art paper for a sleek finish.

7. Duplex Board with White Back: Affordable & Functional

Features: Two-layer board with a coated white top and grey/white back.
Benefits:

  • Budget-friendly without sacrificing print quality.
  • Lightweight yet durable for everyday use.
    Common Uses:
  • Folding Carton Boxes: Cereal boxes, cosmetic packaging, or consumer goods.
  • Mailer Boxes: Paired with corrugated cardboards for added protection.
Duplex Board with White Back+corrugated board

Duplex Board with White Back+corrugated board

How to Choose the Right Material?

  1. Define Your Priorities:
    • Aesthetics: Opt for art paper or metallics for luxury; choose kraft for eco-brands.
    • Durability: Greyboard for heavy items; duplex board for lightweight needs.
    • Budget: C1S or duplex board for cost efficiency; metallics for premium budgets.
  2. Consider Sustainability: Kraft papers are recyclable and biodegradable.
  3. Match Material to Box Type:
    • Folding Cartons: C1S, duplex, or kraft paper.
    • Rigid Boxes: Greyboard wrapped in art paper or metallic papers.
    • Mailers: Corrugated board with duplex or kraft liners.
    • Bags: Brown/white kraft for eco-bags, holographic paper for festive carriers.Most of customers use art paper or C1S card for bags.

We specialize in chosing materials with your brand’s vision, ensuring your packaging is both functional and unforgettable. From selecting the perfect paper to applying advanced printing techniques (like offset, spot UV, or foil stamping), CBMPrint is here to guide you from concept to creation.