Material choice decides how a box looks, feels, prints and survives shipping. This guide covers the materials we run most at YMBOX and how to think about each one.
Paperboard: the foundation
Paperboard thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Light cartons run 250-350 GSM; premium rigid box wrap runs 120-157 GSM over 1.5-3 mm greyboard. Thicker board resists crushing but becomes harder to crease into complex shapes.
Coated art paper (C1S / C2S)
Coated art paper has a smooth mineral coating that holds sharp, vibrant 4-color printing. It is the default choice for retail packaging. C1S is coated on one side, C2S on both.
Kraft
Kraft is unbleached, uncoated and naturally brown. It signals organic, honest and sustainable. It prints well in one or two colors and pairs beautifully with foil stamping.
Corrugated
Corrugated board has a fluted middle layer between two liners. Flute sizes (B, C, E) trade cushioning against print quality. E-flute is thin enough to print like a carton; C-flute is the standard for shipping boxes.
Specialty materials
Metallic boards, holographic film, textured and linen-effect papers add distinctiveness for premium launches. Availability and lead time vary – confirm stock with the factory before committing a design to a specialty board.
Not sure what your product needs? Ask us – we will match material to product weight, retail environment and budget.