Cardboard is a widely used base material in packaging, display, shipping, and other fields. Different types of cardboard vary in structure, strength, appearance, and cost. Selecting the appropriate cardboard material not only enhances product quality but also effectively controls budget.The following contents provide a comprehensive overview of common cardboard materials and their applications.
I. Primary Types of Cardboard
1. Greyboard / Chipboard
Greyboard is a high-density cardboard made from compressed waste paper pulp. It offers high rigidity and structural stability, commonly used for gift boxes, packaging structures, and similar applications.
Features:
High strength and stability
Can be coated with paper for enhanced appearance
Affordable cost
Common Applications:
Drawer boxes, hinged boxes, and other gift box structures
Book covers
Core structures for display stands
2. White Cardstock (C1S / C2S White Card)
White cardstock features a smooth surface and delivers excellent printing results, making it a common outer wrapping material in the packaging industry.
Features:
High whiteness, suitable for high-quality printing
Smooth surface
Refined appearance
Common Applications:
Color boxes
Outer wrapping paper
Cosmetic packaging
3. Corrugated Board
Corrugated board consists of linerboard and corrugated medium, providing cushioning and compression resistance.

Features:
High compression strength
Lightweight and eco-friendly
Ideal for shipping and display structures
Common Applications:
Outer cartons (shipping boxes)
Display stands (PDQ, display trays)
E-commerce packaging
4. Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is tough and abrasion-resistant, featuring a natural paper texture with an eco-friendly aesthetic appeal.
Features:
High strength, tear-resistant
Retro natural style
Food-grade compliant (partially)
Common Applications:
Carry bags
Food packaging
Retro-style gift boxes
II. Key Considerations for Selecting Cardboard Materials
1. Select Based on Product Weight
Heavy items: Grayboard, corrugated cardboard
Lightweight small items: White cardstock, kraft paper
2. Select Based on Display Effect
Premium gift boxes → Grayboard + laminated paper
E-commerce shipping packaging → Corrugated cardboard
Eco-friendly natural aesthetic → Kraft paper
3. Selection Based on Cost Budget
Cardboard material costs vary significantly:
Greyboard > White Cardstock > Corrugated Cardboard > Kraft Paper (under normal circumstances)
III. Typical Structures of Corrugated Cardboard in Applications
1. Drawer Box Structure
Outer sleeve + grayboard drawer + ribbon handle, featuring smooth opening/closing and premium texture.
2. Flip-Top Magnetic Closure Box
Commonly used for luxury goods, jewelry, and high-end electronics.
3. Point-of-Sale Display
Corrugated cardboard offers lightweight construction with excellent load-bearing capacity, ideal for supermarket and convenience store displays.
IV. Conclusion
Cardboard materials come in a wide variety, each with unique structural characteristics and applications. Selecting the appropriate cardboard not only enhances product appeal but also offers the optimal balance between protection, cost, and brand image.