As green packaging gains more attention, selecting the right eco-friendly and practical paper materials can protect your products while enhancing brand image. With 27 years of experience in paper packaging, we’ve summarized the ultimate guide for three most-used materials – kraft paper, white cardboard, and corrugated paper – covering their features, uses, and selection tips.
1. Kraft Paper: The Durable “All-Rounder”
Material Features
Raw Material: Made from long-fiber wood like pine, with a natural yellow-brown color and rustic texture : High toughness, tear-resistant, over 80% recyclable, minimal bleach used in production – eco-friendly and durable : Dark color, not ideal for high-whiteness printing needsWeight Classification (g/m²)
- Lightweight (80-120g): Thin and flexible, perfect for shopping bags and small food packaging (e.g., coffee bean/nut bags)
- Medium-weight (120-200g): Moderate hardness, commonly used for general product outer boxes (e.g., daily necessities, stationery packaging)
- Heavy-weight (200g+): High strength and load-bearing, suitable for heavy-duty packaging of industrial parts and electronics
Applications
- Logistics & Shipping: Resistant to pressure, ideal for long-distance transport (e.g., cushioning paper for phone accessory cartons)
- Food Packaging: Food-grade kraft paper directly contacts snacks/baked goods, moisture-proof and safe
- Cultural & Creative Gifts: Paired with hot stamping/embossing for retro-style gift boxes (e.g., notebook/postcard packaging)
2. White Cardboard: The “Aesthetic Champion” for Premium Packaging
Material Features
Raw Material: Bleached wood/cotton pulp, pure white smooth surface, stiff and shape-retaining: Excellent printing quality with high color accuracy, recyclable : Higher cost than kraft paper, prone to softening in humid environmentsWeight Classification (g/m²)
- 200-250g: Thinner and translucent, suitable for postcards and small card sets (e.g., cosmetic sample kits)
- 250-300g: Moderate thickness, commonly used for medium-small product gift boxes (e.g., lipstick/perfume packaging)
- 300g+: Thick and rigid, ideal for high-end gift boxes and hardcover book covers (e.g., jewelry packaging)
Applications
- Cosmetics Industry: White cardboard + UV printing enhances product luxury (e.g., foundation gift boxes)
- Jewelry: Paired with silk lining to elevate gift grade (e.g., necklace/watch boxes)
- Holiday Gifts: Foldable and die-cut into unique shapes for special occasion packaging (e.g., Christmas cards, New Year gift boxes)
3. Corrugated Paper: The “Cushioning” Protector for Shipping
Material Features
Structure: Wave-shaped corrugated core between two layers of kraft/liner paper, forming a “shock-absorbing spring” structure Advantages: Low cost, excellent cushioning, 70% recycled waste paper material – green and economical Limitations: Rough appearance, needs outer paper layer for better aestheticsApplications
- Home Appliances: Multi-layer A-flute cartons + foam padding protect large devices like refrigerators/washers
- E-commerce Packaging: Custom B-flute cartons designed for product size save space and reduce shipping costs (e.g., clothing, 3C products)
- Fragile Items: E-flute boxes as inner linings with honeycomb structures prevent damage to glass/ceramics
Weight Classification (Corrugation Type + Grammage)
3 Practical Selection Tips
By Product Weight
- Light items (jewelry, cosmetics): 250-300g white cardboard
- Medium-weight items (small appliances, daily goods): 120-200g kraft paper
- Heavy goods (machine parts, furniture): A-flute corrugated paper + 200g+ facing paper
By Aesthetic Needs:
- Premium look & colorful printing: White cardboard
- Natural style & cost-effective: Kraft paper
- Shipping protection priority: Corrugated paper (add white cardboard outer layer for aesthetics)
By Certifications
- Choose materials with FSC (forest certification) and SGS (food-grade certification) for easier export compliance