At New York Folding Box Company, paperboard is more than just a material—it’s the foundation of creativity and innovation. From simple tuck cartons to intricately sculpted luxury packaging, paperboard transforms into limitless designs. With its versatility comes a variety of grades, each offering unique properties, strengths, and applications.
Types of Paperboard
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)
SBS is a premium-grade paperboard known for its brilliant white appearance and smooth, clay-coated surface, making it ideal for high-quality printing. The top layer consists of bleached virgin hardwood fibers for superior smoothness, while the remaining layers incorporate bleached virgin softwood or a softwood-hardwood blend. Its solid white composition makes SBS the preferred choice for food packaging and premium retail products.
Common Applications:
- Perishable bakery products
- Cosmetics
- Frozen or wet foods
- Dairy products (butter, milk, ice cream, etc.)
- Meats
- Medical products
Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS)
Made primarily from softwood pulp, SUS is recognized for its high tear resistance, stiffness, and strength relative to its weight. This allows manufacturers to use a lower-caliper board without sacrificing durability, making it a cost-effective alternative to SBS.
Typical Uses:
- Consumer electronics packaging
- Beverage carriers
- Dry food packaging
- Hardware packaging
- Powdered detergents and soaps
SUS stands out for its superior stiffness compared to other boards of similar thickness, making it a preferred choice where strength is crucial.
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)
CUK is produced using unbleached virgin kraft fibers, giving it a natural brown hue, in contrast to the bright white SBS. The board primarily consists of southern pine softwood fibers, with a hardwood top ply coated in clay to create a smooth, white printing surface. Thanks to the long, robust pine fibers, CUK boasts exceptional strength and tear resistance.
Primary Uses:
- Beer and soft drink containers
- Heavy-duty retail packaging (hardware, concentrated laundry detergents)
Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB)
Also referred to as Coated Newsboard, this eco-friendly option is made from recycled fibers. It features a white fiber top ply with a clay-coated surface for enhanced print performance.
Common Applications:
- Laundry soaps and detergents
- Dry bakery products (crackers, cookies)
- Paper products (facial tissues, napkins)
- Dry foods
- Hardware
- Cake mixes
- Cereal
Chipboard
Manufactured from corrugated materials and recycled newsprint, chipboard is a 100% recycled, budget-friendly option. Increasing its caliper enhances its strength, stiffness, and tear resistance, making it not only an economical choice but also an environmentally responsible one.
At New York Folding Box Company, we specialize in bringing paperboard to life, offering solutions that balance function, aesthetics, and sustainability. Whether you need durable packaging for heavy-duty applications or elegant designs for premium products, our expertise in paperboard ensures the perfect fit for your needs.