The substrate is the material your box is made from. It affects print quality, structural strength, appearance, and cost. These are the most common options for folding cartons and mailer boxes.
Bright white, smooth on both sides. The standard substrate for premium retail folding cartons. Excellent printability — colours appear vivid and accurate. Works with all coatings and finishes.
Unbleached brown board with a natural, rustic appearance. Popular for artisan, food, and eco-conscious brands. Available coated (for better print) or uncoated (raw look). Slightly higher cost than SBS.
White coated top layer with a grey recycled back. A cost-effective option for retail packaging where only the exterior is printed. The grey interior is not visible when the box is assembled.
Kraft board with a coated surface for better printability. Combines the natural brown aesthetic with improved ink holdout. Common in food and beverage packaging. Strong and tear-resistant.
Dense, heavy chipboard used for rigid set-up boxes. Does not fold — assembled with separate wrap sheets. Used for luxury packaging, gift boxes, and high-end cosmetics. Significantly higher cost and MOQ.
Fluted paper core between two flat linerboards. Used for mailer boxes, shipping boxes, and retail display packaging. Available in E-flute (thin, printable), B-flute (standard), and double-wall.
Print finishes are applied after printing to protect the surface and add visual or tactile effects. They're one of the biggest levers for making packaging feel premium.
A thin plastic film bonded to the surface. Produces a bright, shiny finish that makes colours pop. Protects against scuffing and moisture. The most common finish for retail packaging.
A flat, non-reflective film finish. Creates an understated, sophisticated look. Often preferred for cosmetics, wellness, and premium food brands. Slightly more expensive than gloss.
A matte film with a velvety, tactile surface. Feels luxurious in hand — often described as suede-like. One of the most effective ways to signal premium quality through touch alone.
A water-based protective coating applied inline during printing. Less durable than lamination but more eco-friendly. Available in gloss, satin, and matte. A good baseline finish for most packaging.
High-gloss UV coating applied only to selected areas of the design — logos, patterns, text. Creates striking contrast against a matte background. A cost-effective way to add a premium look.
Metallic or pigmented foil pressed onto the surface using heat and a custom die. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, holographic, and custom colours. Produces a reflective, high-end appearance.
Raises a design element above the surface of the board, creating a 3D tactile effect. Often combined with foil stamping for maximum impact. Requires a custom die. Adds significant perceived value.
The opposite of embossing — presses a design into the surface creating a recessed impression. Creates a clean, subtle, tactile effect. Popular on kraft and uncoated boards for a natural, stamp-like look.