Cardstock, kraft, corrugated, rigid, and barrier films — what each stock is good at, and how to pick the right one for your product.
Every stock below can be produced in your exact dimensions with full-color printing.
| Cardstock / SBS | Kraft | Corrugated | Rigid board | Mylar / films | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feel & structure | Smooth folding carton, 12pt–24pt | Natural brown fiber, visible texture | Fluted wall between liners | Thick, non-folding wrapped chipboard | Flexible high-barrier pouch |
| Best for | Retail shelves & detailed artwork | Earthy, eco-positioned brands | Shipping strength & unboxing | Luxury weight & gifting | Freshness & aroma-sensitive goods |
| Typical products | Cosmetics, bakery, retail cartons | Candles, soaps, bags, takeout | Mailers, shippers, pizza boxes | Gift & magnetic-lid boxes | Coffee, snacks, regulated goods |
| Full-color printing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Curbside recyclable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Usually — remove magnets/ribbon | Check locally (specialty film) |
The default for retail packaging. Available from 12pt to 24pt, it folds cleanly, takes every finish we offer, and keeps fine type legible. Step up in caliper for heavier products or a more substantial feel in hand; choose SBS when color accuracy on a bright white base matters most. Food-safe material options are available on request for direct food contact.
See retail boxesUnbleached, naturally textured, and recyclable. Kraft prints beautifully with darker, high-contrast artwork and suits brands that want the material itself to carry the eco message. It pairs well with minimal one- or two-color printing.
See printed bagsA fluted layer sandwiched between liners gives corrugated its strength-to-weight advantage. It is the right call whenever the box travels — courier networks, food delivery, subscription mailers — and it can be printed inside and out for the unboxing moment.
See mailer boxesRigid boxes do not fold flat — they arrive assembled, with the heft customers read as luxury. Wrapped in printed paper and finished with foil, soft-touch lamination, or embossing, they are the standard for premium gifting and keepsake packaging.
See rigid boxesHigh-barrier, resealable pouches protect aroma-sensitive and moisture-sensitive products. Options include clear windows and child-resistant zippers designed to help licensed brands meet state packaging requirements.
See mylar bagsMost of the stocks above are available with recycled content, and uncoated kraft is the easiest to recycle curbside. Tell us your sustainability targets in the quote and we will match the closest stock — see the sustainability page for what we do and do not claim.
Our sustainability approachEvery stock takes a finishing layer — pick one statement finish rather than stacking them all. Unsure what survives shipping and shelf life? Ask in your quote and we’ll advise.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 (828) 455-0798
