Grammage and lamination? Grammage: white card 300–400 g (box body), art paper 128–250 g (printing layer); lamination: art paper + greyboard (stiffness combination). Specific grammage requirements depend on the load-bearing capacity of the box design.
First, decide what you want to print. The roles of the paper are: printability (colour reproduction), structural strength (stiffness) and setting the tone (texture). Distinguish between ‘vibrant colour printing’ (cosmetics, jewellery) and ‘natural tones’ (tea, agricultural products) before finalising your plan — vibrant colours require white, smooth paper, whilst natural tones call for rough, warm paper.
What about white card? White card (single-sided coated): stiff, white and prints well; suitable for integrated ‘box structure + printing’ applications — such as cosmetics boxes and electronics packaging. Drawbacks: slightly higher cost and susceptibility to creasing. When selecting white card, prioritise options that are ‘both stiff and print-friendly’.
Paper is the ‘foundation’ of packaging: whether the print stands out, whether the box holds its shape, and whether it feels pleasant to the touch are determined eighty per cent by the paper chosen — if the wrong paper is selected, even the most expensive production techniques cannot salvage it. This article explains paper selection clearly; clients commissioning bespoke packaging should refer to it as required.
What about coated paper? Coated paper (glossy): smooth, with excellent colour reproduction, suitable for ‘high-colour printing’ — colour boxes, art books, jewellery boxes; disadvantages: average rigidity (requires backing with greyboard), gloss has a somewhat commercial appearance. When selecting coated paper, the guiding principle is ‘superb print quality’.
What about kraft paper? Kraft paper (natural finish): rustic, eco-friendly and biodegradable; suitable for ‘natural aesthetics’—tea, handmade goods and agricultural products. Disadvantages: colour reproduction is average; not suitable for high-colour printing. When selecting kraft paper, the guiding principle should be ‘showcasing the style’.
The economics of paper: Coated paper delivers colour, white card delivers rigidity, and kraft paper delivers sustainability — once you’ve clearly defined ‘what to print and what aesthetic to sell’, you’ll spend your paper budget where it counts most.
