Cardboard paper

Paperboard is a thick, rigid material with a paper weight of 210-400 g/m², intended for packaging, covers, business cards, and projects requiring durability. Netuno offers white-backed board, grey-backed board, and double-sided white board in sheet and printing formats.

Types of Paperboard - Which One Should You Choose?

Paperboard differs in structure, reverse-side colour, and intended use. Which paperboard is suitable for which application? The choice depends on whether the reverse side will be visible and on the requirements of the project - printing, packaging, or covers.

White-Backed Paperboard (GC1) - Premium on Both Sides

GC1 paperboard has a white coated surface and a white reverse. Both sides are suitable for printing.

Structure of White-Backed Paperboard

White-backed paperboard consists of layers of white cellulose pulp - both the surface and the reverse are white, smooth, and coated. The GC1 designation, also known as SBS - Solid Bleached Sulphate, is an international standard for premium paperboard. A paper weight of 210-400 g/m² provides rigidity while still allowing creasing and folding. The clay-coated surface supports full-colour offset printing with excellent colour reproduction. A white interior is a sign of quality - the product looks premium inside and out.

Applications of GC1 Paperboard

White-backed paperboard is used for premium packaging where the interior is visible - cosmetic boxes, where the customer sees a white interior after opening, as well as packaging for perfumes, pharmaceuticals, premium confectionery, and consumer electronics. In printing, it is used for catalogue covers, brochures, and presentation folders - the white inside surface of the cover creates a professional appearance. GC paperboard in weights of 230-300 g is suitable for premium business cards - both sides can be printed, with no grey reverse. White-backed paperboard is more expensive than GD board, but the difference in quality is clearly visible.

Grey-Backed Paperboard (GD2) - Economical Standard

GD2 paperboard has a white surface and a grey reverse made from recycled fibres. It is an economical choice for packaging.

Structure of Grey-Backed Paperboard

Grey-backed paperboard has a white coated printing surface and a grey reverse made from recycled pulp. The GD2 designation, also referred to as GC2 or CUK - Coated Unbleached Kraft, is a standard for economical paperboard. The white surface supports full-colour printing comparable to GC1 - the difference is only on the reverse side. The grey reverse reduces costs because the unbleached pulp is less expensive to produce. It is available in paper weights of 230-400 g/m². GD paperboard is also a more environmentally responsible option, as it uses recycled material and requires fewer chemicals during production.

When to Choose GD2 Paperboard

Grey-backed paperboard is ideal for packaging where the reverse side is not visible - closed folding cartons for board games, electronics, and dry food products, gift packaging where only the exterior matters, hardback calendar covers where the grey side is glued to the book block, and corporate folders where the grey inside surface remains hidden. GD paperboard in weights of 230-300 g can also be used for economical business cards - if printing is only required on one side, the grey reverse is not an issue. GD is typically 20-30 percent cheaper than GC, which can result in significant savings on large print runs.

Double-Sided White Paperboard - The Highest Quality

Premium double-sided paperboard has white coated surfaces on both sides - delivering the highest print quality.

How Double-Sided Paperboard Differs from GC1

Double-sided paperboard, such as Duo Card or Premium Card Duo, has identically coated surfaces on both sides - ideal for double-sided printing where consistent quality is required. GC1 is also white on both sides, but the coating may be slightly heavier on the main printing side. Duo paperboard offers complete symmetry - there is no primary or secondary side, as both are identical. It is available in paper weights of 300-400 g/m². It is the most expensive type of paperboard, but it is worth choosing for projects that demand perfection. It is used for premium double-sided business cards, luxury invitations, and high-end packaging.

Applications of Double-Sided Paperboard

Double-sided paperboard is the right choice for projects where both sides are equally important - full-colour double-sided business cards for portfolios, creative industries, and fashion brands, folded wedding invitations with an interior printed as intensively as the exterior, photographic album covers with both sides on display, and presentation packaging that is opened and examined, such as cosmetics packaging in perfumeries. Duo paperboard with a weight of 400 g offers maximum quality and rigidity. Offset printing or digital UV printing is recommended for the best results.

Paperboard Weight - Which One for Which Application?

Paper weight determines the thickness and rigidity of paperboard. Which paperboard weight should you choose? It depends on the application - business cards, packaging, and covers have different requirements.

210-230 g Paperboard - Lightweight Paperboard

A paper weight of 210-230 g/m² is the lightest paperboard option - positioned between paper and board.

Characteristics of 230 g Paperboard

230 g paperboard is approximately 0.28-0.35 mm thick, depending on the type - GC is thicker than GD at the same paper weight. It is more rigid than 200 g paper but thinner than heavier paperboard. It creases and folds well, making it ideal for folding cartons. It is easy to convert through cutting, gluing, and creasing without specialist equipment. It is also economical - as the lightest paperboard weight, it offers the lowest price. GD paperboard with a weight of 230 g is particularly popular for mass-market packaging, including boxes for food, games, and toys.

Applications of 230 g Paperboard

230 g paperboard is used for lightweight folding cartons - outer packaging for board games, packaging for dry food products such as cereal, tea, and sweets, wall calendar covers where low weight is important for hanging, lightweight presentation folders for presentations and student portfolios, and economical business cards that are less expensive than 300 g cards but still sufficiently rigid. 230 g paperboard is not suitable for packaging heavy products - it is too thin and may bend under the weight. It is intended for lightweight applications and covers.

300 g Paperboard - The Standard for Packaging and Business Cards

A paper weight of 300 g/m² is the most popular paperboard weight - offering a balance between rigidity and cost.

Characteristics of 300 g Paperboard

300 g paperboard is approximately 0.35-0.42 mm thick. It is noticeably more rigid than 230 g paperboard - a box made from 300 g board retains its shape and does not bend easily. It is the most commonly selected weight for retail packaging and is considered an industry standard. GC 300 g paperboard with a white reverse is the premium option, while GD with a grey reverse is the economical alternative. It creases and folds well and is suitable for UV varnishing, lamination, and embossing. A paper weight of 300 g is also the standard for business cards and is the most popular choice in business card printing. It provides durability, rigidity, and a premium feel.

Applications of 300 g Paperboard

300 g paperboard is widely used for retail packaging - boxes for cosmetics such as creams, serums, and face masks, packaging for perfumes, pharmaceuticals including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, premium confectionery such as chocolates and pralines, and lightweight electronics such as headphones and accessories. In printing, it is the standard material for corporate business cards - around 90 percent of paperboard business cards use a weight of 300 g. It is also used for brochure and catalogue covers and premium corporate folders. 300 g paperboard is highly versatile and suitable for most paperboard applications, offering an excellent balance between rigidity and price.

400 g Paperboard - Maximum Rigidity

A paper weight of 400 g/m² is the heaviest commonly used paperboard weight - offering maximum rigidity.

Characteristics of 400 g Paperboard

400 g paperboard is approximately 0.48-0.55 mm thick - heavy, rigid, and substantial. A 400 g business card feels impressive in the hand - weighty, solid, and luxurious. A box made from 400 g board is exceptionally durable - it protects the product and does not bend under its weight. It is the most difficult standard paperboard to crease and requires professional equipment and expertise. It is also the most expensive standard paperboard option. 400 g paperboard signals the highest level of quality - ideal for customers seeking an uncompromising premium result.

When to Choose 400 g Paperboard

400 g paperboard is suitable for packaging the heaviest or most luxurious products - watches, which require rigid packaging due to their weight, premium jewellery in presentation boxes, exclusive spirits such as whisky and cognac in gift packaging, and heavier electronics such as tablets and laptops requiring additional protection. For business cards, 400 g represents the absolute premium standard - particularly for luxury sectors such as jewellery, private banking, and haute couture. It is also used for high-end catalogue covers and VIP presentations. 400 g paperboard is expensive, but the result is distinctive - maximum strength and solidity.

Paperboard Formats - Sheets and Packs

Paperboard is available in printing formats (70×100 cm, 72×102 cm) as well as A4 office packs.

70×100 cm Paperboard - Offset Printing Format

The 70×100 cm format is a standard size used by offset printing companies in Poland.

Why Choose 70×100 cm?

The 70×100 cm format (700×1000 mm) is a sheet size optimised for offset printing machines. A single 70×100 cm sheet can produce 16 A4 sheets, 8 A3 sheets, 32 business cards (85×55 mm), or various combinations of finished formats. This helps minimise waste through optimised cutting. Printing companies purchase 70×100 cm paperboard by the pallet, often in quantities of hundreds of sheets, benefiting from economies of scale. After printing, the sheet is processed using a guillotine, die-cutting machine, or creasing machine to create the finished products. The 70×100 cm format is a standard size in Poland and Central Europe.

70×100 cm Paperboard - Packaging and Delivery

70×100 cm paperboard is packed in reams, usually containing 100 or 125 sheets depending on the paper weight and manufacturer. Each ream is protected with corner board and stretch film. A ream of 230 g paperboard weighs approximately 50 kg, a ream of 300 g paperboard approximately 70 kg, and a ream of 400 g paperboard nearly 100 kg - a pallet truck is therefore required for handling. 70×100 cm paperboard is delivered by pallet courier or dedicated transport. For printing companies and business customers, Netuno offers direct delivery from its warehouse - with reliable delivery times.

72×102 cm Paperboard - International Format

The 72×102 cm format is an international standard that is widely used in Western Europe.

Difference Between 72×102 cm and 70×100 cm

72×102 cm paperboard (720×1020 mm) is slightly larger than the 70×100 cm format. The difference is 2 cm in width and 2 cm in length, providing an additional safety margin for cutting. The 72×102 cm format is popular in international production and is commonly used by manufacturers in Germany, Austria, and Italy. It is less common in Poland but is available for customers requiring an EU standard. A 72×102 cm sheet can produce slightly more finished items or provide larger bleed margins. It is more expensive per sheet than the 70×100 cm format because of its larger surface area.

When to Choose the 72×102 cm Format

72×102 cm paperboard is suitable for international projects - for example, customers in Germany who are accustomed to this format, EU projects requiring standardisation, and production for Western European markets. It is also a good choice when a project requires larger bleed margins - such as packaging with full-bleed printing or boxes with rounded corners that require additional material for die-cutting. Netuno offers the 72×102 cm format for premium paperboard, including Premium Card Duo 400 g.

A4 Paperboard Packs - For Small Print Runs

A4 paperboard is a convenient office format for home printing and small projects.

A4 Paperboard - Who Is It For?

Packs of 100 A4 paperboard sheets are a practical solution for small businesses, offices, designers, and people working on DIY projects. There is no need to purchase a large 70×100 cm sheet when a project requires only 20 business cards - an A4 pack, printing at home or at a copy shop, and cutting with an office guillotine are sufficient. A4 paperboard is more expensive per sheet than large formats because it does not offer the same economies of scale, but it is more convenient for small print runs. GC paperboard with a white reverse is available in 230 g and 300 g weights in packs of 100 A4 sheets.

Applications of A4 Paperboard

A4 paperboard is used for homemade business cards, with one A4 sheet producing 10 business cards measuring 85×55 mm, A6 invitations, with four invitations produced from one A4 sheet, folded A5 greeting cards, with two produced from one A4 sheet, A4 certificates requiring no cutting, document covers, presentations, and proposals. A4 paperboard can be printed using a home laser printer, although it is important to check the maximum supported paper weight - usually 220-250 g. Heavier paper weights should be printed at a professional print service or digital printing company.

Printing on Paperboard - Technologies and Finishes

Paperboard requires the right printing technology and finishing methods to achieve the best results.

Offset Printing on Paperboard

Offset printing is the most popular technology for printing on paperboard - economical for medium and large print runs.

How Offset Printing on Paperboard Works

Offset printing is a technology in which the image is transferred from an aluminium printing plate through a rubber cylinder onto the paperboard. It is ideal for print runs of 500 or more items, as preparation costs, including plates and machine setup, are spread across a large number of copies. GC and GD paperboard perform exceptionally well in offset printing - their coated surfaces ensure sharp lines and intense colours. Offset presses designed for paperboard are specialist machines, with a maximum sheet format usually of 70×100 cm or 72×102 cm. Printing speeds can reach several hundred sheets per hour.

Preparing Paperboard for Offset Printing

Before printing, paperboard must be stored under suitable conditions - at a relative humidity of 50-60 percent and a temperature of 18-22°C. Over-dried paperboard shrinks, while paperboard exposed to excessive moisture expands, which can cause colour registration problems. Before printing, the paperboard should be acclimatised in the printing facility for 24 hours. Offset printing on paperboard requires suitable inks, usually fast-drying oil-based inks. After printing, the paperboard should dry for 24-48 hours before further converting. Rushing this process can result in smudging or ink transferring onto the reverse of sheets in the stack.

Digital Printing on Paperboard

Digital printing is a technology designed for small print runs and fast turnaround times.

When to Choose Digital Printing on Paperboard

Digital printing is economical for print runs below 500 items - there are no printing plate preparation costs, and production can begin immediately. Digital presses such as HP Indigo and Xerox iGen can accept paperboard up to 400 g, although the machine specifications should always be checked. The quality of digital printing on paperboard is comparable to offset printing, with modern machines providing excellent reproduction. Digital printing is also faster, with turnaround times of 1-3 days compared with 5-7 days for offset printing. It is ideal for urgent projects, test print runs, and personalised printing where each copy is different.

Limitations of Digital Printing on Paperboard

Digital printing on paperboard has some limitations - the maximum supported paper weight is usually 350-400 g, as machines cannot accept thicker stock, the sheet format is smaller than in offset printing, usually up to SRA3, and the unit cost is higher for large print runs. Some digital presses may also struggle with very smooth coated paperboard because the toner does not adhere well. It is advisable to consult the printing company before preparing the project so they can confirm whether their machine is suitable for the selected paperboard. For the best results, a test print should be produced before the full print run.

Paperboard Finishes - Varnishing, Lamination, and Embossing

Finishing techniques give paperboard additional visual impact and protection.

UV Varnishing on Paperboard

UV varnishing involves coating the paperboard with a layer of varnish cured using ultraviolet light. Gloss UV varnish creates an intense shine - the box gleams and the colours appear even more vivid. Matt UV varnish produces a velvety surface - elegant and free from reflections. Selective UV varnish, also known as spot UV, is applied only to selected elements such as a logo or decorative accents, while the remaining surface stays matt. This creates a striking contrast. UV varnish protects the paperboard against abrasion, moisture, and dirt. It adds to the cost but delivers a premium result.

Lamination and Embossing on Paperboard

Lamination involves covering the paperboard with a thin film, available in gloss or matt finishes. It provides stronger protection than varnish, offering resistance to water, grease, and scratches. Matt soft-touch lamination creates a velvety surface that feels pleasant to the touch - a luxurious finish for premium packaging. Embossing creates a raised or recessed pattern in the paperboard. It can be applied without ink as blind embossing or combined with foil using hot stamping, for example in gold or silver. The result is three-dimensional and tactile - a raised logo can be felt under the fingertips. Embossing is expensive but creates a distinctive effect.

Paperboard for Specific Applications

The choice of paperboard depends on the finished product. Which paperboard should you use for each application? See our recommendations.

Paperboard for Business Cards - Which One to Choose

Paperboard business cards are a professional standard - solid, rigid, and durable.

Which Paperboard Weight for Business Cards?

The standard weight for paperboard business cards is 300 g - the most popular option, offering optimal rigidity at an economical price. 300 g business cards do not bend easily in a wallet, look professional, and are durable. For premium business cards, choose 350-400 g - maximum rigidity creates an impressive feel and signals the highest quality. 250 g business cards are an acceptable economical option, but they are noticeably thinner and better suited to limited budgets. Never choose less than 250 g - thinner cards look inexpensive, bend easily, and wear out quickly.

GC or GD Paperboard for Business Cards?

Business cards printed on both sides require GC paperboard with a white reverse - both sides are white, with no grey backing showing through. Business cards printed on one side can use GD paperboard with a grey reverse - the grey side remains hidden in a wallet, providing savings of 20-30 percent. For premium sectors such as jewellery, law, and architecture, always choose GC paperboard because quality matters. For high-volume sectors such as retail and services, GD paperboard is sufficient. Paperboard business cards can also be finished with UV varnishing, lamination, or embossing for additional protection and prestige.

Paperboard for Packaging - Folding Cartons

Folding cartons are the most popular type of retail packaging.

Which Paperboard Should You Choose for Folding Cartons?

Folding cartons are typically made from 230-350 g paperboard, depending on the weight of the product. For lightweight products such as cosmetics, jewellery, and pharmaceuticals, 230-280 g paperboard is sufficient. For medium-weight products such as electronics, toys, and food, 300-350 g paperboard provides greater stability. Heavy products require paperboard weighing 350 g or more, or reinforced structures such as double walls. GC paperboard is suitable for premium packaging where the inside is visible, while GD paperboard is appropriate when the reverse is hidden. Folding cartons are creased and glued and are often finished with UV varnish for added protection and shine.

Designing Paperboard Boxes

Designing a box requires a dieline - a flat template showing where the paperboard should be creased, cut, and glued. A bleed margin of at least 3 mm is required so the artwork extends beyond the cutting edge. Creasing lines must be carefully planned so the box folds without the paperboard cracking. The thickness of the paperboard affects the final dimensions - a box made from 350 g paperboard will be slightly larger than one made from 250 g paperboard for the same product. A test sample or mock-up should be produced before the full print run to confirm that the construction works correctly and that the product fits inside.

Paperboard for Covers - Catalogues and Brochures

Catalogue, brochure, and folder covers require rigid paperboard to protect the contents.

Which Paperboard Weight for Covers?

Catalogue covers are usually made from 250-350 g paperboard. For thin catalogues with up to 20 pages, a 250-280 g cover is sufficient and does not overpower the contents. For medium-sized catalogues with 20-50 pages, 300 g paperboard is the standard choice - it protects the contents and retains its shape. For thick catalogues with more than 50 pages, choose 350 g paperboard or heavier, as it can support the weight without bending. Paperboard covers are often finished with matt lamination for an elegant appearance and protection against abrasion. Covers with flaps require creasing, so the paperboard must fold without cracking.

GC or GD Paperboard for Covers?

Catalogue covers are usually made from GD paperboard - the grey reverse is attached to the book block and remains hidden. This provides savings of 20-30 percent compared with GC paperboard. For presentation folders and portfolios, the choice depends on whether the inside is visible. Folders with an open internal pocket are better made from GC paperboard, as the white inner surface looks more professional. For closed glued folders, GD paperboard is sufficient. Hardback book covers, including channel-bound and case-bound covers, can use 300-350 g GD paperboard as a rigid base, wrapped in fabric or decorative paper.

Sources

The information provided in this description is based on:

• PN-EN ISO 536:2020 - Paper and board. Determination of grammage
• FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) - Packaging design standards
• Kipphan, H. (2001). Handbook of Print Media. Springer-Verlag
• Technical specifications from paperboard manufacturers (GC, GD, SBS, CUK)
• Offset printing standards for coated paperboard (FOGRA39, FOGRA51)
• Netuno's many years of experience in supplying paperboard to printing companies
• Analysis of paperboard applications in retail packaging (2020-2025)