Folding Box Board (FBB) is a multi-ply paperboard built with a mechanical pulp core (e.g., CTMP) sandwiched between layers of bleached chemical pulp. It delivers high bulk at low weight, good stiffness, and excellent print/converting performance, making it a go-to choice for premium folding cartons.
Structure & Grades
Typical build: Top liner (bleached chemical pulp, coated) / Mechanical-pulp middle (adds bulk & stiffness) / Back liner (bleached pulp, often coated).
Common grades:
GC1: White front and higher-whiteness back (two-sided print quality).
GC2: High-white front with a slightly less white back (cost-effective).
GZ: High-gloss, high-white variants (brand-specific).
Key Characteristics
High bulk, lighter weight: Achieves target stiffness with lower GSM, saving material and freight.
Excellent creasing & formability: Strong structural support for crisp box shapes.
Good printability: Smooth coated surface for CMYK + spot, fine text, foil, and spot UV.
Food-friendly options: Available in food-contact grades (verify certifications).
Sustainable sourcing: Widely available with FSC/PEFC.
Typical Specs (reference)
Basis weight: ~200–400 gsm.
Caliper: ~350–650 µm (brand & calendering dependent).
Coatings: C1S (coated one side) or C2S (coated two sides), gloss or matte finishes.
Printing & Converting
Printing: Offset/UV offset and digital (HP Indigo/inkjet) supported; manage set-off with proper inks and spray powder.
Finishing: Compatible with die-cutting, creasing, gluing, foil/emboss/deboss, lamination, spot UV.
Process tips:
Mind grain direction (MD/CD) and rule/crease ratios to minimize cracking.
For heavier calipers, pre-score or increase fold radius.
For recyclable builds, prefer water-based coatings and solvent-free adhesives.
Common Applications
Food & beverage: chocolate, cereals, tea, frozen foods (add barrier/cold-chain features as needed).
Beauty & personal care: skincare/makeup cartons, gift sets.
Healthcare/pharma: folding cartons (subject to regional compliance).
Retail & stationery: sleeves, hang cards, display packs, small electronics.
Comparisons
FBB vs. SBS (Ivory Board):
FBB: lighter, bulkier, strong stiffness-to-cost ratio.
SBS: higher whiteness and surface finesse for ultra-premium print.
FBB vs. Greyboard/White-backed chip:
FBB: cleaner look, better hygiene and print/folding performance.
Greyboard: lower cost and robust for inner trays/transport-oriented uses.
Sustainability & Compliance
FSC/PEFC available; food-contact declarations by grade/region.
Can be paired with water-based varnishes, solvent-free glues, and recyclable/biobased films (confirm availability in supply chain).
Purchasing & Sampling Tips
MOQ: finished cartons commonly feasible from 100–500 pcs; 500+ improves unit economics.
Sampling: start with a white mockup for fit/structure, then digital/spot print proofs for color & finishes.
Artwork & specs: provide editable vectors (AI/PDF), Pantone/CMYK, and clear L × W × H (state internal vs. external) plus a process list.