Common Paper Types Used in Packaging Printing

In the printing packaging industry, selecting the right type of paper plays a pivotal role — not only in defining aesthetic value but also in determining durability, product protection, production costs, and overall brand communication effectiveness. Each paper type features its own physical and technical characteristics — from print surface, thickness, and stiffness to post-print finishing compatibility — making it suitable for specific design and functional requirements.

This article introduces the most common paper types used in packaging printing, analyzing their technical properties, advantages, limitations, and practical applications. The goal is to provide foundational insights that help businesses and designers alike identify the most suitable paper solutions for each unique packaging project.

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1. PAPER

In the packaging industry, paper is used not only for lightweight printed materials but also as the decorative wrap layer applied to rigid box structures and corrugated boxes. Typically ranging from 120–200 gsm, this paper grade is suitable for offset printing, mounting, and creating a smooth, refined surface for the finished box.

After printing, the paper surface may be enhanced with finishing techniques such as lamination, hot stamping, embossing/debossing, drip-off coating, and other effects before being mounted onto structural materials like chipboard or corrugated board to complete the box construction.

Common paper types used in packaging printing include:

1.1. Ford Paper

Ford Paper (Giấy Ford | 书写纸 / 道林纸) is an uncoated white (or colored) paper widely used for office printing, photocopying, textbooks, notebooks, and various writing applications. It is produced in a broad range of grammages, typically starting from 60 gsm, and comes in multiple colors such as white, light yellow, pink, blue, and others—offering versatility for different uses.

Its surface has a light, natural tooth with a non-glossy finish and a relatively high whiteness level, providing comfortable readability and excellent suitability for handwriting. Because most of the lignin is removed during pulp processing, Ford paper is also less prone to yellowing during long-term storage.

However, as an uncoated paper, it absorbs ink more readily, resulting in lower color vibrancy compared to coated papers. This characteristic also limits its performance in applications requiring high image detail or specialized surface effects. For this reason, Ford paper is rarely used as an exterior wrap layer in packaging production; instead, it is more commonly applied as an inner lining (liner) within rigid or folded box structures.

1.2. Couche Paper

Couche Paper (Giấy Couche | 铜版纸) (from the French papier couché) is a coated paper in which the surface is covered with one or more layers of mineral coatings—typically kaolin, calcium carbonate, and binding agents—followed by calendering to achieve a smooth, white, low-absorbency finish. This coating technology enables sharper image reproduction and more vibrant colors, making couche paper particularly suitable for offset printing, catalogs, brochures, and certain types of lightweight packaging.

Today, couche paper is commonly available in two main surface finishes:

• Couche Gloss: A glossy coated finish with a smooth, highly reflective surface that delivers vivid, saturated colors. It performs exceptionally well for double-sided printing and image-heavy layouts.
• Couche Matte: A matte coated finish with reduced reflectivity, offering a softer, more refined appearance and improved readability—ideal for text-heavy designs or applications requiring minimized glare.

Quick Comparison: Couche Matte vs. Ford Paper

Applications of Couche Paper

• At lower grammages (80 – 200 gsm), Couche paper is typically used for advertising and commercial print products such as flyers, brochures, catalogs, posters, magazines, and name cards—applications that require a smooth surface, sharp color reproduction, and high light reflectivity. When combined with surface finishing techniques such as gloss or matte lamination, UV coating, or varnishing, this paper can also be used as a decorative wrap for rigid boxes and corrugated boxes to enhance their premium appearance.
• At higher grammages (250 – 400 gsm or higher), Couche paper is used in the production of folding boxes and premium paper bags—offering sufficient rigidity to maintain structure, minimal deformation during folding and gluing, and a coated surface that delivers vibrant print quality and supports effects such as hot stamping, embossing, debossing, and lamination. As a result, this paper is especially suitable for packaging in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and promotional gift products—categories that require clear brand presentation and strong visual appeal at the point of sale.

1.3. Kraft Paper

Kraft Paper (Giấy Kraft | 牛皮纸) is an uncoated paper or board characterized by its natural brown color and high strength. Manufactured through the kraft process—from unbleached kraft pulp—it retains the long cellulose fibers that give it superior mechanical durability compared to many other paper types.

Its surface is slightly rough and absorbs ink quickly, making it suitable for monochrome printing, low-complexity graphics, or handcrafted designs with a rustic aesthetic. Because it lacks a coating layer, offset printing or complex color reproduction may present challenges in sharpness and vibrancy. In high-humidity environments, it is advisable to use moisture-resistant grades or apply a protective coating.

Kraft paper is highly regarded for its environmental friendliness—easy to recycle, biodegradable, and well aligned with brands committed to sustainable development.

• At lower grammages (60 – 120 gsm), Kraft paper is commonly used for paper bags, wrapping paper, and inner liners—especially for organic foods, natural cosmetics, handcrafted goods, and eco-friendly gifts.
• At higher grammages (200 – 350 gsm or more), Kraft paper is used for producing folding boxes, rigid-style paper bags, and packaging that requires load-bearing strength—while still supporting precise folding, die-cutting, and gluing.

Aesthetically, Kraft paper conveys a natural, minimalist, and sustainable look, making it a preferred choice for eco-boxes, organic product packaging, handicrafts, sustainable fashion, and premium foods where ecological values and an authentic tactile feel are prioritized. Beyond the natural brown variant, white-top kraft board is also available, featuring a white printable top layer for improved image and color reproduction while retaining the natural kraft layer on the reverse side or interior.

1.4. Art Paper

Art Paper (Giấy Mỹ Thuật | 美术纸 / 特种纸) is a premium-grade paper distinguished by its diversity in color, surface texture, and tactile character. It delivers a refined sensory experience and visual depth, setting it apart from materials like Couche or Ivory, which typically feature smooth or glossy surfaces. This makes Art Paper an ideal choice for luxurious, creative packaging designs that emphasize brand identity.

More than just a printing substrate, Art Paper is crafted to evoke emotion from the very first glance. Well-known lines such as Malmero, Canaletto, Modi Dore, and Stardream offer a wide spectrum of tones, light effects, and fiber textures tailored to different design styles.

• At lower grammages (120 – 250 gsm), Art Paper is often mounted as an exterior wrap layer on rigid boxes or corrugated boxes, enhancing the visual appeal and premium feel.
• At higher grammages (250 – 300 gsm), Art Card is used as a structural material for folding boxes in high-end packaging applications. When combined with finishing techniques such as hot stamping, embossing, debossing, or UV coating, Art Paper delivers a sophisticated and elegant presentation for the final product.

1.5. Metallized Paper

Metallized Paper (Giấy Metalize | 镀铝纸) is a paper material laminated with an ultra-thin metallic layer—typically aluminum—onto a smooth base paper such as Couche, Ivory, or Kraft. This metallic layer creates an eye-catching reflective effect while enhancing light barrier properties and reducing moisture absorption, thereby improving product protection.

• At lower grammages (120 – 250 gsm), Metalize paper is used as an exterior wrap layer for rigid boxes or corrugated boxes, commonly seen in Tet gift boxes, Mid-Autumn mooncake boxes, and premium cosmetic packaging.
• At higher grammages (200 – 350 gsm), Metalize paper is used as a structural material for folding boxes. When combined with specialized metallic films such as Metalize Holographic or Lenticular, along with finishing techniques like hot stamping, embossing, and diffraction patterns, Metalize paper delivers a luxurious visual effect and provides effective anti-counterfeiting features.

At Newlifepack

Metallized paper is manufactured in-house using an advanced roll-to-roll lamination system equipped with a 12-meter drying tunnel. This setup ensures optimal control over temperature, speed, and pressure, allowing the metallic film to bond seamlessly with the paper substrate. The result is a flawlessly smooth surface, forming the perfect foundation for producing high-quality printed and laminated packaging that meets both aesthetic and technical excellence.

2. PAPERBOARD

Paperboard (Giấy Bìa | 纸板类), also known as Cardboard, typically ranges from 230 – 400 gsm. It is thicker and mechanically stronger than regular paper and is commonly manufactured from one or multiple layers of pulp in a multi-ply structure.

The surface of paperboard may be coated to achieve high-quality offset printing or left uncoated for a natural, eco-friendly appearance. With excellent rigidity, foldability, die-cutting, and gluing properties, paperboard is the standard material used in producing folding boxes.

Common types of paperboard used in packaging printing include:

2.1. Ivory Board

Ivory Paper (Giấy bìa Ivory | 单面白卡纸) is a one-side coated paper (C1S), typically finished with a semi-gloss or matte coating and characterized by its warm, ivory-white tone that conveys a refined, elegant appearance. Its smooth coated surface supports high-quality offset printing with sharp image reproduction. Despite being lightweight, it offers excellent stiffness, die-cutting performance, and foldability—providing a strong balance between cost and functionality.

• At lower grammages (120 – 250 gsm), Ivory paper is used for premium printed materials such as product cards, greeting cards, catalogs, brochure covers, hangtags, and as a wrap paper layer for rigid boxes.
• At higher grammages (250 – 350 gsm), Ivory Board is a popular choice for folding boxes in packaging applications for food, tea, coffee, confectionery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals—where durable packaging and elevated brand presentation are required.

Because of its naturally ivory-tinted base, Ivory Board may slightly reduce color vibrancy or shift the tone of printed graphics, especially with light colors or designs requiring pure white elements. Therefore, when printing light shades or white details, it is important to consider appropriate printing techniques, coatings, or lamination options to ensure color accuracy and the desired visual effect.

2.2. Duplex Board

Duplex Board (Giấy bìa Duplex | 灰底白板纸) is a two-layer paperboard in which one side is clay-coated for printing, while the reverse side is typically gray or white, depending on the grade. Duplex can be produced entirely from recycled pulp or blended with virgin fibers, offering a balanced solution between cost efficiency and print quality.

In folding box production, Duplex generally ranges from 230 – 450 gsm and is widely used for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) such as toothpaste, soap, convenience foods, and essential household products—applications where cost effectiveness and functional performance are key priorities.

Compared to materials like Couche or Ivory, Duplex has lower ink receptivity, so it often requires gloss/ matte lamination or UV/ varnish coating to enhance durability, improve color vibrancy, and increase moisture resistance. Duplex is a popular choice for packaging that demands low cost, high production volume, and sufficient rigidity while still maintaining an acceptable level of visual appeal.

2.3. Bristol Board

Bristol Board (Giấy bìa Bristol | 布里斯托纸板 / 布里斯托卡纸) is a premium paperboard made primarily from virgin bleached pulp, offering high brightness, excellent stiffness, and a finely finished surface on both sides. With its densely compressed fiber structure and refined surface treatment, Bristol provides strong ink adhesion and precise color reproduction, making it suitable for high-quality offset printing.

Bristol typically features two sides with relatively even smoothness, though one-side coated variants are also available depending on application requirements. Produced in grammages ranging from 180 – 350 gsm, Bristol is an ideal choice for premium products and packaging such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, gourmet foods, and luxury gift materials.

In the Vietnamese market, Bristol Board is less common than Couche, Ivory, or Duplex due to its higher cost and more limited supply, but it remains favored for printing projects that require high precision and elevated visual quality.

Common Types of Paper and Paperboard Used in Folding Box Production

3. CORRUGATED BOARD

Corrugated Board (Bìa Sóng / Bìa Carton | 瓦楞纸板 / 纸箱板), is a multi-layer packaging material formed by mounting layers of containerboard in a “sandwich” structure. One or more layers of fluting paper are placed between flat linerboard layers, creating a distinctive construction that delivers excellent compression strength, bending resistance, and cushioning performance to protect products during storage and transportation.

• Linerboard is the flat paper layer positioned on the outer and inner surfaces of the corrugated board. With its relatively high thickness, rigidity, and strength, linerboard serves as the structural base and provides a smooth, stable surface for printing. Its grammage typically ranges from 90 – 200 gsm, depending on performance and visual requirements.
• Fluting paper is the corrugated medium that forms the inner cushioning structure of the board. The fluted profile helps distribute load, enhance compression resistance, and absorb impact, thereby improving overall product protection. Common grammage for fluting paper ranges from 90 – 150 gsm.

Common Flute Types

In premium packaging applications, corrugated board can be laminated with decorative outer papers such as couche, ivory, or specialty art papers. These top layers allow for high-quality printing and additional finishing effects—such as UV coating, stamping, or embossing—to elevate the visual appeal of the final packaging.

Thanks to its versatility, high durability, recyclability, and cost efficiency, corrugated board and corrugated boxes have become the dominant packaging solution in modern commerce, especially in retail and e-commerce. The development of corrugated packaging represents a major milestone in the packaging industry, transforming the way products are transported, stored, and distributed worldwide.

4. CHIPBOARD

Chipboard (灰板纸), also known as Greyboard (Bìa xám / 实心纸板), or referred to in Vietnam as Bìa Carton Lạnh (means cold corrugated board) to distinguish it from corrugated board — is a rigid paperboard made from recycled pulp. It is uncoated and naturally grey on both sides. With its high compression density, chipboard is typically produced in grammages ranging from 440 – 2200 gsm, offering excellent rigidity, durability, and dimensional stability.

In premium packaging production, chipboard is the standard structural material for rigid boxes. It is widely used in high-end packaging, including premium gift boxes, corporate gift boxes, mooncake boxes, Tet gift boxes, and other packaging formats that require superior strength and elevated aesthetics.

Due to its rough surface and poor color reproduction, chipboard is generally not printed on directly. Instead, it is laminated with decorative outer papers—such as couche paper, ivory paper, or specialty art papers—and enhanced with various printing and finishing techniques, including lamination, texture embossing, foil stamping, or metalized printing effects. These added layers improve visual appeal and elevate the overall brand presentation.

At Newlifepack

We are among the few packaging manufacturers in Southern Vietnam equipped with a fully automated, large-scale chipboard rigid box production line, operating entirely in-house without subcontracting. This complete production autonomy allows us to produce hundreds to thousands of refined and distinctive rigid box designs each day — ranging from magnetic lid book-style boxes, premium shoulder boxes, to multi-tier or custom-engineered structures — fulfilling every requirement in functionality, durability, and visual sophistication.

5. FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER

FSC-certified paper (Giấy FSC | 认证纸) is paper produced and distributed within a supply chain certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)—an international nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to promote responsible forest management worldwide.

FSC certification ensures that the wood fibers come from responsibly managed forests that are traceable, do not contribute to deforestation or ecosystem harm, and comply with strict standards related to environmental protection, labor rights, and local community welfare.

FSC currently provides three primary label categories:

• FSC 100%: All raw materials originate from FSC-certified forests.
• FSC Mix: Products made from a combination of FSC-certified material, recycled fibers, and/or controlled wood.
• FSC Recycled: Made from 100% recycled fiber, with no use of newly harvested natural wood.

FSC certification is granted to companies within the supply chain (paper mills, packaging manufacturers, printing facilities, etc.) when they maintain a compliant Chain of Custody (CoC) system that guarantees full traceability and prevents mixing with uncontrolled sources.

At Newlifepack

We are proud to be an FSC-certified company—clear evidence of Newlifepack’s commitment to producing packaging from sustainable, responsibly sourced, and environmentally friendly materials. This certification reaffirms our ongoing effort toward sustainable development and our responsibility to a greener planet.

• Original Certification Date: October 12, 2020
• Certification Start Date: October 12, 2025
• Expiration Date: October 11, 2030
• FSC Certificate Code: BV-COC-160600
• Certificate No. / Version: VN013870/1

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Paper – Maximizing Packaging Value

Selecting the right paper is not only a matter of aesthetics but also a key factor that determines the durability, print performance, convertibility, and cost efficiency of packaging.
Each paper type — from glossy Couche, premium Ivory, natural Kraft, to rigid Chipboard — serves a distinct purpose and fits specific product categories and market segments.

At Newlifepack, we provide expert consultation and material optimization solutions tailored to every packaging project, ensuring the perfect balance between design intent, functional requirements, and production cost. Backed by a highly skilled technical team and a fully equipped in-house printing system, Newlifepack is committed to delivering professional, creative, and efficient packaging solutions that enhance the perceived value and brand identity of every client we serve..

Newlifepack Co., Ltd.

Newlife Packaging Printing Company (Newlifepack Co., Ltd. – since 2008) is a leading manufacturer of Paper Packaging and a trusted provider of Custom Rigid Boxes based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Professional Packaging Manufacturer

• Perfect color reproduction using advanced offset printing technology with the KOMORI Lithrone 6-color press
• 15,000 m² facility equipped with modern automation, capable of handling large orders with tight deadlines
• Closed-loop production process: fully in-house, no outsourcing. Guaranteed stable quality and competitive pricing
• Professional design and prepress team. Experienced technicians and production staff. Dedicated consultation and attentive customer service.
• Certified with: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, GMI, G7, GSV, FSC, SMETA

Contact Us:

• Headquarters & Factory: 68 Tran Van Cham Street, Cu Chi Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  (Formerly: 68 Tran Van Cham Street, Phuoc Vinh An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
• Telephone: +84 28 3790 2768
• Hotline: +84 828 449 999 (Business Department)
• Email: box@newlifepack.com (Board of Directors)
• Website: https://newlifepack.com
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/newlifepack

Thank you for considering us among the many packaging and printing providers. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with you!