What Is SBS paperboard?
Updated · Vorex Packaging
SBS paperboard is solid bleached sulfate board, a paperboard made from bleached chemical wood pulp so it is white all the way through. It has a smooth, bright surface that takes sharp printing and finishes, which is why it is a standard choice for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food and other premium folding cartons.
SBS stands for solid bleached sulfate. The sulfate (kraft) pulping process produces strong fibers, and bleaching gives the board a white color through its full thickness, not just on the surface. Most SBS used for printed cartons also has a clay coating on one side for a smoother print surface.
When SBS makes sense
- You want bright, accurate colors and fine detail such as small text or thin lines.
- You plan finishes like foil stamping, spot UV or embossing.
- The inside of the box will be visible and should look clean and white.
Things to know
SBS thickness is measured in points (thousandths of an inch) in North America. It is a folding carton material, so it protects products on the shelf but is not designed to survive the mail alone. For shipping, pair an SBS carton with a corrugated mailer, or choose a white corrugated box. Kraft paperboard is the brown, unbleached alternative when a natural look matters more than bright color.
