How to Choose a Material for Your Packaging Sleeve
A comparison of kraft, SBS/C1S, recycled board, and corrugated to help you pick the right base material.
Last updated
Every sleeve style is available in kraft, SBS/C1S and recycled board, so for most products the choice comes down to look, budget, and what you need the packaging to communicate. Corrugated is the exception: it's for box-style sleeves carrying heavier products. Kraft is our baseline: it's what our starting prices are calculated on, and the others add a small per-unit surcharge.
Kraft
Baseline priceKraft takes a single spot color or two-color print well and is the baseline material for every sleeve style - it's what our starting prices are calculated on.
Best for: Soap and bath products, Coffee and tea, Brands with an eco-friendly or artisan look.
See Kraft in detail
SBS / C1S
+$0.05/unitThe bright white base and coated surface reproduce full-color photography and gradients more accurately than kraft, which is why it's the default choice for retail packaging that needs to match brand colors precisely.
Best for: Cosmetics and skincare, Retail products with full-color artwork, Photo-heavy packaging.
See SBS / C1S in detail
Recycled Board
+$0.03/unitMade from post-consumer recycled fiber rather than virgin pulp - a straightforward way to back up a sustainability claim with the packaging material itself, at a modest cost increase over kraft.
Best for: Brands marketing sustainability, Subscription boxes, Zero-waste and refill products.
See Recycled Board in detail
Corrugated (E/F-Flute)
+$0.08/unitThe fluted middle layer adds crush strength and some insulation, so it suits box, handle and tray sleeves carrying heavier products or multipacks. Flat wraps like belly bands, cone and tube sleeves stay on paperboard, since flutes don't bend cleanly around tight curves.
Best for: Heavier products and multipacks, Handle and tray sleeves, Shipping-ready retail packs.
See Corrugated (E/F-Flute) in detailQuick Comparison
| Look | Added Cost | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft | An unbleached, natural-brown paperboard with an eco-friendly, rustic look. | Included | Soap and bath products |
| SBS / C1S | Solid bleached sulfate board, coated on one side - a bright-white surface built for vivid, high-detail printing. | +$0.05/unit | Cosmetics and skincare |
| Recycled Board | Post-consumer recycled paperboard for brands prioritizing sustainability. | +$0.03/unit | Brands marketing sustainability |
| Corrugated (E/F-Flute) | Thin fluted board with a printed face - noticeably stiffer than paperboard for heavier products. | +$0.08/unit | Heavier products and multipacks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix materials within one order?
No - each order is printed on a single material, since board type affects the print setup. If you want to compare two materials side by side, request a sample kit or split your quantity across two separate quotes.
Does material choice affect turnaround time?
No - all our materials run on the same 5-7 business day production schedule. Availability is checked when you place your order, not before.
Which material takes foil stamping or embossing best?
All three paperboards hold foil and embossing well. SBS/C1S gives the crispest edge on fine detail because of its coated surface; kraft and recycled board give a slightly softer, more rustic impression that some brands prefer for an artisan look. Corrugated takes foil on its printed face, but deep embossing is limited by the flutes underneath.
Is recycled board actually different from kraft?
Yes - kraft is unbleached virgin pulp (naturally brown, not from recycled material), while recycled board is made from post-consumer recycled fiber. Both are recyclable after use, but recycled board lets you make a specific recycled-content claim on your packaging.
Not sure which material fits your product?
Tell us about it and we'll recommend one - no obligation.
Or call +1-312-910-5253