Materials
Every sleeve style comes in kraft, SBS/C1S and recycled board, and box-style sleeves can also be made in corrugated. Kraft is our baseline - the others add a small per-unit surcharge.
Kraft
An unbleached, natural-brown paperboard with an eco-friendly, rustic look.
SBS / C1S
Solid bleached sulfate board, coated on one side - a bright-white surface built for vivid, high-detail printing.
Recycled Board
Post-consumer recycled paperboard for brands prioritizing sustainability.
Corrugated (E/F-Flute)
Thin fluted board with a printed face - noticeably stiffer than paperboard for heavier products.
Material Comparison
| Best For | Added Cost | Recyclable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft | Soap and bath products | Base price | Yes |
| SBS / C1S | Cosmetics and skincare | +$0.05/unit | Yes |
| Recycled Board | Brands marketing sustainability | +$0.03/unit | Yes |
| Corrugated (E/F-Flute) | Heavier products and multipacks | +$0.08/unit | Yes |
How to choose a material
Think about three things: how you want it to look, how your colors need to print, and what the sleeve has to hold.
- You want a natural, handmade look. Choose kraft. One dark ink prints crisply on it, and it is the lowest price.
- Your brand colors must be bright and exact. Choose SBS / C1S white board. It is the best choice for photos and gradients.
- You want to say your packaging is recycled. Choose recycled board. It makes the claim true of the sleeve itself.
- The product is heavy, or you sell multipacks. Choose corrugated for extra stiffness (box-style sleeves only).
Want more detail? Read how to choose a material or the eco-friendly materials comparison.
Material questions
Which material should I choose if I am not sure?
Start with kraft. It is the base price, it looks natural, and it works for most products. Choose white board (SBS/C1S) if you need bright, exact colors or photos. Choose recycled board if you want to say your packaging is made from recycled material.
Are all of the materials recyclable?
Yes, they are all paper-based and can go in paper recycling. Some finishes, such as a laminated soft-touch layer or foil, can make a sleeve harder to recycle. See the finishes page for details.
Does the material change the price?
A little. Kraft is the base price. Recycled board adds $0.03 per sleeve, SBS/C1S adds $0.05, and corrugated adds $0.08.
Why is corrugated only for box-style sleeves?
Corrugated has a fluted layer that does not bend cleanly around tight curves. It works well for box, handle and tray sleeves, but cone, tube and cup sleeves use paperboard.
Will my colors look the same on every material?
No. White board gives the brightest, truest colors. Kraft is brown, so printed colors look deeper and warmer, and pale colors look muted. The free proof shows you the real effect before anything is printed.
Not sure which material suits your product?
Tell us what you are packaging and the look you want. We will suggest a material, and you approve a free proof before we print.
Or call +1-312-910-5253