Folding cartons do more than protect products – they’re powerful marketing tools that shape first impressions of your brand and drive sales. Choosing the right folding carton material, then, is critical to success.

Here, we’ll explore three of the most popular folding carton materials – SBS, CNK, and CRB – to help you decide which to use for your next project.

1. Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) is a versatile packaging material made from bleached wood pulp that can come in various thicknesses and be coated on one or two sides. SBS offers exceptional clarity for color graphics and is well-suited for embossing.

Characteristics

• Smooth, clean, bright white surface
• Strong and durable
• Nontoxic
• Recyclable

Advantages and Applications

SBS is ideal for high-end printing on premium packaging, making it perfect for luxury brands that value visual appeal. This type of packaging material looks amazing on the shelf, reinforcing brand identity and influencing sales.

Common applications include food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, and others. Here are some examples:

• Food: Snacks, confections, baked goods, frozen foods, and ice cream
• Lifesciences: Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• Cosmetics: Makeup, skincare, and perfume
• Electronics: Devices, toys, and accessories
• Luxury: Jewelry, fashion accessories, and boutique apparel

2. Coated Natural Kraft (CNK)

Coated Natural Kraft (CNK) is made from natural brown Kraft fibers that provide durability and an organic, eco-friendly appearance.

Characteristics

• Strong Kraft paper
• Coated for durability and printability
• Natural look
• Can be Biodegradable

Advantages and Applications

CNK is an eco-friendly option that’s ideal for sustainability-conscious brands and consumers. It’s more cost-effective than SBS, and though print quality isn’t quite as good as SBS, certain coatings can enhance the print quality of CNK.

The strength and durability of CNK makes it well-suited for heavy-duty packaging and shipping. Common applications include:

• Baked goods
• Pizza boxes
• Frozen foods
• Soft drinks
• Beer cartons
• Tools

3. Coated Recycled Board (CRB)

As its name suggests, Coated Recycled Board (CRB) is a sustainable packaging material made from recycled materials. It conserves natural resources and reduces your carbon footprint.

CRB is available in various grades depending on the amount of recycled content. It can resemble virgin paperboard, and though it doesn’t have the bright white finish of SBS, it still offers excellent print quality.

Characteristics

• Strong and durable
• Recyclable
• Printable
• Most eco-friendly option

Advantages and Applications

As the most sustainable type of packaging material, CRB is ideal for eco-friendly brands and consumers. Companies can highlight their eco-friendliness by printing statements such as “made from 80% post-consumer recycled content” on CRB.

Common applications include:

• Consumer goods
• Foods
• Beverages
• Cannabis/CBD
• Interior/secondary packaging, such as insert boxes

The right folding carton material is key to commanding attention for your brand in retail environments. If you’re not sure which packaging material is right for your project, Priority Packaging can help. Our experts will partner with you to choose packaging materials that not only protect your products but also promote them through powerful presentation.