Custom packaging is more than choosing a box style. The material, printing, colors, finishes, and add-ons you select all work together to create packaging that looks great, protects your product, and represents your brand.
The Packaging Squad Option Library makes it easier to explore these choices before requesting custom boxes. Compare materials, printing methods, finishes, inserts, and other packaging options to understand what works best for your product.
Think of this page as your quick packaging guide. Each option includes a simple overview, with dedicated pages available when you want to explore the details.
Explore your options, compare the possibilities, and build packaging that fits your product, brand, and goals.
Use this page to explore the options, compare them side by side, and figure out which combination is worth requesting a quote for.
What Packaging Options Can You Customize?
Packaging material affects physical characteristics and appearance — strength, texture, and how well it takes print.
Printing affects how artwork, branding, and graphics are reproduced onto that material.
Color and ink affect brand color consistency, visual impact, and specific production requirements.
Finishing affects surface appearance and tactile presentation after printing.
Add-ons add functionality, protection, organization, or presentation on top of everything else.
These choices combine rather than compete — the right packaging project usually works through them in roughly this order:
Material + Printing + Color/Ink + Finish + Add-On = Your Packaging Experience
Change any one layer and the result changes — a kraft box with digital printing looks and feels very different from an SBS paperboard box with offset printing, a Pantone-matched brand color, and a foil-stamped logo, even if both hold the exact same product.
Packaging Materials
The material is usually the first decision, because it shapes almost everything downstream: how strong the box is, how it looks and feels, how well it takes print and finishing, what it costs, and how it holds up in shipping or environmental exposure.
Things material choice tends to affect:
- Product weight and required protection
- Box construction and printability
- Appearance and brand positioning
- Sustainability considerations
- Shipping and environmental exposure
- Cost considerations
Kraft Paper
A natural, earthy appearance with practical strength and customization flexibility. Well suited to brands emphasizing simplicity, sustainability, handmade appeal, or a natural aesthetic — common in food, personal care, and artisan product packaging.
Explore Kraft Paper packaging →SBS Paperboard
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) paperboard is bright white and smooth-surfaced, built for sharp graphics and vivid color. A frequent choice for retail-facing boxes — cosmetics, electronics accessories, and gift packaging.
Learn about SBS Paperboard →CCNB Paperboard
Coated Clay New Back (CCNB) pairs a bright, printable coated front with an uncoated grey or brown backside, often made partly from recycled fiber — a good printable surface at a different cost or sustainability profile than SBS.
Learn about CCNB Paperboard →Chipboard
A dense, recycled paperboard typically used as a structural or supportive layer rather than the outward-facing print surface — think box liners, drawer inserts, or rigid box construction.
Learn about Chipboard →Corrugated Board
The fluted inner layer between paper liners gives cushioning and structural strength flat paperboard doesn't have — a common choice when packaging needs to protect a product through shipping and handling.
Learn about Corrugated Board →SBS Poly
SBS paperboard with a poly coating added for moisture or grease resistance — often considered for packaging that needs extra protection against liquids or oils, such as certain food or personal care applications.
CUK Paperboard
A coated one-side board with an uncoated kraft back, pairing a printable front surface with a natural-looking reverse side — a middle ground between fully coated boards and kraft paper.
Ovenable Paperboard
A paperboard designed to tolerate oven temperatures, typically considered for food packaging meant to go from box to oven.
Mill Wax Paperboard
A paperboard treated with a wax coating, often considered where added moisture resistance or a distinct surface texture is useful.
Not sure which material fits your product? Explore our packaging materials guide or contact Packaging Squad for help choosing an appropriate option.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Material
There's no single "best" material for every product. Selection depends on the product itself, its weight and fragility, the packaging style, shipping requirements, branding, desired appearance, print requirements, sustainability goals, budget, and order quantity.
| Packaging Need | Material to Consider | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Natural appearance | Kraft Paper | Distinct natural visual character |
| Premium printed presentation | SBS Paperboard | Smooth, consistent printable surface |
| Certain food applications | An appropriate food-grade board | Depends on the specific application and requirements |
| Shipping protection | Corrugated Board | Designed for protective packaging applications |
| Sturdy internal structure | Chipboard | Useful for certain packaging constructions |
Packaging Materials Compared
Materials
Kraft Paper
Offers a natural, textured, uncoated appearance often associated with sustainability and handmade branding.
SBS Paperboard
Offers a bright white, smooth, highly printable surface often associated with a polished retail look.
Kraft can be a strong fit where an earthy or minimalist aesthetic matters; SBS tends to suit projects where sharp graphics and vivid color are the priority.
Compare the full material details →Materials
SBS Paperboard
Fully coated and bright white on both sides, offering a consistent printable surface throughout.
CCNB Paperboard
Pairs a coated, printable front with an uncoated grey or brown back, often at a different cost or sustainability profile.
SBS tends to suit projects that need a consistent finish inside and out; CCNB can be a practical choice when only the outward-facing surface needs to look polished.
Compare the full material details →Materials
Paperboard
A smooth, highly printable surface suited to retail presentation.
Corrugated Board
A fluted layer adds cushioning and structural strength suited to shipping and handling.
Paperboard often suits retail-facing packaging where appearance is the priority; corrugated board is often considered where the packaging needs to withstand shipping and transit.
Explore Corrugated Board →Materials
Chipboard
A dense, rigid board typically used as a structural or supportive layer rather than the outward print surface.
Paperboard
Generally chosen for its printable, presentation-ready surface, such as SBS or CCNB.
Chipboard is often considered for rigidity and internal structure, while paperboard is generally the choice when the surface itself needs to carry branding and artwork.
Explore Chipboard →Packaging Printing Options
Printing determines how your artwork, brand colors, and graphics actually show up on the finished box. The right method depends on your artwork, color requirements, order quantity, and the material you're printing on — and affects brand recognition, retail appearance, and consistency across production runs.
Digital Printing
Reproduces artwork directly from a digital file without the setup process traditional print methods require — often considered for shorter runs, tighter timelines, or designs that may change between orders.
Explore Digital Printing →Offset Printing
Uses printing plates to transfer ink onto the packaging surface — a long-established method for consistent, high-quality color across larger print runs, where per-unit cost and consistency both matter.
Explore Offset Printing →UV Printing
Cures ink instantly using ultraviolet light rather than letting it air-dry, producing vivid, sharp color and allowing printing on a wider range of surfaces, including some that don't absorb ink well.
Explore UV Printing →Packaging Color & Ink Options
Printing process and color or ink selection are related decisions, but they're not the same thing. The printing method determines how artwork is applied to the box; color and ink choice determines how that artwork actually looks and performs once printed.
Pantone / Spot Colors
Pantone (PMS) is a standardized color-matching system, not a printing method itself. It's used to specify an exact color — often a brand's specific shade — so it reproduces consistently across print runs and materials, typically as a spot color alongside or instead of standard process printing.
Learn about Pantone / Spot Color Printing →Soy-Based Ink
An ink made using soybean oil as a base, sometimes considered by brands with sustainability-focused packaging goals.
Oil-Based Ink
A traditional ink formulation used in certain printing processes, valued for its color depth and drying characteristics.
Fluorescent Ink
An ink that stands out under normal or UV lighting, sometimes used for packaging that needs strong shelf visibility or a distinctive visual effect.
Digital Printing vs. Offset Printing
Digital Printing
Skips the plate-making step, which can make it a practical option for shorter runs, tighter timelines, or artwork that may vary between orders.
Offset Printing
Requires plates but tends to offer strong per-unit economics and consistent color at higher volumes.
Which one fits better usually comes down to order quantity and how much the artwork changes between runs.
Compare printing options in detail →Packaging Finishes
Finishing is applied after printing and changes how the surface looks and feels — not what's printed, but how it presents. It can affect texture, shine, visual depth, and perceived quality.
Matte Finish
A non-reflective, soft-touch surface — often chosen for a clean, understated, premium look that doesn't compete with the printed artwork for attention.
Learn about Matte Finish →Gloss Finish
A reflective, shiny surface that can make colors appear more vibrant and saturated — a common choice where bold, eye-catching shelf presence is the priority.
Learn about Gloss Finish →Spot UV
Applies a glossy coating to specific design elements rather than the whole surface, creating contrast between matte and gloss areas — often used to highlight a logo or design detail.
Learn about Spot UV →Foil Stamping
Applies a thin layer of metallic or pigmented foil to specific areas of the design, often used for logos or accents that need a distinct metallic or reflective look.
Learn about Foil Stamping →Embossing
Raises a design above the surrounding surface, adding a tactile, dimensional element that can be felt as well as seen.
Learn about Embossing →Debossing
Presses a design into the surface rather than raising it, creating a recessed, understated tactile effect.
Learn about Debossing →Finishes can sometimes be combined for additional effect — for example, matte finish + spot UV, matte finish + foil stamping, or embossing + foil stamping. Availability depends on the specific material, box construction, and production requirements, so it's worth confirming feasibility for your particular project.
Packaging Finish Comparisons
Finishing
Matte Finish
Produces a non-reflective, soft surface often associated with understated, premium branding.
Gloss Finish
Produces a reflective, vibrant surface often associated with bold shelf presence.
Neither is inherently better — the choice generally comes down to the look and feel the brand is going for.
Compare finishing options →Finishing
Embossing
Raises the design above the surface.
Debossing
Presses it in.
Both create a tactile effect that printing alone can't achieve, but they read differently — embossing tends to feel more prominent, while debossing tends to feel more subtle.
Compare embossing and debossing in detail →Finishing
Foil Stamping
Applies metallic or pigmented foil to specific design areas for a distinct metallic or reflective look.
Spot UV
Applies a glossy coating to specific design elements, creating contrast against a matte background rather than a metallic effect.
Foil stamping is generally chosen for a metallic or bold accent, while Spot UV is generally chosen for a more subtle gloss-on-matte contrast.
Explore Foil Stamping →Packaging Add-Ons & Features
Add-ons build functionality and presentation on top of the material, print, color, and finish decisions already made — improving product organization, protection, the unboxing experience, and overall presentation.
Window Patching
Adds a cut-out area, typically covered with a clear film, so the product is visible without opening the box — often used where showing the product itself is part of the sales pitch.
Learn about Window Patching →Packaging Inserts
Internal components — trays, dividers, or molded shapes — that position, separate, or cushion products inside the box. Commonly used for multi-item sets, fragile products, or a more structured presentation.
Learn about Packaging Inserts →Handles
Add a carrying feature to a box, often used for retail bags, gift packaging, or takeaway-style boxes where portability matters.
Learn about Handles →Magnetic Closure
A magnetic clasp built into a rigid box lid, often used for a secure, premium-feeling close on gift or retail packaging.
Ribbon & Bow
A ribbon or bow attached to the packaging, typically used to add a finished, gift-ready presentation.
Tissue Paper
Decorative tissue paper placed inside the box, often used to add presentation and light product protection.
Insert Cards
Printed cards placed inside the packaging, commonly used for thank-you notes, instructions, or additional branding.
Hang Tags
Small tags attached to a product or package, often used for retail labeling or branding.
Stickers & Labels
Adhesive stickers or labels applied to packaging, often used for sealing, branding, or product information.
Security Seals
Tamper-evident seals applied to packaging, often used where verifying an unopened package matters.
How Materials, Printing, Color, Finishes & Add-Ons Work Together
Material determines much of the packaging's physical character — strength, texture, and base appearance.
Printing determines how artwork, branding, and graphics are applied to that material.
Color and ink choice determines how that artwork actually looks and performs once printed — brand consistency, visual impact, or specific production requirements.
Finishing adds a visual or tactile layer on top of the printed surface.
Add-ons contribute functionality, presentation, protection, or product visibility beyond the box's basic structure.
Realistic combinations include kraft paper with digital printing, SBS paperboard with offset printing and a matte finish, paperboard with foil stamping, matte finish paired with spot UV, embossing paired with foil stamping, a printed box with window patching, or a custom box with an insert. Availability and suitability depend on the specific packaging construction — not every combination works with every material.
How to Choose the Right Packaging Options
A simple way to work through a packaging project, step by step:
Understand the Product
- Size
- Weight
- Fragility
- Shape
- Product quantity
Choose the Packaging Construction
- Box style
- Protection needs
- Shipping conditions
- Presentation
Select the Material
- Appearance
- Strength
- Printability
- Sustainability
- Budget
Select Printing & Color
- Artwork
- Brand colors
- Order quantity
- Reproduction requirements
Select Finishing
- Brand aesthetic
- Surface appearance
- Tactile effect
- Premium presentation
Add Functional Features
- Inserts
- Windows
- Handles
- Closures, cards, labels
Packaging Options by Industry
Different industries tend to favor different combinations of these options, though none of these pairings are fixed rules.
Packaging Options by Product
Packaging requirements also vary by product type — a jewelry box has different priorities than a shipping box, even within the same brand. Common product categories where these options come into play include:
- Cosmetic boxes
- Food boxes
- Bakery boxes
- Jewelry boxes
- Shipping boxes
- Retail boxes
- Gift boxes
- Display packaging
Link each of these to your existing Packaging Squad product/category pages where they exist — none are linked here to avoid pointing to URLs that may not match your live site structure.
Popular Packaging Option Combinations
Some combinations come up frequently, though the right fit always depends on the specific product and application:
Cosmetic Gift Box
- Material
- SBS Paperboard
- Printing
- Offset
- Finish
- Matte + Foil Stamping
- Add-On
- Magnetic Closure
A premium, retail-ready presentation often considered for gifting-oriented cosmetics.
Bakery Box
- Material
- Kraft Paper
- Printing
- Digital
- Finish
- Minimal / none
- Add-On
- Window Patching
A natural look with product visibility, suited to shorter runs and artisan positioning.
Jewelry Box
- Material
- Paperboard
- Printing
- Offset or Digital
- Finish
- Embossing
- Add-On
- Insert
Structured presentation and protection often considered for small, high-value items.
E-Commerce Shipping Box
- Material
- Corrugated Board
- Printing
- Digital or Offset
- Finish
- Minimal / none
- Add-On
- Not typically needed
Prioritizes protection for shipping and handling over surface presentation.
Retail Unboxing Box
- Material
- SBS Paperboard
- Printing
- Offset
- Finish
- Spot UV
- Add-On
- Ribbon & Bow or Tissue Paper
Supports a distinct, considered retail unboxing experience.
Need Help Choosing Your Packaging Options?
Packaging decisions involve a lot of interacting variables, and it's common to be unsure where to start. Packaging Squad can help you think through material selection, box construction, printing, color and ink, finishing, inserts, windows, handles, and how these choices come together to support your branding and product protection needs.
If you already know roughly what you want, explore the dedicated pages linked throughout this guide for the specifics of each option. If you're still comparing choices, reach out and describe your product — that's usually the fastest way to narrow down a combination worth quoting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What packaging materials are available?
Options generally include kraft paper, SBS paperboard, CCNB paperboard, chipboard, corrugated board, and specialty boards like SBS poly, CUK paperboard, ovenable paperboard, and mill wax paperboard — each suited to different appearance, strength, and cost needs.
How do I choose the right packaging material?
It depends on your product's weight, fragility, shipping needs, and the appearance you want. The material decision guide above walks through the main factors to weigh.
What printing methods are available for custom boxes?
Digital printing, offset printing, and UV printing are the main methods, each suited to different run sizes, color needs, and budgets.
What is the difference between digital and offset printing?
Digital printing skips plate-making and can suit shorter or more variable runs; offset printing uses plates and tends to offer stronger economics and consistency at higher volumes.
What is Pantone printing?
Pantone (PMS) isn't a printing method itself — it's a standardized color-matching system used to specify an exact color so it reproduces consistently across print runs and materials.
What packaging finishes can I choose?
Matte, gloss, Spot UV, foil stamping, embossing, and debossing are the main finishing options, each changing the surface's appearance or feel after printing.
What is the difference between matte and gloss?
Matte is non-reflective and understated; gloss is reflective and vibrant. The choice mostly comes down to the visual effect a brand wants.
What are Spot UV and foil stamping?
Spot UV applies a glossy coating to specific design elements for contrast against a matte background. Foil stamping applies metallic or pigmented foil for a distinct metallic or reflective accent.
What is the difference between embossing and debossing?
Embossing raises a design above the surface; debossing presses it in. Both add a tactile dimension that printing alone doesn't provide.
What are packaging inserts used for?
Inserts hold, separate, or cushion products inside a box — common for multi-item sets or fragile items that need internal structure.
What is window patching?
Window patching adds a cut-out area, typically covered with a clear film, so the product is visible without opening the box.
Can different packaging options be combined?
Yes, in many cases — for example, a finish like matte can be paired with Spot UV or foil stamping. Availability depends on the specific material and production requirements, so it's worth confirming feasibility for your project.
Create Packaging Around Your Product and Brand
Explore the material, printing, color, finishing, and add-on pages linked throughout this guide, try the packaging calculator to get a sense of pricing, or get in touch to discuss your specific requirements and request a quote.