PAPERBOARD SELECTION GUIDE
SBS vs Recycled Paperboard for Folding Cartons
Compare fibre source, appearance, printing, product suitability, food-contact considerations, sustainability documentation and cost factors before selecting a carton board.
What is the main difference?
SBS is a bleached virgin-fibre paperboard selected when a clean white appearance, consistent surface and premium graphics are important. Recycled paperboard uses recovered fibre and is often selected when recycled content is a project priority. Neither grade is automatically correct for every carton: structure, print, product protection, food contact, claims, availability and budget must be reviewed together.
Quick comparison
| Decision factor | SBS paperboard | Recycled paperboard |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre source | Typically produced from bleached virgin chemical pulp. | Produced with recovered fibre; recycled-content percentage and fibre mix depend on the selected grade. |
| Typical appearance | Usually bright and clean, often white on both sides. | May have a coated printing side with a grey, natural or specified reverse side; appearance varies by grade. |
| Printing surface | Commonly selected for high-quality graphics, fine detail and colour-critical presentation. | Can support strong printed graphics, but smoothness, brightness and colour response depend on the coating and board specification. |
| Typical uses | Premium retail, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and projects requiring a clean interior appearance. | Dry goods, general retail and projects prioritizing recycled content; suitability depends on the product and board grade. |
| Food contact | Do not assume suitability from the grade name alone. Confirm board, inks, coatings, barriers and intended contact conditions. | Direct-contact use requires specific review and supporting documentation; recovered-fibre construction alone does not establish suitability. |
| Sustainability | Responsible fibre sourcing and efficient design can be relevant; request the applicable chain-of-custody and material documentation. | Recycled content can support material goals, but recyclability and overall environmental impact also depend on coatings, barriers, local recovery and carton design. |
| Cost and supply | Price depends on caliper, grade, quantity, supplier, availability and converting requirements. | Do not assume it is always less expensive. Price and availability depend on the exact recycled grade and production requirements. |
| Beneco MOQ | Standard custom folding-carton orders begin at 5,000 units. Material availability and project specifications are confirmed during quotation. | |
When SBS may be appropriate
Premium visual presentation
A bright, consistent board can support cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and retail packaging where fine graphics and a clean white appearance matter.
White interior requirement
SBS may be considered when visible internal panels or the reverse side need a clean white appearance, subject to the selected specification.
When recycled paperboard may be appropriate
Recycled-content objectives
A verified recycled grade can support packaging strategies that prioritize recovered fibre and documented material content.
General retail and dry goods
Recycled board can be suitable for many folding-carton applications when its surface, stiffness, caliper and product-protection performance meet the specification.
Questions to answer before choosing
- Will the board or printed surface contact the product directly or indirectly?
- Does the carton require a white reverse side or visible white interior?
- How important are brightness, fine detail and colour matching?
- Is a specific recycled-content or fibre-sourcing claim required?
- What stiffness, caliper, structure and product weight must the carton support?
- Are coatings, windows, foils or barriers part of the design?
- What documentation must procurement, retail or regulatory teams approve?
Frequently asked questions
Is SBS always better for printing?
SBS is commonly selected for premium graphics, but final print performance depends on the specific board surface, ink system, artwork, colour targets and production process.
Is recycled paperboard always more sustainable?
No single attribute determines total sustainability. Recycled content is important, but sourcing, carton weight, coatings, barriers, manufacturing, transport and local recovery systems also matter.
Can recycled paperboard be used for food packaging?
It may be possible for certain indirect-contact or appropriately designed applications, but suitability must be confirmed against the selected board, functional barriers, inks, coatings, intended food and contact conditions.
Which board is less expensive?
There is no universal answer. Cost depends on supplier grade, caliper, availability, quantity, printing, coatings, tooling, converting and freight.
References and related resources
Paperboard Packaging Council · Smurfit Westrock SBS information · Graphic Packaging SBS board information · Beneco sustainable paperboard information · Sustainable Paperboard Packaging Guide
Request a quote with the product, dimensions, quantity, intended use, print requirements and material goals.