Buyer guide · Materials
How should paperboard grade be selected for packaging?
Select paperboard from forming, stiffness, print appearance, surface treatment, supply consistency and the packed product’s protection needs.
Submit project requirements
Checklist
Material facts to request and approve
- Use case
- Weight and caliper
- Stiffness and forming
- Surface coating
- Target quantity and SKU allocation
- Approval sample and decision owner
- Required date and Mainland China delivery point
- Change and repeat-order record
Material evaluation
Four checks before approving the material
Use case
Separate retail display, e-commerce delivery, gifting, storage and transport needs because they create different performance priorities.
Weight and caliper
Check both basis weight and measured thickness because papers with the same gsm can differ in bulk, stiffness and converting behaviour.
Stiffness and forming
Evaluate folding, scoring, opening force and load support on the intended structure rather than judging material only by hand feel.
Surface coating
Clarify coated, uncoated, varnished or laminated surfaces because ink holdout, rub resistance and recyclability can change.
Execution method
Four actions from RFQ to production
Define the application
Start from protection, forming, print, appearance and distribution needs.
Compare physical samples
Review representative material under agreed lighting and handling conditions.
Run process trials
Test printing, creasing, gluing, finishing and packing on the proposed build-up.
Freeze an approved specification
Record supplier, grade, weight, thickness, colour and permitted substitution rules.
FAQ
Questions buyers often ask
How should paperboard grade be selected for packaging?
Select paperboard from forming, stiffness, print appearance, surface treatment, supply consistency and the packed product’s protection needs.
What should be written in the specification?
At minimum, define Use case, Weight and caliper, Stiffness and forming, Surface coating, then link quantity, sample, timing, inspection and the approved revision.
Is a physical sample needed?
A decision involving structure, material, colour, finish, assembly or use performance normally needs a physical sample matched to that question; a screen proof cannot approve everything.
Can the previous standard be reused for a repeat order?
Reuse a controlled standard only when files, material, structure, supply chain and use conditions remain unchanged. Record every change and decide whether resampling or reapproval is required.
Continue building the procurement specification