Understanding Packaging Board Thickness: 800g vs. 1200g vs. 1570g Paperboard
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When creating high-quality packaging, the material beneath the printed surface — the paperboard — determines far more than most people realize. The thickness, density, and rigidity of the paperboard directly affect how a box feels in the hand, how much weight it can carry, and how “premium” the final product appears. In rigid box manufacturing, three board weights are especially common: 800g, 1200g, and 1570g. Although the numbers are simple, the differences in performance and user experience are significant.
To understand them clearly, the gram weight indicates how much one square meter of the paperboard weighs. Higher weight means denser fibers, stronger compression resistance, and a thicker profile. While the exact thickness varies slightly between mills, the industry generally recognizes the following ranges:
| Paperboard Weight | Approx. Thickness | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 800g | ~1.2–1.5 mm | Lightweight rigid boxes, foldable magnetic boxes, candles |
| 1200g | ~1.8–2.0 mm | Jewelry boxes, cosmetic boxes, standard rigid gift boxes |
| 1570g | ~2.3–2.5 mm | Luxury boxes, large gift sets, heavier products |
800g paperboard is often chosen for smaller or foldable designs. Because it’s lighter and easier to crease, it performs well in collapsible magnetic boxes, light candle boxes, or packaging where portability matters. The hand-feel is slimmer and more flexible, which keeps costs and shipping weights lower. However, it’s not ideal for larger boxes or products that require strong structural support.
Moving into the mid-range, 1200g has become the most widely used thickness in rigid box manufacturing. It strikes a balance between strength and elegance, making it suitable for jewelry, cosmetics, small gift sets, and most premium retail packaging. Boxes made from 1200g paperboard feel sturdy in the hand without being overly heavy. This thickness also works particularly well with finishing techniques such as foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, and soft-touch lamination, allowing brands to achieve a polished, elevated presentation.
For brands seeking a truly substantial, luxurious feel, 1570g paperboard is the upper tier. Its rigidity makes a box immediately feel expensive — the kind of packaging used for high-end gift sets, heavy products, perfume collections, deluxe holiday boxes, or apparel sets. The walls resist bending and compression, preserving shape during transport and offering a superior unboxing experience. The trade-off is slightly higher cost and weight, which might not be necessary for smaller products, but when impact matters, 1570g delivers unmistakable presence.
Choosing the right board thickness ultimately depends on your product’s weight, your brand’s positioning, and the experience you want customers to have when opening the box. For small jewelry items, 1000–1200g usually provides the right balance. For cosmetics or candles, 1200g remains the most reliable choice. Larger or premium gift sets benefit from 1570g, especially when the packaging itself becomes part of the perceived value.
Although customers often focus first on colors, artwork, or printing, the board beneath the surface is what determines whether a box feels delicate or powerful, ordinary or luxurious. Understanding these differences helps brands select materials confidently and ensures that the packaging not only protects the product but also communicates quality from the first touch.