The paper you choose for a gift box defines its tactile feel, visual impact, and cost. This guide walks you through weight, texture, print compatibility, and eco-certification to help you make the best choice.

Paper is the most fundamental material for gift boxes, directly determining the packaging tactile feel, visual effect, durability, and cost. Facing the wide variety of paper options, how do you make the right choice?

1. Weight and Stiffness: The Foundation of Structure

Gift boxes typically use Grey Board as the structural material, with weights ranging from 1000g to 1500g. Cover paper is usually 157g to 300g coated or specialty paper. Higher weight means better stiffness but also higher cost. For boxes requiring long-distance shipping, a combination of 1500g grey board and 250g cover paper is recommended.

2. Texture and Touch: The Key to Premium Feel

Specialty paper is the core of elevating a gift box. Touch Cover paper has a velvety tactile feel, metallic paper brings understated shine, and pearlescent paper creates a soft satin effect. When choosing texture, consider brand identity — cosmetic brands suit touch cover, while jewelry brands pair better with metallic paper.

3. Print Compatibility: Color Reproduction

Coated paper has a smooth surface with high color reproduction, suitable for brands needing fine patterns. Specialty papers, due to their surface texture, produce different printing results and require advance proofing. For designs involving hot stamping or embossing, paper fiber direction and thickness need special consideration.

4. Eco-Certification: Sustainability Commitment

FSC-certified paper has become standard for premium brands. Choosing FSC is not only an environmental commitment but also meets compliance requirements in markets like the EU. Additionally, soy-based inks and water-based varnishes are bonus items that enhance eco-credentials.