Paper & Cardboard

Sub-categories

Overview

The paper & cardboard sector spans pulp and the papers and boards made from it, plus the converting that turns them into finished items: printing and writing papers, packaging papers, corrugated board and boxes, folding cartons, tissue and hygiene paper, and a wide range of converted products such as bags, cups and stationery. Material can be based on virgin fibre, recycled fibre or a blend.

Suppliers include mills that produce paper and board in reels or sheets, corrugators and carton converters that make packaging to a drawing, and converters of tissue and speciality products. The right partner depends on whether you buy the raw material (by weight, reel or sheet), semi-finished board, or finished packaging made to your specification.

Buyers typically source either a defined grade and format for their own production, or finished packaging and products to a brief covering size, strength and print. Because grammage, fibre and construction drive both performance and cost, a precise specification matters as much here as a price.

What to check when sourcing

When sourcing paper and cardboard, start with the grade and specification: paper or board type, grammage (gsm), thickness or caliper, and for packaging the construction — flute type and wall for corrugated, or board grade and style for cartons. Define the format you need, whether reels, sheets or finished boxes, and the dimensions and tolerances.

For packaging, specify the performance the product must meet: strength measures such as burst or compression for shipping boxes, and dimensions that fit the goods and any palletisation. Request physical samples and, for printed packaging, a proof, and agree quality tolerances in writing including dimensions, strength and print.

Clarify the minimum order quantity (MOQ) per grade and format, lead times for sampling and bulk, and the Incoterms that fix freight and customs. Check the fibre and environmental points relevant to your market — for example recycled content, food-contact suitability for certain packaging, or chain-of-custody certification for responsibly sourced fibre — treating these as examples to verify per product rather than fixed legal requirements. Agree an inspection point before shipment.

Sourcing checklist — paper & cardboard

Frequently asked questions

What does grammage (gsm) tell me?

Grammage is the weight of paper or board per square metre and is one of the main indicators of substance and cost. Higher gsm generally means a heavier, often stronger material, but the right value depends on the application, so specify it rather than leaving it open.

How do I specify corrugated board for boxes?

Define the flute type and the wall (single, double or triple), along with the strength the box must meet and the internal dimensions. Flute and wall set how much the packaging protects and costs, so they belong in the specification alongside size.

What strength measures matter for shipping boxes?

Common measures include burst strength and compression resistance, which indicate how a box withstands handling and stacking. The right target depends on the weight of the goods and how they are stored and transported, so agree it with the supplier against your use case.

Can I source recycled or certified fibre?

Often yes. Paper and board can be made from virgin, recycled or blended fibre, and some suppliers offer chain-of-custody certification for responsibly sourced material. Confirm the recycled content or certification you need as part of the specification, as it can affect both performance and price.

What compliance applies to paper packaging?

It depends on the product and market. For example, packaging in direct contact with food may need suitable grades and coatings, and some markets have rules on substances or recyclability. Treat these as points to verify for your specific application rather than assuming one standard covers all.