Packaging Knowledge
Find the right stock for your packaging
The right stock is the difference between a box that feels cheap and one that feels considered. This guide covers every material we print on, from lightweight 250GSM cardstock to triple-layer corrugated and premium rigid board, so you can match the weight and finish to your product.
You don't have to be the packaging expert. Read as much or as little as you like. Make your best guess and our team confirms the ideal material in your quote, at no cost.
What GSM actually tells you
GSM means grams per square metre, the standard measure of how heavy and substantial a board is. Higher GSM is thicker and stiffer, holds its shape, and feels more premium in the hand. Lower weights keep costs down and fold cleanly for smaller items.
Most custom retail boxes sit between 300GSM and 400GSM. Cardstock covers the printed folding-carton range. When a product needs real protection for transit, corrugated takes over, and for the most premium unboxing, rigid board sits at the top.
Cardstock weight
The full material range
Every option is fully custom, printed to your artwork, built to your dimensions, with free shipping across Australia.
250GSM Cardstock
Light and easy to fold
Ideal for small packaging sleeves, belly bands, paper bags, envelopes, and other lightweight items.
300GSM Cardstock
A versatile weight for small products
Great for smaller items under 500g such as soap bars, small cosmetics, food boxes like burger and fries boxes, and product inserts or dividers.
350GSM Cardstock
Most PopularThe go-to choice for most retail boxes
The industry standard you see on most retail shelves. Popular for cosmetics, candles, and similar retail products from around 500g up to 1kg.
400GSM Cardstock
Extra body for heavier retail boxes
A step up in rigidity for boxes that carry more weight or want a more substantial feel, such as larger retail and gift boxes.
500GSM Cardstock
PremiumA premium, substantial presentation
Premium weight with a high-end finish, comfortably supporting products up to 1.5kg.
600GSM Cardstock
Thickest cardstock, near-rigid strength
The closest cardstock alternative to rigid board, great for larger boxes and premium presentation.
Corrugated
3 layer protection for shipping
Essential for shipping, ecommerce, subscription boxes, fragile items, and products over 1.5kg.
Rigid Board
LuxuryUltra-premium luxury packaging
The choice of high-end luxury brands. Used for luxury gift boxes, jewellery packaging, and other premium products.
A common mix-up
Does thicker always mean better?
It is a natural assumption that the heaviest board is the safest choice. In practice, reaching for the thickest option no matter what can work against you. The right stock matches the product, not the biggest number on the chart.
Cracking on folds
Push the weight too high and the board can crack along score and fold lines, leaving pale lines through dark or solid print.
Loses its structure
A box engineered for a lighter stock can bow or refuse to close cleanly when it is forced into a much heavier board.
Wrong feel for the job
Sleeves and belly bands need to flex. An overly rigid stock fights that movement and ends up looking clumsy rather than premium.
Paying for overkill
Heavier board costs more per unit. If your product does not need the weight, you are spending on a number that adds nothing on the shelf.
Not sure where your product lands? You really do not have to get this perfect. Pick the closest option and we will confirm the ideal weight, or recommend a better one, before anything goes to print.
Choosing by product weight
The quickest way to narrow it down is to start with how heavy your product is and how it will travel, then adjust up a weight if you want a more substantial feel.
| Product weight | Typical examples | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500g | Soap bars, cosmetics, sleeves, belly bands | 300GSM |
| Under 1kg | Most retail boxes, cosmetics, candles | 350GSM |
| Up to 1.5kg | Premium retail, gift boxes | 500GSM |
| Over 1.5kg, or shipping | Ecommerce, subscription, fragile items | Corrugated |
| Luxury presentation | Jewellery, high-end gifts | Rigid Board |
Cardstock, corrugated, or rigid
Three board families cover almost every brief. Here is where each one earns its place.
Cardstock
The printed folding-carton material behind most retail packaging, and the cleanest surface for detailed branding. Our range runs 250GSM to 600GSM.
Best for
Retail display and lighter products
Product sleeves arrow_forwardCorrugated
A fluted middle layer between two liners gives three layers of protection that absorb knocks in transit. Built for shipping and heavier goods.
Best for
Ecommerce, shipping, fragile items
Mailer boxes arrow_forwardRigid board
The thickest, most premium option, the kind of unboxing you associate with high-end fashion and jewellery. It does not fold flat.
Best for
Luxury gift boxes and statement pieces
Sliding boxes arrow_forwardGot Questions?
Material & stock FAQs
01 Which material is best for retail display boxes?
350GSM Cardstock is the industry standard found on most retail shelves, including cosmetics, candles, and similar products under 1kg. For a more premium feel, step up to 500GSM.
02 What is the difference between cardstock and corrugated?
Cardstock suits retail display and lighter items under 1.5kg. Corrugated adds 3 layer protection that is essential for shipping, ecommerce, subscription boxes, and fragile items over 1.5kg.
03 How do I know which cardstock thickness to use?
Use 300GSM for items under 500g such as soap bars and cosmetics, 350GSM for most retail products under 1kg, 500GSM for a premium feel up to 1.5kg, and 600GSM for larger boxes that need near-rigid strength.
04 When should I choose rigid board?
For ultra-premium luxury packaging such as jewellery, high-end gifts, and any product that calls for a luxury brand presentation.
05 Do I need to know my exact GSM before requesting a quote?
No. Choose the closest option or leave it as Not sure. Our team reviews every request and recommends the best material and weight for your product in the quote response.
We will guide you to the right stock
Tell us what you are packing and we recommend the right material, weight, and finish in your quote. Every order includes digital proofs and free shipping across Australia.