Material
Grey Board
Recycled paperboard in 1.0–3.0mm. The exposed interior of every rigid box, and the structural core of every book-cloth covered product.
Thickness
1.0–3.0mm
Composition
100% recycled paper fiber
Color
Natural grey
Bonding
Starch adhesive
Best for
Rigid box interior, book covers, dividers
Recyclable
Yes
FSC certified
On request (FSC Mix)
MOQ
50 units
Overview
What it is.
Grey board is the dense, gray-colored paperboard made from 100% recycled paper fiber. It is the workhorse structural substrate of the packaging industry: stiff, dimensionally stable, and inexpensive per square meter. You will recognize it as the visible interior of every rigid setup box, as the cover material of hardcover books, and as the structural core of high-end presentation folders.\n\nWe stock grey board in thicknesses from 1.0mm (book covers, lightweight folders) through 3.0mm (heavy-duty presentation cases). It is bonded with starch-based adhesive and has no plastic content, which makes it fully curbside recyclable.
When to specify grey board
Specify grey board when the structural rigidity of the substrate is more important than its printability. Grey board is not printed directly — it is wrapped with art paper, fabric, or laminate. If the box interior will be visible to the consumer (as it is in every rigid box, every book-cloth covered product, and every presentation case), grey board is the structural element that makes the rest possible.
For the inner fitments of a rigid box — the cardboard platform that holds the product in place — we use precision-cut grey board covered with art paper, often flocked or satin-lined depending on the product category.
Thickness selection
1.0mm is the standard for book covers and lightweight presentation folders. 1.5mm is the minimum for rigid setup boxes smaller than 15cm in any dimension. 2.0mm is the workhorse for standard magnetic and gift boxes. 2.5mm and 3.0mm are reserved for large presentation cases and any format where structural presence matters.
We do not recommend grey board above 3.0mm. Beyond that thickness, the construction becomes difficult to assemble, the corner joints lose precision, and the per-unit cost climbs faster than the perceived value.
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Frequently asked
Questions about grey board.
What is grey board made of?
100% recycled paper fiber, bonded with starch-based adhesive. No plastic, no chlorine bleach.
Is grey board the same as chipboard?
Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. We use grey board to align with the dominant industry usage in Asia and Europe.
Can grey board be printed directly?
It is technically possible but not recommended. The grey color and rough surface will compromise print fidelity. We always wrap with art paper.
What thickness is right for my box?
15cm or smaller: 1.5mm. Standard gift boxes: 2.0mm. Large presentation cases: 2.5–3.0mm. We can advise based on your dimensions.
Is grey board food-safe?
Yes — there is no plastic or chemical additive. For direct food contact, we add an inner liner of food-grade paper.
How is grey board shipped?
Sheets on pallets for LCL/FCL sea freight. We can also supply pre-cut inserts and shells to reduce your assembly labor.
Ready when you are