PRINTING MATERIAL · SBS FOLDING CARTONS
SBS Carton GSM: Choose the Board Around the Product
GSM is one specification—not a shortcut to guaranteed strength.
GSM, thickness and stiffness are different
GSM describes mass per square metre. Thickness (caliper) and stiffness are different properties and vary by board grade and construction. Two boards with the same GSM need not behave identically when printed, creased, filled or stacked. Do not turn a GSM number into an unsupported millimetre conversion or weight-carrying promise.
A practical discussion range
For compact cartons, ask the manufacturer to compare suitable grades in the 250–300 GSM area; for other formats, a 300–350 or 350–380+ GSM discussion may be relevant. These are not application approvals. The product footprint, full weight, opening, holder and pack-out process determine which candidate should be sampled. A larger/heavier pack can need a different structure, not simply thicker SBS.
Use supplier data without assuming factory stock
ITC lists Safire Graphik SBS in a 200–400 GSM range. That describes a mill product range, not a claim that Printing Material stocks every grammage or that any particular carton uses that board. Specify the agreed grade, grammage and supporting datasheet in the job record; approved alternatives should be explicit.
Creasing and grain direction are functional choices
Board needs an appropriate crease and fold plan. Review the folding direction, spine/crease appearance, flap seating and glue joint on converted material. A dark printed face may make crease cracking or rubbing easier to notice; approve the actual finish combination rather than a flat uncreased print alone.
What to put in a comparable quotation
Ask each quote to state the board grade and GSM, inside dimensions, closure, artwork coverage, coating/lamination, finish areas, insert and quantity per design. Keep die/tooling and freight visible. This lets procurement compare the same carton rather than two materially different boxes with similar names.
Before you order
Can I choose GSM before final dimensions?
You can discuss candidate boards, but a final recommendation needs the product geometry, load and structure. Leave GSM undecided in the brief rather than guessing.
Is FBB the same as SBS?
No. These are different paperboard families. Compare the specified grades and physical properties rather than treating a white surface as interchangeable material.
Does higher GSM always mean a better carton?
Not automatically. It can affect cost, folds, packing and material use. The useful choice is the structure and grade that pass the agreed sample and handling checks.
Prepare a clear SBS-carton request
Start with what you know. Board and finishing choices are optional; the team confirms feasibility and pricing.
The assisted draft needs JavaScript. Request a quote directly with your product and approximate quantity.