What is SBS board, and why is it so popular in packaging? Whether you're dealing with cosmetics, chocolates, or medicine boxes, chances are you've seen SBS paperboard in action. This premium-grade board is known for its bright white finish and smooth surface—perfect for high-end printed packaging.
In this post, you'll learn exactly what SBS board is, how it’s made, and why it's favored across industries. We’ll explore its structure, key features, and how it compares to other boards like FBB and CUK. Ready to discover the world of Solid Bleached Sulphate board? Let’s dive in.
SBS board stands for Solid Bleached Sulphate board. It’s a high-quality paperboard made entirely from chemically processed virgin wood pulp. What sets it apart? It’s bright white on both sides, smooth, and easy to print on. People often use it in premium packaging for food, cosmetics, and medicine.
SBS has a layered structure, typically coated on one or both sides (C1S or C2S). The coating gives it a glossy finish, perfect for detailed graphics and text. The board is medium in density and feels firm, yet flexible enough for folding or embossing.
| Layer | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Top Coating | Clay or pigment | Smooth surface for printing |
| Core Pulp Layer | Bleached chemical pulp | Strength and purity |
| Back Coating (opt) | Same as top | Double-sided print options |
You might hear it called:
SBS paperboard
Solid bleached board
Ivory board
All these refer to the same clean, white, coated board used for high-end applications.
White all the way through, unlike boards with brown or grey cores
Coated surface for sharp, vibrant printing
Made only from virgin chemical pulp—no recycled fibers
Known for its clean, odorless, and hygienic finish
SBS board starts its life from virgin wood fibers—nothing recycled here. These fibers are carefully processed to ensure strength, purity, and brightness. The result? A premium paperboard that looks and feels clean.
Pulping from Virgin Wood Fibers
Wood logs, usually hardwood, are chipped and processed into pulp. These fresh fibers help SBS remain white and smooth throughout.
Chemical Pulping Process
Chemicals break down lignin in the wood. This makes the fibers softer, more flexible, and suitable for high-end board production.
Bleaching
The pulp is bleached using non-chlorine agents. It gives the board its bright white appearance and neutral smell—ideal for food and cosmetics.
Forming into Board
The bleached pulp is spread and formed into sheets. Machines press, dry, and smooth it to create a strong, even surface.
Coating (C1S and C2S)
Clay or synthetic pigments are applied on one side (C1S) or both sides (C2S). This creates a polished surface ready for printing.
| Feature | Chemical Pulp | Mechanical Pulp |
|---|---|---|
| Source Fiber | Virgin wood, chemically treated | Virgin or recycled, mechanically processed |
| Strength and Purity | High strength, odor-free | Lower strength, may retain odor |
| Brightness | Very white | Duller, often creamy or grey |
| Common Use in SBS | Yes | No (used in FBB and others) |
SBS board is known for its brilliant white color and ultra-smooth surface. Both sides are uniform, making it ideal for premium packaging. It often comes with a clay-coated finish that enhances its printability.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright white, consistent throughout |
| Surface Texture | Smooth, ideal for fine graphics and text |
| Coating Options | Coated one side (C1S) or two sides (C2S) |
| Caliper Range | Typically between 0.014" to 0.026" |
| Density | Medium-density, optimized for strength and visual appeal |
It’s perfect when visual presentation matters. You can print sharp images and detailed designs easily.
SBS is strong but not rigid like chipboard. It holds up well during folding, scoring, or embossing. That’s why it’s a favorite for shaped or branded boxes.
Can withstand folding, cutting, or stamping without tearing or cracking
Strong enough for compression and stacking without collapsing
Works well on high-speed machines that print, cut, and fill cartons
Because SBS board is made from virgin chemical pulp, it's both pure and reliable for sensitive products.
It's odorless, which is critical for food, medicine, or fragrance-based packaging
Doesn’t affect product taste or smell, especially for chocolate or cigarettes
Its surface resists scuffing and cracking, even after repeated handling
SBS board is widely used for high-end packaging because of its smooth surface and strength. It’s easy to cut, print, and shape, making it ideal for visually appealing product boxes.
Folding Cartons
Often used for lightweight consumer goods, SBS folding cartons fold easily and hold their shape well without cracking.
Food and Beverage Packaging
Think ice cream tubs, butter wraps, or frozen food trays. SBS board keeps products fresh while allowing clear printed labels.
Pharmaceutical Packaging
Medicine boxes and inserts rely on SBS for its hygienic, odor-free qualities and excellent print clarity for dosage info.
Cosmetic and Beauty Boxes
These products need premium packaging. SBS board handles embossing, foil stamping, and detailed branding effortlessly.
Tobacco and Cigarette Packs
Cigarette cartons often use SBS for its odor-neutral nature and ability to retain structure in varying conditions.
Outside packaging, SBS is used in a variety of commercial and creative projects.
| Application | Reason for Use |
|---|---|
| Paperboard Boxes & Retail Packs | Visually clean, easy to customize, and great for shelf display |
| Stationery & Book Covers | Rigid enough to protect pages, smooth enough to print titles clearly |
| Cupstock & Liquid Containers | Often poly-coated for water resistance and used in hot/cold cups |
| Displays & Signage | Bright white background enhances colors in printed promotional items |
Structure
SBS is typically made using a single-ply structure from bleached chemical pulp. It provides a uniform and smooth sheet that's consistent throughout.
Appearance
The board is white from front to back. This makes it a favorite for packaging that needs to look clean, bright, and high-end.
Strength and Stiffness
While SBS offers decent stiffness, it's also more flexible. This balance allows for clean creasing, folding, and embossing.
Print Quality and Surface Finish
SBS has a smooth, clay-coated surface. It's excellent for detailed graphics, high-resolution printing, and foil stamping.
Cost and Usage Differences
SBS is more expensive than FBB but preferred for luxury packaging—think cosmetics, medicine, and premium food items.
Structure
FBB features multiple layers: mechanical pulp in the middle, chemical pulp outside. This construction reduces weight and material use.
Appearance
The top side is white and coated, but the back has a cream tone due to the inner pulp showing through.
Strength and Stiffness
FBB has higher stiffness but is slightly less flexible. It's better suited for cartons that need to retain their shape.
Print Quality and Surface Finish
Although not as smooth as SBS, it still provides good print results. It’s sufficient for most retail packaging.
Cost and Usage Differences
FBB is cheaper and often used in packaging for snacks, dry food, and confectionery products.
Structure and Color
Made from bleached virgin pulp, SBS is white inside and out. It looks cleaner and offers more visual appeal.
Strength Properties
SBS has good compression strength and creaseability but isn’t as tear-resistant as kraft-based boards.
Usage Cases
It’s used in high-end retail packaging where appearance, hygiene, and print quality matter most.
Structure and Color
CUK uses unbleached kraft fibers. Its natural brown tone gives it a rugged, earthy look.
Strength Properties
CUK is strong and tear-resistant, great for heavier packaging like beverage cartons and detergents.
Usage Cases
It works well for demanding applications where strength is more important than visual finish.
Fiber Content
SBS uses 100% virgin fibers, which keeps it clean, odor-free, and strong enough for folding and embossing.
Durability and Appearance
It handles printing and cutting well. The white surface boosts branding for cosmetics, food, or healthcare.
Usage Cases
It’s preferred for products needing high hygiene and quality appearance—like pharmaceuticals or luxury boxes.
Fiber Content
Made from post-consumer materials, recycled boards can have mixed fiber layers and may appear grey or dull.
Durability and Appearance
Not as strong or smooth. It's more prone to cracking or fading, especially when exposed to moisture.
Usage Cases
Often used in dry goods packaging like cereal, tissues, and other lower-cost consumer products.
SBS board’s smooth, white surface gives it an elegant, premium look. It’s perfect for high-end packaging, making products stand out on store shelves. This visual appeal attracts consumers, elevating brand perception.
The strength and rigidity of SBS board ensure it can hold products securely. Its sturdy nature prevents bending, even with heavier or bulky items. This reliability makes it ideal for packaging items that require protection.
The board’s smooth surface offers superior print quality. Brands can showcase vibrant colors and fine details. This makes SBS an excellent choice for printing logos, graphics, and promotional messages.
SBS board is well-suited for automated packaging systems. It can be efficiently processed without compromising quality, reducing production costs and time.
SBS board meets FDA standards for food packaging. It is safe for dry, wet, and fatty food products, ensuring that packaged foods are protected and safe for consumption.
SBS board tends to be more expensive than other packaging materials like kraft. The higher cost can make it less ideal for budget-conscious projects, especially when lower-cost options meet similar needs.
While SBS offers great print quality, it has lower tear resistance compared to kraft-based boards. This makes it less suitable for applications that require extra durability under stress or rough handling.
SBS board might not be the best option for heavy-duty packaging needs. It lacks the strength of other materials, such as corrugated board, which are better suited for protecting heavy or fragile items.
GSM and Thickness Range (150–400 gsm)
SBS board typically ranges from 150 to 400 gsm. The higher the GSM, the thicker and stronger the board, which is ideal for various packaging needs.
Caliper and Basis Weight Details
The caliper refers to the board’s thickness, affecting its rigidity and performance. Basis weight measures the mass per unit area, helping determine the board’s strength.
Coated One Side (C1S) vs Coated Two Side (C2S)
C1S has a glossy finish on one side, ideal for packaging requiring a premium look. C2S has a smooth coating on both sides, making it suitable for consistent print quality.
Available Finishes and Lamination Options
SBS board offers several finishes, such as matte, glossy, and satin. Lamination options provide additional durability and moisture resistance, depending on the application.
Print Quality
SBS board’s smooth surface is ideal for high-quality printing, making it perfect for detailed graphics, logos, and vibrant designs.
Strength
If your packaging needs to hold heavier items, consider SBS grades with a higher GSM. These offer enhanced strength and durability, preventing deformation or damage.
Moisture Resistance
For packaging exposed to moisture, SBS boards with additional moisture resistance are essential. Poly-coated and foil-laminated options are designed to protect the contents from water and humidity.
Poly-coated grades offer moisture protection, while foil-laminated SBS provides a metallic finish that is perfect for premium or luxury packaging.
SBS boards can be easily customized with cutting, creasing, or embossing techniques. This allows for unique, tailored packaging solutions that meet specific product requirements.
Everest™
Known for its high-quality surface and excellent printability, Everest™ is a popular choice for premium packaging applications.
Fortress™
Fortress™ offers strong, durable SBS boards that are commonly used for heavy-duty packaging and printing.
Candesce™
Candesce™ provides SBS boards with a smooth finish, making it ideal for packaging requiring vibrant prints and glossy finishes.
Printkote™
Printkote™ is recognized for its high-quality, consistent coating, which ensures superior print clarity and protection.
In North America, these brands are widely available, especially for industries in packaging and printing. However, availability may vary in other regions, with some brands more common in specific global markets.
SBS board can be easily identified through both visual and tactile cues. It has a smooth, bright white surface, which feels glossy and solid to the touch. The surface is ideal for high-quality printing, making it stand out compared to other materials.
To distinguish SBS from FBB or recycled board, look for the smoothness and strength. SBS tends to have a more rigid feel than FBB and is often thicker. Recycled boards usually have a rougher texture and can show visible fibers, while SBS maintains a more uniform finish.
SBS board is a premium, versatile material used in various packaging sectors. Its smooth surface and excellent printability make it ideal for high-end applications like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. SBS offers durability and a pristine appearance, distinguishing it from other paperboards.
Choosing SBS over alternatives like FBB or recycled board ensures superior print quality, strength, and reliability. Its consistent performance and high-end finish make it the ideal choice for premium packaging needs. For specific applications, selecting the right SBS grade can enhance your product's appeal and functionality.
SBS stands for Solid Bleached Sulfate, referring to a type of paperboard made from bleached wood fibers.
Yes, SBS board is FDA-compliant and can safely be used for packaging dry, wet, and fatty foods.
SBS is smoother and stronger, while FBB (Folding Boxboard) is more flexible but slightly less rigid than SBS.
Yes, SBS board is recyclable and can be processed into new paper products.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_bleached_board
[2] https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/solid-bleached-sulfate-sbs-board-global-market-report
[3] https://supremex.com/battle-of-the-virgin-board-solid-bleached-sulphate-sbs-vs-folding-box-board-fbb-tmp/
[4] https://www.packagingdigest.com/pharmaceutical-packaging/sbs-board
[5] https://www.cheeverspecialty.com/products/paper/sbs-board
