In recent years there have been some challenges and drawbacks to paperboard packaging that may have steered companies into seeking out alternative packaging options. In some cases the reasoning was justified, but in others it might have skewed more towards misinformation or an incorrect perception about paperboard. This post is written in an effort to hopefully clear up any confusion about paperboard, and position it as a great option for many product applications in 2026.
Challenge 1: Paperboard Two Piece Rigid Boxes Have LONG Lead Times
This was certainly true in many cases, particularly following Covid when we saw rigid box lead times jump to as long as 14 weeks or more. There were many factors that caused this, but ultimately when compared to alternative packaging such as corrugated—which features lead times of 2-3 weeks—it really became a no brainer. People don’t want to wait months for packaging from a domestic supplier, and who can blame them?
Solution: We are proud to say that we can now produce rigid boxes in as little as 4-5 weeks. This is much more in line with corrugated lead times, and when you consider that rigid boxes are a premium packaging option with several steps involved in the manufacturing process, 4-5 weeks is a very reasonable timeline, especially compared to overseas suppliers who will promise best-case scenarios that start at 3-4 month lead times, that often become 6 months or more.
Challenge 2: Paperboard Has high minimums
Everything is relative, of course, and what might be considered high for some, may not be high for others when it comes to MOQs. However, we have long stated that our minimum on paperboard packaging is 2,500 pieces, which applied to rigid boxes, rigid envelopes and paperboard cartons.
Solution: While 2,500 is certainly a good starting point for most paperboard applications, because of the price points, we will quote at lower quantities. If your needs are for 1,000 paperboard cartons, we can provide pricing. The minimums really aren’t any different than corrugated, it is simply a matter of what quantity makes sense at what price point for your needs.
Challenge 3: Paperboard isn’t Eco-Friendly
This has never been true as a blanket statement, and you have to dig into the specifics to really find out what is going on. If you get into soft touch/UV coatings, foils, plastic windows and other premium options, the packaging will become less “green.” However, most paperboard we offer is just as eco-friendly as corrugated. The problem is that when someone sees a beautiful paperboard carton with a multi-color, photo-quality image, they may assume it is not as eco-friendly as the standard brown shipping box.
Solution: As stated above, the challenge is really more about educating people that may not otherwise know how green paperboard is. A good strategy might be to incorporate a recycle logo or other language about how the packaging is made from recycled content onto your branding to best educate your end users.
Consider paperboard packaging for your needs in the new year. To learn more about the many paperboard products we offer, please click on any of the related posts below, or visit this page to read about our eco-friendly paperboard packaging solutions.
Please Contact Us Today
As always, if you have any questions, one of our branded packaging advisors is standing by to assist, with decades of experience behind them. Want to know more about cost saving packaging tips? Please call us at 630-551-1700 or contact us via email at www.SalazarPackaging.com.
Related Posts:
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/retail-ready-packaging-paperboard-hanging-cartons/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/corrugated-versus-paperboard-for-e-commerce-applications/
https://www.salazarpackaging.com/paperboard-cartons-for-a-versatile-colorful-packaging-solution/