papercardboard

Papercardboard refers to a class of thick, rigid boards made primarily from cellulose fibers derived from paper. The term is commonly used as a general descriptor for paperboard products designed to provide structural rigidity, and it is often treated as synonymous with paperboard or card stock in packaging, printing, and craft contexts.

Materials marketed as papercardboard vary in composition and finish. Solid board types include unbleached and bleached paperboard, recycled paperboard, and laminated or coated variants. Typical thickness ranges from about 0.2 mm to 2 mm, or roughly 70 to 600 gsm, with heavier versions used for cartons and display media. Some formulations are corrugated, combining a fluted core with outer liners, to increase strength without excessive weight.

Manufacturing involves refining pulp, forming sheets, and pressing and drying to remove moisture. Coatings such as clay, clay-coated, or polymer finishes can improve surface quality, printability, barrier properties, and moisture resistance. The boards are then scored or creased, cut to size, and sometimes laminated with inks, varnishes, or films. Recycled content is common, and post-consumer options vary by local recycling streams.

Common applications include folding cartons and packaging boxes, greeting cards and book covers, display panels, and various craft projects. In terms of sustainability, papercardboard is broadly recyclable where facilities exist, but coatings and laminates can complicate recycling. Responsible sourcing often emphasizes recycled content and certified fiber from responsibly managed forests.