Materials Selection · Board, Wrap, Finish & Insert
Use the tables to specify each material separately. Compare the same construction across suppliers, then record the approved grades, finish and fit on the physical sample.
1200-1800
Greyboard GSM Range
4 Layers
Specify Separately
Evidence
Check Material Claims
Request Material Samples Get a Spec Consultation
The Anatomy
What a Rigid Gift Box Is Actually Made Of
A typical rigid gift box combines a greyboard core, a paper or fabric wrap, a selected surface finish and, where needed, an insert. The 1200-1800 gsm board and 128-157 gsm art-paper options below are nominal specification references, not a test report; confirm thickness, grade and compatibility on your sample.
Specify the load-bearing core separately from the decorative wrap. The core controls shape and support; the wrap controls much of the printed and handled surface; the insert positions the product. If a quote names only a paper colour or finish, request the missing construction details before comparing it with another offer.
For the cost contribution of each layer, read the cost breakdown. Use the measurement guide to define the product, insert and finished box separately.
Reference illustration. Approve the actual board, wrap, finish and insert as separate specification lines.
Materials procurement comparison
| Decision | Ask the supplier to state | Sample approval |
|---|---|---|
| Board | Grade, gsm/thickness and panel span | Edge stiffness and warp after wrapping |
| Wrap and finish | Paper/fabric, colour reference and coverage | Colour, rub resistance and foil registration |
| Insert | Material, cavity geometry and assembly | Product fit, protection and removal experience |
Layer 1 · Structure
Greyboard: The Core That Makes It "Rigid"
| Spec | Thickness | Best For | Quote Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 gsm | ~2.0 mm | Jewelry, watch and small cosmetic boxes under 150 mm | Baseline construction; confirm by size |
| 1500 gsm | ~2.5 mm | Mid-size gift sets, candles, PR boxes 150-250 mm | Quote against panel span and load |
| 1800 gsm | ~3.0 mm | Wine, hampers, apparel boxes over 250 mm or >1 kg loads | Quote against panel span and load |
Review the board in the proposed size and structure rather than choosing by a premium label. A broad lid, heavy jar and small jewelry box place different demands on the same material. Compare the loaded sample for panel flex, corner integrity and lid movement, using the stated board grade and thickness as part of the reference.
Request a supplier declaration for recycled content and check the complete construction against local recycling guidance; coatings, magnets, adhesives and inserts can change disposal options. Structural alternatives for lighter budgets: folding cartons (300-400 gsm cardstock, ships flat) and corrugated (E/B flute, for shipping protection) - the rigid vs folding carton comparison covers when each wins.
Layer 2 · Surface
Wrap Papers Compared
| Wrap Material | Weight | Look & Feel | Quote Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coated art paper (C2S) | 128-157 gsm | Full-CMYK print, the industry standard under lamination | Baseline; confirm finish |
| Textured specialty paper (linen, leather-grain, pearl) | ~120 gsm | Tactile texture without film; premium stationery feel | Separate material line item |
| Kraft paper | 120-250 gsm | Natural, unbleached eco aesthetic; prints 1-2 colors best | Similar to baseline |
| Metallic / pearlescent paper | ~120 gsm | All-over shimmer without foil tooling | Separate material line item |
| Velvet / suede fabric wrap | - | Full plush exterior; a premium jewelry treatment | Separate material line item |
Evaluate the paper after printing, folding and wrapping. A texture that feels appealing as a swatch can soften a small logo; a dark printed surface can expose a pale edge; a light wrap can reveal glue or contamination. Keep a material swatch for identification, but approve the visible result on the assembled sample.
Layer 3 · Effects
Finishes Compared by Visual Impact and Quote Scope
| Finish | Quote Treatment | What It Does | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot foil stamping | Separate tooling and finish line | Metallic logo in gold, silver, rose gold or holographic | High-contrast brand marks |
| 3D emboss / deboss | Separate tooling and finish line | Raised or recessed impression you can feel | Textured and soft-touch wraps |
| Spot UV | Separate finish line | High-gloss pattern over matte background | Geometric brand patterns |
| Soft-touch lamination | Confirm film and coverage | Velvety matte film across the whole wrap | Pairs with foil or minimal branding |
| Gloss / matte lamination | Confirm in written specification | Scuff protection on the printed wrap | Baseline surface protection |
Use an existing material swatch to shortlist finishes, then approve a project sample with the actual artwork. Confirm any tooling needed for that sample, cost and timing in the quotation.
The classic pairing is soft-touch plus foil. Ask suppliers to show the combined treatment as separate line items and approve it on the actual wrap sample; see the psychology of rigid boxes for presentation context.
Layer 4 · Presentation
Insert Materials Compared
| Insert | Quote Treatment | Feel | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard dividers | Quote to cavity count and assembly | Clean compartments; best for chocolate and multi-item sets | Check coating and local acceptance |
| Molded paper pulp | Quote to tooling and cavity geometry | Sculpted cavities with a modern eco look | Verify binder, additives and disposal evidence |
| Flocked EVA foam | Quote to density, flocking and cut pattern | Soft-touch die-cut cavities supporting the product in shaped cavities | Not curbside-recyclable |
| Velvet-wrapped foam | Quote to wrap and cavity geometry | The jewelry-store presentation standard | Mixed material |
| Satin / silk lining | Quote to fabric and attachment method | Draped fabric luxury for single hero products | Mixed material |
Choose an insert around the contact points and removal path of the product. Compare whether it supports the base, restrains movement and avoids pressure on delicate features. Inspect the surface after repeated placement and removal. An insert that photographs neatly is not yet evidence of fit or transit performance.
Certified Sourcing
Sustainability Without the Greenwash
List the components and the evidence required for each claim before describing the complete package. Paper sourcing, recycled content and local recycling acceptance answer different questions. Ask whether coatings, foam, fabric, magnets or adhesive affect separation, and keep any whole-package claim within the evidence available for that exact construction.
FSC chain of custody
The published FSC Chain of Custody reference is SA-COC-014131. Request the certificate and check the current holder, validity and product scope in the FSC certificate search, then request the exact claim on your quotation and invoice. This guide does not establish current certification for an order.
Recycled core
Ask for the recycled-content declaration for the selected board grade. Recycled content and recyclability are different claims; confirm how to separate the final package and whether local collection accepts it.
Plastic-free builds
Consider paperboard or molded pulp inserts and review coatings, tapes, adhesives and magnets as well as the board. Confirm the complete bill of materials before making a plastic-free claim. See the eco-friendly wholesale guide.
Questions
Materials FAQ
What material are luxury gift boxes made of?
A rigid gift box normally uses a greyboard core with paper or fabric wrap, an optional surface finish and a fitted insert. Nominal board options include 1200-1800 gsm; verify the actual thickness, wrap grade and insert construction on the project sample.
What does gsm mean for greyboard?
GSM means grams per square metre: mass per area, not thickness. The approximate thicknesses in this guide are nominal references. Board density, grade, panel span and finished construction also affect stiffness, so request both the grade and measured thickness.
Which finish looks most premium for the money?
Hot foil stamping on a soft-touch laminated wrap is a common premium pairing. Compare the combined treatment on the same box specification and ask for separate tooling, finish and quantity lines in the quote.
Are rigid gift boxes recyclable?
Recyclability depends on the complete construction and local collection rules. Ask for the bill of materials and separation instructions for the wrap, film, magnets and insert. Do not infer recyclability or compostability from the greyboard or molded pulp alone.
What is the difference between a velvet box and a velvet-wrapped box?
A velvet box is greyboard wrapped in velvet fabric instead of printed paper - the whole exterior is plush. A printed box with a velvet interior lining uses a different material scope; compare both on the same dimensions, insert and finish specification.
What is FSC-certified packaging?
For an FSC-labeled order, verify the supplier certificate holder, current status, product scope and quoted claim in the FSC certificate search. The published FSC Chain of Custody reference is SA-COC-014131; that alone does not establish that every material or order is certified.
Keep a materials acceptance record for each sample: date, revision, board grade and measured thickness, wrap, finish, insert fit, agreed tolerances and supporting photos. Review it with the magnetic rigid box specification when preparing your material brief.
Related planning tools: 2026 factory price guide · standard size charts by product.
Instant Inquiry
Get Material Samples & a Spec Consultation
Tell us your product and brand direction - we recommend a board/wrap/finish/insert spec, ship physical material swatches, and prepare an itemized quote after reviewing the brief.
Prepare your enquiry
- Contact name, company and business email
- Product dimensions and packed weight
- Box structure, quantity for each design and size and required insert
- Paper, colour, logo method and finishing preferences
- Delivery country and required arrival date
Send the brief to info@luxopacks.com or discuss it on WhatsApp. Attach artwork or reference images in your email or WhatsApp conversation. AI, PDF and EPS vector artwork is preferred; PNG, JPG and PSD files can be reviewed for suitability. If you need an NDA, request it before sharing confidential files.
Continue Your Packaging Research
Compare Structures, Sizes and Costs
Related Product Formats
- Custom Magnetic Rigid Gift Boxes
- Custom Folding Carton Boxes
- Custom Corrugated Boxes
- Eco-Friendly Packaging
Buyer Planning Guides
Related from the factory
- unboxing experience: 8 packaging tips for brands — What makes a box photograph and reshare well.
- what a dieline, cutting die and sampling actually cost — Which charges are one-off and which repeat on every reorder.
- the four variables behind an unboxing experience — Structure, texture, layering and first sight — and what each costs.
- which ISTA shipping test to request — Board weight and structure choices that hold up under transit testing.
International Buyers
Packaging Terms for International Buyers
Guangdong LuxoPacks Co., Ltd is a custom rigid-box manufacturer based in Dongguan, China. Buyers outside English-speaking markets search for what we produce under different local category names. Use the table to connect those terms with a structure, then include the size, opening method and insert in your quotation request.
| Market | Rigid box (lid & base) | Magnetic closure box | Sourcing terms buyers add |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschland | Stülpdeckelschachtel · Stülpdeckelschachtel nach Maß · aus Graukarton | Magnetklappbox · Klappschachtel mit Magnetverschluss · Magnetbox mit Inlay | Hersteller · Lieferant · Großhandel · individuell · bedrucken |
| France | boîte carton rigide · boîte carton rigide sur mesure · coffret cadeau personnalisé | coffret aimanté · boîte magnétique personnalisée | fabricant · fournisseur · sur mesure · personnalisable |
| España | cajas rígidas · cajas de cartón personalizadas para empresas | caja con cierre magnético · cierre imantado | fabricante · fábrica · al por mayor · hecho a medida |
| Italia | scatole regalo su misura · scatole personalizzate | scatola con chiusura magnetica · apertura magnetica | produttore · ingrosso · su misura · personalizzato |
| Polska | pudełka kaszerowane · pudełka fasonowe · pudełka prezentowe | pudełko zamykane na magnes | producent · hurtownia · hurt · na zamówienie · na wymiar |
Board and insert terms: our 1200-1800 gsm greyboard is called Graukarton in German; the fitted tray inside a magnetic box is called an Inlay (DE). Insert options are EVA foam, velvet-wrapped foam, and moulded paper pulp.
Use these translated category terms as a sourcing glossary. Send the structure, dimensions and insert requirements with your enquiry; website content and quotation discussions are in English.