1200 gsm grayboard
1200 gsm grayboard is dense recycled board about 0.08 inch thick, the standard core for rigid boxes. It is cut into lid and base shells and wrapped in printed paper, linen or kraft, so the box never folds flat or loses its shape. Small boxes can drop to 1000 gsm and spirits, watches and large boxes step up to 1500 gsm, about 0.1 inch.
1200 gsm grayboard at a glance
| Thickness | About 0.08 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1200 gsm |
| Fiber | Dense recycled board, gray, never seen once wrapped |
| Wraps | Matte art paper, linen, kraft, soft-touch laminated paper |
| Lighter option | 1000 gsm on small boxes, such as jewelry and chocolate boxes |
| Heavier option | 1500 gsm, about 0.1 in, for spirits, watches and larger boxes |
| Magnetic lids | 1200 gsm at any size, for lid rigidity |
| Ships | Set up, not flat, except the collapsible rigid box |
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose 1200 gsm for most gift and presentation boxes between about 5 and 12 inches: magnetic closure boxes, two piece boxes, book style boxes, drawer boxes, skincare sets. It is the weight that makes a box feel built rather than folded, and it holds a fitted insert square.
Skip it on boxes under about 5 inches without a magnetic lid, where 1000 gsm is enough, and on spirits and watch boxes, where 1500 gsm feels right in the hand. If the box will be thrown away after the shelf, a carton on 24pt SBS costs far less and ships flat.
Read nextProducts made with 1200 gsm grayboard
These are the products whose pages list 1200 gsm grayboard as a material that suits them. Across these products, all start at 200 units, with lead times of 10 to 14 business days after proof approval. Each product page states its own.
Also offered in 1200 gsm grayboard: wine gift box.
Questions about 1200 gsm grayboard
What does 1200 gsm mean?
It is the board weight in grams per square meter. At this density 1200 gsm grayboard is about 0.08 inch thick, about the density of a hardcover book cover.
Is 1200 gsm or 1500 gsm better for a rigid box?
1200 gsm suits most rigid boxes. Choose 1500 gsm, about 0.1 inch, for a spirits bottle, a watch, or a box over about 12 inches, where the extra stiffness and weight are part of the product.
Do rigid boxes on 1200 gsm ship flat?
No. A rigid box is wrapped and set up before it ships, which is part of why freight costs more than for cartons. The collapsible rigid box is the exception: it is wrapped and scored to fold flat.
What wraps go over 1200 gsm grayboard?
Matte art paper is the standard printed wrap. Linen, kraft and soft-touch laminated paper are the common alternatives, and foil or blind deboss go on top of any of them.
Hold it before you choose
The Swatch Book is a free set of board, wrap and finish samples, so you can feel 1200 gsm grayboard next to the alternatives before you decide. Name the materials you are weighing in the request. When you are ready, send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day, with a complimentary digital proof on every order.