Stock Board Comparison White Card Stock vs Brown Kraft vs Corrugated Cardboard

It provides a bright, neutral surface that makes colors look clean, saturated and accurate. The smooth finish supports sharp lines, fine text and premium finishes like foil and embossing.

Full-color artwork reproduces consistently because the substrate does not tint the inks. Photographs, gradients and small typography hold detail well, which elevates retail presentation.

Fingerprints, scuffs and cracking on tight folds can be more visible without protective coatings. It also costs more than kraft and offers less “natural” aesthetic for eco-led brands.

Cosmetics, electronics, luxury accessories and premium food brands use it for high-impact color and crisp typography. It is also common for gift sets, influencer kits and upscale retail packaging.

Kraft has a natural brown tone and visible fibers that create an organic look. It contains a higher share of recycled content and signals sustainability straight away.

It conveys a rustic, eco-friendly identity and hides minor scuffs during handling. Dark inks and minimalist graphics look striking, and costs are often lower than bright white boards.

Light tints and pastels appear dull because the brown base shows through. For bright color or true whites, add an opaque white underlay or switch selected panels to white stock.

Artisan foods, natural beauty, sustainable fashion and eco-homeware brands often choose kraft. Coffee roasters, soap makers and farm-to-table producers also value its earthy character.

Corrugated combines linerboards with a fluted middle to create strength with low weight. It protects products in storage and transit while keeping shipping costs efficient.

It withstands stacking, vibration and drops better than standard folding cartons of similar weight. With the right board grade and inserts, it handles heavy or fragile goods reliably.

High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent cushioning and broad size flexibility make it ideal for shipping and retail-ready packs. It also accepts a wide range of prints and die-cuts.

Surface texture can soften fine detail and very small text, especially on uncoated liners. Without coatings, it is more sensitive to moisture and may show crush marks.

White card stock delivers the most accurate color and crisp detail for photos and small type. Kraft mutes light colors and favors bold, high-contrast art, while corrugated benefits from coated liners or white panels to boost vibrancy and legibility.

Yes, but results depend on surface and ink coverage. Use a coated white liner on corrugated and a white underprint on kraft to keep images sharp and colours bright, and avoid very fine type.

It has a high strength to weight ratio and natural cushioning, so products survive stacking, vibration and drops. It is also widely available, cost efficient and easy to recycle.