BlOG PUBLISHED ON: August 2026
Paperboard is a common material behind a lot of the protective packaging you see (and rely on) every day. It’s a paper-based material, heavier and sturdier than standard paper, and it can be made in a single layer or multiple layers pressed together. Paperboard covers a whole family of substrates, from recycled chipboard to virgin solid fiber, each suited to a different job.
If you’ve heard the term used loosely alongside “chipboard” or even “cardboard,” you’re not alone. Here’s how they actually relate, and why the distinction matters when you’re choosing a packaging material for your operation.
Common Types of Paperboard
Not all paperboard is made from the same materials, and that’s on purpose to serve different needs. Choosing the right type means matching the substrate to the job:
- Solid fiber – Made from virgin (unrecycled) material, solid fiber delivers extra strength and tear resistance for heavier-duty applications.
- Solid bleached sulfate (SBS) – A premium virgin paperboard known for a clean, bright surface, often selected when appearance and print quality are the focus.
- Poly-coated and clay-coated boards – Chipboard or solid fiber enhanced with a coating for moisture resistance or a smoother printable surface.
At Badger, we offer all of these substrates and more, so you have options based on your needs.
Common Paperboard Applications
Across the packaging industry, paperboard shows up wherever products need protection:
- Pallet sheets and push-pull sheets for smooth product handling
- Automatic palletizer sheets for high-volume, automated lines
- Pallet pads for load stabilization
- Corner guards and edge protectors to keep corners safe from dents and damage
- BadgerKrate, our hinged, multi-panel protection that wraps around long or hard-to-pack products
Paperboard is fully customizable, too. Sheets, pads, and guards can all be cut to your exact specifications, so you get precisely what your product needs, without unnecessary waste.
Why Choose Paperboard?
Cost Efficiency
Because paperboard ships flat and stacks efficiently, it takes up far less warehouse space than corrugated or wooden alternatives. Less space means less cost, both in storage and in freight.
Reliable Performance
Paperboard can be precision-cut and built to your specifications, so your products stay protected from the moment they leave your facility to the moment they arrive. It’s dependable and tailored to your product needs.
Sustainability
Paperboard is designed with sustainability in mind. Chipboard and solid fiber substrates are made from renewable wood fiber, and Kornerboard and Chipboard products are fully recyclable after use. That makes paperboard a responsible alternative to plastic and foam packaging.
Is Paperboard the Same as Cardboard or Chipboard?
Not quite, and this is where a lot of confusion creeps in.
- Paperboard vs. cardboard: Paperboard is a flat, solid material made of wood fibers. Cardboard, on the other hand, refers to corrugated material with a wavy inner layer built for structural shipping boxes. Paperboard tends to be more space-efficient and cost-effective for many packaging applications.
- Paperboard vs. chipboard: Chipboard isn’t a separate material from paperboard — it’s one specific type of paperboard, made from recycled fiber. Paperboard is the umbrella category, and chipboard is one (very popular) member of that family, alongside solid fiber, SBS, and coated boards.
Curious to go deeper on chipboard specifically? Read What is Chipboard? Or get the full breakdown here: Is Paperboard the Same as Cardboard?
Frequently Asked Questions About Paperboard
What is paperboard made of?
Paperboard is made from wood pulp, either recycled (as with chipboard) or virgin fiber (as with solid fiber and SBS), pressed into thick, durable sheets.
Is paperboard recyclable?
Kornerboard, chipboard, and solid fiber are fully recyclable. Other paperboard substrates are designed with sustainability in mind, and our team can help you choose the option that best fits your recycling goals.
Is paperboard the same as cardstock?
No. Cardstock is a thinner, lighter-weight paper product typically used for printing and crafts. Paperboard is thicker and built for industrial packaging and protection.
What sizes and thicknesses does paperboard come in?
Paperboard is fully customizable to your specifications. Our team can help you determine the perfect dimensions, thickness, and substrate for your products and shipping requirements.
Explore Paperboard Solutions for Your Business
Ready to find the right paperboard solution for your packaging needs?
Whether you’re protecting a delicate product, replacing plastic with a more sustainable option, or just tired of paying for space you don’t need, the Badger Team can help you find the right fit.
About Badger Paperboard
Badger Paperboard is a leading custom paperboard converter specializing in high-quality packaging and shipping materials. With over 30 years of industry expertise, we pride ourselves on delivering paperboard sheets, pads, and guards that are cut precisely to your specifications and delivered on time.
As the nation's top supplier of paperboard products, we serve customers from Maine to California and everywhere in between. With facilities strategically located across the country, we ensure fast turnaround times and exceptional customer service, no matter where you're based.
