Materials
Recycled board packaging
Recycled board uses recovered paper fibers to make custom folding cartons, corrugated mailers, shipping boxes, box inserts and insert cards. If your brand also needs chain-of-custody paper, FSC paper is available on request through certified partner facilities.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- Rigid boxes from 50Gift and luxury boxes
- Mailer boxes from 250Corrugated mailers
- Labels from 500Labels and stickers
- Card boxes from 1,000Folding cartons
What is recycled board?
Recycled paperboard and corrugated liners incorporate post-consumer and post-industrial recovered paper pulp re-pressed into new packaging sheets. Uncoated recycled sheets often carry a soft off-white, gray or natural kraft tone with subtle fiber flecks, while clay-coated recycled board provides a smoother white outer printing face over a recycled core.
How it works
How does recycled board work?
- 01
Recovered fibers form the sheet
Reclaimed paper fibers are pulped, cleaned and pressed into folding-carton board, corrugated liners or molded/cut inserts.
- 02
Matched to your print style
Choose uncoated recycled stock for a natural matte texture, or coated recycled board when your design needs brighter color.
- 03
Printed and cut to your exact size
Right-sizing the dieline eliminates oversized boxes and extra void fill, keeping material use lean.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Brands prioritizing recovered paper content in their retail cartons, mailers and inserts
- Everyday e-commerce mailer boxes, shipping cartons and paperboard product boxes
- Minimalist Pantone or soy/water-based ink designs that complement a natural paper feel
- Replacing foam void fill with recycled corrugated or card box inserts
Skip it when
- Direct contact with unwrapped wet or greasy food without a suitable food-safe barrier or liner: recycled fibers are normally used for dry goods or secondary outer cartons
- Pairing recycled board with heavy plastic films or non-removable magnets if your goal is easy single-stream curbside recycling
- Unverified green claims on your artwork: stick to clear, accurate wording that matches the exact stock and inks you order
How it works
Request a quote with recycled board
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with recycled board ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Recycled board vs kraft board vs corrugated board
| Material | What it is | Suits | Print look | Ships flat? | Minimum | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled board | Board made with recycled fibers | Everyday boxes and mailers | Soft natural tone | Yes | Card 1,000; mailers 250 | Get a quote |
| Kraft board | Unbleached brown paper or board | Bakery, coffee, soap and candles | Earthy; white ink adds contrast | Yes, on boxes and bags | Card 1,000; mailers 250 | Get a quote |
| Corrugated board | Fluted layer between flat liners | Mailers and shipping boxes | Bright on white, warm on kraft | Yes | Mailers from 250 | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have recycled board?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
Ready to order? See custom eco-friendly boxes, custom kraft boxes and custom mailer boxes.
Want recycled board for your packaging?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for recycled board
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- Keep ink coverage clean and uncluttered if you want the natural texture of uncoated recycled board to show
- Avoid printing unconfirmed eco badges or symbols unless you have verified the exact specification for your market
- Right-size your box around your product so you ship less air and skip extra plastic void fill
- Ask for card, corrugated or honeycomb paper inserts instead of foam when designing an all-paper kit
- Need FSC paper for your run? Mention it in your quote notes so we route and quote it through certified partner facilities
Popular on
Packaging often ordered with recycled board
Get a quote for any of these right here.
Products 6
Custom Cosmetic Boxes
Custom printed cosmetic boxes for makeup tubes, compacts, palettes and jars.
From 1,000Custom Skincare Boxes
Custom printed skincare boxes for serums, jars and cleansers from 1,000 units.
From 1,000Custom Apparel Boxes
Custom printed apparel boxes from 250 mailers, 1,000 cartons or 50 rigid boxes.
From 250Custom PR Boxes
Custom printed PR boxes and media kits with fitted foam or card inserts from 250 mailers.
From 250
Cost
Does recycled board cost more?
Recycled board is quoted per order alongside standard white and kraft options, with no die or plate charges. Ordering bigger quantities lowers your unit price, and first-time customers get 10% off their first order. Common searches we quote include recycled cardboard boxes, recycled paperboard cartons, eco friendly box materials, recycled mailer boxes, fsc packaging paper on request, post consumer recycled fiber board, recycled content corrugated and card, clay coated newsback ccnb paperboard, recycled packaging board options, curbside recyclable paper box stock, recovered paper fiber box board, sustainable recycled carton stock, recycled board for boxes and inserts and when to choose recycled packaging board.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with recycled boardWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- No die or plate charges
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Recycled board at a glance
- Works on
- Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, shipping boxes, box inserts and thank-you or insert cards.
- Best for
- Everyday boxes, mailers and inserts made with recovered paper fibers and minimal waste.
- Cost
- Recycled board is quoted per order alongside standard white and kraft options, with no die or plate charges.
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Recycled board: questions
Which custom boxes can be made with recycled board?
You can select Recycled in the quote form for card / product boxes, corrugated mailer boxes, shipping boxes, box inserts and thank-you or insert cards.
Do you offer FSC paper as well?
Yes. FSC paper is available on request through certified partner facilities. Note it in your quote request so your account manager includes it in your specification and quote.
Is packaging made from recycled board recyclable again?
Plain, uncoated recycled corrugated and paperboard boxes are widely accepted in paper recycling streams. Adding thick plastic laminations, large plastic windows or glued-in magnets can affect recyclability, so ask your account manager if curbside recyclability is your priority.
Can recycled board be printed in full color?
Yes. Coated white recycled board prints full-color CMYK and Pantone designs cleanly, while uncoated recycled and kraft stocks produce a softer, earthier ink look.
Can recycled board touch unwrapped food directly?
Standard recycled paperboard is best for dry goods in inner pouches, jars, bottles, apparel and general retail items. For direct contact with unwrapped food like pastries, tell us in your quote so we match an appropriate food-contact virgin board or liner.
What are the minimum order quantities for recycled board boxes?
Minimums match standard runs: mailer boxes start at 250 units and folding card boxes start at 1,000 units, with free shipping to all 50 US states.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing recycled board on my box?
Yes. Every order with recycled board includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding recycled board to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on recycled board, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without recycled board?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Can I see recycled board in person inside the CubitPack sample kit or on a physical prototype?
Yes. You can order our physical sample kit (credited to your first order) to feel board and finish swatches, or request a custom pre-production prototype before a full run.
Guides
Guides about recycled board
Sources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Paper recycling: how recovered paper fibers are re-pulped into recycled paperboard and corrugated packaging grades
- US EPA: Paper and Paperboard Material-Specific Data: US recovery and recycling context for corrugated boxes and paperboard packaging
Materials
More materials
Corrugated board
Fluted paper between flat liners for mailers and shipping boxes.
Mailer boxes, shipping boxes, die-cut corrugated boxes and corrugated box inserts.Get a quoteDetails about corrugated boardCard and paperboard
Smooth, single-sheet card for retail folding cartons and sleeves.
Card / product boxes (folding cartons), box sleeves, retail display boxes, card inserts and thank-you or insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about card and paperboardRigid board
Thick chipboard wrapped in paper for sturdy gift and luxury boxes.
Rigid boxes: magnetic closure boxes, collapsible rigid boxes, two-piece lift-off lid boxes, shoulder-neck boxes and drawer boxes.Get a quoteDetails about rigid boardKraft board
Natural unbleached brown board for an earthy, understated look.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, shipping boxes, stand-up pouches, mylar bags, paper shopping bags, box inserts, tissue / wrapping paper, insert cards and packaging tape.Get a quoteDetails about kraft board
Get started
Get a price with recycled board.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.