Ivory board is a multi-layer coated paperboard made from high-quality virgin wood pulp. It features a bright white, smooth top surface for printing and a solid, rigid core for structural support. Unlike cheaper alternatives, it maintains its shape even after repeated folding and resists tearing and moisture damage.
The material gets its name from its distinctive ivory-white color and smooth, luxurious feel. It is widely recognized as the gold standard for premium packaging and printed materials that require both durability and visual appeal.
Common Uses of Ivory Board
Packaging and Folding Cartons
Folding cartons are the single largest application for ivory board. Its ability to fold cleanly without cracking and maintain structural integrity makes it perfect for product packaging.
| Industry | Typical Applications | Recommended GSM |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Cream jars, lipstick tubes, face mask boxes | 250–300 gsm |
| Pharmaceuticals | Medicine boxes, supplement bottles, medical devices | 230–300 gsm |
| Luxury Goods | Watches, jewelry, perfumes, designer accessories | 300–400 gsm |
| Food & Beverage | Chocolate boxes, cake boxes, premium drink packaging | 250–350 gsm |
| Fast Food | Burger boxes, takeaway containers, cup holders | 250–300 gsm |
| Frozen Food | Ice cream boxes, frozen meal packaging | 300–350 gsm |
💡 Industry Tip: For luxury packaging, choose 300–400 gsm ivory board. It supports advanced finishing techniques like embossing, debossing, foil stamping, and spot UV to create a premium tactile experience.
Stationery and Printing Products
Ivory board’s excellent printability makes it ideal for high-quality printed materials:
- Business cards and letterheads
- Wedding invitations and greeting cards
- Certificates and awards
- Book covers and dust jackets
- Premium brochures and catalogs
- Postcards and calendars
The table below shows the optimal uses for ivory boards of different weights:
| GSM Range | Best For |
|---|---|
| 170–250 gsm | Book covers, magazine inserts, flyers |
| 250–300 gsm | Business cards, postcards, premium brochures |
| 300–400 gsm | Luxury invitations, presentation folders |
Retail Displays and Promotional Materials
Ivory boards are frequently used in retail displays and advertising because they are lighter than corrugated cardboard but just as strong. Specific applications include:
- Shelf talkers and price tags
- Countertop displays and standees
- Posters and promotional posters
- Branded packaging inserts
- Gift boxes and shopping bags
Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging
Food and pharmaceutical packaging is the most safety-critical sector in the industry. Food-grade ivory board meets the strictest global safety standards, including FDA 21 CFR Part 176.170 (U.S.) and EU Regulation 10/2011, for direct contact with consumable products. It is non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless, ensuring it never alters the flavor or purity of contents, while providing excellent protection against light and moisture to preserve product freshness and extend shelf life.
Key Advantages of Ivory Board
Exceptional Stiffness and Durability
Ivory board’s multi-layer construction provides superior rigidity compared to other paperboards. It maintains its shape during shipping and handling, effectively absorbing impacts to protect products from dents and damage. With a folding endurance of ≥15 times, it resists cracking even at sharp 90° folds, ensuring packaging looks pristine when it reaches customers.
Superior Printability
The smooth, coated surface of ivory board ensures sharp, vibrant printing with excellent color reproduction. It works seamlessly with all major printing methods:
- Offset printing
- Digital printing
- UV printing
- Flexographic printing
and supports premium finishing techniques like embossing, debossing, and foil stamping for a luxury tactile experience.
Lightweight and Eco-Friendly
Despite its high strength, ivory board is surprisingly lightweight. This reduces shipping costs and lowers carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.
What’s more, ivory board is fully recyclable under standard conditions. It is also available with FSC® certification, helping your brand demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability and responsible forestry.
High Customizability
Ivory board can be fully customized to meet your specific needs:
- Weight (170–400 gsm)
- Finish (matte, glossy, textured)
- Size and shape
- Special coatings and treatments
allowing you to create unique packaging that perfectly matches your brand identity.
Which Ivory Board Is Right for You?
Ivory Board vs. Other Paperboards
| Feature | Ivory Board (FBB) | Duplex Board | Art Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% virgin wood pulp | Recycled fibers | Coated wood pulp |
| Surface | Bright white, smooth | Gray/off-white back | Ultra-glossy |
| Print Quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Folding Endurance | Excellent | Poor | Fair |
| Special Finishes | Supports all | Limited | Limited |
| Best For | Premium packaging, stationery | Economy packaging | Posters, art prints |
| Price | Mid to high | Low | High |
How to Choose the Right Ivory Board
- Determine your application: Different uses require different weights and finishes
- Consider durability needs: Heavier weights provide better protection for shipping
- Check print requirements: Glossy finishes work best for vibrant images, while matte finishes are better for text
- Prioritize sustainability: Choose FSC® certified and recyclable options
- Request samples: Always test paper samples before placing large orders
Sure Paper provides free sample packs so you can evaluate the quality, texture, and printability of our ivory board before making a decision. Our technical team can also help you select the perfect grade for your specific project.
Conclusion
Ivory board is an incredibly versatile material used across dozens of industries for packaging, printing, and display applications. Its unique combination of strength, printability, and sustainability makes it the preferred choice for brands that want to create high-quality, eye-catching products.
Whether you need packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or luxury goods, or materials for business cards and retail displays, ivory board offers the perfect balance of performance and value. Sure Paper’s Premium Ivory Board(FBB) provides industry-leading quality and eco-friendly credentials for all your projects.
To request free samples or speak with our technical team about your ivory board needs, contact Sure Paper today.
FAQ
What is ivory board made from?
Ivory board is made from high-quality virgin wood pulp, with multiple layers for strength and a smooth coated top surface for excellent printing.
Why do companies choose ivory board for packaging?
Companies choose ivory board because it is stiff, durable, and prints beautifully. It protects products during shipping and creates a premium look that attracts customers.
Can ivory board be recycled?
Yes, ivory board is 100% recyclable. Many brands use it to reduce their environmental impact and meet sustainability goals.
What printing methods work best on ivory board?
Ivory board works with all major printing methods including offset, digital, and UV printing. Its smooth surface ensures sharp, vibrant results.
Is ivory board food safe?
Yes, food-grade ivory board meets strict FDA and EU safety standards for direct contact with food. It is widely used for chocolate boxes, cake boxes, and other food packaging.
What is the difference between ivory board and grey board?
Ivory board is made from pure wood pulp with a bright white surface, while grey board uses recycled fibers and has a grey back. Ivory board is stronger, prints better, and is used for premium packaging, while grey board is cheaper and used for rigid boxes and backing materials.
