Ivory, duplex, kraft: which one to choose
The three most common types of paper in the Vietnamese printing market, what are their differences and which questions help you decide quickly.
Ivory (white board made from bleached wood pulp) is clean white on both sides, printed vividly, suitable for premium boxes that need to look good when opened. Duplex (two-layer board, white on one side and recycled gray on the other) has beautiful printing on one side and is more economical, sufficient for common boxes that only need to look good on the outside. Kraft (brown unbleached pulp board) is the most durable and strong, suitable for brands telling a rustic story or products needing sturdy packaging.
- premium pharmaceutical cosmetic box with clean white printing
- general box in bulk that only needs to look good on the outside
- the brand tells a rustic, organic green story and needs kraft
- use duplex for the box with a lid that reveals the inside
- printing bright pastel colors on kraft while forgetting the brown background
The first question to ask when considering these three types of paper is: do your customers open the box and see the inside? That answer eliminates one or two options. The question about the brand story will finalize the remaining option.
Three types of covers: different natures
Ivory, technically known as FBB (Folding Box Board) or C1S (Coated One Side), is made from multiple layers of bleached wood pulp. The result is a clean white board on both sides, with a smooth outer surface that takes ink well, and the inner side remains white rather than gray. Finishing processes such as lamination, UV coating (glossy or matte to enhance durability and aesthetics), embossing, and foil stamping adhere well to the ivory surface.
Duplex (two-layer board) has a white-coated front for printing, with a back made from recycled fibers, resulting in a gray color. This structure is cost-effective because the visually appealing part is invested in, while the part that only needs to bear weight uses cheaper materials. Duplex is popular and has a stable supply in the Vietnamese market.
Kraft is brown paper made from unbleached wood pulp. The fibers retain lignin (the natural binder in wood), making it more durable, tear-resistant, and moisture-resistant than bleached paper of the same weight. However, the brown base results in darker print colors and does not convey the clean, premium look of ivory.
Duplex: Beautiful printing on one side, gray back, lower cost, suitable for common boxes that only need to look good on the outside.
Kraft: brown on both sides, strong and durable, print color is affected by the background, suitable for rustic branding or products needing sturdy covers.
When to choose which direction
Choose ivory when the box is opened and customers see the inside. Choose ivory when the brand needs to convey a sense of cleanliness and premium quality. Choose ivory when the product requires precise color printing, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, premium cakes, and gifts. Ivory is also the default choice when you want to apply multiple surface finishing layers.
Choose duplex when the box only needs to look good on the outside, when the quantity is large and cost is a priority, and when the brand does not need to tell a special story through the material. Consumer goods packaging, shipping boxes with printed labels, and mid-range retail boxes all fall under duplex.
Choose kraft when the brand is telling a rustic, organic, or environmentally friendly story and wants the material to confirm that as soon as the customer picks it up. Kraft is also suitable for products that require durable covers like thick paper bags, cans, or moisture-resistant food boxes.
The type of cover is not just a material; it is part of the brand story. When customers pick up the box, touch it, and open it, each moment tells a story through the material.
Practical experience.
Common errors
- Use duplex for the inner face box: When the customer opens the lid, they immediately see the gray back, creating an instant premium feel. This mistake occurs when choosing the cover before reviewing the box structure.
- Printing bright colors on kraft and being surprised by dark colors: Pastel and white colors placed directly on brown backgrounds will look different from proofs on screen. Designs must be created specifically for the brown background, not just transferred from bright color versions.
- Choose ivory for mass-market boxes just because it sounds luxurious: if the end customer does not perceive the difference through the unboxing experience, then the cost of ivory is just wasted money.
- Place ivory C1S in direct contact with food without verifying certification: not all ivory types meet food-grade standards (safety standards for food contact). Verification with suppliers is needed for each batch and type of coating before production.
The type of paper and graphic design should be decided together, not designed first and then choose the paper. If you choose kraft, the color palette and layout must be built for the brown background from the beginning. If you choose ivory and want foil stamping, you need to know in advance if the printer has a suitable die. Printing costs and machine specifications are reported by the printer; there is no fixed number that applies to all cases.
Decision checklist
Topic: Differences between ivory, duplex, and kraft paper. Sinh Vũ handbook, sinhvu.com
Tick each item that applies or that you can already answer, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Package The World, Paperboard Grades: SBS vs CRB vs FBB Guide. Golden Paper, C1S Ivory Board / FBB. China Paper Group, Duplex Board Grey Back vs White Back. Packaging School, Paperboard Grades Crash Course. Practical experience from Sinh Vũ.
Frequently asked questions
Can duplex be printed beautifully or should ivory be used?
Duplex with a white-coated front, printed on one side, still provides good and sharp colors. The limitation of duplex is the gray back inside, so if the box opens to reveal the inside, customers will immediately see that gray part. If the design only requires an attractive exterior, duplex is completely sufficient and saves significantly compared to ivory.
Can Kraft print in bright colors?
Yes, but the color will darken because the brown background absorbs light. Pastel, white, and light yellow colors applied directly on kraft will look very different from the proof on a white background. The solution is to design from the start for the brown background, choosing bold and high-contrast colors. Alternatively, you can print a white underlayer first if you want to keep the colors bright, but a white underlayer increases costs and printing time.
Is Ivory suitable for food packaging that comes into direct contact?
Not all types of ivory meet direct food contact standards. Some C1S types (the technical name for one-side coated ivory) do not have food-grade certification. You need to ask the supplier to confirm certification for each batch, each type of coating, and ink before placing an order. Do not assume that beautiful white paper is automatically safe for food.
This article is for reference. The scope, pricing, and specific commitments of Sinh Vũ are detailed in the proposal and signed contract.