In today’s highly competitive tobacco retail market, packaging plays numerous roles in making a brand successful. Apart from protecting the cigarettes inside, it serves as a powerful tool for branding and consumer engagement. For cigarette manufacturers, paying due importance to their packaging is of vital importance, as it is the first thing that customers notice, and their purchase decisions are often based on this interaction. To elevate the first impression, custom cigarette boxes play a vital role. These packaging boxes can be customized as per a brand’s needs, such as materials, prints, and finishes. In this guide we will discuss two of the most popular options (cardboard and Kraft) used for making cigarette packaging boxes. Each has its own strengths and limitations, and the right choice depends on your brand’s preferences and budget. Let’s check out both of these options in detail and help you select the right one.
Which is the Best Material Option for Cigarette Packaging Boxes?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of these two materials, let’s understand them.
Cardboard is a paper-based material that comes in varying thicknesses and forms. For cigarettes, a thickness of 12 pt to 18 pt is commonly used. Overall, the paper is sturdy, smooth, and suitable for printing in a wide range of colors, making it suitable for retail packaging. Kraft paper, on the other hand, is made from wood pulp using the Kraft process. The paper produced is quite strong and has a rustic appearance. The natural appearance of the paper is brown, but it can be bleached or dyed. Kraft is famous due to its eco-friendliness.
Customization and Aesthetics
Appearance matters a lot when it comes to cigarettes. The material you pick must complement your brand’s identity and allow you to impart creative designs in your packaging boxes. Let’s check out how each material behaves in this realm.
Cardboard: It has a smooth white surface that provides a perfect base for high-resolution printing, colors, and detailed designs. Cardboard cigarette boxes can be laminated, embossed, foiled, or treated with a UV finish to add a luxurious or bold touch. This material is also highly flexible when it comes to die-cutting and structural design, making it a favorite for premium and high-end boxes.
Kraft: While it is not as versatile as cardboard, it has its own natural charm and rugged appearance that is excellent for minimalist branding. Although Kraft doesn’t hold colors as much as cardboard, it is good enough to support simple printing techniques that can be used to highlight a brand’s commitment to sustainability. If you want to convey an earthy and organic feel, Kraft is the best choice.
Product Protection and Durability
Many buyers keep cigarettes in their pockets after buying them. This is why special attention must be paid when it comes to protection and durability. Here is how both of these materials act in this domain.
Cardboard: It offers impressive protection and structural strength to boxes. Custom cigarette boxes made from cardboard are able to resist crushing and deformation, especially when thicker varieties are used. If you want to enhance moisture resistance, then go with coated cardboard.
Kraft: Kraft paper has long fibers, making it highly resistant to tearing and deformation. When it comes to moisture protection, Kraft is not strong like cardboard, as it is permeable. However, if you opt for a coating over its surface, you can boost its protection.
Environmental Impact
Regardless of the impact of smoking on health and the environment, buyers focus on buying cigarette boxes that are eco-friendly and don’t increase pollution. Let’s explore the environmental impact of both the materials.
Cardboard: Overall, it is a recyclable material and doesn’t harm the environment in a worrying way. Old cardboard pieces can be recycled to make way for new sheets. However, cardboard, when treated with certain finishes and coatings like glossy or UV, can reduce its biodegradability.
Kraft: There is no beating Kraft in sustainability. It is 100% green, biodegradable, and recyclable. The best part about Kraft is that it is made with fewer chemicals and requires minimal processing. Moreover, its appearance gives it an eco-conscious look that aligns with the modern green trends. It is clear that Kraft is the better choice to reduce a brand’s carbon footprint.
Cost Considerations
For brands selling retail products like cigarettes, keeping a check on packaging costs is vital to ensure higher profit margins. Let’s examine how cardboard and Kraft impact your budget.
Cardboard: It is the best option if you are looking for cheap custom boxes. Cardboard is commonly available and can be used for high-volume runs and wholesale orders. However, if you opt for premium finishes like embossing, foiling, or lamination, the prices can go up.
Kraft: Cigarette boxes made from Kraft can be slightly expensive, but they don’t need extensive printing like the cardboard ones. This helps reduce the overall production cost. Kraft is an ideal option for companies that focus on minimalist branding.
Final Words: Making the Right Choice for Your Brand
The right choice depends on various factors, as both materials offer various advantages.
If you are looking for high-impact visuals, detailed printing, and a refined finish, pick cardboard over Kraft. It also offers better protection to the cigarettes inside the box. Cardboard is also the right choice for wholesale cigarette boxes. For brands that want their boxes to be sustainable, minimal, and have a natural look, Kraft is an excellent option. Whether you choose cardboard or Kraft, your cigarette boxes must look amazing to attract buyers. Apart from the right materials, design, and structure, box quality also plays a vital role in deciding the fate of your products. For this purpose, you must select your packaging supplier carefully. This is where Packaging Mania comes into the picture. It is a leading packaging name in the industry and offers high-end custom packaging boxes at wholesale rates. Visit their website now to explore more about their services.