Solid board vs microflute cardboard packaging — how they differ and what to choose
Cardboard packaging is most often made from two types of substrate: solid board and microflute-laminated carton. Both are suitable for offset printing and finishing, but they differ in structure, rigidity and typical applications.
What is solid board?
Solid board is a uniform, rigid carton (typically 230–450 g/m²) with no flute layer. Its smooth surface takes offset printing and finishing (UV varnish, hot stamping, soft-touch lamination) perfectly. Solid board is mainly used for folding boxes in the cosmetics, perfumery and pharmaceutical industries.
What is microflute (laminated carton)?
Microflute is a carton in which the printed offset layer is laminated to a thin corrugated flute (usually E, F or G). The result is a material that is light yet rigid and durable, protecting the product well. It is used for larger and heavier packaging, sets and e-commerce boxes.
Solid board vs microflute — comparison
| Feature | Solid board | Microflute |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | uniform carton | print laminated to flute |
| Rigidity | good for smaller sizes | high, also for large sizes |
| Weight | lower | light despite rigidity |
| Applications | cosmetics, perfumes, medicines | larger packaging, sets, e-commerce |
| Finishing | full range | full range on the top layer |
Which packaging to choose?
The choice depends on the size and weight of the product, the required rigidity and the shipping method. Solid board is usually chosen for smaller premium packaging; when the packaging is larger or must protect the contents better, microflute is often the better option. The same finishing can be applied in both cases.
How DTL produces cardboard packaging
DTL is an offset printing house and packaging manufacturer from Porąbka near Bielsko-Biała, operating since 1995 and serving B2B clients across Poland and abroad. We print packaging by offset on a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 75 (B2+, 8 units, UV printing), and carry out finishing, die-cutting, folding and gluing in-house. See also sheet-fed printing and our machinery.