What is Chipboard and Why Is It Used in Packaging?

At first glance, chipboard looks the same as cardboard or corrugated board, but a closer look will show that it’s not the same thing. Here’s a quick rundown of how they differ:

• Cardboard is a catch-all term for paper-based packaging. It can be corrugated or flat, thick or thin, coated or bare.
• Corrugated board is cardboard layered and fluted for strength and durability, like the thick boards used in shipping boxes.
• Chipboard is made from recycled paper processed and compacted into a solid, rigid sheet. Thicker variations can even be used for small furniture.

If you’re considering whether chipboard is the right material for your business packaging needs, this article is your comprehensive guide to understanding what chipboard is and its uses in packaging.

Material Composition of Chipboard

Chipboard is typically made from recycled paper and wood fibers. This gives a second life to paper and wood waste, which is why many choose it for sustainable packing.

Thickness and density of chipboards

Another thing that makes chipboard a popular choice for product packing is its availability in different thicknesses and densities. Lower-density chipboard is great for lightweight cartons such as cereal boxes, while thick boards are ideal for protective packing. If you want to protect items from bending or folding, high-density chipboards are your best bet.

How chipboards are made with structural components

Paper manufacturers have different processes for making chipboards, but they often include these basic steps to create chipboards: chipping, drying, screening, gluing, compacting, and finishing.

Recyclable paper, wood shavings, sawdust, and other similar materials are ground up, dried, and packed down with industrial-grade glue. A high-intensity pressurizer is used during compaction to make sure that all fibers are bound together.

This high pressure not only holds all components in place for structural integrity but also ensures consistency in size. This process creates smooth surfaces on both sides of the board.

Common uses of chipboard

Chipboard packaging is used in many different industries, including food and beverage, retail and consumer market, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household goods. Among the most common uses are:

• Food and beverage: Ready-to-eat meals, bakery products, beverage cartons, and dry food boxes.
• Retail and consumer goods: Folding boxes, rigid boxes, display packs, and inserts or dividers for cosmetics, electronics, and promotional products.
• Pharmaceuticals: Outer packaging for medicines and healthcare items.
• Personal care and cosmetics: High-end cases for luxury beauty brands seeking sustainable and premium-looking packaging.
• Household and decorative items: Jewelry cases, stationery, scrapbook pages, picture frames, small furniture, and decorative paper products.

Environmental benefits of using chipboard

Because chipboard is made from recycled materials and biodegradable components, it is seen as a sustainable choice for eco-friendly packaging. It helps:

1. Cut down on landfill waste. It is made primarily from recycled paper and wood fibers, which are biodegradable and compostable.
2. Lower reliance on virgin resources. The raw material used in making chipboards comes from post-consumer recycled paper and pulp, helping us conserve our natural resources.
3. Reduce carbon footprint. Its lightweight structure helps minimize resource and energy use in production and transport.
4. Provide better alternatives to plastic. Because it’s sturdy and durable, it can be used to replace plastic in many food, personal care, and electronics applications.
5. Support the circular economy. Many manufacturers use FSC-certified fibers and closed-loop recycling systems.

The demand is only increasing. The chip board packaging market is projected to grow about 9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032 (Data Bridge Market Research), driven largely by consumers and businesses prioritizing sustainability.

This aligns with global trends, including PwC findings show that 38% of consumers check for eco-friendly packaging when evaluating a company’s sustainability practices.

With growing awareness and demand, paper-based solutions like this are quickly becoming the go-to option of responsible businesses.

Types of Chipboard Used in Packaging

Chipboards are versatile and can be adapted for different uses. Depending on the application, manufacturers tweak their size, finish, or density to meet different needs. Here are the most common types you’ll come across:

Plain chipboard

The most basic form, made from compressed recycled fibers and fine dust. It’s often used as the backing for notepads, inserts, or product dividers. Since it’s bare, it can be custom-designed using paint or printed images.

Coated chipboard

Finished with a laminate or clay coating, this paperboard type has a smooth surface that adds aesthetic appeal. If you need cosmetic boxes, gift bags, or branded retail boxes that look sleek and polished, coated paperboard is a good choice.

Double-chip or multi-ply particle board

Compared with other types, this is thicker and stronger because multiple layers are glued and pressed together to create it. It almost appears like solid wood, and some can even be sanded. Because of this, chipboard can be used for heavy-duty applications, such as furniture, industrial goods, flooring, or shipping materials that must withstand stacking, heavy handling, and transport.

Waxed or water-resistant chipboard

Treated to repel moisture, this type is commonly used for food cases, beverage carriers, or any product likely to encounter damp conditions. It keeps the contents safe while maintaining the board’s structural integrity.

Applications of Chipboard in Packaging

Chipboard’s versatility makes it a favorite across industries. Its balance of strength, printability, and eco-friendliness makes it great for applications that require both function and presentation.

Retail and product packaging

Chipboard is widely used for cosmetics, electronics, apparel accessories, and gift boxes. It can be easily cut into different shapes to create unique designs.

Food packaging material

Chipboard ensures food products stay intact and eye-catching. Moisture-resistant and coated versions make it especially reliable in demanding storage conditions. Common chipboard types you’ll see in food aisles are cereal boxes, frozen food packs, and beverage carriers.

Bookbinding and stationery

Beyond consumer goods, chipboard is commonly used in hardcover books, notebook covers, binders, scrapbooking materials, and file folders.

Shipping and protective packaging

Chipboard or particle board can also be cut into layer pads, dividers, partitions, and corner protectors that keep fragile items safe during transport. Its rigidity helps absorb shocks and support heavy loads without adding much extra weight.

Eco-friendly packaging solutions

With 41% of consumers worldwide citing packaging and plastic waste as a top environmental concern, businesses are leaning into chipboard to meet both regulatory pressures and customer expectations.

Advantages and Limitations of Chipboard for Packaging

Like any material, chipboard has its strengths and trade-offs. Here’s a quick look at what makes it useful—and where it may fall short:

Advantages:

• Cost-efficient and lightweight. Chipboard is generally cheaper than specialty grades of cardboard while still delivering solid performance.

• Eco-friendly and recyclable. Made mostly from recycled paper and fibers, chipboard can be recycled again. Many manufacturers also use eco-conscious production methods, making it a sustainable choice.

• Highly customizable. Easy to cut, fold, print, paint, and finish. Available in a variety of grades and thicknesses, it’s versatile enough for everything from retail boxes to product inserts.
• Good structural support. Stiffer and stronger than standard cardboard, chipboard holds its shape well and adds stacking strength without the extra bulk.

Limitations:

• Less durable than corrugated board. While great for small and light products, chipboard doesn’t offer the same cushioning or strength as corrugated board, so it’s not ideal for heavy or fragile shipments.

• Vulnerable to moisture. Without a coating or lamination, chipboard absorbs water easily, which can weaken its integrity in damp or humid conditions.

• Limited impact resistance. It protects against surface wear but won’t provide the same shock absorption as thicker corrugated or plastic-based packaging.

Comparing Chipboard to Other Packaging Materials

Even big brands like M.A.C. are moving toward post-consumer recycled materials like chipboard. But how does chipboard stack up against other common options?

Chipboard vs. Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is designed for strength, with fluted inner layers that make it ideal for shipping heavy or fragile items. Chipboard, on the other hand, is lighter, thinner, and smoother, making it better suited for retail boxes, inserts, and product displays.

Chipboard vs. Fiberboard

Fiberboard is denser and often used for furniture, flooring, or heavy-duty applications. Chipboard or particle board is a lighter, more economical version of this material. Chipboard works well for consumer goods like cosmetics, books, or food boxes, while fiberboard is typically too rigid and heavy for everyday packing use.

Chipboard vs. Plastic Packaging

Plastic offers durability and moisture resistance, but it comes with a high environmental cost—with 40% of global plastic waste coming from packaging alone. Chipboard provides a more sustainable alternative: it’s recyclable, biodegradable, and derived from recycled paper. 

While it may not always match plastic’s water resistance, coatings and laminations can extend chipboard’s performance in food and moisture-sensitive applications.

Still confused? Here’s a table that compares different packaging options at a single glance:

FAQs

What is chipboard made of?

Chipboard is made from recycled paper fibers and wood pulp that are compressed under heat and pressure into a solid sheet. The process uses post-consumer waste, making it both cost-effective and resource-efficient.

Is chipboard eco-friendly?

Yes. Chipboard is considered eco-friendly because it’s made from recycled materials, biodegradable, and can be recycled again after use. Many manufacturers also source FSC-certified fibers and use closed-loop recycling systems to minimize environmental impact.

How strong is chipboard compared to cardboard?

Chipboard is stiffer and smoother than standard cardboard. It has better stacking strength and looks great as a pop-up display box on store shelves. However, it’s not as strong or impact-resistant as corrugated cardboard, which is better for shipping heavy or fragile items.

Can chipboard be used for food packaging?

Yes, but with conditions. Plain chipboard isn’t food-safe on its own. For food contact, its inner surface is usually coated with clay, wax, or biodegradable films to provide a barrier against moisture, grease, or contamination. That’s why one side of frozen food boxes, takeout containers, and beverage carriers is usually covered with a waxy film.

What thickness of chipboard is best for packaging?

It depends on the application. Thin chip board (around 18-24 pt) works well for lightweight needs like folding boxes or notebook covers. Medium grades (24-30 pt) are used for retail boxes, while thicker chipboard with multiple layers is preferred for dividers, book covers, or protective inserts that require sturdiness.

How is chipboard different from paperboard?

While both are paper-based, chipboard is denser and more rigid, made primarily from recycled fibers. Paperboard is lighter, smoother, and typically made from virgin or bleached fibers for a premium look. In short, chipboard is sturdy and affordable, while paperboard is smooth and aesthetic.