SBS: Solid Bleached Board
SBS, or Solid Bleached Sulphate, is the premium end of cartonboard. Unlike FBB's mechanical-pulp core, SBS is made entirely from bleached chemical pulp, giving it a uniform, exceptionally bright white throughout and a very smooth surface. It is the board of choice when print quality and purity matter most.
At a glance
- Type
- Solid bleached chemical-pulp board
- Surface
- Brightest white, very smooth, coated
- GSM range
- 200 – 400 GSM
- Purity
- Virgin fibre, high food/pharma suitability
- Highest fidelity of fine detail & pastels
- Relative cost
- Higher than FBB and duplex
In more detail
Because it is pure bleached fibre on both sides, SBS is a natural fit for food, pharma, and luxury applications, and it delivers the crispest reproduction of fine detail and delicate colours. It is denser (less bulky) than FBB, so it costs more for the same stiffness.
Strengths
- Brightest, most uniform white for the highest print fidelity
- Pure virgin fibre, excellent for direct food and pharma contact
- Smooth, clean reverse side (both sides printable)
- Premium hand-feel for luxury cartons and cosmetics
Things to consider
- Most expensive of the common cartonboards
- Denser than FBB, so less stiffness per gram
Best for
Luxury cosmetics, premium confectionery, high-end pharma, and any carton where the whitest surface and finest print reproduction justify the cost.
Common questions
What is the difference between SBS and FBB?
Both are premium cartonboards. SBS is made entirely from bleached chemical pulp: brightest white, smoothest, best print, and pricier. FBB has a mechanical-pulp core that makes it bulkier and stiffer per gram, so it is lighter and more economical for the same rigidity. SBS wins on print purity; FBB wins on stiffness-to-cost.
Is SBS board food grade?
Yes. SBS is virgin bleached fibre and is widely used for direct food contact (confectionery, frozen food, fast food) and pharmaceutical cartons. It is one of the safest cartonboards for sensitive contents.
When is SBS worth the extra cost over FBB?
When print quality is critical, whether fine detail, delicate pastel colours or a flawless bright-white background, or when you want the most premium hand-feel for luxury products. For most mainstream cartons, FBB gives excellent results at lower cost.
Related materials
Products made with it
Written by LeRoy Print Packs, a printing and packaging manufacturer making cartons, corrugated boxes and labels in-house. Get a quote