Cosmetic paper packaging box parameters (2025)

Cosmetic paper packaging boxes achieve a balance between functionality and brand value through the selection of white cardboard/gold and silver cardboard materials, the optimization of stamping/die-cutting processes, and environmentally friendly lightweight design. Balance. Size adaptation needs to be combined with product type (e.g. lipstick 5×5×5, serum box 15×15×15), and market competitiveness should be enhanced through process innovation (e.g. heaven and earth lid structure3, UV coating5).

I. Mainstream materials and characteristics

• White cardboard

Thickness range of 210-400g (commonly used 300-350g), the paper surface is flat and high breakage resistance, suitable for single cosmetic box production, support reverse UV, hot stamping and other processes, excellent color reproduction.

Applicable scene: middle and high-end brand packaging box, such as serum, cream box.

• Gold and silver cardboard

Smooth surface and strong metallic texture, gold/silver color on the front, white on the back, suitable for hot stamping and embossing process, commonly used in gift box outer packaging.

Limitations: color difference between batches should be confirmed by proofing in advance.

• Black Cardboard

Black inside and outside, only suitable for hot stamping, UV and other single-color processes, suitable for high-end niche brands, such as perfume boxes or limited edition packaging.

• Kraft paper

Outstanding environmental characteristics (recyclability ≥ 90%), strong tear resistance, commonly used in essential oils, handmade soap and other natural product packaging.

II. he key process and design

• Surface treatment process

Lamination: glossy film / matte film to enhance wear resistance and moisture resistance, matte film is mostly used for matte texture design.

Hot stamping/UV: hot stamping (gold/silver/radium) to enhance the visual hierarchy, UV coating can achieve local highlight or matte effect.

• Structure process

Die-cutting indentation: precision error ≤ 0.5mm, suitable for shaped boxes (e.g. hollow windows, curved corners).

Lid/book box: commonly used in high-grade gift boxes, using paper wrapped board to enhance the overall stiffness.

III. Function and Size Adaptation

• Core Functions

Basic protection: the outer box is fixed with the inner liner to avoid transportation collision8.

Brand Communication: Convey the brand concept (e.g. oriental culture, environmental protection) through graphic design.

• Common Sizes

Product type Typical size (cm)

Lipstick/mascara 5×5×5

10-100ml bottles 15×15×15 to 20×20×20

Makeup palette 10×10×2

Makeup brush set 30×20×5

Note: The size can be customized according to the demand, and the MOQ is usually ≥3000pcs.

IV. Environmental Trends and Innovations

Lightweight design: Reduce raw material consumption by thinning paper (e.g. 250g coated paper instead of 300g) and reduce transportation costs by 10%.

Recyclable materials: FSC-certified paper, recycled kraft paper application percentage increase, suitable for replacement of core package design.

Smart labels: embedded NFC chips or QR codes to support anti-counterfeiting traceability and consumer interaction.

V. Comparison of the cost & effect of different materials for cosmetic paper packaging box

1. Mainstream material cost and performance comparison

2. Cost influencing factors and process adaptation

• Paper thickness and weight

White cardboard 300-350g for the cost-effective preferred (cost 1.5-3.0 yuan / set), 400g or more grammage to increase the cost of 30% -50%.

Gold and silver cardboard due to the metal coating process, the cost is 20%-40% higher than white cardboard.

• Surface treatment process

Foil stamping/UV: single-color foil stamping cost increase 0.5-1.0 yuan/set, full-page UV process cost increase 1.5-3.0 yuan/set.

Die-cutting shaped: complex box type (such as hollow window) processing fee increase 50%-100%, precision requirements ≤ 0.5mm.

• Environmentally friendly material premium

FSC certified recycled paper costs 15%-30% more than ordinary paper, but can improve brand ESG rating.

Bio-based coating (e.g. corn starch lamination) increases the cost by $0.8-1.5/set, and the degradation cycle is shortened to 6 months.

3. Effectiveness and Market Competitiveness Analysis

• High-end positioning

Black cardboard + partial hot stamping process (cost 8-10 RMB/set) is suitable for luxury-level packaging, with a premium space of 30%-50%.

Specialty paper (such as pearl card) with ribbon accessories to enhance the sense of opening ceremony, social media communication rate increased by 20%.

• Mass Market

White cardboard + one-color printing (cost $0.5-1.5/set) to meet basic protection needs, suitable for e-commerce channels.

Kraft paper box + twine bundle (cost 2.0-3.5 RMB/set) fits the concept of “zero-waste” and attracts eco-friendly consumers.

4.Trend and material selection suggestions

Cost-effective preferred: mid-range products recommended 300g white cardboard + hot stamping process (comprehensive cost of 2.5-4.0 yuan / set), balancing texture and cost.

High-end differentiation: black cardboard/gold and silver cardboard + smart NFC labels (cost increase of 1.0-2.0 yuan / set), to strengthen the brand's sense of technology.

Environmental compliance: Prioritize FSC certified paper to avoid market access risks such as the EU and higher long-term cost controllability.

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