Duplex Board vs FBB: Key Differences and Uses Explained
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When it comes to business packing material, companies usually prefer Duplex Board and FBB (Folding Box Board). These materials are popular in the packaging industry for several uses which include; food packaging and high end retail packaging for luxury items. , while they do have some similarities they are not the same and have characteristics which make them appropriate for certain applications. In this blog, we will discuss the distinctions between Duplex Board and FBB and how to identify which material is best suited to your packaging requirements.
 

What is a Duplex Board?

Duplex Board is a kind of paper board that can certainly be said to be an exceptionally strong and all-weather variety. It is made from two layers of paper: two layers with a top layer that is usually white or brown and bottom layer that is usually white. The board has a shiny finish on one side while the other side can be matte, weather or kraft. Duplex Board is mostly employed for packing of products which do not require much clear printing, still; it requires the packaging to be rigid and more lasting.


 

Composition & Properties of  Duplex Board

Layers: Duplex board comprises mainly a white or cream or any other desired color outer layer which offers the aesthetic look with an internal structural layer of gray or brown color. The top layer is usually modified to have good printability.
 

Materials: The fabric is normally produced from recycled fibers, therefore it is suitable to the natural environment. Depending on the coatings it can have a coated or uncoated surface where coating defines the surface finish and quality of print.
 

Weight: There are different kinds of duplex boards depending on the weight usually ranging from 200 to 400 gsm.
 

What is FBB (Folding Box Board)?

Folding Box Board (FBB) is also known by the name of the packaging material in the market. It is a sort of duplex board, only the layers of mechanical pulp are incorporated somewhere in between the layers of chemical pulp, which both are on the outer side. The face layers are mainly bleached. Due to the layer structure in FBB; the material can become light but still possess quite a substantial strength.


 

Composition & Properties of  Duplex Board

Layers: Folding Box Board (FBB) is another type of paperboard used commonly in packaging operations. This one is famous for a rather high level of gloss and density, so it is great for premium products.
 

• Outer Layers: FBB is made up of several layers whereby outer layers are from bleached chemical pulp. This serves to give it a smooth finish in order to improve the quality of the prints.
 

• Inner Layers: These include the fiber lines that constitute a mechanical pulp material, which adds to the extra strength of the structure.
 

Materials: FBB is produced from mechanical pulp and a small percentage of chemical pulp and is used for folding cartons and boxes mostly.
 

Weight: FBB usually falls under the weight range of Duplex Board, but it can also utilize weights according to the specifications of the fabrication process.
 

Comparative Analysis: Duplex Board vs FBB

1. Printability

It can be seen that print quality is an important criteria when selecting packaging media.
 

Duplex Board: Although it is printable it does not have as smooth feel as coated Duplex Board and uncoated Duplex Board tend to have dot gain this is because during the printing process the dots appear larger than was intended.
 

Folding Box Board (FBB): FBB is famous for its better print quality and the texture of this paper is quite sleek that results in a perfectly clear and bright colored picture. It is perhaps the most used by brands that want to make a big, bold statement.
 

2. Strength and Durability

Physical properties of packaging materials in relation to the structural behavior are ideal for safeguarding products during distribution and handling.
 

Duplex Board: Offers a range of rigidity suitable for light weight end products though not as good as FBB when it comes to carrying load.
 

Folding Box Board (FBB): Because of the layered structure of FBB, this material is stronger and more durable than several others so it can become more suitable for packing heavy products like cosmetics or medications.
 

3. Environmental Impact

There is growing pressure towards packaging sustainability.
 

Duplex Board: In particular, it is made of recycled material and, therefore, is an environmentally friendly product. Most consumers show a demand to have their products packaged in materials that have less effects on the environment.
 

Folding Box Board (FBB): The highest benefit of FBB is in treatment of the safety of waste. The FBB material is biodegradable and recyclable while being friendly to the environment. Production is with renewable resources, which will reduce its consequences for the environment.
 

Key Differences Between Duplex Board and FBB

Application of Duplex Board

Luxury Packaging: Duplex boards are further characterized, especially those with white coated surfaces, to be more appropriate for fancy product packaging.
 

Retail Packaging: Because of its thickness and flexibility, good printability, and strength, it is especially used for retail boxes especially Cosmetics and foods products and electronics among others.
 

Eco-Friendly Solutions: The kraft back version of Duplex board makes it possible for the product to serve as sustainable packaging material.
 

Food Packaging: Suitable for smaller processed foods such as breakfast cereals, snacks, premixed foods and other products packaged in small boxes.
 

Display Packaging: This product is popular for pos displays and promos for packaging because of its white smooth laminated surface called Duplex Board.
 

Packaging Boxes: Popular as it is used while packaging small ships and boxes because of its light density but sturdiness.
 

Stationery Products: Often used in making book covers, folders and all other stationery goods that are in the markets nowadays.
 

Application Of Folding Box Board (FBB)

Food Packaging: FBB is common for applications in food products like chocolates, snacks and ready to eat meals because of its water resistance to retain the integrity of the food.
 

Pharmaceutical Packaging: They are hygienically ideal to tackle as they have a very smooth surface or structure and are also very strong to provide safety and quality of the medical and pharmaceutical products that are contained in them.
 

Luxury Product Packaging: Popular with luxury goods such as fragrances, time pieces, electronics and also for food and beverages containers.
 

Cosmetics & Personal Care: FBB is preferred for cosmetics and skincare product packaging because of a silk touch and high-class finish.
 

Choose the Right Board for Your Needs!
 

Conclusion

Each of them has its own benefits Tailor made to suit the nature of your products or the kind of packaging you do. Duplex Board used for packing which require double layer and ornamental look while FBB is the sort of packing that is considered luxurious. Though it is necessary to understand the difference and use of these materials to know the best for your product packaging.

To learn more about packaging materials such as Duplex Board and FBB, go to Edicon Paper Products. The portfolio of our paperboard solutions provides the best quality, security and, of course, an appealing appearance of your products.
 

FAQs 

1. Are Duplex Boards more durable than FBB?

Duplex Boards are rigid, but FBB offers lightweight strength and durability.
 

2. Can Duplex Boards and FBB be recycled?

Yes, both materials are recyclable, though FBB is often reused in higher-grade applications.
 

3. Which is more cost-effective for small businesses?

Duplex Board is typically more affordable, making it ideal for cost-conscious businesses.
 

4. What are the main applications of the Duplex Board?

Duplex Board is commonly used in various sectors including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food packaging, and graphic arts due to its versatility and strength.
 

5. What industries commonly use Folding Box Boards?

Folding Box Board is widely used in the packaging of lightweight products such as cigarettes, chocolates, and cosmetics due to its favorable characteristics.