Black kraft boxes are custom boxes made from kraft paperboard that is dyed black, so the surface keeps the toothy, uncoated feel of kraft in a dark colour. TBPB prints and builds them with no minimum order, and if you bring a written quote for the same specs, we will beat it.
What black kraft feels like in the hand
Brown kraft gets its colour from unbleached wood pulp, and black kraft starts from the same fibre before the dark colour goes in. The result is flat and matte with a slight grain, nothing like the slick finish of a laminated black box. People who want an earthy, workshop look love that. People who want a spotless gift box sometimes do not, because an uncoated surface shows fingerprints and can scuff at the edges and folds. Tell us which camp you are in before you order and we will suggest the right handling and finish.
Printing on a dark stock is a different job
This is where most first-time black kraft orders go wrong. Standard CMYK inks are translucent, so a full colour logo printed straight onto black kraft nearly disappears. What works is opaque white ink, a Pantone-matched opaque ink, metallic foil stamping, or a blind emboss or deboss that needs no ink at all. Foil looks especially sharp against black, but keep the artwork bold. Hairline strokes and tiny type can fill in on a textured surface. Gloss coatings and spot UV have little to grip on uncoated board, so we usually steer people to foil or white ink instead.
Board and box style
For a folding carton such as a tuck end box, kraft paperboard in the 16 to 24 pt range is the usual starting point, and the heavier end gives a sturdier lid and cleaner scoring. If the box has to survive shipping, a corrugated black kraft mailer is the better build, and our mailer boxes cover that. For gifting, a lidded format like the kraft gift boxes sits well in black. Browse everything in the kraft box range if you are still choosing a structure.
Getting the size right
Measure the product at its longest, widest and tallest points, then add about 1/8 inch of clearance on each side for a folding carton. Leave more room if the product goes in tissue, a pouch or an insert. A dark box makes a loose fit look sloppier than a light one, because you see the shadows inside every time the lid lifts. If you are not sure, send us the product itself or a clear photo with a ruler beside it, and we will work the dimensions out from there.
When another colour is the smarter call
If your artwork depends on photographs or a lot of full colour detail, black kraft will fight you. A white kraft box or a coated board prints those colours much more faithfully. Likewise, if you want the plain eco look without a dark colour, natural brown kraft is the honest choice. Black kraft earns its place when you want contrast, a modest amount of branding and a dark, quiet unboxing.
- Dyed black kraft paperboard, uncoated and matte
- Opaque white or Pantone ink, hot foil, blind emboss or deboss
- Tuck end, lidded and mailer-style builds, sized to your product
- Inserts, tissue and belly bands to match the dark palette
- Any quantity, from a single box up
Send your product dimensions and the quantity you want, even if it is just one, and we will draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
Are black kraft boxes dyed all the way through?
Black kraft board is coloured black rather than coated glossy, so the surface stays matte and fibrous like regular kraft. Ask us about the exact stock for your size when you request a quote, because available board varies with the box style and thickness you need.
What prints best on black kraft boxes?
Opaque white ink and metallic foil give the strongest contrast. A blind emboss or deboss also works with no ink at all. Standard CMYK is translucent, so colours print dull or vanish on black, and we advise against using it for the main logo.
Do black kraft boxes scuff easily?
They can. The board is uncoated, so rubbing during shipping may lighten edges and folds. For a shipped product, use a corrugated mailer or add a protective sleeve. For shelf and gifting use, scuffing is rarely a problem if boxes are packed carefully.
What is the minimum order for black kraft boxes?
There is no minimum order. You can order one black kraft box for a prototype or ten thousand for a launch. Send the dimensions and quantity, and we draw the dieline and quote it. Bring a written quote for the same specs and we will beat it.
Can black kraft boxes hold candles or cosmetics?
Yes, they suit candles, soap, cosmetics, tech accessories and gift sets. For anything with oil, wax or liquid that may leak, ask about a liner or an inner pouch, because uncoated board absorbs oil. You are responsible for any regulatory labelling on the pack.
Is black kraft the same as brown kraft in strength?
Strength depends on board thickness and construction, not on colour. A black kraft carton at the same caliper behaves much like its brown equivalent. Choose the caliper or corrugated flute for the weight of your product, then choose the colour.
More Kraft Boxes
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