FBB vs. GC1: Understanding the Differences

Introduction

As demand for premium packaging materials continues to grow across industries such as cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods, FBB (Folding Boxboard) and GC1 (Solid Bleached Board / SBS) have become two of the most widely used virgin-fiber paperboards.

Although both are high-quality materials made from wood pulp, their fiber composition, structure, performance, and application suitability differ significantly.

This article provides a complete comparison to help buyers, converters, and brand owners choose the right grade.

1. What Are FBB and GC1?

1.1 What Is FBB (Folding Boxboard)?

FBB is a multilayer virgin-fiber paperboard, typically made with a combination of bleached chemical pulp and high-yield mechanical pulp (such as CTMP). It is known for its excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, bulk, and reliable print performance.

Because all fibers come from virgin wood, FBB contains zero recycled pulp.

1.2 What Is GC1 (Solid Bleached Board / SBS)?

GC1 is a fully bleached chemical pulp paperboard, produced using 100% virgin fibers with no mechanical pulp.

It offers top brightness, superior surface smoothness, and the highest print fidelity, making it ideal for premium packaging.

2. Material Structure Differences Between FBB and GC1

2.1 FBB — Virgin Fiber Board With Mechanical Pulp Middle Layer

FBB is composed of three main layers:

Top Layer: Bleached chemical pulp

Middle Layer: Mechanical pulp or CTMP

Back Layer: Bleached or unbleached chemical pulp

The inclusion of mechanical pulp gives FBB:

Higher stiffness

Better bulk

Lower cost compared to full chemical pulp boards

Even with mechanical pulp, FBB is still considered 100% virgin pulp paperboard.

2.2 GC1 — 100% Bleached Chemical Pulp (SBS Quality)

GC1 has a uniform structure made entirely from bleached chemical pulp, often with multiple coatings applied to the top layer.

Key characteristics include:

High brightness and cleanliness

Strong layer bonding

Excellent surface for detailed printing

Superior consistency

GC1 contains no mechanical pulp and no recycled fibers, resulting in the smoothest surface quality among paperboard grades.

3. Performance Comparison: FBB vs. GC1

3.1 Brightness and Surface Smoothness

GC1 provides higher brightness and ultra-smooth surfaces

FBB has good brightness but a more natural fiber texture

3.2 Stiffness and Bulk

FBB offers superior stiffness at lower grammage due to its mechanical pulp middle layer

GC1 provides stable strength but lower bulk than FBB

3.3 Printability

GC1 excels in premium printing techniques: offset printing, UV, embossing, foil stamping

FBB still performs strongly for everyday commercial printing

4. Application Scenarios

4.1 When to Choose FBB

FBB is commonly used in:

Personal care & cosmetics (regular-grade)

Food packaging (cookies, chocolates, tea)

Pharmaceuticals

Folding cartons requiring stiffness and cost-efficiency

Reasons to choose FBB:

High stiffness

Excellent cost-to-performance ratio

Strong sustainability perception

Lightweight but durable

4.2 When to Choose GC1

GC1 is preferred for:

High-end cosmetics & perfume packaging

Luxury goods

Premium confectionery

Healthcare & high-grade pharmaceuticals

Projects requiring advanced finishing techniques

Reasons to choose GC1:

Highest brightness and smoothness

Best print detail and visual effect

Ideal for embossing, hot stamping, metallic finishes

5. How to Choose Between FBB and GC1

Choose FBB when you need:

• Better stiffness with lower basis weight

• Competitive cost

• Natural look and feel

• Choose GC1 when you need:

• Ultra-smooth surface

• Premium visual and tactile effects

• High-end brand presentation

FAQ — FBB & GC1 Paperboard

1. What is the main difference between FBB and GC1?

FBB includes a mechanical pulp middle layer for stiffness, while GC1 uses 100% bleached chemical pulp for maximum brightness and printability.

2. Is FBB considered virgin pulp?

Yes. All fibers used in FBB come from virgin wood, even the mechanical pulp.

3. Is GC1 the same as SBS?

GC1 is structurally equivalent to SBS (Solid Bleached Sulphate), made entirely from bleached chemical pulp.

4. Which material is better for cosmetics packaging?

GC1 is preferred for high-end cosmetics due to its smoothness and brightness.

FBB is a cost-effective alternative.

5. Which paperboard is better for food packaging?

FBB is widely used for food packaging because of its stiffness and cost efficiency.

GC1 is chosen for premium confectionery boxes.

6. Can the material be customized?

Yes. Basis weight, sheet size, roll width, coating, and packing can all be customized depending on application needs.