Ball & Doggett has released its new Cartonboard Swatch Kits — created to give printers, designers and brand owners a clearer, more tactile way to assess packaging board options. Designed with real-world applications in mind, the individual kits offer an intuitive, hands-on view of how each board performs in production, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on fit for purpose, fibre-based packaging solutions.
The first release showcases four core cartonboard grades: Barry Bleach Board, Sumo Super Hi-Bulk GC1, Sumo Celsius GC2 and Sumo Greyback, providing a clear, practical in-hand guide to choosing the right board for the job. Additional releases are already in development as part of Ball & Doggett’s expanding swatch program.
Unlike traditional swatches, these kits are built around practical print outcomes rather than standalone material samples. They are designed as a working reference tool, helping packaging teams gain greater confidence in decisions around print quality, structural rigidity and overall performance.
Josh Gleeson, Marketing Executive at Ball & Doggett, said: “We wanted to create a tool that genuinely supports the way printers and designers work. These swatches bridge the gap between specification sheets and what actually happens on press and through finishing, making material selection simpler and more informed.”
Each kit features a wrap-around wallet containing a tuck-end box that houses DL sample cards. Together, they demonstrate board performance across scoring and folding, die-cutting, gluing and finishing. The print shows both topside and underside performance (topside only for Greyback), allowing users to evaluate how each board behaves in realistic end-use application.
The DL samples showcase print, coatings and embellishment comparisons alongside key technical information, while inside the wallets contains details on reel sizes, application suitability and mill accreditations—providing a well-rounded reference for both creative and production teams.
Tammy Arhontissas, National Manager – Fibre Based Packaging, said: “These kits are designed to make board selection faster, clearer and more confident. By showing real production outcomes, we’re helping customers choose materials based not just on specification, but on proven performance.”
Caption:
The swatch kits are designed to make board selection faster, clearer and more confident
Industry professionals can REGISTER HERE to receive the Cartonboard Swatch Kits via Ball & Doggett’s website: ht