What is the difference between whiteback and greyback duplex board?

Whiteback duplex board has a white clay-coated back surface, making both sides suitable for printing. Greyback duplex board has a grey or brown uncoated back. Whiteback is used for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and premium FMCG cartons where the inside of the box must look clean. Greyback is used for corrugated box liner, industrial packaging and cost-sensitive cartons where the reverse side is not visible.

Which is more expensive — whiteback or greyback duplex board?

Whiteback duplex board is generally 10–20% more expensive than greyback at equivalent GSM due to the additional clay coating on the reverse side and brighter surface finish.

Can greyback duplex board be used for pharma cartons?

Greyback can be used for certain pharma cartons but whiteback is preferred for regulated drug packaging where the inner surface must be clean, white and free from any contamination risk. Many pharma buyers specify whiteback as a requirement.

Whiteback vs Greyback Duplex Board — Complete Comparison

At a Glance

Whiteback

Alpha Coated Board (ACB)

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White clay-coated on both front and back

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Printable, clean interior — ideal when customers see the inside of the box

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Higher brightness (~88–92%) for sharp printing on all surfaces

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Meets food-contact and pharmaceutical packaging requirements

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10–20% higher cost than greyback at same GSM

Best For

Pharma cartons Cosmetics Premium FMCG Food packaging Electronics

Greyback

Diamond Grey Back (DGB) + Optic Grey Back (OGB)

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White coated on front only; grey/brown reverse

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Stronger stiffness and bulk at same GSM — better for structural uses

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Higher recycled content makes it cost-effective for high-volume orders

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OGB (Optic Grey Back) has brighter front surface than standard DGB

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Grey back not suitable where product interior cleanliness matters

Best For

Corrugated liner Shoe boxes Export cartons Industrial pack Garments

Side-by-Side Comparison

Property	Whiteback (ACB)	Greyback (DGB / OGB)
Front surface	White clay-coated, high gloss/matte	White clay-coated (OGB brighter than DGB)
Back surface	White — coated, clean, printable	Grey / brown — uncoated, recycled
Brightness	88–92% ISO (both sides)	82–88% front only (OGB higher end)
Stiffness	Good	Higher — grey mechanical pulp adds bulk
Print quality	Excellent both sides — full-bleed, 4c print	Excellent front, uncoated grey reverse
Cost	Higher (10–20% premium over greyback)	Lower — more cost-effective for bulk orders
Food contact	Yes — meets food-safe requirements	Limited — depends on liner construction
Pharma compliance	Preferred for drug cartons	Not preferred for primary pharma use
Recycled content	Low — virgin fibre dominant	Higher — grey back uses recycled pulp
GSM range available	230 – 450 GSM	230 – 450 GSM

When to Choose Each

WB Choose Whiteback (ACB) when…

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Your carton will contain medicines, supplements or food and the inner surface must be clean and white

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The product is a premium consumer brand where the inside of the box is part of the unboxing experience

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Your printer requires printing on both sides of the board (reverse side prints — batch codes, nutritional info, etc.)

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You are supplying a brand that explicitly specifies whiteback board in their packaging brief

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Your application is cosmetics, personal care, or electronics retail packaging where presentation matters

GB Choose Greyback (DGB/OGB) when…

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You are making corrugated box liners — the grey back is laminated to fluting and is never consumer-visible

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Cost is a priority for high-volume industrial or export cartons and inner cleanliness is not required

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Your carton needs maximum stiffness and structural strength — greyback has higher bulk at same GSM

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Your order is for shoe boxes, garment cartons, or retail trade packs that are purely functional

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You want higher recycled content in your board for sustainability reporting

Greyback: DGB vs OGB — What's the Difference?

Within the greyback category, Khanna Paper Mills offers two grades. Here's how they compare.

Diamond Grey Back (DGB)

• Economy grade greyback
• Lower brightness front (82–85%)
• Maximum stiffness and bulk
• Best for corrugated liner and structural roles
• Available 230–450 GSM

Optic Grey Back (OGB)

• Premium greyback grade
• Higher brightness front (85–88%)
• Better front print for visible cartons
• Mid-range — between DGB cost and ACB cost
• Good for shoe, garment, and retail trade boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can greyback board be used for pharma cartons?

Greyback can be used for some pharma outer packaging but whiteback (ACB) is strongly preferred and often specified by brand owners. The inner white surface of an ACB carton reduces contamination risk for tablet strips, blisters and vials. Many pharma buyers will require you to supply a COA confirming ACB grade.

How much more expensive is whiteback vs greyback?

Typically 10–20% premium at equivalent GSM, depending on the market. The gap varies with pulp prices and demand. For the current price of any specific grade and GSM, call or WhatsApp us — we quote ex-godown Delhi prices.

Is OGB the same as whiteback?

No — OGB (Optic Grey Back) is still a greyback board. It has a brighter white front face than DGB, but the reverse is still grey. Only ACB (Alpha Coated Board) has a white coating on both front and back.

Which board is better for shoe boxes?

Most shoe boxes use greyback — typically OGB for mid-range footwear brands and DGB for economy ranges. If your brand has premium positioning and uses a box that opens to reveal a white interior, ACB whiteback is the right choice.

Whiteback vs Greyback Duplex Board — What's the Difference?