14pt Cardstock Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is Iowa's capital and one of America's great mid-sized cities — the insurance capital of the United States, home to Principal Financial, Meredith Corporation, and dozens of major financial and media companies, a nationally recognized restaurant scene that has earned James Beard Award nominations, and a tech startup ecosystem energized by Drake and Iowa State's research output. My Custom Boxes serves Des Moines' financially sophisticated and creatively vibrant business community with premium custom packaging that meets the city's growing ambitions.
Why Des Moines Businesses Choose Us
Why Choose 14pt Cardstock
Custom 14pt Cardstock Packaging | Standard Retail Folding Carton Weight
14pt cardstock (0.014 inch caliper, approximately 355 microns) is the standard folding carton specification for most retail consumer goods packaging -- providing adequate structural rigidity for products up to approximately 500g while maintaining material economy appropriate for high-volume packaging production. The 14pt caliper is the most commonly specified weight for pharmaceutical cartons, cosmetic folding boxes, supplement packaging, and general retail consumer goods cartons where the primary packaging function is product containment and brand communication.
Structural Characteristics at 14pt
At 14pt caliper, SBS and CUK cardstock provide adequate stiffness for standard retail handling and distribution. The box holds its shape through retail display, consumer handling during evaluation, and product extraction. The caliper is sufficient for machine assembly on standard filling equipment used in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing. Below 14pt, structural performance begins to compromise box integrity under moderate product weight; above 14pt, structural performance exceeds the requirements for most standard retail applications.
When to Upgrade from 14pt
14pt is appropriate when the product weighs under 500g, the packaging does not need to communicate structural premium as a quality signal, and production volume makes material economy meaningful. Upgrading to 18pt is appropriate when the product weighs 500g-1kg, the brand positioning at mid-premium tier requires perceptible box rigidity, or the finishing treatments signal premium quality that should be supported by equivalent structural quality.
14pt as the Pharmaceutical and Food Carton Standard
14pt cardstock has become the default specification for pharmaceutical and food folding cartons through a combination of structural adequacy and production economy. Pharmaceutical cartons at 14pt provide adequate rigidity for blister pack and bottle containment, clean machine erection on high-speed filling lines, and the dimensional consistency that serialization and traceability systems require. Food cartons at 14pt provide adequate structure for cereal, snack, and prepared food retail without the material cost premium that higher calipers impose at the volumes that food brands require.
Material Economy at 14pt Caliper
At high production volumes, the caliper difference between 14pt and 18pt translates to meaningful material cost differences. The 14pt caliper uses approximately 25% less board material per unit than 18pt at equivalent dimensions. For brands producing 500,000+ cartons annually, this caliper economy represents significant material cost savings. The decision to specify 14pt versus 18pt should be evaluated against both the structural requirements and the economic impact at the brand's production volume.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Eco-Friendly
- Yes
- Location
- Des Moines, IA
Thickness Options
Industries in Des Moines
Affordable sample kits available
Industries We Serve in Des Moines
We provide 14pt cardstock packaging solutions to a wide range of industries in Des Moines, IA.
14pt Cardstock is Best For
Popular Box Styles in Des Moines
The most requested packaging styles from Des Moines businesses.
Available Box Styles
14pt Cardstock works great with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
The most versatile folding carton style — tuck flaps on both ends create a clean, secure closure for retail and consumer goods packaging
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Rigid set-up boxes with embedded neodymium magnets creating a satisfying snap closure for luxury brand packaging
Sleeve Boxes
Two-piece inner tray and outer sleeve construction creating a controlled sliding reveal for premium product presentation
Pillow Boxes
Curved oval-ended folding carton that creates a distinctive pillow shape for gifts, accessories, and specialty retail
Gable Boxes
Self-erecting folding carton with a distinctive peaked top handle that serves as both closure and carrying mechanism
Two-Piece Boxes
Classic two-component packaging with separate lid and base for premium retail, gift, and apparel presentation
Available Finishes
Enhance your 14pt cardstock packaging with premium finishes.
14pt Cardstock in Nearby Cities
We deliver to cities across Iowa.
Other Materials in Des Moines
Explore more packaging materials available in Des Moines, IA.
Cardboard
EcoThe universal folding carton substrate -- solid paperboard in 14pt to 24pt weights for retail, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical packaging
Corrugated
EcoThree-layer fluted sandwich construction providing superior cushioning, compression resistance, and shipping protection
Rigid Board
EcoDense compressed greyboard for permanent rigid box construction -- the luxury packaging material that never collapses
Kraft Paper
EcoNatural unbleached brown paper with authentic craft character for artisan, natural, and eco-conscious packaging
White Cardstock
EcoBright white coated paperboard providing the cleanest printing surface for vivid CMYK color reproduction
Specialty Paper
EcoPremium specialty papers including textured, metallic, translucent, and decorative stocks for distinctive packaging surfaces
14pt Cardstock Packaging in Des Moines — FAQs
What products are appropriate for 14pt cardstock packaging?
14pt is appropriate for pharmaceutical drug product cartons, cosmetic and beauty retail boxes, supplement and vitamin cartons, food retail folding cartons, and any standard retail packaging where structural rigidity is required but premium thickness is not. For heavier products or premium positioning, 18pt or 24pt is more appropriate.
What is 14pt cardstock in metric?
14pt cardstock is approximately 355 microns (0.355mm). The point system (1pt = 0.001 inch) is the North American standard; the metric micron measurement is the European standard.
Can 14pt cardstock run on automated filling equipment?
Yes. 14pt cardstock is compatible with standard pharmaceutical, food, and consumer goods filling equipment. The caliper falls within the range that most standard carton filling and gluing equipment is designed to handle.
Is 14pt adequate for boxes with embossing?
Yes for standard emboss depths. 14pt cardstock accommodates emboss depths up to approximately 1.5-2mm without splitting at fold lines adjacent to embossed areas. Deeper emboss requirements may require upgrading to 18pt.
What is the minimum order for 14pt cardstock packaging?
Our minimum order is 100 units. 14pt is the most economical standard caliper, making it particularly appropriate for high-volume production programs.
Do you serve Des Moines' insurance and financial community?
Yes. Des Moines' major insurance companies and financial firms use our corporate packaging for gifting programs and branded materials.
What Des Moines metro areas do you deliver to?
We deliver free throughout Polk County including all Des Moines neighborhoods, plus Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, and all surrounding metro communities.
Do you serve Des Moines' food and restaurant community?
Yes. Des Moines' nationally recognized food scene uses our retail boxes and branded packaging for retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
How long does delivery take to Des Moines?
Production is 10–14 business days from proof approval, then 2–3 days ground shipping to Des Moines.
Get 14pt Cardstock Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Free quote, competitive pricing, free shipping, and 2-3 week turnaround.