Technical guide with sources · ROLL Lab

Where to buy paper cores, and what to ask

ROLL Lab · updated 24 October 2026 · sources at the end of the page

In shortWith the right 7 pieces of information, any serious manufacturer can give you a comparable quote. If you like, the request below goes to the technicians of ROLL and of the core makers in its network.

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The checklist to send to any manufacturer

Application: what is wound, roll weight and diameter, machine.
Inside diameter with tolerance (ISO 13542) and wall or outside diameter.
Length, tolerance and type of cut.
Minimum strength with the method: flat crush ISO 11093-9; for film, radial crush CCTI T-158 or T-159.
Maximum moisture on delivery, measured in an oven.
Finishes: ends, inner and outer surface, printing.
Quantity, frequency, packing and delivery location.

Always ask for guaranteed minimum values, not averages, and compare samples of the same age and moisture.

Looking for a core manufacturer? Find one here

Describe the core you need: we show you manufacturers in your country and nearby straight away, and email you the summary. A free service by ROLL Packaging.

Email * Delivery country * Inside diameter (mm or inches) * How often you buy *

Core material

Quantity per order (optional)

Add details (optional): you get better answers

Type of request Application Max roll weight (kg) Lengths (approximate is fine) Wall thickness (if known) Notes

I have read the privacy notice. Use my data to answer this request; ROLL may forward it to the listed manufacturers if I ask. Privacy Also send me ROLL technical updates, about once a month.

List source: tube and core manufacturers in the European association ECTA, plus ROLL referrals. A ROLL Packaging service.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to give a supplier to order a paper core?

Seven things: inside diameter with tolerance, wall thickness (or outside diameter), length with tolerance, minimum strength with the test method (flat crush ISO 11093-9, radial crush CCTI T-158 or T-159), maximum moisture on delivery, edge and surface finish, and packing. Without the test method, a strength figure cannot be compared.

What drives the price of a paper core?

The weight of board (diameter and wall), the board grade, the length and cutting tolerances, finishes, quantities, packing and transport. Cores are usually sold per piece or per metre, but their cost follows the kilograms of board.

Is your core already specified on paper? Find it in 5 steps with the game, or ask the people who make it.
Find your core → Request a core