The study investigated the relationship between mechanical paper properties and mechanical performance of corrugated board and boxes, with the aim of linking fundamental paper properties to industrial converting operations and end-use situations. Both virgin-based and recycled-based materials were investigated and compared. Tensile stiffness and fracture toughness of the papers were measured so as to observe the relationship between paper and packaging properties. Isocyclic creep studies were conducted at packaging level and related to findings in the literature at paper level. The performance of corrugated board and boxes downstream in the distribution chain were simulated by lab measurements: Die-cutting of board was conducted in a lab die-cutter at 50% RH; bottom deflection was measured under cyclic humidity; bulge, defined as deformation of the side walls of big boxes under compression, was measured under cyclic humidity; drop resistance and tray torsion were measured at 50% RH. The results showed that fracture toughness could be linked to the die-cutting operation, with board from virgin liner and recycled fluting showing less cracking. Recycled liner with virgin fluting showed the most cracking; approx. 100% more for this composition. Fracture toughness could also be linked to drop resistance of regular slotted containers. Boxes with virgin liners were found to be superior to those with recycled liners, which yielded five times more cracking than virgin liners. Tensile stiffness was linked to tray torsion. Trays with recycled liners were found to have approx. 80% of the stiffness of trays with virgin liners. Bottom deflection of trays subjected to cyclic humidity showed less deflection for virgin-based material. The recycled material showed 35% more deflection. Bulge measurement under cyclic humidity showed 50% more deformation for recycled liners compared to virgin liners. The results of the study showed that mechanical properties of papers (tensile stiffness, fracture toughness and isocyclic creep) could be linked to box performance downstream in the supply chain. Differences in paper types, measured as paper properties, could be linked qualitatively to box level.