Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the manufacture of a packaging material (1; 21) for the production of packaging blanks and packages and comprising the steps of providing at least on surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) in the form of a continuous material web and substantially consisting of cellulosic fibres and applying a distance layer (3; 23) comprising a matrix material and reinforcement fibres thereto so that said surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) is bonded to said distance layer (3; 23). The matrix material in the distance layer (3; 23) is in an expandable state when it is applied to the surface layer (2, 2′; 22, 22′) and is expanded in a separate process step, subsequent to the application step. The invention also concerns expandable packaging materials.