Why is Corrugated Cardboard Used for Packaging​

There is a common misconception that cardboard is the only packaging material that may be used for custom packaging. But that`s only one aspect of it. There are two types of materials: corrugated cardboard and cardboard. Both materials are frequently confused with one another, yet both serve different purposes depending on the product packaging.

After reading this post, you can differentiate corrugated packaging from cardboard boxes by knowing the various aspects of corrugated material and examining the various benefits and applications in the packaging industry. We hope that by the end of this post, you will have a better grasp of corrugated boards, allowing you to make the best selection for your product packaging.

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The History of Corrugated Material

The Origin of Corrugated Invention

The origin of corrugated cardboard dates back to the 19th century. In 1856, two Englishmen, Healey and Allen, obtained a patent for the first known usage of corrugated paper. Corrugated packaging manufacturing has remained relatively unchanged since its humble inception in the 1850s.

Evolution into Packaging

Corrugated cardboard was first used for packaging in 1871. Albert Jones from New York invented a single-sided corrugated board for wrapping bottles and glass lantern chimneys. In 1874, Oliver Long improved on this by adding a second liner, resulting in the first double-sided corrugated board. This breakthrough heralded the introduction of corrugated cardboard as a key packing material.

Inspection in the Packaging Industry

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries saw the industrialization of corrugated cardboard production. G. Smyth`s discovery of the corrugator machine in 1874, followed by the development of automated technology, transformed the industry. By the early 1900s, corrugated cardboard had become a typical medium for transportation and packaging.

What is Cardboard Packaging?

A cardboard material is used in 95% of all packaging materials in North America. A cardboard box is usually composed of corrugated cardboard material. These boxes are commonly used to ship large or heavy items because of their stackability, strength and longevity. 

It is commonly used in folded cartons for smaller products but it can also be utilized as structural support within a box to maintain its shape during travel. However, cardboard alone is not very protective.

But, What is Corrugated Cardboard?

Corrugated, on the other hand, is distinct. It comprises three fiberboard layers for added durability, protection and versatility. This material resists bending and is one of the better options for brands.

Corrugated cardboard also known as corrugated paperboard, is made from various layers of corrugated fiber, normally more robust than single cardboard material. 

For example, corrugated cardboard is often used to make pizza boxes. It has three layers of corrugated cardboard, exterior layers of flat linerboard and one interior layer of fluted medium. 

In order to add further protection, more layers can be added to the box that ensure high-end security with an appealing appearance.

Are you curious for additional information? In our complete guide to corrugated packaging, we go into greater detail on the corrugated packaging process and what makes it best for packaging.

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Why Corrugated Cardboard for Packaging Use: Reasons

There are various reasons why you might consider adopting corrugated packaging as your preferred product packaging method: 

Durable: Corrugated boxes are more sturdy than cardboard, making them safe, durable and protective, so you can be confident that whatever you put inside will remain protected. Corrugated packaging is also crush and pressure resistant. 

Adaptable: Corrugated packaging comes in a wide range of sizes. Although, it is sturdy and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for almost any type of product that needs to be secured without adding weight.

Reusable: Corrugated boxes can be broken down and reused without compromising the structural integrity of the packing. 

Eco-friendly: The packaging material is manufactured from recycled and renewable materials such as Kraft which gives an eco-friendly packaging solution that consumers will love.

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Why Corrugated Boxes Are High in Demand

These are constructed of many layers of material that are stronger together than they would be individually. An inside and exterior liner are joined in the middle by a fluted material, which helps harden and strengthen the entire item.

Corrugated cartons strike the perfect balance between strength and light weight, making them ideal for shipping a variety of products carefully. In addition to their structural strength, they are resistant to moisture and temperature extremes.

Strength Test

It is critical to verify that your box can adequately protect your products from damage during transit. This is where structural strength testing comes in. The strength and carrying capacity of corrugated cardboard can be determined using two tests:

The Millen Bursting Test: This test measures the board`s bursting strength. It`s an effective tool for determining support for heavy objects.

The Edge Crush Test: This test determines stacking strength, which is critical for any lightweight boxes that you intend to stack.

Completely Resistable

Of course, no container is completely resistant to being crushed or exposed to rain, sleet or heat for an extended period of time. If you want to increase your confidence that your product will arrive safely, corrugated cardboard packaging is an excellent choice.

When to Use Corrugated Packaging

If you sell food, corrugated packaging is essential. Not only is corrugated far more sustainable and sanitary but with so many people resorting to online grocery shopping and delivery. Brands are choosing to insulate their corrugated packaging for even more protection to help lock in the temperature, especially for perishable products.

Corrugated packaging is also ideal for transporting products from a warehouse to a processing center and then onto a delivery truck. With so many people and machines handling the package, it must withstand being shuffled, slid, tossed and dropped. If you wish to add another layer of protection, wrap the interior product with extra cushioning for enhanced security and peace of mind.

Corrugated boxes are also an excellent choice if you want complete control over the package design. You get all of the advantages of a big design surface, just as with cardboard but with added strength and durability.

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Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Custom corrugated cardboard packaging is used by brands across various industries to store and ship products because it provides multiple benefits, including high durability, versatility and personalization. Corrugated boxes can be an excellent choice for your items, regardless of their size, shape or color. It has a variety of capabilities that can help you achieve your sales, cost savings and sustainability objectives.

A Versatile Packaging Option

Corrugated cardboard packaging is extremely versatile for packaging. It’s strong, lightweight and cost-effective. You can shape it to fit almost any product. It protects goods during shipping. It can be easy to print on for branding. It suits food, electronics, retail and more. Plus, it is recyclable and eco-friendly which makes it a smart choice for sustainable packaging solutions. With the increased use of corrugated packaging, this versatile product packaging presents an opportunity to leave a lasting impression and drive customer loyalty. 

Unrivaled Protection for Transport & Shipping

If your items are transported in a corrugated box, they have a good chance of arriving safely at their destination. Because boxes made from corrugated material can safeguard even the most fragile objects, such as glass and hazardous liquids. Thus, they must have excellent rip resistance and also protect against moisture, keeping food items fresh. This makes them a popular choice for shipping and packaging because of their durability.

Corrugated Boxes are Cost-Effective

The cost-effectiveness is important to all brands. Nobody wants to waste money, particularly on packaging. Corrugated boxes are generally inexpensive to make. These boxes typically cost less than you might imagine. Furthermore, because they are lightweight and readily packed, you can save money on storage and shipping expenses.

An Instructive & Promotional Tool

You can tailor the corrugated packaging printed to help your brand identification efforts. A minimalist approach to corrugated cardboard printing can be an excellent option for individualized branding, further impressing customers. When combined with an effective sustainable marketing strategy, this type of packaging can earn your customers` loyalty and keep them engaged with your brand.

Easily Customizable for Packaging

Customizing corrugated packaging is so simple. Your corrugated box manufacturers can design customized boxes based on your specific business requirements. You can also use custom foldable cartons with an appealing design to boost product advertising.

Energy Saving

Corrugated cardboards have a knock-on effect that reduces the consumption of energy and other resources during manufacture since it repurposes and recycles materials. Its transportation costs can also be kept low since manufacturers employ locally available materials rather than importing them.

Lightweight

If you manufacture or carry big goods, you do not want to increase the weight and transportation expenses of your products by employing bulky packaging. Corrugated cardboard is useful in this case since it is lightweight but strong.

Furthermore, clients may benefit from this lightweight feature because it eliminates the need for additional shipping expenditures. Not only does this approach save customers money but it also introduces them to more environmentally friendly packaging options.

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Analysis of Production & Recycling of Corrugated Packaging

The production of corrugated packaging begins with the development of the fluting medium. The kraft paper is fed through a corrugating machine which forms the fluted medium design by squeezing it between two sheets of corrugated rolls.

The fluting medium is then pasted between three sheets of two liner boards and two sheets of thick paper stock, both composed of high-quality, smooth paper that can be printed and labeled.

Corrugated packaging is a very sustainable material, with recycling rates exceeding 90% in the United States. The recycling process begins with the collection of used corrugated boxes which are then delivered to a recycling facility. Corrugated boxes are sorted, cleaned and pulped to produce new paper products such as corrugated boxes.

The recyclable corrugated packaging saves energy and resources, minimizes landfill waste, and helps to maintain natural habitats. Many businesses and customers prioritize sustainability, and employing corrugated packaging can help them achieve their environmental goals.

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Applications of Corrugated Cardboard in Packaging Industries

Storage

Corrugated cardboard boxes are widely used for storage in households, offices and warehouses. They offer a sturdy and stackable solution for organizing items.

Insulation

In addition to packaging, corrugated cardboard is used as insulation in construction. Its fluted form provides both thermal and sound isolation.

Creative Uses

Corrugated cardboard is commonly used by artists and designers for creative projects such as sculptures, furniture and architectural models.

Retail Displays

Retailers utilize corrugated cardboard to create point-of-purchase displays, signage and packaging. Its printability and easy customization make it ideal for marketing and branding.

Shipping & Packaging

Corrugated cardboard has various applications including shipping and packaging. It is the preferred material for transportation and packaging because of its protective features and low cost. It is used to transport everything from consumer devices to large industrial loads.

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Future of Corrugated Cardboard: Innovations in Design

As sustainability becomes more important, innovations in corrugated cardboard design are emerging. These include lightweight but durable materials, water-resistant coatings and improved printing methods.

The incorporation of technology into corrugated cardboard, such as QR codes and RFID tags, can revolutionize packaging. A smart packaging strategy will also improve supply chain management, enable product tracking and provide interactive customer experiences.

In addition, researchers are looking into eco-friendly alternatives to typical corrugated cardboard such as biodegradable coatings and sustainable adhesives. These ideas aim to further reduce packaging`s environmental impact.

Choose a Reputable Corrugated Packaging Box Manufacturer

From choosing the right packaging material to crafting a stunning design, Flick Pack helps you every step of the way. We create packaging that captures attention and boosts your brand. The result? Packaging so powerful, it makes you want to buy your own product.

At Flick Pack, we do more than just print. We offer complete design and printing services. With decades of combined experience, our team understands packaging inside and out. We work across many industries to deliver top-quality, custom packaging solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about our corrugated cardboard printing and packaging services and receive a free, no-obligation estimate for all of your bespoke packaging requirements.