Have you ever wondered what keeps your goods safe during their travels around the world? It’s all the magic of corrugated cardboard. But why should this matter to you? Aren’t these just simple brown boxes? The truth is, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye! This everyday item is a titan in the packaging world, a champion of sustainability, and the unsung hero in your daily deliveries.Â
Therefore, understanding this material is key to smarter packaging, reducing waste, and even cutting costs. This guide will dive deep into what corrugated cardboard is and its environmental impact. Besides, we will streamline how selecting the right type can be a game-changer for businesses and consumers alike. Let’s delve into it;
What Is Corrugated Cardboard?Â
It’s the stalwart packing material that plays a pivotal role in the safe transit of goods worldwide. At its core, this box is a sturdy paper-based material with a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. However, the true magic of this box is hidden in its fluting. These wavy sheets of paper sandwiched between the liners give the box impressive strength and durability.
It all started in 1856 when Edward G. and Edward E gave the paper a wavy shape. Now, this cardboard type has reached every country and state. As a matter of fact, approximately 90% of all products shipped in the United States are packed in corrugated cardboard boxes.Â
Moreover, cardboard’s popularity isn’t just due to its strength. But it’s also highly customizable, extremely lightweight, and, more importantly, recyclable. This makes it a preferred choice for companies conscious of sustainability and efficiency. So, whether it’s for shipping, storing, or displaying products, it’s the backbone of the packaging industry.
Types of Corrugated Cardboard
When it comes to corrugated cardboard, one size doesn’t fit all. That’s because the versatility of this material lies in its various types and flute profiles. Let’s discuss some primary types that will help you judge how is corrugated cardboard made.
- Single Face: One sheet of flat paper is adhered to a corrugated fluted paper. This type is flexible and used as wrapping or as an additional padding.
- Single Wall (also known as Double Face): It is the most common type, consisting of one fluted corrugated sheet sandwiched between two flat paper sheets. It offers a balance of strength and cost-effectiveness.
- Double Wall: This one comprises two sheets of corrugated paper and three linerboard sheets. Therefore, it provides enhanced strength and durability for heavier items.
- Triple Wall: As the name suggests, it involves three layers of corrugated sheets and four layers of Linerboard, making it the strongest and most suitable for industrial use.
Flute Variations And Their Applications
The flutes, or the wavy sheets within the cardboard, also come in different types. Primarily, they are named using alphabets like A, B, C, E, and F, with A being the thickest and F being the thinnest.
- A-Flute: It is thick and with about 30-36 flutes per foot. The A-flute offers excellent cushioning and stacking strength.
- B-Flute: With 47-53 flutes per foot, it’s thinner and provides a good surface for printing. It’s commonly used for canned goods and displays.
- C-Flute: Thanks to its 38-42 flutes per foot, it strikes a balance between A and B. That is why businesses use it for shipping boxes and primary retail packaging.
- E-Flute: It has 94 flutes per foot. This type is excessively used in smaller boxes and mailers where a smooth surface is necessary.
- F-Flute: It is the smallest flute type, with 125 flutes per foot. Due to the massive flute number, it provides excellent crush resistance and a flat surface for printing. Moreover, it’s perfect for retail packaging where the box’s appearance is critical.
Sustainability: Is Corrugated Cardboard Recyclable?
Absolutely, It’s biodegradable and renewable in addition to being recyclable. Around 70-100 percent of the cardboard in circulation is made from recycled content. Additionally, almost all of it is recycled into new cardboard or paper products. This whole cycle decreases the demand for virgin wood pulp to a great extent.
Uses of Corrugated Cardboard
Most individuals think corrugated boxes can only help in shipping products. However, their uses extend far beyond the shipping industry. Their versatility, durability, and sustainability have made them a preferred material in the following applications.
- Storage: Its sturdiness makes it suitable for storing items, from old books and clothes to archived files, keeping them free from dust and damage.
- Displays: Corrugated displays are common in retail stores for marketing products. They’re lightweight, durable, and can be customized with branding.
- Furniture: Believe it or not, corrugated cardboard is used to make furniture! It’s strong enough to be used for chairs, tables, and even beds. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
- Art and Crafts: Its flexibility and ease of handling make corrugated cardboard a favorite for DIY projects and school crafts. From costumes and playhouses to intricate art pieces, the possibilities are endless.
- Sustainable Architecture: Innovators use corrugated cardboard for interior design elements and even for constructing emergency housing due to its strength, insulation properties, and sustainability.
How To Choose The Right Corrugated Cardboard?
Choosing the suitable corrugated cardboard is crucial. That’s because it protects your products, manages costs, and minimizes environmental impact. So you must make an informed decision while buying it. Here are the things to remember before buying corrugated cardboard.
- Heavy, irregular, or fragile items require stronger, more protective corrugated cardboard, like double or triple-wall, or a higher flute grade. So, always assess your product’s weight, shape, and fragility before buying.Â
- Long-distance or international shipping may expose your package to various risks, including moisture, temperature changes, and rough handling. So, opt for more durable options with protective layers if your parcel has a long journey.
- If environmental impact concerns your brand or your customers, go with suppliers who use a high percentage of recycled content or offer recyclability information on their corrugated products.
- It can be customized not just in terms of size and shape but also with printed logos or other branding elements. You can consider these factors and use your package as a marketing tool.
- While stronger, more customized corrugated options might offer better protection or branding opportunities, they also cost more. So, always analyze if the value provided justifies the added cost.
- Choose a supplier known for quality. Research their reputations, seek samples, and don’t hesitate to ask about their manufacturing processes and the range they offer.
Conclusion
Corrugated cardboard is more than just a packaging solution. This essential component safeguards your products, promotes sustainability, and enhances brand presentation. As we embrace a sustainable and efficient future, corrugated cardboard stands out as a smart, reliable, and responsible choice. But you must choose the right corrugated solution to make a significant difference. That’s where Lansbox comes for your help!
Are you ready to elevate your business with the right packaging solutions? At LansBox, we specialize in high-quality corrugated boxes that elevate your product quality and help save the planet simultaneously. Moreover, our packages are tailored to your unique needs. So, you will get customized and reliable packaging solutions without any additional cost. Visit us today and shape the future of your product delivery without any hassle!