Understanding the differences between cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard is an essential first step to take as you choose storage and shipping solutions. While the two materials are often referenced interchangeably, they’re actually quite different from each other.
Corrugated offers some significant advantages over traditional cardboard, ensuring that your produce gets from point A to B without any issues. Read on to discover the important differences between corrugated cardboard vs regular cardboard.
Corrugated Is More Durable
Traditional cardboard is a thicker, heavier version of paper stock or pulp. For example, a cereal box is made from cardboard. Corrugated, on the other hand, might be made with cardboard materials, but the overall design and structure is much more durable.
The biggest difference between cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard is that corrugated is made with three layers. There’s a ruffled, fluted material sandwiched between the inner and outer cardboard layers, providing exceptional strength that can withstand severe wear and tear throughout the packing, storing, shipping, and retail display processes.
Corrugated Is Better for the Environment
Corrugated is biodegradable and contains no dyes or bleaches, so it can be composted and recycled effectively. At Fruit Growers Supply, we partner with supply chain vendors who source materials primarily from sustainable forests. Unlike traditional cardboard boxes, corrugated cartons can be reused over and over again, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Corrugated Is Lightweight and Flexible
When considering the weight of cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard, it’s important to keep the overall strength-to-weight ratio in mind. While cardboard is a lighter material in general, corrugated is going to be much more rugged at the same weight.
The ruffled inner layer offers incredible strength and flexibility while keeping the overall weight of the container down. In order to achieve the same amount of strength as corrugated, you would need to use a much heavier cardboard that wouldn’t be practical physically or financially.
That’s the major difference between corrugated cardboard vs regular cardboard: Corrugated is designed with the unique needs of the end user in mind, while regular cardboard is simply a means to an end. That’s not to say that regular cardboard doesn’t have its place; it’s just not suited for heavy duty applications.
Corrugated Is Customizable
As you learn about cardboard vs corrugated, remember that it’s all about context. If you’re packaging cereal, corrugated wouldn’t be the right choice. If you’re shipping fruits and veggies, corrugated is the best choice, by far.
The great thing about corrugated is that there are endless customizations and combinations available. Say you’re shipping apples to a retail store. Not only can we provide tough, lightweight shipping containers, but the retailer can also use those same shipping containers as retail displays. We deliver custom corrugated solutions that align with your unique challenges and goals.
Contact Us for a Quote
Here at Fruit Growers Supply, we’re known for our competitive rates, exceptional quality, and outstanding customization options. Now that you recognize the important differences between cardboard vs corrugated, it’s time to improve your operations. We’ve delivered consistent, quality work since 1907, and we’d love to partner with you. Contact us now for a free consultation and quote.
