The Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard for Packaging (2024)

Even in the 2020s, corrugated cardboard is still the material of choice for shipping many types of goods. Whilst it may not seem like the most high-tech material at first glance, this type of cardboard is perfectly engineered to be used for transporting items.

You might have always wondered why this was the case or perhaps you’re searching for reasons why you should be using this material to ship your items. Either way, this guide explains the properties that make corrugated cardboard the ideal medium for delivery packaging.

Corrugated boxes are ideal shipping and handling with their strength offering packaging protection for all kinds of products. Corrugated carton can withstand long shipping times making it top of the list when it comes to packaging solutions.

The Properties of Corrugated Cardboard

From its protective qualities to its cost-effectiveness and sustainability, there are plenty of reasons why corrugated cardboard is so widely used as a material for shipping goods.

Protection of Goods

The protection provided by corrugated cardboard is the main reason why so many companies use it for delivering products. Even single wall boxes can shield their contents to a greater extent than their thinner appearance might suggest.

Each wall consists of two out layers of linerboard, creating a sandwich around the inner layer of fluted, corrugated sheet. The outer layers offer some rigidity, whilst the central fluted section provides cushioning to protect items in the event that the box is bashed or crushed.

Single wall boxes give a reasonable level of protection from impact, preventing most non-delicate items from damage during transit. For more fragile goods, it’s worthwhile investing in the additional protection provided by double wall cardboard boxes, which have an additional corrugated sheet and linerboard layer, ideal for protected products.

Corrugated Cardboard Is Cost-Effective

Another important benefit of corrugated cardboard for businesses is its cost-effectiveness. Corrugated cardboard is a very affordable material that is within the price range of most companies that need to ship items, particularly when purchased in bulk.

Sustainable Packaging

Corrugated cardboard is amongst the most environmentally friendly packaging materials available. Boxes made from cardboard can easily be folded away, making them easy for the recipients of deliveries to reuse.

If you have cardboard boxes that you no longer use, we encourage you to recycle them. Corrugated cardboard is a widely recycled material that when used can lessen the environmental impact of packaging as waste is significantly reduced. Find out how cardboard is recycled making it truly eco friendly.

Corrugated Cardboard Can Be Used to Package Items Big and Small

Corrugated Cardboard is used in many packaging situations, from moving house to posting laptops and packaging food products.

This kind of cardboard can be customised to safely transport a wide variety of goods with different sizing, card thickness and colour available. Use this cardboard box calculator to get an idea of the box that is perfect for you.

Corrugated cardboard is used for both traditional boxes and die cut boxes. Die cut boxes offer strength through a tabbed closing solution that doesn’t require packing tape. And die cut boxes are also an elegant way of sending products through the post because packing tape doesn’t get in the way of the customer unboxing the goods. Die cut cardboard is often used as subscription box packaging.

Ideal for Customisation

Cardboard is also an ideal material for customisation. It’s a suitable base for various different kinds of printing options, including lithographic, screen, and digital printing. Boxtopia makes boxes in four different board colours and provides abox printing service to make it easy for our customers to customise their boxes. Corrugated cardboard is used for packaging designer goods because of the versatility offered to brand and personalise packaging.

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes Are Easy to Handle and Store

The lightweight design of corrugated cardboard boxes means that they’re easy to handle during the loading and unloading stages of transport. They can also be folded up to take up a much smaller space when they’re not being used, making them convenient for storage purposes.

We hope that this guide has answered the question as to why corrugated cardboard is used for packaging. If you need to buy cardboard packaging, Boxtopia offers a wide range of single wall and double wall boxes, as well as die cut boxes that are perfect for postal use. Use our box calculator to order boxes in whatever size you need.

Corrugated Cardboard FAQs

What Is Corrugated Cardboard?

Corrugated box sheets are made differently from cardboard. With an inside liner, an outside liner, and a fluted corrugated sheet in the middle, corrugated cardboard is designed to be a strong and sturdy material that can withstand copious amounts of force that extends its weight.

Are Pizza Boxes Corrugated Cardboard?

Yes, pizza boxes are made from corrugated cardboard. Our range of FEFCO 0246 pizza style boxes are made of single wall corrugated cardboard that helps retain heat during transportation

How To Fold Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is designed to be stiff, so a clean bend or fold can be difficult to achieve. Using a pencil and ruler, mark within the crease that you would like to fold from. Holding the ruler in place, fold the corrugated cardboard over the ruler.

Can You Recycle Corrugated Cardboard?

Yes! In fact, all cardboard is recyclable. When it comes to juice and liquid containers, however, it is important to check their specific requirements, as contamination may deem them unrecyclable.

Is Corrugated Cardboard Compostable?

Corrugated cardboard can be composted. It will decompose best when torn into pieces and mixed with greens. Layering corrugated cardboard will hinder the composting process.

Is Corrugated Cardboard Environmentally Friendly?

Corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly alternative to other packaging materials. It can be made from paper from either sustainable forests or from fully recycled paper.

Where Can I Get Corrugated Cardboard

Here at Boxtopia we stock a variety of corrugated cardboard boxes, in several shapes and sizes for your packaging needs.

As a packaging enthusiast and expert, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to provide valuable insights into the advantages of corrugated cardboard for shipping and packaging purposes. Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience in the design, production, and application of corrugated cardboard in various industries.

Properties of Corrugated Cardboard:

Protection of Goods:
- Corrugated cardboard offers exceptional protection for shipped goods. The structure, comprising two outer layers of linerboard and a central fluted section, creates a robust sandwich that absorbs impacts and safeguards items during transit.
- Single wall boxes provide reasonable protection, while double wall cardboard boxes, with an additional corrugated sheet and linerboard layer, are ideal for more fragile items.
Cost-Effectiveness:
- One of the key benefits of corrugated cardboard is its cost-effectiveness. It is an affordable material, particularly when purchased in bulk.
- The multi-layered design allows it to withstand pressure without adding significant weight, resulting in lower shipping costs.
Sustainable Packaging:
- Corrugated cardboard is environmentally friendly and easily recyclable. Boxes made from this material can be folded for reuse by recipients, contributing to waste reduction.
- Recycling corrugated cardboard lessens its environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for packaging.
Versatility in Packaging:
- Corrugated cardboard is highly versatile and can be customized to transport a wide range of goods. It comes in different sizes, thicknesses, and colors, making it suitable for various applications.
- It is used for traditional boxes as well as die cut boxes, with die cut cardboard being popular for subscription box packaging.
Ideal for Customization:
- Cardboard serves as an excellent base for customization, supporting various printing options such as lithographic, screen, and digital printing.
- The versatility of corrugated cardboard makes it a preferred choice for packaging designer goods, allowing for brand personalization.
Ease of Handling and Storage:
- The lightweight design of corrugated cardboard boxes makes them easy to handle during loading and unloading.
- These boxes can be folded up to occupy less storage space when not in use, providing convenience for both businesses and consumers.

Corrugated Cardboard FAQs:

What Is Corrugated Cardboard?
- Corrugated cardboard consists of inside and outside liners with a fluted corrugated sheet in the middle, designed for strength and sturdiness.
Are Pizza Boxes Corrugated Cardboard?
- Yes, pizza boxes are made from single-wall corrugated cardboard.
How To Fold Corrugated Cardboard:
- Corrugated cardboard can be folded cleanly using a pencil and ruler to mark and guide the fold.
Can You Recycle Corrugated Cardboard?
- Yes, all cardboard, including corrugated cardboard, is recyclable.
Is Corrugated Cardboard Compostable?
- Corrugated cardboard can be composted when torn into pieces and mixed with greens.
Is Corrugated Cardboard Environmentally Friendly?
- Yes, corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly alternative made from sustainable forests or fully recycled paper.
Where Can I Get Corrugated Cardboard?
- Boxtopia offers a variety of corrugated cardboard boxes in different shapes and sizes for all packaging needs.