Do you ever think about why the small cardboard box is so significant in the contemporary world? Consider the most recent delivery you received—more often than not, it arrived in a cardboard box. However, do you know that more than 95% of all products in the United States are shipped in boxes made of cardboard? You see, cardboard boxes are the true champions of the packaging industry, offering businesses and consumers cheap, environment friendly and practical packaging solutions for their products.
It is hard to think of anything more mundane than a cardboard box, but it is at the heart of a multi-billion dollar industry. According to Precedence Research, the cardboard box market has exceeded $260 billion in 2023 and it will continue to expand further. This growth is as a result of increased e-commerce activities, small and established businesses venturing into online sales and the growing adoption of sustainable packaging. This just goes to show that a mere cardboard box is the main reason behind such enormous industry expansion.
So in this guide, let’s look at what you might want to know about cardboard boxes: their brief history, the types, styles and classes of cardboard boxes, and the advantages that these bring to the companies and the planet.
Cardboard Boxes: What Are They?
Cardboard boxes are modest but very useful containers, which are created from thick, paper-like material, called cardboard or corrugated fiberboard. These boxes have the functionality of storage, transport, and protection of an extended range of products, and therefore, are considered as one of the most commonly used types of packaging around the globe. Cardboard boxes are available in all sizes, and types, ranging from small retail merchandise boxes to large industrial pieces of equipment.
Cardboard boxes are used in almost all types of industries from retail packaging such as cosmetic packaging and cereal boxes to daily household products. Because they have a smooth surface it makes them perfect for branding and custom printing ,which allows businesses to market their brand in their own possible way.
They are maybe not as durable and strong as corrugated boxes, but cardboard boxes are still among the top choice for short-term usage and lightweight products. They are eco-friendly, which means they can be recycled and reused easily, contributing equally to sustainable packaging efforts.
What are Custom Cardboard Boxes?
Custom cardboard boxes are individual boxes that are manufactured to fit the requirements of certain companies. When it comes to delivery of products, or part of a retail packaging solution or as a means of adding value for customers through a memorable unboxing experience, custom cardboard boxes are a very versatile product.
Custom cardboard boxes are preferred by businesses for many reasons:
- Branding opportunities: Custom printing makes it possible for firms to print their logos, colors, and designs on the packaging directly.
- Unique sizing: The custom cardboard boxes are made to match the size of the products that are to be packed inside creating a perfect fit.
- Variety of styles: Companies can select from a variety of types that meets their requirements, including the simple shipping containers and complex retail displays.
Custom cardboard boxes are not just useful but also an opportunity to advertise and make a company different from the others. For example, the box which is very well designed can add value to the customer experience and make the product more memorable and thus strengthening brand association.
What is the History of Cardboard Boxes?
It is interesting to understand that the use of cardboard boxes originated in the middle of the 19th century. The idea of making boxes from paper which, in turn, led to the creation for the more familiar cardboard box was initially developed in China during the 15th century but the actual modern cardboard was invented in England in 1817.
The real turning point emerged in 1871 when Albert Jones of New York came up with corrugated paper for the use of shipping. This new material added strength and durability to the shipping process and protection of items. However, the most important advancement of the packaging industry occurred in 1890 when Robert Gair introduced the pre-cut, foldable cardboard box.
By the early part of the twentieth century cardboard boxes were the most popular and widely used method of shipping and packaging all over the world. Today, they are an indispensable element of the world economy, which connects industries, including retail and e-commerce, food, electronics, and others through transportation.
What are the Advantages of Cardboard Boxes?
Cardboard boxes have several advantages that make them more suitable to be used by businesses around the world. Let’s explore some key advantages:
Affordability
Cardboard is one of the cheapest forms of packaging material that can be used in the market today. This material is also affordable when being manufactured and easy to recycle thus making it cheaper for the manufactures and businesses involved.
Eco-friendliness
Cardboard is derived from recycled material and is fully reusable hence environmentally friendly. For instance, about 80% of all cardboard boxes are recycled, thus cutting down on waste, and the demand for new raw materials. The packaging industry is at the forefront of going green and using cardboard boxes is an excellent way to embrace the move.
Durability
These boxes are made from low density cardboard paper and have the strength to resist high impacts during transportation.
Customization
It is also easy for businesspeople to order cardboard boxes that are tailored to the required dimensions. Custom cardboard boxes can come in different sizes and shapes, and therefore, help companies to develop packaging that captures their brand’s personality through logos and colors.
Versatility
Cardboard boxes have multiple usages, they are used for shipping and packaging products, for retail store stands, and as gift boxes. Due to this, they are ideal for use in organizations in various industries.
Sustainability
Cardboard boxes can be recycled, not to mention they are also biodegradable, they would decompose over time, unlike plastics which can take hundreds of years to break down.
Styles of Cardboard Boxes
There are different types of cardboard boxes known in the market, and each of them is designed for particular packaging requirements. Some of the most common styles include:
Regular Slotted Containers (RSC)
This one is the most popular type of cardboard box, they have lids on top and bottoms that are fastened with tapes. It is also perfect for shipping and storage.
Die-Cut Boxes
These are boxes which are made in the right size and shape of the product to be contained in the box. Die-cut boxes are ideal as they can be used to design a different kind of packaging solution for the flow of retail commodities.
Folding Cartons
These are used widely in retail packaging of small products such as perfumes, confectionery or even candies. Folding cartons are manufactured from one piece of cardboard and therefore they are easier to manufacture.
Full Overlap Boxes
In this style the flaps are exactly superimposed with one another and this makes the whole structure stronger and safer. These boxes are perfect for shipping of bulky or delicate items.
Telescope Boxes
Telescope boxes are two-piece– the upper “lid” sits on top of the lower part. They are generally used for storage or transportation purposes of bigger items.
Types of Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be categorized based on their structure and the materials that are used to make them. Knowledge of the types will enable one to select the most appropriate box for one’s business.
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Having a fluted, wavy layer in between layers of paperboards, corrugated boxes are the sturdiest of all cardboard boxes. They are mostly applied for transportation and safeguarding of bulkier or sensitive products.
Single-Wall and Double-Wall Cardboard
Single-wall shipping containers have one layer of corrugation material while the double-wall shipping containers have two layers. Thus, double wall boxes are appropriate to use in moving a heavy product.
Recycled Cardboard Boxes
These boxes have been created using recycled material hence being considered an environmental friendly packaging method. They are appropriate for companies that would like to minimize their impact on the environment.
Custom Printed Boxes
These are normal cardboard boxes where the company may brand and put logos on the outside, commonly used for promotional effect or to add aesthetics to the unboxing experience.
How to Measure a Cardboard Box
Accurate measurements of a cardboard box help to make sure that your products fit into it and are well protected when the box is shipped. The aspects are length, width, and depth (height). Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring a cardboard box:
- Length: Measure the longest side of the box from end to end.
- Width: Measure the shorter side of the box.
- Depth (Height): Measure from the bottom to the top of the box.
The size of the container is the most important factor when purchasing custom cardboard boxes, therefore it is important to give the right measurements. Some businesses also apply dimensional weight pricing on the shipment, so the correct measurements go a long way in cutting on the costs of shipment.
How to Make Custom Cardboard Boxes
Custom cardboard boxes are made in different processes for achieving the best look for the container that will be used to contain a certain product. Here’s an overview of the process:
Determine Box Size
The first step is to realize the precise dimensions of the box you require for the product you want to ship.
Select the Material
Decide whether to use corrugated or folding cardboard depending on the weight and kind of durability the product needs.
Design the Box
The choices involved at this step are the type of box that is required; this could be a standard slotted box, die cut or folding carton. You also get an option to include your own branding or logo, or any color of your choosing to the packaging.
Production
After the design has been produced, they proceed to manufacture the box. This encompasses slicing the cardboard, folding the edges to construct the box and other additions of the company logos and other prints.
Quality Control
These custom cardboard boxes undergo quality checks in order to meet the right quality and standards before being shipped.
Conclusion
Some may conclude that cardboard boxes are just an ordinary piece of product but it really serves as an indispensable stakeholder to the world economy and to several corporations. Whether you are sending merchandise, enclosing a retail product or planning to design an appealing experience for your customers, cardboard boxes are an affordable, sustainable, and practical solution. With the current trend of the world moving towards the use of sustainable packaging products, companies are now opting for custom cardboard boxes.
If you are aware of the different types, style and benefits of cardboard boxes you will be in a better position when it comes to decision making for your packaging needs and the overall impact to the environment. So the next time you get a package delivered or send out one, spare a thought for the lowly cardboard box – it’s a hero in plain sight.