Did you know, it’s actually corrugated cardboard that gives cardboard boxes their strength? It’s not news that cardboard is one of the most popular packaging materials used around the world – so what is it about cardboard, and especially corrugated cardboard, that has seen this material rise to the top when it comes to transport and packaging?
Our detailed guide focuses on corrugated cardboard boxes and corrugated cartons – including how they’re made, how to recycle and dispose of corrugated cartons and what they’re typically used for.
What are corrugated boxes?
Corrugated cardboard typically refers to a type of cardboard which is a thick paper stock or heavy paper-pulp. This then creates a thick arrangement of card which, in turn, develops into a strong box – perfect for packaging. This specific corrugated material is arranged in a zig-zag like pattern, which provides the box with its strength for all sides of the packaging. This zig-zag type of cardboard is then held in place with a layer of paper –the fluting – which is fixed firmly in place with a strong adhesive.
Some of the benefits of using corrugated cartons or boxes for packaging can include:
- Stronger – corrugated card is much stronger than regular cardboard, creating a material which is resistant to bumps, knocks and crushing, perfect for large or fragile packages.
- Biodegradable – corrugated packaging can be recycled, and it will break down in the environment over time. However, breaking it into small pieces can make it degrade much faster (more on that later!)
- Lightweight and versatile – it’s easy to handle and cut, which makes it perfect for many different uses – meaning it’s a versatile choice for your packaging needs.
- Cost effective – corrugated cardboard is also a very affordable material, meaning it’s typically in the price range of many companies which need to ship items.
What are corrugated cardboard boxes used for?
There are many uses for corrugated cardboard due its strength and versatility, however, some examples of the uses include:
- Packaging food products
- Moving house boxes
- Posting large electrical items, such as laptops
However, if you want to reuse corrugated cardboard in the home or for work purposes, there are a number of things you can use corrugated card for, such as:
- School projects or display boards – projects such as dioramas or any type of art project for children is a great cause for using corrugated cardboard, as well as creating display boards for classrooms if you are a teacher.
- Additional storage for the home – tidy away bits and bobs by using your packaging in the home to keep things organised and out of sight.
Gardening – you can use corrugated cardboard for mulch to discourage weeds, and shielding seeds from weather conditions, such as heat or strong winds.
How to recycle corrugated cartons.
Of course, whenever we use cardboard or corrugated cardboard for our packaging needs, it’s important to remain environmentally conscious. As corrugated cardboard can degrade over time, this is helpful – but there’s certain things you can do to speed up the degrading process.
- Tear it up into small pieces – as the material is so thick, it’s better to break it up into smaller pieces so it can degrade faster.
- The wetter, the better – corrugated card also degrades much faster when it’s wet!
- Shredding your corrugated card – by soaking it in water and cutting with scissors, this creates a ‘shredded’ effect, which will help the card to degrade over time.
- Recycle – although it does break down on its own, it’s always recommended to recycle your corrugated card in your usual local recycling collections.
Corrugated cartons with Lesters
As a corrugated box supplier, we design and manufacture cartons which provide excellent protection to items needing to be shipped and transported. With the significant stacking strength common with corrugated cardboard boxes, we’re able to meet all demands from the supply chain. Looking for corrugated packaging for your business? Get in touch with our team of our experts here at Lesters for a quote.
