Did you knowย it’sย actually corrugatedย cardboard that gives cardboard boxes their strength?ย ย
Itโsย not news that cardboard is one of theย most popular packaging materialsย used around the world.ย Soย 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?ย
Our detailed guide focuses on corrugated cardboard boxes andย corrugated cartonsย โ including howย theyโreย made, how to recycle and dispose of corrugated cartons and whatย theyโreย typically used for.ย
What are corrugated boxes?
Corrugated cardboard refers to a type of cardboard which is a thick paper stock or heavy paperย –pulp. This then creates a thick arrangement of card which, in turn, develops into a strong box โ perfect for packaging.ย ย
What Is Corrugated Cardboard Used For?
Corrugated cardboard is used across a wide range of industries due to its versatility and reliability.ย
Common uses include:ย
- Shipping boxes for e-commerce businessesย ย
- Protective packaging for fragile itemsย ย
- Retail-ready packagingย solutionsย ย
- Storage boxes for warehousesย ย
- Industrial packaging for heavy goodsย ย
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However, if you want to reuse corrugated cardboard in the home or for work purposes, there areย a number ofย things you can use corrugated card for, such as:ย
- School projects or display boardsย โ 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.ย
- Additionalย storage for the homeย โ tidy away bits and bobs by using your packaging in the home to keep things organised and out of sight.ย
- Gardeningย โ you can use corrugated cardboard for mulch to discourage weeds, and shielding seeds from weather conditions, such as heat orย strong winds.ย
How Corrugated Cardboard Is Made
Corrugated cardboard is made using three keyย layers:ย
- An outer liner (flat sheet)ย ย
- A fluted medium sandwiched between themย
- An inner liner (flat sheet)ย ย
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The fluted layer is what gives corrugated cardboard its strength. Thisย zig-zagย structure creates small air pockets that act as a cushion,ย which is fixed firmly in place with a strong adhesive.ย It helpsย to absorb shocks and prevent damage during handling and transportation.ย
From our experience working with businesses across different industries, this structure is exactly why corrugated packaging performs so well under pressure, especially when compared to standard cardboard alternatives.ย
Why Corrugated Cardboard Is So Strong
The strength of corrugated cardboard comes from its layered design. The fluting acts as a support structure, allowing the material to withstand stacking pressure while also protecting against impacts.ย
This means it can:ย
- Protect fragile goods during shippingย ย
- Handle weight when stacked in warehousesย ย
- Maintain structure during long-distance transportย ย
This balance of strength and flexibility is what makes corrugated board such a dependable packaging solution.ย
Types of Corrugated Cardboard
Not all corrugated cardboard is the same.ย Different typesย are designed for different uses, depending on the level of protectionย required.ย
Single Wall
Single wall board consists of one layer of fluting between two liners. It is lightweight and commonly used for standard shipping boxes.ย
Double Wall
Double wall board includes two layers of fluting, making it stronger and more durable. It is often used for heavier or more fragile items.ย
Triple Wall
Triple wall board provides maximum strength with three layers of fluting. This is typically used for industrial applications or heavy-duty shipping.ย
Choosing the right type depends on the weight of your products, how far they are travelling, and the level of protection needed.ย
Corrugated Cardboard vs Standard Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is often confused with standard cardboard, but there is a clear difference.ย
Standard cardboard is a single, flat sheet of material, which makes it less durable and more prone to bending or damage.ย
Corrugated cardboard, on the other hand, uses a fluted inner layer to add strength and cushioning. This makes it far more suitable for shipping and protecting goods.ย
If your business is sending products through a supply chain, corrugated packaging is usually the better choice.ย
Benefits of Corrugated Packaging
Corrugated cardboardย provides strong protection without adding unnecessary weight, which helps keep shipping costs down. It is also highly versatile, meaning it can be adapted to suitย different productsย and industries.ย
Another key advantage isย sustainability. Corrugated cardboard is widely recyclable and can often be made from recycled materials, making it a more environmentally responsible packagingย option.ย
From a business perspective, it also helps improve efficiency by reducing product damage and returns.ย
Choosing the Right Corrugated Packaging
Selecting the right corrugated cardboard depends on your specific requirements.ย
Things to consider include:ย
- The weight and size of your productsย ย
- How fragile the items areย ย
- Shipping distances and handling conditionsย ย
- Storage and stacking requirementsย ย
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Aย common mistakeย thatย businessesย make is choosing packaging that is too weak for their needs, which can lead to damage and increased costs over time.ย
From our experience, investing in the right grade of corrugated packaging from the start can make a noticeable difference in reducing damage and improving overall operations.ย
Corrugated Packaging Solutions from Lesters Packaging
At Lesters Packaging, we supply a wide range of corrugated cardboard solutions designed to support businesses acrossย logistics,ย retail, and e-commerce.ย
Whether you need standard shipping boxes or more heavy-duty packaging,ย our teamย can help you find the right solution based on your products and requirements. You can explore our range of corrugated boxes or speak to our team for guidance on the most suitableย optionย for your business.ย
Get in touchย ย
FAQ
Can corrugated cardboard be recycled?
Yes,ย corrugated cardboardย is widely recyclable and is one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials available. It is typically made from a high percentage of recycled paper fibres and can be reused multiple times before the fibres become too short.ย
Most local recycling schemes across the UK accept corrugated cardboard,ย as long asย it is clean and free from contaminants like food waste or excessive tape. Recycling corrugated packaging helps reduce landfill waste and supports a more sustainable supply chain.ย
At Lesters Packaging, we take this a step further through ourย Lesters Reuseย initiative. Instead of simply recycling cardboard afterย a single use, we help businesses extend the life of their packaging by collecting, reusing, and reintroducing materials back into the supply chain. This not only reduces waste but also helps businesses lower packaging costs while improving their environmental impact.ย
How thick is corrugated cardboard?
The thickness of corrugated cardboard varies depending on the type of board used.ย
Single wall corrugated cardboard is typically around 3mm thick, while double wall can range from 5mm to 7mm. Triple wall board is much thicker and is designed for heavy-duty or industrial applications.ย
The thickness is influenced by the size of the fluting and the number of layers, which also affects the strength and level of protection the material provides.ย