Corrugated boxes have two elements that make them stronger. The elements include a medium and a liner. The strength of the boxes ensures that they are ideal for shipping and moving purposes. Learn more about the boxes below.

Corrugated boxes are a must-have for any person who runs a small consumer product business. They act as excellent packaging and shipping materials. The containers’ quality ensures that your products will be safe during the hustle and bustle of transit.

Most people use the term cardboard to refer to corrugated boxes; however, they are not the same. Manufacturers make the cardboard using heavy-duty paper stock. An example of a cardboard application is in the cereal box.

What is the corrugated box meaning?

Corrugated refers to a shape or form that folds, wrinkles, or can create grooves and ridges. Thus, a corrugated box is a container that consists of rows of tiny air-filled ridges running in the material’s length. Manufacturers use cardboard materials to make the box.

The material with ridges or groves is a flute. The flute is available in varying measurements. Small flutes have a lower thickness than larger flutes. However, while the large one offers cushioning features, the small one provides structural integrity.

Manufacturers make it by fitting the liner boards on the two outer layers of the box. The liner is often a thick and flat paper that appears smooth. Inside the two surfaces, there is the medium. The medium consists of air groves, symbolizing the corrugated element of the box.

What is the difference between a cardboard box and a corrugated box?

The main difference between the two containers is in durability. Corrugated containers are more durable compared to cardboard boxes. Manufacturers make both boxes using cardboard materials. However, the difference lies in the design.

If you compare a paper pulp or stock with traditional cardboard, you will discover that the cardboard is thicker. On the other hand, even though manufacturers use cardboard to make corrugated containers, the corrugated is more durable.

Manufacturers make the corrugated fiberboards to have three layers. The three layers ensure that the box is strong enough to withstand tear and wear through display, shipping, storage, and packaging processes.

Furthermore, corrugated containers are more biodegradable. In most cases, they do not contain bleaches or dyes, making them efficient for recycling. You can use the boxes repeatedly, thus saving you money while preserving the environment.

Another difference between Cardboard Vs. Corrugated shipping boxes come in their applications. The corrugated fiberboards are ideal for heavy-duty applications, while the cardboard containers are perfect for light-duty applications.

Is corrugated cardboard cheap?

The corrugated containers are some of the cheapest cartons present in the market. The main reason for their affordability is the low cost of tools and labor in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the lightweight qualities of the materials also ensure low shipping costs.

The corrugated cardboard is recyclable. It means that you can fold and store boxes for later use. Thus, you do not have to buy new boxes every time you move or ship. The recyclability makes them very cheap to use. 

Also, getting the boxes wholesale makes them affordable. Corrugated boxes wholesale ensures that you can buy as many as you want. However, the number of packages you get depends on the minimum order quantity of the corrugated box manufacturers.

What are the benefits of corrugated cardboard for packaging?

• Allows for custom corrugated packaging

The corrugated packaging is perfect for any industry; storage, packaging, and shipping needs. They exist in various board types, treatments, coatings, adhesives, and weights. The different elements ensure that they have versatile use in multiple industries.

One can also include various designs, from simple to complex, as long as they meet your needs. The best thing about corrugated cardboard is that manufacturers can fold it into different sizes and shapes to accommodate your requirement.

The custom corrugated boxes have printing options, allowing high-resolution graphics and bold and colorful colors. Customizing the packaging can help brand recognition if you are a business owner.

Also, one can request for the boxes to be shaped and designed to fit a specific product. Thus, corrugated containers are the best packaging options for commercial and residential needs.

• They are protective packaging

The corrugated cartons have a sturdy structure design that offers product cushioning. The design also guarantees that the products are safe for shipping, constant handling, and long-distance travel. The boxes can also differ in thickness and size, depending on the protection requirement that one needs.

The protective feature of the box ensures that one can use it for packaging fragile items like; chemical liquids, electronic items, and glass products. The corrugated materials also contain tear-resistant abilities that keep the box intact and prevent product exposure.

The packaging is also ideal for food products that can withstand shipping and remain edible after delivery. Another essential quality of corrugated cardboard is that it protects against moisture. The moisture protection ensures that your foods cannot spoil during transit.

• The boxes are sustainable

It does not matter whether they are big or small corrugated boxes. The containers promote sustainability. The world today is shifting its operation from sustainable measures. The main goal is to reduce carbon footprints and the impacts of global warming.

The corrugated cartons are biodegradable. Thus, they leave no carbon footprints on the world. Furthermore, their recyclable nature ensures sustainability. The cartons do not expire; hence, you can store them for long.

What is the strongest corrugated box?

The strength of corrugated cardboard depends on its construction. One of the main elements that influence the structure is the flutes. The flutes measurements include;

• A-Flute- 4.7mm thickness.
• B-Flute-2.5mm thickness
• C-Flute- 3.6mm thickness
• E-Flute– 1.5mm thickness; it is best for light applications, like shoe boxes.
• AC-Flute: It has an A-flute and C-flute single wall combination that ensures the double wall. The AC-Flute box is ideal for when extra strength is a requirement.
• BC Flute: Has a double-wall combination. The combination includes the B-flute and C-flute singe-wall. The result is often a sturdy corrugation when extra strength and thickness are required. 

The A, B, and C-flutes are single-wall sheets most manufacturers use for general purposes. The A-Flute has good stacking strength, while the B-Flute has excellent puncture resistance. The C-flute is an incredible combination of both.

Therefore, if you are looking for the strongest corrugated box, you can consider one with the BC or Ac combination. Both combinations provide that the container will have double walls, ensuring efficient strength and high durability levels.

There are also tests that manufacturers can use to measure the strength of different types of corrugated boxes. The tests include;

• The Mullen Burst Test: It measures a corrugated board’s bursting strength. The test measures the pressure per square inch (PSI) that a rubber diaphragm bubble needs to bust the cardboard. Most consumers in the market love the Mullen’s boxes tested for heavier product protection. They are often concerned that the liner board may burst during transit.
• Basis Weight Testing: Manufactures use the testing for boxes, corrugating medium, and liner boards. It is a mass per unity measurement denoted in pounds per thousand square feet.
• ISTA Testing: The International Safe Transit Association advocates for performance training. It includes vibration and shock impacts on the packaging.
• Edge Crush Test (ECT): ECT measures the board’s bottom to top compression strength. The test focuses on stacking and box compression strength (BCT). If you have any concerns about the maximum weight the box can carry, the ECT is ideal.
• UN Testing: Its basis is the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods regulation model. Different countries have varying requirements for the performance and design of the box responsible for dangerous goods shipping. The UN testing measures whether the corrugated box meets the necessary standard.

Which type of corrugated cardboard is the best?

The best-corrugated cardboard is affordable and durable. The more a corrugated board lasts, the higher the chances of using it severally. Furthermore, the more durable a box is, the better for the environment.

A box that ships twice has double the value compared to one that ships only once. Thus, the best container is one that is strong and durable. In the market, you will find that very many options exist. For instance, a 275 Mullen BC is pretty strong and durable.

The box has double walls that can withstand 275 pounds whopping without bursting. If you are looking for the best box on the market, ensure that the price and durability resonate with you.

What is ply value in corrugated boxes, and why is it essential?

The corrugated paper and liner boards are the materials that make the corrugated boxes. Combining the two provides a high-strength container that one can use for varying purposes. However, the corrugated box properties may change with the corrugation used.

The corrugated box strength is divided into 3, 5, 7, and 9 plies. The ply values of the box change depending on the method necessary for handling and the type of products.

For example, the 3-ply corrugated box has one flute paper between two-line boards. The type of box is perfect for storing and shipping light and not fragile products, like toys and jewelry. On the other hand, the 5-ply corrugated box has two fluted papers and three liner boards. 

The 7-ply box is ideal for chemicals and metal parts. Manufacturers make the 9-ply box using high-quality kraft papers. It has thick walls that raise its strength abilities and makes it perfect for heavy packaging. The best 9-ply merit is that one can stack it for more extended periods than the 7 and 5 plies.

What is the difference between 5-ply and 3-ply corrugated?

The main difference between the 3-ply and 5-ply corrugated boxes is the number of paper layers that create the board through which manufacturers make the box. The more layers a box has, the higher its strength levels.

 The 5-ply corrugated boxes’ primary use is the shipment of heavy products. The board can carry objects that weigh 12 to 40kgs. Also, the shape of the 5-ply carton matters significantly on the type of products it can carry. The critical point to note while selecting the boxes is that the correct box goes a long way in ensuring shipment convenience.

The 5ply box offers double the protection compared to the 3-ply. Thus, if you are shipping products, such as ceramics, you can always consider the 5-ply. However, the 3-ply is best for products like pizza boxes. It is also ideal for corrugated gift boxes.

The critical point to note is that you should select the correct box depending on your requirement. Never use the light carton for heavy items, or you should be ready to expect catastrophic impacts.

Types of corrugated boxes

There are different corrugated box types in the market. Below are some of the most common;

• Telescope box: The boxes have a bottom telescoping on the box’s body and a lid.
• Slotted Boxes: It is a one-piece box with taped, stitched, glued bottom and top flaps and the manufacturer’s joint.
• Slide Boxes: They have several sleeves and liner pieces that slide in different directions into one another. 
• Rigid Boxes: The boxes have two separate end pieces and a body. The box also uses glues or stitching on the fiberboard to stay in place.
• Folder Boxes & Trays: It has one board piece. The boxes’ bottom is hinged to create the cover and sidewalls.
• Fold-up pads: It consists of interior fitments, like dividers, separators, pads, and liners. The use of the fold-up pads depends on the case design.
• Partitions: It has interior fitments like dividers, separators, pads, and liners. The number of partition designs on the corrugated box depends on a customer’s design. Furthermore, one can increase or decrease the panel numbers depending on their requirements.
• Half-slotted boxes: It is a one-piece box with taped, stitched, or glued manufacture joints. Manufacturers often ship them flat. They are also ready-to-use boxes.

Eco-Friendly Custom Packaging Can Help Your Brand

Custom packaging is a big part of all brand and their products; however, in the last couple of years, there has been a huge change in the trends of custom packaging. The past years have been pretty good regarding raising awareness for the betterment of the planet. Nowadays, all brands are being extra careful about their product packaging. Eco-friendly material is now the new norm in the market.

For brands switching to eco-friendly packaging is a very beneficial step. Kraft boxes, as well as custom cardboard boxes, are some of the best eco-friendly materials that are both practical and great-looking. This is the reason why all brands need to adopt the practice of using sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Being responsible as well as compassionate about the environment is one of the most brilliant marketing tactics. The millennials are very much aware of helping the Earth and keeping it healthy. This is the reason why they are always buying packaging as well as environmental-friendly products.

Launching a product is not enough; what you need is a product that is an all-rounder; this means packaging that is practical and amazing. A brand should always look for eco-friendly solutions that are safe for the environment. Sustainable packaging is great for the environment, it is biodegradable, and it is also extremely practical. Not only that, but custom cardboard boxes are also affordable; they are not only cheap but highly customizable.

If you aren’t aware of the many benefits of using eco-friendly packaging, here are some brilliant reasons to consider.

Flexibility:

What is flexible packaging? It’s one that can be used for many products without adding any extras. It can also be termed as sustainable packaging. It is both strong and durable without being extra. Flexible packaging doesn’t harm the Earth or the environment, yet it keeps your product safe and sound. The least amount of waste, sturdy packaging, reusable material, and complete product protection is what flexible packaging is.

Such kind of packaging is pretty popular in daily usage products like soap, toothpaste tubes as well as facewashes; it also very popular in the food and candle industry. It is not only the best eco-friendly solution but also the most cost-effective one as you are using only what you need and nothing extra.

Smart Packaging Is Trending:

Here’s the same thing again, if you want your product to be successful, you need to adapt. Playing by the rules is how you can gain the popularity you need. For the food industry, these trends or smart packaging features can be custom boxes made with anti-bacterial agents, absorbers, as well as several other aspects that keep the food safe from contamination. There are many elements that can be added to custom packaging to make it extend the shelf life of the product. When it comes to the food industry, smart packaging can reduce food waste and increase the product’s life.

Shrink Sleeve Packaging Is How You Save The Earth:

Use only what is needed, and nothing more is called Shrink Sleeve Packaging. It is another form of custom packaging where the box takes the shape of your product and keep it safe. In such kinds of boxes, there is no need for fillers or extra cushioning. By using minimal resources and materials, the brands make an effort to help the environment reduce waste. The product is not only packed snug and to perfection, but by using all the key features like custom printing and designing, brands can make their product look presentable as well.

Conclusion:

Brands that adopt eco-friendly packaging trends not only save money but also gain popularity. You can build your brand on many aspects; let ecological packaging be one of the many aspects people recognize your brand with. The targeted audience is very much aware of many brands switching their ways, and becoming a brand they want you to so that you can sell more than you did in the past.

The right packaging for your business should hold more than just a purchase, it should hold a promise, a promise of a great experience each time customers visit your establishment.

Who you are, and what customers can expect when they purchase from you. Think and do the research on what type of packaging will be best not just for your product, but also for your brand.

Remember the bad weather and difficult-to-reach places that can harm your product quality. Use the best types of packaging material for your products to secure the product and to ship the product to any place by any transportation means.

Keep in mind the size of the packaging boxes is very critical for your product. Your product should fit in the box perfectly. Use custom foam packaging inside the boxes to completely secure your products. Foam packaging can secure your product from any damage while moving, loading or shipping.

Remember to select the best and most suitable product shipping companies like FedEx, Leopard, DHL, etc. Do not go for cheaper companies and put your business at risk.

Tell your story with high-quality hot stamper ink printed boxes, bags, stickers, packing tapes, etc. We will take your vision to put our expertise to create a memorable package just for you.

Corrugated boxes are crucial for the smooth running of the economy today. Furthermore, you may have encountered one in the course of your life. The necessity of the boxes ensures that it is essential for one to know as much as they can about them.