Types of Cardboard Boxes

 In the last two hundred years, cardboard boxes have played many roles. From storage to transportation, they've been around for a while, but you may be surprised to know how many different uses they've had in between. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common types. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Using a cardboard box to ship a gift has many benefits.

Corrugated

When shipping merchandise, using corrugated cardboard boxes is the most efficient way to transport your product. They come in countless sizes and can be stacked neatly, allowing them to fit on a single pallet or vehicle. Stacking boxes also reduces the amount of fuel used, reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of shipping vehicles. Corrugated cardboard boxes are the building blocks of shipping, and they serve a variety of purposes.

Corrugated cardboard is versatile and can be printed to fit any product. Corrugated cardboard comes in many sizes and shapes and can be easily folded. Printing options on corrugated cardboard are nearly endless. Since corrugated cardboard boxes are highly customizable, they are also among the least expensive cartons available. And they can be easily recycled, meaning you don't have to hire a lot of people to manufacture them. Moreover, corrugated cardboard can be folded back up and used again.

Chipboard

If you've ever wondered how thick chipboard is, it's easy to understand why. The standard for chipboard's thickness is one-hundredth of an inch, and chipboard comes in various densities. Low-density chipboard, for example, is 20 pt, while extra-heavy chipboard is 50-52 pt, or about 1/1000th of an inch thick. Similarly, chipboard used as flooring can range from 85 pt, or 3/32nd of an inch thick, to 125-pt, or 2X-density chipboard.

Corrugated cardboard is often used in shipping boxes, as the material is durable and lightweight. However, this material may not be required for every type of product, as some products do not need the full protection of a cardboard box. In these cases, chipboard can be a viable option. Not only is chipboard a more affordable alternative than corrugated, it also takes up less space, weighs less, and is 100% recyclable.

Fiberboard

What's the best kind of cardboard for cardboard boxes? The answer depends on the item you're packaging and how much weight the box can hold when packed. While corrugated cardboard is one of the most common types of cardboard, there are other types that are better for some applications. The primary advantage of corrugated cardboard is its structural strength and ability to absorb impact. Corrugated board was an early innovation in the use of cardboard for boxes. Since then, the material has been used in various products, from furniture and shoes to automobiles and planes.

Corrugated cardboard is made with flutes (scored rectangles folded into a multi-sided structure), which increase its bursting strength and resist vertical compression. It is often used for packaging glassware and other fragile objects. Inner packing pieces, which are folded or scored pieces of fiberboard, provide cushioning and separation between items within the box. The sheets also prevent shocks caused by handling and accidental perforation of the contents. Whatever the product, corrugated cardboard is a great raw material for making boxes.

Center special slotted container

The regular slotted container is one of the most common styles for cardboard boxes. These are the most economical to produce and are often used for shipping and storage purposes. These boxes feature flaps that overlap the width of the box on both sides and are secured by glue, tape, or staples. Center special slotted containers have inner and outer flaps that are of varying lengths and overlap at the center of the box.

The flaps of a Center Special box overlap each other when closed, providing reinforcement, increased stacking strength, and protection from rough handling. This type of box is often used for items with varying widths and lengths, since it prevents the outer flaps from pulling apart. Another type of slotted container is called a half-overlap container. It features flaps on the top and bottom, but leaves the top and sides open. These boxes often feature trays as lids.