Are you familiar with the unsung hero of the packaging world? That’s right, we’re talking about corrugated boxes! These seemingly simple containers play a vital role in protecting and transporting goods across the globe. From shipping fragile items to organizing your storage space, corrugated boxes are versatile and reliable. In this guide, we will dive into the world of corrugated boxes, uncovering their origins, benefits, and everything you need to know to choose the perfect box for your needs.
Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are a type of packaging made from layered sheets of corrugated cardboard. This unique design consists of three layers: an inner liner, a fluted middle layer, and another inner liner. The fluted layer is what sets these boxes apart – it provides strength, durability, and cushioning properties.
Kraft paper or recycled paperboard is used to create the inner liners. They act as protective barriers for the contents inside the box while also providing a smooth surface for labelling and printing. The fluted layer, on the other hand, adds rigidity and structural integrity to the box.
One of the key advantages of using them is their lightweight nature. Despite being incredibly sturdy, they don’t add unnecessary weight to your shipments or storage spaces. Additionally, corrugated boxes are highly customizable in terms of size and shape, making them suitable for various applications.
Process Of Making Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are an essential part of our daily lives, used for shipping and packaging goods of all kinds. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating process behind manufacturing corrugated boxes.
Step 1
The first step begins with the wood pulp, out of which paperboard is prepared. This paperboard is then run through a machine called a corrugator, where it goes through several stages to create the characteristic fluted pattern that gives these boxes their strength.
Step 2
In order to make the paperboard more pliable, it is first moistened. Then, it passes between large heated rollers that create waves in the material. This step forms the distinctive ridges known as flutes.
Step 3
Next, another layer of flat paperboard called liner boards is added on top and bottom of the fluted pattern. These linerboards are glued to the fluted layer using starch-based adhesive to ensure durability and stability.
Step 4
Once everything is securely bonded together, the continuous sheet of corrugated board gets cut into various sizes based on specific box requirements. The cut pieces then move on to be folded and formed into actual box shapes using specialized machines. Any necessary printing or labelling can be added before the finished corrugated boxes are stacked and bundled for shipment to customers around the world.
Benefits of Using Corrugated Boxes
Protection
Corrugated boxes are incredibly sturdy and provide excellent protection for your products. The unique construction of these boxes, with their fluted layers sandwiched between two outer cardboard sheets, ensures that they can withstand rough handling during transit without compromising the integrity of the contents. This makes them perfect for fragile or delicate items that require extra care.
Lightweight
These boxes are lightweight yet durable. Unlike other packaging materials like wood or plastic crates, which can add significant weight to shipments and increase shipping costs, corrugated boxes offer a lightweight solution without compromising on strength. This not only reduces transportation expenses but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with fuel consumption.
Customisable
Additionally, these boxes are customizable to suit your specific requirements. They come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different product dimensions while ensuring optimal space utilization during packing and stacking. With options like die-cut inserts or partitions available, you can further protect your products from shifting or damage during transit.
Eco-Friendly
Another key advantage of using corrugated boxes is their eco-friendliness. Made from recyclable materials such as paperboard fibres derived from sustainable sources, these boxes have minimal impact on the environment compared to non-biodegradable alternatives. Recycling corrugated boxes is easy, too – simply flatten them before disposing of them in recycling bins!
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Them
Choosing the right-sized box is crucial for a successful packaging solution. It helps in optimising shipping costs and protecting your products during transit. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect size:
1) Evaluate your product: Begin by assessing the dimensions, weight, and fragility of your item. This will determine the type of corrugated box required.
2) Consider additional packaging materials: If you plan to use packing materials like bubble wrap or foam inserts, account for their thickness when selecting box sizes.
3) Measure accurately: Use a measuring tape to determine the length, width, and height of your product. Round up these measurements slightly to allow for any protrusions or extra space needed.
4) Choose an appropriate box style: Corrugated boxes come in various styles, such as regular slotted containers (RSC), die-cut boxes, or multi-depth boxes. Select one that best suits your needs.
5) Optimize for efficiency: Avoid using oversized boxes as they can result in wasted space and increased shipping costs. On the other hand, choosing a box too small may lead to inadequate protection.
6) Test before finalizing: Before ordering large quantities of boxes, test different sizes with sample shipments to ensure they provide sufficient protection without excess bulk.
By following these guidelines, you can select a perfectly sized corrugated box that offers optimal protection while minimizing both material waste and shipping expenses!
Conclusion
Corrugated boxes are an incredible packaging solution that offers durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Whether you run a small business or need to ship personal items, understanding corrugated boxes is essential.
Now that you have gained insight into corrugated boxes, if you are in need of these sturdy yet sustainable packaging solutions, be sure to contact our experts at Xetgo! We can help you choose the perfect size box and provide additional packing materials to ensure a safe and successful shipment, then contact Xetgo’s team of experts.
