Why is cardboard used for packaging?

Cardboard packaging is an excellent, cost-effective solution for various storage and packaging needs. Offering a surprisingly high level of protection, cardboard boxes and cardboard drums are great value, incredibly versatile and environmentally friendly,

You can use cardboard packaging for a wide variety of goods and products and, as a business, you can lower your bills and carbon footprint while ensuring that products reach your customers intact.

In this article, our expert packaging advisors at ITP Packaging explain the benefits of using cardboard for packaging. Read on to discover everything you need to know about cardboard packaging.

What Is Cardboard Packaging Used For?

Cardboard packaging is incredibly versatile and offers a fantastic range of uses. The primary goal of cardboard packaging is to protect goods (usually solid items) that need to be stored and transported.

This is a broad way to look at cardboard packaging, because the reality is that cardboard can be used to store everything from electrical goods to household items. Companies use cardboard boxes to ship products in bulk, while businesses pack up orders in cardboard boxes to ensure they reach their customers in one piece.

Cardboard can be used to store food and drink (cardboard milk cartons, for instance), and in particular cases cardboard drums are even used to transport hazardous chemicals, pharmaceuticals and dangerous waste. The list goes on – cardboard boxes are used by individuals, small-scale businesses, and massive industrial companies. 

If an item needs to be shipped, it can probably be shipped in a cardboard box!

Different Types of Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard is so versatile because there is a wide range of different packaging options available. Cardboard is easily mass-produced, but can also be tailor-made to meet specific requirements and to transport and protect particular items.

But while cardboard comes in different shapes and sizes, there are three major types of cardboard packaging commonly used for industrial shipping and storage. These are:

• Single-walled cardboard boxes
• Double-walled cardboard boxes
• Fibre drums

Single-walled cardboard boxes are the most cost-effective option, offering a good deal of protection, as well as being lightweight and versatile. Double-walled cardboard boxes have two layers of cardboard and, while more expensive and heavier, offer an added layer of protection.

Fibre drums are circular containers produced from rigid cardboard fibre. They offer a high level of protection and can be fitted out with drum liners in order to store liquids, as well as solids. Fibre drums are often used to store food (they are food-grade quality) but are also UN rated for the transport of dangerous or hazardous goods.

Is Cardboard a Good Packaging Material?

Cardboard is an excellent material for packaging. While cardboard boxes might appear flimsy at first glance, high-quality cardboard is strong, durable and able to withstand a surprising amount of damage.

Let’s take a look at the major advantages of cardboard packaging in more detail, so we can see why it’s such a good choice.

Versatile

Cardboard packaging is wonderfully versatile and, as we’ve already seen, has a fantastic array of uses. Cardboard can be turned into boxes or drums and can be manufactured to almost any size.

Cardboard can also be branded with company logos or used to provide instructions or warnings to customers. Cardboard packaging can therefore become an essential part of a company’s marketing and branding process.

Cost-Effective

Cardboard packaging is undeniably cost-effective. It’s one of the cheapest forms of packaging you can source for your business, particularly if you’re fulfilling bulk orders.

Like any packaging product though, you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest option. Always go for quality cardboard packaging, even if it costs a little bit more – you don’t want your customers to receive damaged goods or shoddy packaging, after all!

Durable

Cardboard packaging is designed to protect whatever is stored inside it, and it does this job particularly well. Cardboard boxes consist of two layers of cardboard that are filled with corrugated cardboard.

This offers a springy protective layer that prevents the items from being damaged. Cardboard boxes can be scratched, dented, knocked about and, to some extent, cardboard packaging is also waterproof.

Is Cardboard Eco-Friendly?

One of the biggest advantages of cardboard packing is that it’s eco-friendly. Cardboard boxes can often be reused more than once, but if they can’t they can be recycled into new products.

This isn’t just a bonus for the environment, but it helps cardboard suppliers to keep costs down through recycling, which helps businesses source cheaper cardboard for their storage and transport needs.

Choosing cardboard packaging over other materials such as plastic helps businesses lower their carbon footprint and, ultimately, to build a more sustainable, environmentally friendly brand that eco-conscious customers can be proud to work with.

How Do You Make Cardboard Stronger?

If you have particularly valuable or fragile items to ship, you might be wondering how to make cardboard stronger for safer storage and transport.

To start, it’s always best to invest in high-quality cardboard boxes from a reputable supplier. Second, instead of going for cheaper single-walled boxes, always opt for stronger double-walled cardboard boxes.

It’s possible to add extra cardboard inserts to the packaging or to double-wall a box yourself. It’s recommended to pack all items tightly to avoid movement during transit and, if necessary, consider wrapping items in light cardboard or paper sheets.

Before shipping, inspect the cardboard packaging for any rips, tears or structural damage. Existing damage can easily be exacerbated during transport, so only use sturdy, intact boxes. 

Contact ITP Packaging Today to Find Out More About Cardboard Packaging

Cardboard packaging is a surprisingly durable packaging material that can be used to safely store and transport a wide range of goods and products. Cardboard packaging is cost-effective, versatile and, most importantly of all, environmentally friendly.

If you’re looking to source quality cardboard packaging for your business or personal needs, don’t hesitate to contact ITP Packaging for more information.