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Cardboard buyer

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About cardboard buyer

Types of cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are widely used for shipping and packaging purposes, mainly comprising two types: corrugated cardboard boxes and paperboard boxes.

  • Corrugated cardboard boxes

    Corrugated cardboard boxes consist of two flattened cardboard sheets on the outside and a rippled sheet in the middle to provide rigidity and support. The ridges or flutes between the liners are called corrugation, which absorbs the maximum energy and prevents the box from collapsing to make it ideal for shipping cartons. Their strength, durability, and resistance to dampness make them suitable for heavy and fragile products.

  • Paperboard boxes

    Paperboard boxes comprise lighter and thinner material than corrugated boxes. Such boxes have a smooth finish, making them ideal for box packaging products like cosmetics, food items, and electronics. Paperboard boxes are lightweight, easy to fold, and suitable for smaller and non-frust products. Such boxes are often used in manufacturing imprint boxes or graphics printed to enhance product appeal.

Designs of cardboard boxes

Cardboard box designs include functional and aesthetic considerations. They can be further categorized by their structure, purpose, and the degree of customization that may be for promotional use through imprinting.

  • Custom-printed cardboard boxes

    These boxes are printed with company logos, slogans, and other graphics. They are essential for brand promotion and product packaging as they can enhance brand identity while offering packaging solutions.

  • Making erect boxes

    This type of box includes a bottom enclosure that can be folded and sealed during a simple assembly process without glue. Such boxes are often used to carry products for display and shipping purposes.

  • RSC boxes

    Regular slotted containers (RSC) are corrugated boxes with flaps on the short ends folded and glued in the middle. Most shipping boxes use RSC boxes because they are much easier to store flat and assemble when required. This feature makes them ideal for large-scale businesses.

  • Mailer boxes

    Mailer boxes are rigid boxes with a secure folding lid that provides extra protection, especially for products that require greater shipping safety or do not require any additional packaging. They are self-locking and do not need any tape or glue to close; that is why they are popularly used to ship cartons for subscription services and e-commerce businesses.

  • Induction boxes

    Injection-moulded boxes consist of two different types of paperboard bonded together toward the end of the box with a slot integrated between its sidewalls. This box type is suitable for shipping hazardous materials as it provides optimum strength and safety during transit.

  • Avery boxes

    Avery boxes are made with an opening and closing flap on the top and bottom with perforated edges, which makes it easier to tear off the portions of the box when needed. Such boxes are primarily for shipping items that may require easy access for use or repackaging later.

How to choose a cardboard box

  • Cardboard box size

    This is very important because a large box may require excess packing materials and cause the product to move around during transit, while a small box may be too tight, risking the product's breakage. Measure the product's dimensions and allow at least two inches of buffer space to fit padding materials well. Specific boxes may be required for certain products depending on their shape and size and to avoid disposal on oversized containers.

  • Box strength

    Whatever the form of theshipping box, it must be made of stiff cardboard and not too flimsy to withstand the weight of the product and environmental factors during transit. An export box made according to the Association of American Railroads criteria will be strong and durable for heavy items. The strength of a box can also be enhanced by double-walling or corrugating it for extra protection.

  • Closure type

    Closures can significantly impact the rigidity and security of the contents. Some boxes possess tape, glue, and lockfeatures folding, stapling, and perforating for easy battlemounting. Select a closure, hence, that offers more protection based on the type of product and distance during transportation.

  • Packaging design

    The packaging design of a cardboard box is important, aesthetically and functionally. It is important for brand engagement. Designs incorporated with bright colors, styles, or themes representing the company may increase product sales. Using a stiff cardboard material that will not easily deform will ensure the box's structural integrity. Moreover, this design makes the packaging reusable or recyclable to benefit the environment and the society.

  • Cost considerations

    Cardboard boxes should be chosen and balanced based on their price and the benefits they accrue. Cheap shipping containers may not provide the required fortification, which can cause product damage and affect customer satisfaction. On the contrary, an expensive one can prove unreasonable for a large business. To bring versatility, how many boxes of various shapes and sizes can be procured and reused at different times to reduce costs in the long run as well as conserve resources. To achieve great results, a good price and a good quality cardboard envelope should be obtained together.

Scenarios for cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are currently used in various business environments, making them crucially essential for their function and versatility.

  • Shipping and logistics

    Cardboard boxes are used to contain and move products through the shipping and transport processes via land, air, and sea. They are rigid and were created to protect products in mass storage and distribution environments such as warehouses and transit. The printed boxes carry details to facilitate handling and stacking, making transport effective.

  • Retail packaging

    Most retail products, such as groceries, electronics, and apparel, come in cardboard packaging. Their stiffness enables them to be stacked and placed on shelves, and their aesthetic transformability allows companies to brand their goods uniquely appealing. Retail outlets also encourage recyclable cardboard boxes to enhance their environmentally friendly image.

  • Subscription boxes

    Businesses offer personalized or themed boxes consisting of products for delivery to customers on a regular basis, such as beauty products, foods, and books. Such boxes are manufactured and designed for a memorable opening process. Their strength and versatility allow various products to be contained regardless of their shape or size.

  • Industrial applications

    Factories and other industrial locations use cardboard boxes to pack new materials and equipment and products ready for dispatch. Due to their strength, they can handle big things, and their efficiency in making stacks leads to space maximization in production environments. Even more, recyclable cardboard boxes contribute to measures of sustainability in the manufacturing ecosystem by reducing their waste.

  • Moving and storage

    Cardboard boxes work by providing safe place articles during home or office relocation. They also assist in offering a compact space for items that require to be kept away in attics, basements, or storage facilities. When such boxes are labeled, it becomes easier for people to find items stored in them from time to time.

Q&A

Can cardboard boxes be reused for shipping?

Cardboard boxes can be reused several times. Boxes that have retained their shape without bending or breaking are usable, although constant usage may weaken them.

Are cardboard boxes 100% recyclable?

Yes. Cardboard containers are made from fibrous materials that can be used and renewed multiple times, making cardboard 100% recyclable.

What makes a cardboard box waterproof?

Waterproof cardboard boxes take treatment with wax, polyethylene, or other protective materials to create a barrier with water.

What weight can a cardboard box support?

A corrugated cardboard box can typically support up to 30 pounds, depending on the box's construction, size, and the distribution of the load.

What glue is used on cardboard boxes?

Corrugated boxes' internal and external flaps use polyvinyl acetate glue, commonly known as hot glue. Liquid starch and urea homoformaldehyde glue are also used to bond cardboard sheets.