Corrugated Box versus Cardboard Boxes
A corrugated box differs from a standard cardboard box in several ways.
Cardboard boxes use a type of paper stock called paperboard, which refers to anything made from heavy paper pulp. Cereal boxes, for example, are made of cardboard, a single layer of paper pulp.
The manufacturing process for corrugated differs substantially from that for simple cardboard. A corrugated box has three separate layers of very thick paperboard. The outer layers are flat, while the inner layer is fluted or rippled.
Corrugated box manufacturers use a very thick, starchy glue to compress and hold the layers together.
The resultant containers are very strong and durable and offer excellent protection for whatever is inside from the stresses the box may be subjected to during shipment.
Single and Double Wall
A single wall corrugated box has a single rippled inner sheet, whereas double wall corrugated boxes use two fluted corrugated sheets in the middle.
Shippers often use double wall corrugated boxes for sensitive electronic items like computers or televisions.
Appearance
In the subscription box industry, for example, the appearance of your packaging is one of the critical ways you can differentiate yourself from the competition.
Subscription box customers expect extra attention to the packaging, given that recipients pay for a regular shipment of whatever goods your company provides.
A custom corrugated box allows you to print, decorate and select a box that exactly fits the product you ship.
Cost and DIM
Today, most shipping companies charge you based on DIM or volume of the package — the length, width, and height — rather than the weight. Delivery trucks that don’t max out the legal weight capacity mean less profit per truckload. Shippers capture the loss in revenue by charging based on the volume of the box.
If you need to use an oversize box due to the shape of your product, chances are you will pay a premium. A custom box can save you money.
Weight
Customers want boxes that are lightweight. Corrugated boxes are convenient to carry, load and unload given the lower mass of this type of packaging.
Environmentally Friendly
Using corrugated boxes will help lower your company’s environmental footprint. Corrugated box manufacturers use recycled material to make the boxes.
Customers, too, can reuse your corrugated box to pack other items for shipment.
Better Protection
The manufacturing process provides corrugated boxes with an inherent strength that cardboard can’t match. The corrugation helps protect the contents from environmental factors such as temperature and moisture.
Easy Customization
Using corrugated materials allows your supplier to provide you with customizable options for your needs. Corrugation makes designing a package in a different shape or size easy.
You can create something for your product that is unique, helping your brand stand out visually.
Printing
The printing and graphics on corrugated boxes are clearer, with crisper, cleaner images than you get with cardboard.
You can display your brand symbol, product information and contact information clearly, providing you with more options to attract and keep your customer’s interest. This helps with your brand recognition and marketing.
Less Packing Material
If you use custom corrugation for your containers, you can significantly reduce the amount of packing material required to keep your product safe in transit.
The strength of the material offers an inherently better level of protection than mere cardboard. Depending on the fragility of your product, you can design the interior space in your box to allow for the exact dimensions of the number of bubble wrap layers, for example, without wasting space, and hence potentially decreasing costs from DIM.
Easy Assembly and Ordering
You don’t need glue or staples to assembly many custom corrugated boxes. You can order custom corrugated boxes in four parts to save on your shipping costs.
Corrugated Custom Containers
Custom corrugated containers — including waste containers, bulk cargo, double-walled units and pallets — allow you to ship, store and move your items easily.
These boxes come in D and E sizes and can ship any non-hazmat item.
55 Gallon Drum Overpack Boxes
If you have a product that ships in 55-gallon drums, there are overpack corrugated boxes to meet your shipping needs. These boxes fit most standard plastic or metal, open and closed 55-gallon drums.
Last Word
Using customized corrugated boxes makes a lot of financial sense. These sturdy, cost-effective shipping containers will not only keep your products safe but will also help promote your brand.
