Corrugated cardboard is a material made by superimposing layers of paper, which gives it very particular characteristics. It is ideal for packaging, since it is very cheap to manufacture, and the result is resistant and customizable. We tell you what their main importance are.
Types of corrugated cardboard
This material is very popular for its composition which is used by corrugated carton box manufacturer. It alternates layers of smooth and corrugated paper to provide resistance to the whole, which allows it to have different properties.
According to the number of smooth and wavy faces
When the material is made with only two layers of paper, it is called “single face”. It allows you to pack objects that may be damaged during transport, as it is light and protects against knocks. One way to increase its strength is by adding a corrugated sheet between the two layers of paper. This arrangement is known as “double-sided”, and is the most common in the boxes you use for logistics and packaging.
If another corrugated layer is added to this configuration, the “two-wave” cardboard is obtained. It is characterized by being even more resistant, so you can use it to pack heavy items. Lastly, there is the “triple wave” configuration, which includes three wavy and four smooth layers. This design gives the cardboard a resistance capable of competing with many types of wood.
Types of corrugated cardboard grades
You can also define corrugated cardboard by its final quality, which allows you to allocate the piece to one or another use. The most used materials to make it are:
- Kraft paper. Created with virgin fabrics.
- Test paper. For the production of which recycled fibers are used.
- Two-color paper. This is the least resistant, since it has been subjected to more recycling processes.
So the properties of each piece will vary, depending on whether the paper fiber used to make it is virgin or recycled. This is why many manufacturers and distributors will refer to the material by the type of paper they make it from.
They may also refer to it by its gram mage, which represents the weight (in grams) per square meter of the material. The most common weights range between 160 and 600 grams per square meter.
8 benefits of corrugated cardboard for packaging
This material is the most widely used in logistics thanks to its advantages, which we summarize below.
1. It has a low cost
Being made with cellulose fibers and undergoing a very simple winding and assembly process, you can buy this material at a very good price.
2. It is a light material
This element, even in its most voluminous configurations, barely weighs, as it is made of paper.
3. It is a flexible material
Plus, layer-fewer layouts are hugely flexible, allowing you to perfectly wrap your shipments.
4. It is a resistant material
Supports a load of up to 800 kg thanks to its geometric design.
5. Absorbs vibrations, shocks and impacts well
Being a flexible material with a lot of air inside, cardboard is very useful as a shock absorber. Thus, it is capable of absorbing vibrations as well as shocks and impacts, protecting your packed products. It is ideal to protect fragile objects.
6. Can be transported by any means
Another advantage of cardboard is its versatility, which allows it to take any shape. This makes it optimal for transporting by plane, ship, train or truck, since the boxes are very easy to place and organize. In addition, their great resistance allows them to be stacked, so that space is not a problem.
7. On the outside of the corrugated cardboard you can print advertising
Of course, the possibility of printing product identification, logo and other corporate signs is highly appreciated by the business sector.
8. It is environmentally friendly
Cardboard is 100% recyclable (and often recycled) and made from a renewable resource. This makes it very environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not surprising that corrugated cardboard is so appreciated in the logistics company that makes them best. In addition, you can currently find it in aesthetic packaging, as well as in the manufacture of furniture, stands for fairs and decorative elements.
Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.