Summary of How Cardboard Boxes Are Made
We have all come to know and love cardboard boxes, but most people really don’t know how they’re made. So we put this simple post together to explain how cardboard boxes are made
First, the basics
A cardboard box is basically made up of a flute (made up of recycled paper), sandwiched between two liners. It is now very common for these liners to also be made up of a considerable proportion of recycled content, sourced from old cardboard or other sources of second-hand paper. However, for top quality boxes virgin Kraft is still used. In actual fact though, it doesn’t really matter whether the paper is recycled or not, ultimately it always started out as virgin paper which is made from trees that have been pulped.
The trees
When manufacturing boxes we talk about two different types of liners, this is the material that lies on top and beneath the fluting and creates a corrugated board. Typically, cardboard boxes have a test paper inner liner, and a Kraft paper outer. This is because Kraft is better quality than test, and has a smoother finish so that it can be easily printed on. Kraft also has the benefit of being more resistant to water penetration which is an added benefit of using it for the outer face.
Pulping
To create the paper a long process is involved to ensure the wood chips that are pulped are clean and suitable for purpose. To start, the trees are cut and lumbered to create tones of logs which go through a machine to be debarked and chipped.
Fluting
Fluted cardboard is the wavy piece of board sandwiched between the liners and gives a box its strength and protection from knocks and impact damage. To create the fluted effect rolls of paper are fed into a corrugated roller machine, this process has been around since the 18th century and was originally used to add ruffles to shirts and hats!
What are the raw materials of a cardboard box?
The basic raw material used in the production of corrugated cardboard is corrugated cardboard raw paper. In Germany, this paper is made primarily of recycled paper, with a certain percentage of fresh fibers and starch glue. The paper is heated and moistened with steam.
What is cardboard used for?
The primary goal of cardboard packaging is to protect goods (usually solid items) that need to be stored and transported.
Read our last post on Best place to get Cardboard boxes for moving
Advantages of cardboard for the environment
- It has least environmental impact
- It is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
- Minimizes waste generation.
- Does not lose durability and resistance.
- Cardboard packing along with some bubble wrap is best to keep fragile items safe.
There you have it, little summary on how cardboard boxes are made and some of its importance.
P.S – You can use our station’s website link EmptyBox Reuse Station, to see boxes as they are available live and also drop off yours for those who might need these boxes.