What is the difference between cardboard and corrugated boxes?
People often use the word ‘cardboard’ when they are talking about corrugated boxes or carton board boxes; these are different materials, so what actually is the difference between the two? When you are selecting the right packaging to ship your products, it is important to know what materials you are actually using and the benefits of them.
What is corrugated board?
Corrugated board is a material which consists of liner board and kraft paperboard. The multilayer design includes two thicker pieces of liner board on the outside of the layers and a middle layer which is sandwiched between in a fluted pattern to create consistently reoccurring air pockets.
The air pockets that are inside are great for impact resistance and help the material to withstand rough handling. Corrugated board is used all over the world on a daily basis by people and business for shipping goods. This is because this material is one the most cost effective and reliable options to use when shipping goods through a transit network.
Corrugated board is also very versatile because it can be altered by increasing the thickness to suit different strength needs. You are also able to print on corrugated boards to add features such as a brand name, logo or shipping information (i.e. “fragile”). However, large and intricate detailed designs would be hard to print onto corrugated board due to the texture of the material.
What is carton board?
Carton board is the name for a container that is made of paperboard and often corrugated fibreboard. It is known for its sturdy and rigid properties, making it a popular choice for packaging. It is often mistaken for cardboard, but actually cardboard is a heavy duty type of paper made in varying strengths/thicknesses. It is a generic term that is often used for paper based products that are heavier than paper. Cartonboard is easier to print on than corrugated board, as it has a flat surface with no ridges and is thinner, so easier for printing machines to handle.
Corrugated boxes vs carton board boxes
Despite the fact that corrugated board and cardboard are often confused, they are both very different materials which have benefits for different uses, but which one is the best choice of packaging for you to use?
For commercial packaging that doesn’t need to hold heavy items, carton board boxes are the best to use as they can be easily printed on, they are lightweight, aesthetically pleasing and are not bulky. They can also be used for shipping thin, light packages through postal services, such as DVDs, books and documents.
However, for shipping boxes, and large packaging needs, corrugated board is the best material to use. This type of box is very durable with a great strength, making it the perfect material for shipping and stacking as these boxes can withstand rougher treatment and support the weight of other boxes if required (for example, when stacked in a depot prior to dispatch or delivery).
Understanding the differences between cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard is an essential first step to take as you choose storage and shipping solutions. While the two materials are often referenced interchangeably, they’re actually quite different from each other.
Corrugated offers some significant advantages over traditional cardboard, ensuring that your produce gets from point A to B without any issues. Read on to discover the important differences between corrugated cardboard vs regular cardboard.
Corrugated Is More Durable
Traditional cardboard is a thicker, heavier version of paper stock or pulp. For example, a cereal box is made from cardboard. Corrugated, on the other hand, might be made with cardboard materials, but the overall design and structure is much more durable.
The biggest difference between cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard is that corrugated is made with three layers. There’s a ruffled, fluted material sandwiched between the inner and outer cardboard layers, providing exceptional strength that can withstand severe wear and tear throughout the packing, storing, shipping, and retail display processes.
Corrugated Is Better for the Environment
Corrugated is biodegradable and contains no dyes or bleaches, so it can be composted and recycled effectively. At Fruit Growers Supply, we partner with supply chain vendors who source materials primarily from sustainable forests. Unlike traditional cardboard boxes, corrugated cartons can be reused over and over again, saving you money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Corrugated Is Lightweight and Flexible
When considering the weight of cardboard vs corrugated fiberboard, it’s important to keep the overall strength-to-weight ratio in mind. While cardboard is a lighter material in general, corrugated is going to be much more rugged at the same weight.
The ruffled inner layer offers incredible strength and flexibility while keeping the overall weight of the container down. In order to achieve the same amount of strength as corrugated, you would need to use a much heavier cardboard that wouldn’t be practical physically or financially.
That’s the major difference between corrugated cardboard vs regular cardboard: Corrugated is designed with the unique needs of the end user in mind, while regular cardboard is simply a means to an end. That’s not to say that regular cardboard doesn’t have its place; it’s just not suited for heavy duty applications.
Corrugated Is Customizable
As you learn about cardboard vs corrugated, remember that it’s all about context. If you’re packaging cereal, corrugated wouldn’t be the right choice. If you’re shipping fruits and veggies, corrugated is the best choice, by far.
The great thing about corrugated is that there are endless customizations and combinations available. Say you’re shipping apples to a retail store. Not only can we provide tough, lightweight shipping containers, but the retailer can also use those same shipping containers as retail displays. We deliver custom corrugated solutions that align with your unique challenges and goals.
Contact Us for a Quote
Here at Fruit Growers Supply, we’re known for our competitive rates, exceptional quality, and outstanding customization options. Now that you recognize the important differences between cardboard vs corrugated, it’s time to improve your operations. We’ve delivered consistent, quality work since 1907, and we’d love to partner with you. Contact us now for a free consultation and quote.