Our daily lives are filled with cardboard boxes. We use them to ship items, store and move our belongings, and occasionally even as temporary tables or seats. What are cardboard boxes exactly, and how did they come to be such a part of our daily lives?
Invention of the cardboard box as we know it now dates back to the 19th century. Before that, goods were transported using metal or wooden crates. However, producing and shipping these was expensive and labor-intensive. On the other hand, cardboard was portable, affordable, and simple to produce. It was soon the material of choice for shipping containers.
Corrugated fiberboard is the substance used to make cardboard boxes. This kind of cardboard has two layers of linerboard on either side of a fluted centre. The linerboard shields the contents from harm while the flutes offer stability and support.
The versatility of cardboard boxes is one of their many advantages. They come in a range of sizes and shapes, and you can print logos or other patterns on them. They are therefore ideal for companies that must ship goods to clients. Businesses can buy boxes that are the ideal size for their items and can be printed with their branding.
However, cardboard boxes are not only used by companies. They work well for personal use as well. Cardboard boxes are a practical and inexpensive solution if you need to move or store your belongings. They are simple to construct and label, and you can get them in bulk at the majority of office supply retailers. Additionally, you can recycle them after using them.
Speaking about recycling, cardboard boxes rank among the greenest packaging materials on the market. Cardboard is recyclable and created from renewable resources; it is also biodegradable. In fact, one of the materials that is recycled the most globally is cardboard. A cardboard box that has been recycled can be used to make new cardboard boxes, paper goods, or other useful objects.
What then are some drawbacks of cardboard boxes? They are not particularly resilient, for starters. Although corrugated fiberboard is sturdy, moisture, impacts, or weight changes can still readily damage it. This means that you might need to spend money on extra packaging supplies, such bubble wrap or foam inserts, if you are shipping something delicate or priceless.
The fact that cardboard boxes take up a lot of space is another drawback. Boxes may quickly take up room when you’re moving or storing them, and they can be challenging to stack. Additionally, you might have to make several visits to the recycling facility if you have a lot of boxes to get rid of.
Cardboard boxes continue to be one of the most widely used packaging options despite these disadvantages. They are flexible, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. The majority of products can be sent or stored using them even though they might not be the most durable solution.
So, the next time you need to ship something to a friend or pack up your belongings, don’t forget about the simple cardboard box. Although it may not be the most eye-catching choice, it is dependable, practical, and environmentally friendly. And who knows, perhaps we’ll discover a way to make them even more resilient and adaptable in the future!