The packaging industry has become the backbone of every business and holds its distinctive position among the elite seats of management and operations worldwide. The sea of packaging and printing is as vast and deep as you can explore and dive. Corrugated and cardboard packaging are the two most likable materials. These terms are interchangeably used in the packaging market but they stand explicitly clear from each other. They are loaded with different, exquisite properties that make them exclusive in their own way.
We want to include you in the debate about corrugated and cardboard packaging. We will discuss the characteristics of both materials to show their supremacy over each other.
Firstly, we shall look at the basic understanding of both styles for a comprehensive analysis. We will discuss their cost, strength, certain qualities and disadvantages to make your decision easier. Let’s not waste any more time and compare both.
The Corrugated Board
Corrugated fiberboard is a robust and rigid multilayered material made from fluted corrugated sheets and a few thick linerboards. The thick outer layers of corrugated board are known as linerboards. The middle part of the material is known as thinner – a fluted piece of hardened paper to make air pockets in the panel. These air pockets in the corrugated board make packaging resistant against rough impacts and handling.
Brands use this type of material globally to deliver their products because they are affordable and promise durability.
It is the most versatile material and comes in different levels of sturdiness and durability. It might not be the best option for high-definition and advanced printing, but it can still easily support customization and printing.
A corrugated board is just a fancier version of cardboard paper and takes your bigger and heavier items without any issue.
The Cardboard
Cardboard is a hard and thick paper-based material. It is known for its supreme thickness and protectiveness against various hampering factors.
Cardboard is used in almost every type of packaging. It is a preferred material for mailer boxes and goes toe-to-toe with kraft mailer packaging supplies, making it your best option for sending documents.Many cosmetic and food retailers also opt for cardboard boxes as they are foldable, rigid and impact resistant. It is made from a corrugated board, which makes the reason behind its robustness obvious.
It might have various benefits over cardboard but it is not reliable enough for shipping heavy products.
Cardboard Boxes v. Corrugated Fiberboard
Now, we are educated enough about both styles. Let’s see which one will emerge as the winner in this endless argument.
Cardboard packaging is a more loved choice when it comes to being customers’ boxes. The reasons for it are that the cardboard material supports a diverse range of shades and artistic textures. It is relatively lighter and feels satisfying in the hands than a corrugated box. It can also be used for shipping, but for thin and flat items like documents, permits, scripts or forms, etc.
In contrast, corrugated boxes simply lead an edge over cardboard packaging concerning the wholesale packaging and shipping. They are considerably stronger, can be palletized and offer better resilience over its competitor. For instance, you want to deliver a gadget, such as a laptop, you would not opt for thin and flimsy material like cardboard and choose corrugated material for a safe shipment.
It is your option, without any doubt, for stacking as they can bear the weight of another packaging as well. Corrugated boxes are eco-friendly as they contain no dyes or bleaches and can be recycled or scrapped easily.
Key Points
If you are opting for corrugated boxes to ship your items, please ensure that you choose the right material. You can find premium-quality boxes. There are two types of tests to measure the strength of the cardboard. The Burst Test and Edge Crush Test are conducted to check the shipping application and palletization of products, respectively.
Both materials are vulnerable to moisture and might face wetness during cargo deliveries. You can cover them with a layer of protectant, such as absorption sheet or water-activated tape (WAT), or find an alternative to enhance the safety of your company and products.
You can search for several printing and packaging solutions providers who will manufacture your packaging in bulk volume with satisfying quality. The world has progressed rapidly, and to keep up with the challenging market, you have to be perfect in every manner. Packaging holds more than it lets on and that is why we see a difference in class and sales among different retailers. It can be evidently seen that both have an advantage or two over each other and bring it down to personal preference. A businessperson knows the nature of his/her work and requires packaging accordingly. Keep these points in mind and opt for a material that will prove worthwhile for your company.
