Corrugated boxes and cardboard boxes fall under two different categories. However, most individuals use them interchangeably. Learn more below.

A corrugated box is not the same thing as a cardboard box. Thus, it is always essential to equip yourself with the knowledge of the main difference. Below is a simple expert guide that will help you determine the difference between the two. Moreover, you will learn which packaging is ideal for your product.

What are corrugated boxes and cardboard boxes?

To understand the differences, the first thing to do is to know the different definitions of the boxes.

• What is a cardboard box?

Cardboard box manufacturers make the container from heavyweight paper pulp or thick paper stock. The most common examples and applications of the box include; toy packaging, folding takeout containers, and cereal boxes.

• What is a corrugated box?

A corrugated box manufacturer makes the box using several material layers. That is, flat liner layers surrounded by a single fluted layer or more layers. The most common application of the box is for shipping or packaging.

What is the main difference between cardboard and corrugated boxes?

As you can see above, manufacturers make corrugated boxes and cardboard boxes from different materials. The difference signifies an essential distinction. It is because the materials impact the strength of the container and the assembly procedure.

Manufacturers make cardboard boxes using one or more single-layer material pieces. The materials are cut to obtain the right size and shape. The designers also use tape, staples, glue, and other essential fastening techniques to join the pieces together.

The manufacturing and assembly process result is a perfect container for packaging items. However, the cardboard is not sturdy enough to withstand the shipping process and the stress that comes with it. In most cases, people use extra packaging materials with cardboard to ensure safe shipping.

Manufacturers make corrugated boxes from one or more multi-layer material pieces. 

They create the materials by strapping one or more fluting pieces together or between the flat-liners. The flute is the wavy aspect of material layers.

The sandwich construction leads to a sturdy and strong material often known as a corrugated board. Designers can then use the board to make any consumer desired size and shape for the final box appearance.

Manufacturers use various methods to join the materials together to form the box. The techniques include tape, staples, glue, and other fasteners. The result is a container that can endure the stresses during shipping. 

A corrugated box cannot withstand falling, crushing, and bumping without guaranteeing content damage. Thus, the box is ideal for shipping and packaging materials.

Why buy corrugated boxes?

Several benefits surround the corrugated boxes. The benefits ensure that the box is crucial for commercial, home, and office. Here are some of the most outstanding benefits.

• Wide range of customization

 Corrugated box manufacturers make them from multi-layer materials. The construction ensures more chances for one to customize the box into whatever design that a consumer needs.

Designers can tailor the fluting profile, liner-materials type, and liner-fluting layer combinations to attain various aesthetic characteristics. They can also make them so that the box can achieve multiple functions.

Designers can use coatings and graphics on corrugated boards. The main goal of the graphics is to suit a particular brand image or product. Moreover, branding is currently essential for businesses today. The printable nature of the corrugated box gives marketers a chance to advertise their product from various amazing box designs.

Moreover, customization is crucial for products that are meant for display. Many consumers will first get attracted to a box’s image before deciding whether or not to buy a product. Also, most business owners print a little information about their products on the corrugated box.

Thus, the corrugated board is crucial for all product customization today. Without it, product packaging would have almost been the same across all companies worldwide. It would also be difficult to differentiate products.

• Better eco-friendliness

Manufacturers make corrugated boxes with highly recyclable materials. The new boxes’ materials are often a combination of recycled and virgin materials. The recyclable nature is ideal for green product packaging solutions.

The world today focuses on eco-friendly means of operation. It is trying to reduce carbon emissions and their impacts on the environment. The corrugated board plays an essential role in making the world safer.

The packaging materials are readily biodegradable. It means that they do not leave any carbon footprint in the world. Thus, they are an ideal green packaging solution.

• Ideal for product protection

The multi-layer materials present in the corrugated containers offer support and strength compared to a single layer found in the cardboard boxes. The extra layers ensure that the corrugated boxes are stronger for protecting the box’s contents from moving stress. 

The shipping process consists of many ups and downs. Furthermore, the journey begins from a factory to the moving trucks, in transit and delivery. Most of the methods are not steady. Therefore, the materials present in the corrugated boards ensure that they can sustain all the stress.

Also, there is a high chance of the products reaching the delivery destination in one piece. Thus, if you compare the cardboard box and the corrugated box, the cardboard is ideal for moving and shipping processes.

• Cost-effective

The corrugated container is the most cost-effective form of packaging available today. The main reason for its cost-effectiveness is that the box is very affordable. Another way of ensuring a cheap product is through corrugated box wholesale purchase. 

Buying any item wholesale ensures that you can get it at a lower price. Also, customizing the boxes wholesale provides that you can save some money. Moreover, the recyclable nature of the boxes ensures that you can use them as many times as you can. If the container is not in use, you can choose to store it for later use, thus ensuring its cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

The corrugated boxes and cardboard boxes are not similar. The two boxes have different materials and use. The cardboard box is best suited for lighter applications, while the corrugated box is suitable for heavier applications. Learn more about what sets the corrugated box apart from above.