What is corrugated packaging?

What is corrugated packaging?

Corrugated packaging is a staple in almost every industry. The basic cardboard box has become so commonplace that few people give it a second thought. However, corrugated boxes have come under the spotlight recently as their role is changing due to the rise of e-commerce. What does the term ‘corrugated packaging’ actually mean and what has made it the go-to choice for storing and shipping products of all kinds?

Corrugated boxes – strong and lightweight

Corrugated boxes are made of corrugated fibreboard, which is constructed from three layers of Kraft paper glued together. The outer layers are made from flat sheets referred to as linerboard. Between these two sheets is a folded or fluted layer of paper, which is referred to as ‘medium’. The folds and flutes in the medium are what give corrugated fibreboard its name. It is these corrugations that provide the strength and reinforcement that make cardboard boxes so sturdy. Corrugated fibreboard is strong and rigid, but it is also very light, because it only consists of three layers of paper. We thus have the combined benefits of boxes that are strong enough to carry a lot of goods, but also light enough not to add a significant amount of weight to a load.

Surprising versatility 

Corrugated packaging can be used to pack just about anything. The most common variant is the simple, brown cardboard box that is used as tertiary packaging to ship everything from clothing to foodstuffs to electronics. More recently, corrugated packaging has started to develop new shapes, looks and designs as they are used as e-commerce packaging. In e-commerce, the box in which items are delivered is almost as important to the seller as its customer service and quality assurance. Accordingly, retailers have integrated their packaging into their marketing strategies. They are not just boxes anymore; they have become brand ambassadors.

NPP can supply you with the corrugated packaging you need for your shipping and branding. We know that a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t work and offer specially tailored products for each client. Contact us to find out how we can create a custom corrugated packaging solution for you.