Corrugated Vs. Cardboard — Understanding The Differences Between These Packaging Materials

Since with the development of science and technology and several innovations striving to make our lives better almost every day, distances do not seem to be a big issue, unlike the earlier times when there were no efficient means of transport and supply chain. By the passage of time, and with these significant developments. We can observe that there had been a rise in travel. However, this traveling has not limited to people, but the traveling of goods and products can also be seen around the world. This is because of the fact that the world has turned into a global village; everything is now easily accessible by people all around the world. People can purchase freely, according to their needs without a barrier of distance as the increased efficiencies and freedom to move around has also brought a rapid shift in the industry of logistics, packaging, and the process of the supply chain, triggering them to introduce and invent highly reliable and most efficient methods of logistics and supply chain.

Types of Packaging Materials
Although many improvements have been made in the operations of and methods of supply chain and logistics, specific risks and chances of uncertainties remain there. Although these risks and opportunities cannot be eliminated, we can always reduce their likelihood of occurrence to the minimum. The efficiency and effectiveness can be improved with the help of initiating methods that are most efficient and equipped with the latest technology techniques. Still, we get to see that we fail to deliver the shipments successfully a lot of times. Breakages, wears and tears, cracks, scratches all can result from damages and mishandling factors that are inevitable. Thus, a need for good packaging is always there to be on the safe side. Various methods of packaging are followed throughout the world, some of which are:

Paperboard Boxes:
Paperboard boxes are essential in order to maintain the product from losing its shape and from damaging and destroying. These are ideal for protecting the shipment for a shorter period. They are durable, presentable, and yet a less expensive option. It is perfect to deliver things like cakes and other edibles.

Wooden boxes:
Wooden boxes are used in order to deliver products that are highly fragile and can easily get broken. Wooden boxes can resist many damages and shocks that could have damaged the product badly. They are ideal for a shipment that might require a long time.

Jars and Bottles:
The use of jars and bottles in packaging and shipping is essential to deliver liquids and solutions. The material of these jars and bottles is determined according to the product that is to be carried, the channel through which it should be transported, and for the duration of shipment.

Shrink-wrap and Bubble wrap:
Shrink-wrap and bubble wraps are types of wraps that help maintain the integrity of the product allowing the product to be viewed as well. In the case of the bubble wraps, the air trapped in the bubbles helps absorb the shocks and damages that a product might have to face.

Foams and foaming wraps:
Foams and Foaming Wraps serve the same purpose as that bubble wrap would produce; they absorb shocks and help in resisting scratches, wears, and tears.

Cardboard and Chipboard boxes:
Chipboard and cardboard boxes are other types of containers that are important in packaging and transportation; these boxes are helpful in the transportation of goods and packaging; they can hold on to the products for a more extended period of time due to their extra durability and strength. They also protect the products against shocks and damages. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be selected according to the need and requirement.

These boxes that are often known as cartons, can be used in the packaging of various products as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes allowing the consumers to select from a variety. Many companies that are well known around the world supply the goods and products using these cartons. These cartons can be either cardboard cartons or corrugated cartons. Although both; cardboard packaging and corrugated packaging apparently look similar, and it might also seem that they serve the same purpose, they are actually very different in structure and purpose. So, deciding whether to use corrugated or cardboard, one should pay attention to what would satisfy the packaging needs. Choosing corrugated vs. cardboard will make a significant impact on the successful delivery of shipment. In order to select the correct type of carton, we must know every kind of carton in detail. Many carton machine exporters deals in the production of different kinds of packaging boxes including corugated boxes.

Cardboard carton:
These types of cartons are made up of thick paper stock or heavy paper-pulp. Cardboard cartons are used to make a wide range of products like; small containers, it can also be used in packaging, and it is helpful for even providing structural support for less rigid items like notepads, inserts in the form of a card that is often kept between the clothing items like shirts from losing shape in packaging, etc. Some products can also be shipped in containers that are made up of cardboard. However, it is still risky to the retailers as this cardboard provides very little protection to the product and would also require an extra cost in the form of additional packaging material such as bubble wrap and foams that are necessary to ensure the safety of the product that is present inside.

Corrugated cartons:
These types of cartons are made up of very few layers of material rather than just a single sheet. These three layers are comprised of an outside layer, a medium layer, that goes between the two, which is fluted. Corrugated material has the property that it is a resilient material that is light in weight. Thus, it is an essential consideration for all those who ship a significant number of packages. These containers are famous for their ability to remain sound even when they experience changes like shocks, moisture, sudden temperature changes, etc. Whereas no other container is capable enough to resist excessive force for prolonged and harsh conditions just the way, these corrugated boxes do. They provide complete assurance of your products in their best condition.

When to Use: Corrugated vs. Cardboard?
When we consider using cartons in usual and proper circumstances, both cardboard and corrugated cartons are proven to be equally valuable packaging options. For instance, cardboard can be regarded as an efficient option when contemplating the packaging of products that are light in weight. Such products can include light clothing or thinner items, accessories, or any light in weight products, depending on the item. The product should be understood so that it will be subject to handling and that using these cartons would result in minor damage, ensuring the product’s safety. Keeping these factors in mind would help consider if cardboard is the right shipping material for your products.

Whereas corrugated cartons are used more frequently for packing and shipping items due to their solid and durable nature. Unlike corrugated, materials like cardboard, are not impact-resistant, which can withstand rigidities during packing and shipment. However, it is necessary to understand the specifications of both types to make the best use.