It’s crucial for anyone involved in packaging to understand the difference between basic cardboard and corrugated cartons. Although both are similar in appearance they are different in the aspects of their functional use and properties. In this guide let us make a comparison between cardboard and corrugated cartons so that you can know what to look for in the market.
What is Cardboard?
Cardboard it such a thick paper or paper based material that is mostly used to make lightweight packages. This is a broad term for a range of opulent paper goods which comprise paperboard and other such substances. Cardboard is widely used in packing products like box for cereals, gift, and cards and other stationery products.
Key Features of Cardboard:
- Single-layer material: Cartons are made up of one or more than one paper board or paper stock.
- Lightweight: Cardboard can be not very strong but it is suitable for those cases when your item can be relatively light.
- Less durable: This material can easily be bent or crushed and as such is not ideal for rough and long distance transport.
- Smooth surface: This makes it perfect for printing, that is why cardboard is commonly used in retail packaging or branding.
What are Corrugated Cartons?
Conventionally known as cardboard or cartons, corrugated cartons are much stronger and more persistent and are used for shipment of goods. They are made from three layers: the outer layer which is known as Liner board, the inner flat layer and the mid-set layer also known as Fluted layer. Thanks to this structure, the ship is very strong and relevant for transportation of delicate or heavy goods.
Key Features of Corrugated Cartons
- Multi-layer structure: The corrugated cartons consist of two flat sheets and one fluted or wavy sheet in between required for strength.
- Highly durable: The fluted design also enables it to work perfectly when used in cases of shipping and storage.
- Strong yet lightweight: However, corrugated box is not very heavy which minimizes the transportation cost.
- Customization options: These karton medicinal boxes are flexible in size, printing, and design; therefore, perfect for branding.
When comparing cardboard and corrugated cartons there are a number of points of difference.
1. Material Composition
- Cardboard: Coming in form of paperboard or heavy paper, cardboard is slightly denser as compared to corrugated material.
- Corrugated Cartons: Constructed from several layers: fluted inner layer with two linerboards that increase the thickness and the product’s resistance to shock.
2. Strength and Durability
- Cardboard: Suits small packaging requirements but not suitable for heavy packing or tough handling. It is more likely to rupture; to be bent or crushed.
- Corrugated Cartons: These boxes are sturdy, impact resistant and specifically appropriate for shipping of bulk, sensitive or expensive goods. It provides better workouts in conditions of pressure and shields against falls, blows, and vibrations.
3. Uses and Applications
- Cardboard: Great for retail, packaging, and light products such as cosmetic, toys and books. Cardboard is used whenever appearance of the final product is a paramount consideration as compared to the strength of the cardboard.
- Corrugated Cartons: Pertaining to transportation, storage, and accommodation of large, sensitive products like the electronics, appliances, glass, and furniture. Due to its high tensile strength and the fact that most of them are water resistant the bags are ideal for e- commerce shipping and product protection.
4. Environmental Impact
- Cardboard: Both can be recycled but cardboard uses fewer resources and could in some ways be quasi more environmentally friendly than corrugated cartons and yet made for single use items.
- Corrugated Cartons: And that is also recyclable, and many of them are produced from recycled materials. It is worth mentioning that corrugated boxes are quite strong that can be recycled severally and hence making the packaging an environmental-friendly material.
5. Cost
- Cardboard: Usually cheaper to manufacture since it entails the usage of less material and more so it does not require many layers. Its a cheap way of manufacturing; it is useful when it comes to small, low-risk products.
- Corrugated Cartons: A little higher in price compared to other sunglasses of single-layer material and construction. Nevertheless, the added protection always makes up for the cost especially in products that are required to be transported over a certain distance.
6. Customization and Printing
- Cardboard: It is also easy to print on which makes it convenient for use on retail products where appearance of the packaging material is a major issue. Most of the time you find wonderful designs and logos when it comes to cardboard boxes.
- Corrugated Cartons: Although corrugated boxes can be printed on they don’t have the same sleek and sophisticated appearance. However, they can be personalized with logos, product description or any other form of advertisement, especially in online businesses.
- Which One to Choose: No one can make a better paper cartons of cardboard or corrugated cartons:
1. When You Want to Ship Bulky or Sensitive Products
When it comes to packing, when you are posting large or delicate goods, corrigated cartons are the most advisable. Their features are strength, density, and skill in dampening the impact; they are thus suitable where the consignment needs safeguarding against shocks that may harm quality products.
2. Regarding the use of Retail Display and Branding
Cardboard is best for packaging when you want one that is aesthetic and as light as possible. But, it is perfect for products that are physically placed on shelves with a key focus on their looks. Cardboard containers can come with the most fashionable prints and are ideal for value lightweight products.
3. For Eco-Friendly Packaging
Cardboard and corrugated cartons are considered eco friendly but, corrugated cartons might be preferable if one wants to use a box more than once. Cardboard, even if they belong to the recyclable materials’ category, is usually provided in a single-use manner because of its comparatively low level of sturdiness.
4. For Cost Considerations
If cost becomes an issue, then cardboard might just be better for items not as sensitive as those that need corrugated cartons to protect them. For the more sensitive goods or those that cost more, the extra cost of using corrugated cartons are well countered by the extra cushioning produced.
Conclusion
So, when comparing cardboard and corrugated cartons it is essential to identify the requirement needed in packaging your product. Retail packaging is one of the major uses whereby cardboard is essential because of the ability of the material to be made light and appealing to the eye.
Corrugated cartons on the other hand provide more protection and are more rigid across the base making them ideal for use as shipper or wherever extra strength is required. They are also easily recyclable and can be fashioned to any design that is necessary for a certain industry. Cover all the aspects carefully keeping in mind the type of product, the shipping and conveying needs of the product and the needs of cost to make sure optimum effectiveness in packaging.
