Cardboard is a strong, thick paper material used for packaging, shipping, and storage. It is made by pressing layers of paper together to form a sturdy sheet.
Cardboard is used in boxes, cartons, and displays because it is lightweight, durable, and easy to recycle. It is also affordable, making it a popular choice for many industries.
It is customizable in different thicknesses to match different needs. Whether you are packing small items or heavy products, there is a type of cardboard that fits your products. It is also easy to print on, which makes it great for branding.
What is Cardboard Made Of?
Cardboard is made from paper pulp, which comes from wood or recycled paper. The pulp is turned into flat sheets and then used to make different kinds of cardboard, like paperboard or corrugated cardboard.
Corrugated cardboard has a wavy layer in the middle, placed between two flat layers. This is called corrugation. It can be made in different sizes, colors, and textures, depending on the packaging needs.
How is Cardboard Made?
Cardboard is manufactured through a series of essential steps. These steps are as follows:
1. Pulping
The process starts by turning recycled paper or wood chips into pulp. This is done by mixing the materials with water and breaking them into fibers.
This step is important because it creates the base material for the cardboard.
2. Cleaning
Next, the pulp is cleaned to remove any dirt, ink, or unwanted materials. Special machines filter the pulp to make sure it is smooth and free from impurities.
This makes the product stronger and cleaner.
3. Bleaching
The pulp is bleached to make it lighter in color. This is especially important if the cardboard needs to be white or printed with bright colors.
Bleaching helps improve the appearance and printability of the cardboard.
4. Forming
The pulp is spread out onto a large screen to form a flat sheet with the help of a Fourdrinier machine.
The water is drained out, forming a layer of pulp. This is where the cardboard starts to take shape.
5. Pressing
The wet sheets are pressed between heavy rollers to squeeze out more water and flatten them.
6. Corrugation
For corrugated cardboard, one or more sheets are passed through machines that form wavy flutes. These flutes are then glued between flat layers of paper to create a sandwich-like structure.
This adds strength and cushioning, making it perfect for shipping boxes.
7. Cutting and Shaping
Finally, the cardboard sheets are cut into the right size and shape. They can be printed, folded, and glued to form boxes and other packaging items.
Types of Cardboard
There are different types of cardboard, each made for specific uses. The most common types include:
Single Wall Cardboard
Single-wall cardboard has one layer of fluted paper between two flat sheets. It is light and strong, making it ideal for shipping everyday items.
This is the most commonly used type of cardboard in packaging.
Double Wall Cardboard
Double wall cardboard has two layers of fluted paper, with three flat sheets. It is thicker and stronger than single-wall cardboard.
It is used for heavier products or items that need extra protection.
Triple Wall Cardboard
Triple-wall cardboard has three layers of fluted paper and four flat sheets. This is the thickest and strongest type of cardboard.
It is used for industrial goods, heavy machinery, or very fragile items that need maximum protection.
Why Use Cardboard?
Cardboard is one of the most popular packaging materials because it offers many benefits. Here are the main reasons why businesses choose cardboard:
Sustainability
Cardboard is made from paper, which is a renewable resource. Most cardboard products are recyclable and biodegradable.
Using cardboard helps reduce plastic waste and supports green packaging solutions. Many companies use recycled cardboard to lower their carbon footprint.
Strength and Durability
Cardboard is strong enough to hold heavy items without breaking. Corrugated cardboard has added layers for extra strength and shock absorption.
It protects products during shipping and reduces the risk of damage.
Lightweight
Cardboard is much lighter than plastic or wood. This makes it easy to handle, carry, and ship. Lower weight means lower shipping costs, which is great for businesses.
Cost-Effective
Cardboard is affordable and widely available. It can be made in large quantities at a low cost. Businesses can save money on packaging while still providing quality protection.
Versatility
Cardboard can be used in many ways. It can be cut, folded, printed, and shaped into almost any design. From product boxes to display stands, cardboard fits many needs. It works well for branding and custom packaging.
Ease of Handling
Cardboard is easy to store, stack, and transport. It can be folded flat when not in use, saving space. It is also safe to use, with no sharp edges.
