Corrugated Cardboard

The use of corrugated paperboard can date back to the mid 1800s in the clothing fashion industry. In 1856, two Englishmen, Healey and Allen, received a patent for the first known use of corrugated paper. Using a hand-cranked adaptation of a collar press (originally intended for pressing pleats and ruffles on clothing), they started producing "pleated" paper to line tall, stiff men's hats that were so popular in Victorian England. Corrugated paper was stronger than the cylinder of plane paper previously used to line hats and its flutes provided cushioning in the sweatband.

The first use of corrugated paper for packaging came in 1871, when an American, Albert Jones, introduced an idea of wrapping bottles and glass chimneys in it. It was the addition of a liner to one and then to the other side of corrugated paper that signaled the birth of corrugated boxes-- commonly known today, as cardboard.

Walls of cardboard boxes consist of two main parts: linerboard (or facing) and corrugating medium (fluted paper). The flutes in the corrugating medium form a series of connecting arches. An arch with a certain curve can support many times its own weight, especially when the ends of the arch are anchored. In corrugated containers, they are anchored to a facing. A vertical sheet of linerboard, used as the skin or facing, can support a weight greater than itself if it is held in place. Most linerboard is produced using softwoods. They have the longest fibers, and produce the strongest paperboard. The fluted corrugating material helps it stay in place, while the facing, in turn, protects the flutes from damage.

Containers made from these materials protect products both from external forces and sudden temperature changes. Arches of the flute act like springs when affected by pressure, and the air trapped between the flutes acts as a cushion. This trapped air also serves as a thermal insulator. (Adapted from Fibre Box Handbook, Fibre Box Association, 1992).

Benefits of Corrugated Boxes

Strength
Corrugated is designed to be stacked. It withstands top and side pressure, is crush resistant and passes burst strength tests.  It is impact, drop and vibration damage-resistant. In addition, it can be customized for added protection.

Convenience
Despite its strength, corrugated containers are also relatively lightweight and they can be broken down for easy transport. Moreover its surface is highly "designable": it can be cut and folded into an infinite variety of shapes, and printing can be directly applied to its surface.

Environmental Impact
Corrugated containers are made from a renewable resource. Along with kraft paper, corrugated containers consistently lead the pack when it comes to recovery: in 1995 over 60% of corrugated containers were recycled. In 2002, almost 75% of corrugated containers were recycled.

Information from Corrugated Packaging Council web site http://www.corrugated.org.