How to choose cardboard boxes and corrugated carton boxes

Despite the versatility and low cost of plastic, the strong public demand for sustainable packaging is driving brands and packaging manufacturers to explore recyclable raw materials and optimize paper-based packaging.

If you have a large volume of sales or shipments every week or day, then choosing recyclable paper packaging is a very wise decision. Secure transportation can increase customer trust, while perfect design can provide consumers with a memorable unboxing experience and a lower return rate. This, in turn, enhances customer loyalty and increases profitability.

By comparing cardboard boxes and corrugated cardboard boxes, you can choose the most effective and suitable packaging method for your needs.

Cardboard box

Cardboard boxes typically refer to boxes made from cardboard of varying thicknesses and materials; for example, cereal boxes and disposable glove packaging boxes are made from this material.

Best use: As basic product packaging. Cardboard boxes are also easier to print complex patterns and apply intricate finishes to than corrugated boxes. Therefore, they have a flatter surface and thinner thickness. However, cardboard boxes are more suitable for lightweight products or for basic packaging.

Corrugated carton box

Corrugated boxes are made of three layers of material, with a corrugated layer sandwiched between two flat sheets. This material is commonly used by pizza and appliance brands for packaging and shipping their products.

Best uses: Storage, transportation, and stacking of various products. Corrugated boxes also offer higher rates of reuse and recycling.

Understanding the differences between materials is essential for making the right choice

About corrugated

Usually the boxes we use for shipping are made of corrugated material. Some people also call it

carton. You can choose the thickness suitable for your product according to the following pictures and suggestions.

About cardboard

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) – Art Paper

• Appearance and use:The paper is fine, smooth and bright white on both sides, and can be printed on both sides, making it suitable for high-end printing.
• Best for:High-end cosmetics, high-end food, high-end home furnishings, high-end gifts.
• Flaw:Higher cost.

Folding Box Board (FBB) – White Card

• Appearance and use:The paper is white on both sides, but smooth on one side. It can be printed on both sides and has a wide range of applications.
• Best for:Cosmetics, skin care products, medicines, food, alcoholic beverages, etc..

Coated Recycled Board (CRB) / Clay Coated News Back (CCNB) – White Board

• Appearance and use:Recycled paper, with a white surface layer for printing and other processing, and the inter layer and back are gray and do not support printing and other processing.
• Best for:Daily retail, low-price wholesale, disposable products, products with no requirements for printing and quality.
• Flaw:The gray color on the back is not beautiful, and the hardness and stiffness are not enough.

Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) / Virgin Kraft – Kraft Paper

• Appearance and use:Both inside and outside are brown, and the outside is coated paper. Usually only supports outside printing, no lamination is required. Suitable for products that require high hardness and stiffness or need to be environmentally friendly.
• Best for:Food, clothing, cosmetics, baby products, etc..
• Flaw:Higher cost.