By Taivan Acer
Cardboard boxes are prefabricated cardboard boxes, primarily utilized for shipping materials and packaging products and are also recycled. Cardboard is a type of paper, but one that is more durable and more environmentally sound than most papers. Cardboard is also a type of textile; a fine art form of creating shapes, pictures and designs with threads or yarn. Cardboard boxes are created out of a combination of thermal and polystyrene foam that is pressed together through a process called thermal roll forming.
These boxes are often used as promotional or novelty gifts, for storing items, or as containers for delicate items, and many other uses. The term cardboard box does not always denote a particular material, as it doesn’t denote a particular product. It could simply be a descriptive term that any company using it would use to promote their own brand or product.
Cardboard containers are made with unique styles, and are available in many different sizes and shapes, depending on what is to be packaged inside them. You will often find them used as decorative, or space saving packing materials, as well as for various domestic and commercial applications. Some cardboard boxes are also used as free-standing units, or as grocery bags, and are also frequently recycled to make such containers. In this way, custom boxes made from cardboard play a very significant role in the recycling efforts of the packaging industry, as well as being a useful and cost-effective alternative for the packaging industry itself.
Cardboard Boxes are highly versatile as well, as they can be found in different shapes, sizes and colors to suit almost every purpose. Corrugated cardboard boxes come in clear, or laminated finish options, and are commonly used as shopping bags. These convenient and eco-friendly containers are also widely used as cereal boxes, and are easily re-used, saving you money on disposal costs. Plastic and paperboard boxes are both widely used for food packaging, but cardboard boxes prove to be more durable, versatile and long lasting when compared to these plastic alternatives. They are also widely used as bin liners for domestic and commercial purposes, including recycling and packing, and are easily available at your local DIY stores.
There are a few things which need to be taken care of while using cardboard boxes and corrugated cardboard sheets, as a result these products can unfortunately damage and discolor a wide range of surfaces, including wood and painted surfaces. A quick solution is to avoid placing any heavy items in these cardboard boxes or corrugated boards, and only use them for lightweight packing or for keeping foods fresh. For food storage, it is important to keep a box of water on hand, as water will not spoil the food. For hot dishes, it is important to place hot pots or pans directly onto a hot surface, rather than placing them directly on a cooling rack or towel-lined cardboard box. It is also recommended that you do not put dry ice directly onto a hot surface, as the consequences can be disastrous.
Cardboard Boxes and Corrugated Boxes are usually used in industrial packaging, as they are fire retardant and don’t absorb heat well. Industrial packaging can be damaged easily by liquids and gases, so you should make sure to label each cardboard box clearly with the substance and type of product inside. When storing items safely inside these boxes, you can ensure that they remain fresh for longer, as condensation from liquids and gases will quickly cause them to decay. Corrugated cardboard boxes are used in most packaging applications; however their low density and thickness mean that they are unable to be stacked on top of each other, and will not prevent them from being crushed, ripped or shattered. In addition, they are not waterproof, and will not stand up to extreme weather conditions like rain or high pressure.
