When you’re looking through box options, you’ve got either cardboard or corrugated forms of packaging. You may wonder if there’s a difference. Yes, there is, and you’ll learn right now what the differences are, so you can become a packaging expert later on. 

The Definitions 

Cardboard boxes are made of, well, cardboard.  That’s a fancy word for paper that’s heavy duty. It ranges from tiny kraft paper that you’ll find on cereal boxes and packaging, to even thicker cardboard used for larger, more robust reasons. 

Then, we’ve got the corrugated options, which are essentially cardboard items with three different layers.  This is where you’ve got two flat pieces, with a wavy piece right in between these. This is similar to packaging sandwiches, for lack of a better word! 

Durability and Strength 

One of the biggest differences is the durability and the strength of each. 

For cardboard, it’s thinner, and less durable, since the material isn’t sandwiched. For lighter items, this is best. 

Many times, if you’re getting books, jewelry, even tiny earrings, a cardboard box offers ample protection without being too much. 

Corrugated packaging, however, is for heavy duty items, as the fluting that’s between it carries the item—literally! 

Think of when you buy electronics when you’re moving from place to place.  The box that protects your tv or a vase, is of course a corrugated box. 

Best Ways to Use them 

Cardboard boxes are good for when you don’t need a bunch of protection during the transit process, as in the case of clothing, snacks that are packaged, or even cosmetics. 

You may order decorative mugs or calendars, and cardboard is the go-to option for these items. 

Corrugated boxes, however, are for the bulkier, fatter items that do need more protection, since fragile and bulkier items like glassware and appliances, or even bulk food, benefit from this. 

If you’ve ever gotten wine glasses, or a kitchen mixer, chances are they will arrive in cardboard boxes. 

The manufacturing process 

Cardboard is made up of moist fibers pressed together, derived specifically from wood pulp. This is a solid sheet that offers unique cutting and shaping into different forms, no matter what it might be. 

Corrugated is a little bit different, more intricate, and it starts with a wavy middle, the fluting for this, and it’s usually adhered to one or two of the linerboards that’s flat.  This creates the three strong layers that you’ll be able to use. 

So in conclusion, cardboard is lightweight, good for everyday items like clothing, snacks and books, and is made from pressed together fibers that are moist. 

Corrugated is heavy duty, moves everything from electronics to grandma’s vase, and finally, offers fluting and linerboards for extra protection 

Now which one is better? The answer is both of them have their own pros and cons. Some people prefer using cardboard, as they just ship a variety of different items, and none of them are that intricate. 

Maybe you prefer corrugated boxes, because you’re shipping some of the heavier items, which require you to have that little bit of extra cushion for your needs. 

Regardless, both of them do have their own advantages.  You do need to choose based on your needs. Focus on the product, including the fragility, the weight, and the requirements for shipping. 

You also need to look at the purpose of the box, and the protection that’s needed before you buy. 

We hope this gives you everything that you need to ship your items correctly, and to provide boxes for everything that you enjoy as well!