In the early 1800s, Sir Malcolm Thornhill became the first person to use single cardboard sheets to produce commercial boxes.

About 50 years later, British inventors Edward Healey and Edward Allen invented corrugated paper to be used as lining for tall hats. It wasn’t until about 15 years later that the material gained recognition for it’s practical and shipping materials usage, like the corrugated box.

What’s the difference between a corrugated box and other boxes, though? Keep reading for a quick guide that breaks it down for you.

Carton Box vs. Corrugated Box

Shipping boxes and product packaging comes in all different shapes, sizes, and durability.

Cardboard carton boxes are made using heavy paper-pulp or thick paper stock. They use this thick paper to make a myriad of materials. It’s used to make product packaging and small containers. It’s also used as structural support for clothing inserts and notepads.

When products get shipped in carton boxes, they don’t have as much protection as corrugated boxes. Typically, products shipped in carton boxes require extra packing materials. They often need bubble wrap or extra paper to ensure that the contents stay safe and intact.

Corrugated carton boxes contain several layers of material, rather than one sheet. There’s always an outside layer, an inside layer, and a middle layer that’s fluted. Corrugated boxes are significantly more resilient than carton boxes because of the design and extra layers.

Corrugated cartons should always remain intact. They should withstand moisture, temperature changes, and shocks.

They’re not resilient to everything, but they’re used in shipping because they provide assurance. They guarantee that products won’t become compromised while moving from place to place.

How to Determine Which Type You Need

Cardboard and corrugated board are different materials, even though the names are used interchangeably.

Typically, cardboard is the preferred option for consumer packaging. It can be printed with a wide variety of textures and colors. Plus, it’s lighter than a corrugated board.

Occasionally it’s used for shipping, like in thicker envelopes used to transport documents.

When it comes to wholesale shipping and packaging, corrugated boxes are better because they’re more resilient, tougher, and more durable. The average package gets dropped 17 times, so it’s essential to choose a material that keeps your products safe.

They’re also significantly easier to stack without compromising boxes or products.

If you’re worried about design printing and colors, remember that you can also use a printed corrugated box. Corrugated boxes allow for the same customization as cardboard. The difference is, they are much more rigid.

Both Box Types Have Advantages

Are you looking for colorfully printed boxes for your food product? Do you need something more substantial like a corrugated box?

Whatever box type you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, we offer additional services to our customers, such as vendor managed inventory, machine repair and maintenance, and stocking programs.

Do you need help with distribution? Contact us with any of your packaging needs or get a quote here!