Celebrating Corrugated Cardboard

Celebrating Corrugated Cardboard

It might not be as exciting as a birthday party, especially as there is no cake involved, but we feel it’s time to give the humble corrugated cardboard box a little praise.

Corrugated cardboard is one of the most environmentally responsible materials for product packaging. What’s more its robust, yet versatile properties means it can be adapted, designed and manufactured to be the ideal packaging solution for an extensive range of goods.

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse

The latest data from The Corrugated Packaging Alliance shows that the average corrugated cardboard box is now produced using 50% recycled materials. In boxes that have direct contact with food, the percentage of recycled material is lower (at around 38%), but greater demand for 100% recycled boxes is pushing the stats in the right direction.

What’s more, advances in papermaking technologies, the use of high quality fibres, innovative designs and changing attitudes are all contributing to a staggering 93% of all corrugated cardboard containers being reused.

Not only is cardboard packaging being reused, it is increasingly being re-imagined. More people are exploring potential new uses for old boxes. We’ve covered a few interesting upcycling projects in our blogs, including Cardboard Furniture and the Cardboard Surfboard.

Even when the battered box is beyond repair, it is easy to recycle and make into new corrugated cardboard, completing the circle.

It might often go unnoticed, but the humble cardboard box has plenty going for it. We think it deserves a moment of glory.