The Life of a Cardboard Box

Cardboard is one of the most frequently used materials worldwide. It has been estimated that over 85% of the products sold in the United States are packed in custom cardboard boxes. The life cycle of cardboard is very interesting. The printed cardboard boxes we use every day are made after a series of steps. However, its recyclable nature is a big advantage for the manufacturers and the environment. A large number of Kraft paper boxes wholesale are recycled each year to give them a new life. Here we are going to discuss some of the important phases in the life of a cardboard card and how it helps in environmental sustainability:

Production of Raw Material

Cardboard boxes are made from trees. It's the place where the process begins. The trees are cut down and send to the paper mill. Here, with the help of different techniques wood is converted to pulp. Extraction, drying and flattering takes place to give raw material a final form. Different machines are used to create different parts of a cardboard box. For example, with the help of corrugated machines, the flutes of cardboard are made; while other machines are used to create straight liners. All of the layers are fixed together to create a cardboard sheet. 

Paperboard and corrugated cardboard the two widely used forms of cardboard. Paperboard is flat, stiff and slightly thin. It is used to make a wide range of product boxes, gable boxes, favor boxes, die-cut boxes, display boxes and several other types of packaging. On the other hand, corrugated cardboard is sturdy, hard, and more durable. It is used to make a carton box and different types of shipping boxes. 

Designing and Printing of a Cardboard Box

Once you are available with the required type of material, think about designing and printing. First of all, analyze different box packaging ideas and finalize the type of box you want to create. For example, if you want to make custom jewelry boxes wholesale, you need a different type of packaging for different products. For necklaces, and bracelets you will design flat square-shaped boxes with a lid while for bangles, round boxes made up of cardboard is a good choice. For small items like rings and earrings, a triangle-shaped box is preferred. At the same time analyze different printing options. The cardboard supports a wide range of printing techniques like digital, offset and screen printing. Get your packaging printed with the desired one. 

Packaging of Different Products

Once your custom cardboard boxes are ready, the packaging box manufacturers send them to the retailers or brand owners. Here they are used to pack an array of items. Cardboard boxes are also a good choice for your shipping or subscription business. The companies enclose their products in well designed printed boxes to grasp customer attention. 

Consumption and Disposal

As the customers purchase and consume the product, it's the stage where the cardboard packaging is thrown in the bin. Cardboard is 100% recyclable material, so consumers should be educated about its disposal. After usage, the boxes should be thrown in the recycling bin. Moreover, the companies should print a "recyclable symbol" on the packages to motivate consumers to play their part in this initiative. 

Recycling

It would be a surprise to know that these eco-friendly boxes are one of the most sustainable packaging solutions. They are recycled to give them a new life. Among all the recyclable waste, cardboard and paper products are separated by hand or by using screening equipment. They are sent again to paper mill and pass through the recycling process. The material is soaked in water and chemical solutions. It is broken down into the pulp, small fibers used to make cardboard. This pulp undergoes several stages of "cleaning" to remove different contaminants like inks, glue, staple, and plastic, etc. 

Once the material is properly broken down, it is mixed with virgin fibers to make it more durable. With the help of machines, the pulp is again converted to cardboard sheets and used to make recycled cardboard boxes. The process can be repeated several times unless cardboard loses its strength.

Importance of Sustainable Packaging

Approximately, 85 million tons of paper is recycled in the United States every year. Over 75% of it is cardboard boxes and junk mail. This constitutes a large percentage but still more efforts are required to ensure environmental sustainability. The cardboard which ends in landfills proves hazardous for the planet. It creates methane, a greenhouse gas having 21 times more global warming capacity than carbon dioxide.

It's the reason that the recycling of cardboard has become much essential than it was ever. The process is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your pocket. Recycling one ton of cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil, 4000 kilowatts of electricity, 7000 gallons of water, 9 cubic yard landfill space and 17 trees. Such amazing statistics show the importance of sustainable packaging.