The last couple of years you’ve probably seen more cardboard than ever due to the increase of online shopping. Cardboard is a trusted choice for packaging, mainly because it’s lightweight and durable.
Did you know corrugated cardboard is what gives boxes their strength? Corrugated cardboard is thick layers of cardboard arranged to fill the walls of a cardboard box. This arrangement is what protects boxes from bumps and damage!
But this isn’t the only thing that is interesting about cardboard. Did you know…
The cardboard box was created by accident
The Scots are well known for their inventions, everything from the telephone to tarmac and the cardboard box was no different. Robert Gair ‘invented’ the cardboard box in the 1890s.
A printmaker and paper bag manufacturer, Gair was cutting seed bags one day when his ruler slipped, cutting right through the bags. It was upon this accident he realised he could cut and crease boxes and the fold-up box was created!
Cardboard packaging is considered artwork
Folding up and recycling your boxes may seem like a chore but in fact cardboard packaging is considered an artform. In France there is a whole museum dedicated to this process called Musée du Cartonnage et de l’Imprimerie.
The museum explores the history of packaging and printmaking from packaging silkworms during the 19th century to modern day printing.
Corrugated cardboard boxes contain 75% recycled material
One of the perks associated with using corrugated cardboard is how much of the material is recycled content. The recycled material can be created and transformed to a finished product in as little as 14 days!
Recycling a tonne of cardboard is great for the environment.
Just one tonne of cardboard can save 46 gallons of oil, 4000kW of electricity, 6.6 million Btu’s of energy, 9 cubic yards of landfill space, 17 trees and 7000 gallons of water.
Cardboard boxes influence us to be creative
There’s a childlike feeling we experience when we see cardboard boxes. Think back to building castles as a kid, jumping out and scaring people and creating hiding spots for your pets. Studies have shown that children who play with cardboard boxes become more creative in later life.
If you want to find out more about the materials we use in our packaging, you can read our blog discussing why you’ll love our chosen materials here. To start your cardboard packaging journey, contact us today!
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