Cardboard is a type of thick paper used in various industries (printing, footwear, electrical engineering, construction), one of which is the manufacture of cardboard packaging.
The main types of cardboard are distinguished by their manufacturing method:
- rag β this is the strongest and most expensive type;
- wood β also one of the most expensive types of cardboard;
- straw β cheaper, but also less durable.
Manufacturing process
The manufacturing process is similar to that of paper production: the raw materials are pulped, ground, pressed and dried. The difference lies in the fact that coarse and stiff materials are selected for cardboard:
- waste paper;
- semi-cellulose;
- sulphate pulp;
- and wood pulp.
Cardboard can be single- or multi-layered. For the latter, to reduce the cost of the final product, the inner layers are made from cheaper materials, whilst the outer layers are made from strong and expensive ones.
The quality of cardboard is determined by the following parameters:
- thickness;
- weight;
- moisture content and absorption;
- electrical insulation properties;
- deformation.
Depending on the area of application, the following types are distinguished:
- printing;
- design;
- packaging.
Packaging cardboard comprises cardboard boxes and corrugated cardboard products. We will discuss these in more detail.
Cardboard packaging: advantages
Packaging cardboard is a multi-layered structure in which each layer plays its own role to ensure the material as a whole achieves the required rigidity and density. It is made from cellulose, recycled paper or wood pulp.
Cardboard containing an internal filler is known as chromerzats. Cardboard made from wood pulp is lighter but stiffer than that made from waste paper. To make it easier to print on the cardboard, the top layer is coated.
There is huge demand for cardboard packaging! Given its advantages, this is hardly surprising:
- it is quite firm and rigid, so goods can be transported safely without fear of deformation;
- it is inexpensive. Packaging boxes can be made from any cellulose or waste paper, making it far more affordable than most competing materials;
- it is environmentally friendly. Given that environmental concerns are becoming increasingly prominent, the demand for safe, natural packaging is only growing. The raw material for cardboard is paper, which can be easily disposed of by incineration (without releasing toxic substances) or left to decompose naturally;
- it is tear-resistant. Although cardboard is made of multiple layers of paper and at first glance seems easy to tear, this is only at first glance! It is not brittle, so you can print text advertisements and images on it. Moreover, printing on cardboard is possible on any printing equipment, whereas other materials require specialised machinery. This, of course, affects the printing cost. Printing on cardboard is much cheaper.
Parameters of high-quality cardboard for packaging:
- the coated surface must be well bonded to the top layer of the cardboard;
- relative humidity must be within average ranges;
- the layers must be firmly bonded together;
- the cardboard must lie flat in a stack;
- the ink must adhere well;
- light printing on the underside of the cardboard;
- there should be little varnish coating.
Micro-corrugated cardboard: features and advantages
Corrugated cardboard has proven itself excellently in the packaging industry. It first appeared over 150 years ago in England and was originally used as a lining for hats. It is a sheet material made by gluing together corrugated layers of cardboard. It is used not only for packaging, but literally everywhere.
Micro-corrugated cardboard is a distinct type of corrugated cardboard and the ideal material for primary packaging. It consists of three layers: two flat outer layers and an inner corrugated layer. It is quite thin β up to 1.8 mm.
The two main functions of micro-corrugated cardboard packaging are to protect the product and attract attention. Cardboard packaging should showcase the product, provide information and encourage a purchase.
The properties of micro-corrugated cardboard are far superior to those of ordinary and standard corrugated cardboard. It is stronger, stiffer and more resistant to physical impact, as well as being lighter and more aesthetically pleasing.
And whilst for ordinary βmoving boxesβ external appeal plays no role whatsoever (the main thing is that they can bear the weight of the items and protect them during transport), for product packaging this is the most important characteristic.
If we compare micro-corrugated cardboard not with other types of cardboard, but with packaging materials in general, it comes out on top here too:
- it is environmentally friendly and contains no toxic components, unlike plastic;
- compared to metal, it is more flexible, lighter and cheaper;
- it is stronger and more cost-effective than glass.
Micro-corrugated cardboard can be used to pack cosmetics and toys, car parts and building materials, and most importantly β it is ideal for food products. What else makes this cardboard packaging attractive:
- despite its lightness, micro-corrugated cardboard is strong β it can hold up to 20 kg;
- it has thermal insulation properties;
- it is flexible and can be used to create packaging of any size and shape;
- it allows for the application of images and labelling;
- if treated, it can be used in conditions of high humidity and temperature fluctuations;
- it can be safely used for packaging childrenβs goods;
- it has a long shelf life and can be recycled;
- it is convenient to transport and compact to store;
- it is one of the cheapest types of packaging.
We manufacture packaging for pizzas, cupcakes and cakes. Quality and an attractive appearance are key for each of these products.
For the Ukrainian mindset, pizza is not just a standard meal, but a βlittle celebrationβ β a Friday treat, a work party, a house party, or simply a way to treat and delight yourself. By using corrugated cardboard, you can present your product in a stylish way, increasing customer loyalty to your brand.
Cupcakes and cakes are aesthetic and beautiful treats that simply must be presented in appropriate, attractive packaging β the sort people might want to photograph, thereby providing additional publicity for your company.
Use high-quality materials for product packaging, and you can count on stable demand and profit.
