Corrugated cardboard boxes have two liners and a wavy central part called fluting, making them ideal for packing and shipping products. They were first used commercially in Victorian England by the fashion industry and were later used to ship items in 1871. Cardboard containers fell out of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s but are now increasingly popular due to environmental concerns.
Carton boxes are commercially manufactured boxes made from corrugated or fiberboard. These containers have two flat outer layers called “liners” and a wavy central part called “fluting”. The covers are created from the long, strong fibers of softwoods. Fluting is made from short fibers that are stiff enough to support heavy weight. Air can circulate in the grooves, which provides excellent protection against temperature fluctuations. All these factors make cardboard containers ideal for packing and shipping products.
Corrugated paper products were first used commercially in Victorian England by the fashion industry. In 1856, two Englishmen decided to use a hand-cranked collar press to produce “pleated” paper linings for the tall, stiff hats so popular with men at the time. The corrugated paper proved to be stronger than plain paper, and the grooves provided extra padding in the band.
Corrugated cardboard was first used to ship items in 1871, when Albert Jones of New York City, New York decided to use it to wrap chimneys and glass bottles. In 1874, a machine was invented that was capable of producing large quantities of corrugated cardboard. That same year, Oliver Long created corrugated cardboard with liners on both sides instead of just one.
Scottish printer Robert Gair of Brooklyn, NY accidentally invented paper boxes during the 1870s. Mr. Gair was working on an order for seed paper bags when his metal ruler shifted and he cut the bags instead of folding them. Gair discovered that if he cut and folded the bags in one operation, he could easily make pre-made paper boxes. When corrugated cardboard became available, he simply applied his theory to the new material and prefabricated cardboard containers were invented.
In the early 20th century, cardboard containers began to replace the custom-made wooden boxes and crates previously used for trade. Corrugated cardboard containers were initially used to package more fragile products such as ceramics and glassware. The containers were soon being used to ship fruit and vegetables from farm to vendor with far less bruising and waste.
Cardboard containers fell out of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as the use of plastic increased. In recent years, however, environmental concerns have made cardboard containers increasingly popular. Corrugated containers are made from recycled and recyclable cellulose fibers and the glue is typically made from natural products such as corn.
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