Corrugated materials play a significant role in the packaging industry. These materials are commonly used for shipping and storage because they are affordable, durable, and eco-friendly. However, they differ in strength, thickness, and chemical resistance. The main goal of corrugated packaging is to protect your products during transit, storage, and distribution, preventing damage, spoilage, and contamination. These packages provide essential information about your products to distributors and consumers.
Corrugated packaging is widely used by businesses and in households. The market for it is growing quickly, driven by the rise of eCommerce and advancements in digital printing technology. The global corrugated packaging industry is expanding faster than expected.
So, what exactly is corrugated packaging? Why is it so widely used? And when should you choose it for your products?
The Rise of eCommerce and Its Impact on Packaging
The landscape of shopping has shifted dramatically with the rise of eCommerce. The convenience and ease of online shopping have attracted customers from around the globe, leading to unprecedented growth in the sector. This expansion has led to a higher demand for innovative packaging solutions. As more people shop online, companies must enhance their packaging to be efficient, eco-friendly, and visually appealing.
Staying updated with the latest packaging trends is crucial for businesses in the eCommerce space. For eCommerce businesses, packaging is often the first tangible contact customers have with a brand, making it a critical element in creating a memorable impression.
The rapid growth of eCommerce is significantly transforming the packaging industry, creating both opportunities and challenges. In 2023, the retail eCommerce packaging industry will be worth USD 17.6 billion globally. The retail eCommerce packaging industry, expected to develop at a CAGR of 5.0% between 2023 and 2033 and reach around USD 28.7 billion by that time, is made more promising overall by logistics and supply chain optimisation. Packaging now plays a crucial role in shaping brand perception, especially in online transactions where physical interaction is absent.
There is a notable shift towards sustainable packaging, with about 66% of consumers preferring eco-friendly options. It is anticipated that the market for sustainable packaging will reach a valuation of USD 285.3 billion by 2024. Throughout the projection period, there is expected to be a strong 5.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Retailers can lead by adopting innovative and sustainable packaging practices to address these environmental concerns and meet the evolving demands of online shoppers.
What is Corrugated Packaging?
Corrugated packaging or cardboard is widely used for shipping and storing products. It consists of multiple layers: an inside liner, an outside liner, and a fluted sheet. This fluted sheet, produced on "flute lamination machines" or "corrugators," adds strength and stability to the packaging.
Corrugated boxes are known for their strength and light weight. They are ideal for shipping various products because they are resistant to moisture and sudden changes in temperature. While no packaging can completely withstand prolonged exposure to rain, sleet, or heat, corrugated packaging offers a reliable option for securely transporting goods.
The creation process of corrugated packaging has remained primarily unchanged since the 1850s. It involves glueing two flat sheets of paper, or linerboards, to a corrugated inner material called fluting. This creates a distinctive weave pattern that you can see if you look closely, adding to the overall structure and stability of the packaging. There are various types of corrugated packaging:
1. Single Face
Single face boards are used for interior packaging. They have exposed flutes with a corrugated medium glued to a single linerboard sheet.
2. Single Wall
Also called double face, single wall boards are the most common. They feature two-liner board sheets with a corrugated medium in between.
3. Double Wall
Double wall boards offer extra protection for delicate goods. They have two layers of corrugated medium between three linerboard sheets.
4. Triple Wall
Triple wall boards are durable and resist pressure, impact, and bending. They consist of four linerboard sheets with three corrugated mediums in between.
The Advantages of Corrugated Boxes for eCommerce
Using corrugated packaging for your products offers several benefits:
Stronger than Cardboard: Corrugated boxes are stronger than cardboard. They are safe, sturdy, and protective. You can trust that your items will stay secure. These boxes are also crush and pressure-resistant.
Wide Range of Sizes: Corrugated packaging comes in many sizes. It is strong but lightweight. This makes it suitable for many types of products. You get protection without extra weight.
Easy to Break Down and Reuse: You can easily store corrugated boxes. Transporting them is simple and doesn't affect their strength.
Environmentally Friendly: Corrugated packaging is made from recycled and renewable materials like Kraft. This makes it an eco-friendly choice that customers will appreciate.
Sustainable Material: Corrugated packaging is made from paper-based corrugated boards. It is non-toxic and recyclable. The materials come from recycled paper and sustainable forestry resources. As long as we plant new trees and don’t harvest more timber than the forests grow, this cycle can continue indefinitely.
Cost-Effective: Corrugated packaging is cost-effective. It is tough and light, eliminating the need for secondary materials. Digital printing and innovative displays make it attractive for consumer use.
Hygienic: Corrugated packaging meets legal and regulatory standards for hygiene. It is ideal for food contact due to high manufacturing temperatures. Each package is used only once, ensuring cleanliness.
Customisation: You can customise corrugated packaging to fit your needs. Design custom retail packaging or a box that fits your product perfectly for shipment. This flexibility is valuable for retailers.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: Provide a pleasant unboxing experience with corrugated packaging. This is crucial for eCommerce, as it leaves a lasting impression. Good packaging helps create a memorable customer experience.
Eco-Friendliness: Sustainable packaging benefits the environment and your business. Customers value eco-friendly products. Corrugated packaging is sustainable, with a recovery rate of around 90% over the last eight years, reaching 96% in 2018.
Cost Efficiency: Corrugated packaging is cost-effective to produce and reuse. Its sustainability and high recycling rate keep production costs low. It can also help increase sales.
Choosing the Right Corrugated Box: Key Specifications
Choosing the Right Strength:
Corrugated boxes are renowned for their durability. The board's strength is what determines how sturdy a box will be. You can use the edge crush test or the fluting technique to measure this. The edge crush test assesses the box's strength by stacking the board and applying pressure until it crushes.
Choosing by Type and Application
Consider your product’s weight, size, and shape when selecting a corrugated box. Different products need different types of boxes. For example, five-panel folders are perfect for delicate, flat items like mirrors or glass. For heavier items, a more robust corrugated box is necessary.
Choosing by Size
Selecting the correct box size is essential for shipping and retail purposes. Corrugated boxes come in various sizes to meet different needs. The right size ensures a snug fit, which helps protect your items and prevents damage during transport.
Understanding Your Needs
Before choosing a corrugated box, evaluate your specific requirements:
Product Focus: Identify what you are shipping or storing. Fragile items need extra cushioning, while heavy items need stronger boxes.
Weight: Know the weight of your products. Different boxes offer varying strengths, so avoid overloading boxes that can't handle the weight.
Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of your product. Add a few inches to each dimension to ensure a snug fit and prevent movement during transport.
Understanding Box Strength and Construction
The strength of corrugated boxes depends on the type of flutes used. Flutes are the zigzag layers inside the box that act as shock absorbers.
A-Flute: Provides maximum cushioning, ideal for fragile items like glassware.
B-Flute: Suitable for lighter items like books.
C-Flute: A common choice for everyday products that need standard protection.
Choosing the Right Box Size
The correct box size is crucial for safety and cost-efficiency. A box that is too big allows items to move, causing potential damage. A box that is too small can stress the product. The ideal box fits your product snugly, with enough room for padding.
Testing Corrugated Boxes
Burst Strength Test: This test measures a box's ability to withstand pressure. It helps determine how much weight a box can handle and how well it resists rough handling.
Edge Crush Test (ECT): The ECT evaluates the stacking strength of corrugated boxes. It ensures the box can endure the pressures experienced during pallet shipping.
Water Resistance of the Gluing: This test assesses the water resistance of the glue lines in a box. It checks how moisture affects the box's structural integrity.
Cobb Sizing Test: The Cobb test measures the water absorption of the box and the subsequent weight increase. This evaluation helps determine the box's quality and porosity.
Paper Grammage and Thickness: Testing the density and thickness of the paperboard is crucial. It determines the box's rigidity and overall quality.
Puncture Resistance: This test measures how well the box can resist penetration by sharp objects. It ensures the box can withstand impacts during transport.
Scuff Resistance Test: The scuff resistance test checks the durability of printed or painted surfaces on the box. It ensures labels and prints remain clear and legible despite abrasion.
Box Compression Test: The compression test evaluates the box's strength under load. It measures how much weight the box can take before deforming, which is essential for stacking.
Chemical Analysis: Chemical analysis tests the box's resistance to various chemicals. It checks the composition of the fibreboard and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
Sourcing Corrugated Boxes Online
Sourcing corrugated boxes online is straightforward and convenient. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:
Determine Your Needs: Identify the size, strength, and quantity of the boxes you need. Consider the type of products you will be packaging.
Search for Suppliers: Look for online suppliers that offer corrugated boxes. Use search engines or visit dedicated packaging websites.
Compare Options: Check different suppliers to compare prices and quality. Read reviews to ensure reliability.
Check Specifications: Ensure the boxes meet your requirements. Verify dimensions, strength, and other specifications.
Order Samples: If possible, order samples to check the quality before making a large purchase.
Place Your Order: Once you are satisfied with the samples, place your order. Make sure to confirm shipping details and delivery times.
Monitor Delivery: Track your order online. Confirm that the boxes arrive on time and in good condition.
Understanding Corrugated Box Pricing
The price of corrugated boxes is determined by several key factors:
Size and Dimensions: Larger boxes use more material and require more complex manufacturing, which raises the cost.
Material Quality: Different grades of corrugated materials, such as single-wall or double-wall, affect the cost. Higher-quality materials offer better protection but are pricier.
Flute Type: The flute profile of corrugated boards (A, B, C, etc.) influences strength and cushioning. Larger flutes provide greater strength but can increase costs.
Order Volume: Buying in larger quantities often reduces the cost per box. However, very large orders may need additional storage space.
Design Complexity: Custom shapes and intricate designs involve more manufacturing steps, which can increase the price.
Printing and Branding: Adding custom prints and graphics enhances visual appeal and increases costs, especially with multiple colours or high-quality prints.
Special Features: Features like inserts, dividers, windows, and handles add to the cost but improve functionality and protection.
Labour and Production: Labor-intensive processes such as die-cutting and glueing increase costs. Complex designs require more production time.
Material Prices: Fluctuations in the cost of materials like corrugated board and ink can impact the overall price of the boxes.
Supply and Demand: Changes in market demand or material shortages can cause price variations. Seasonal trends also affect costs.
Environmental Factors: Using eco-friendly materials may increase costs due to using recycled or sustainable resources.
Strength and Quality Needs: Boxes designed for heavy or fragile items require stronger materials, which can raise the cost.
Supplier Differences: Pricing can vary between suppliers. Negotiating bulk orders or long-term contracts can result in cost savings.
Trends and Innovations in Corrugated Packaging
eCommerce
Global eCommerce sales are projected to hit USD 6.3 trillion in 2024. This growth increases the need for packaging, especially corrugated boxes, which comprise about 80% of eCommerce packaging. eCommerce packages can be handed down approximately 20 times during delivery, requiring durable and cost-effective corrugated packaging. Companies also want packaging to reflect their brand image with high-quality graphic designs.
Fit-To-Product
The rise of eCommerce has popularised fit-to-product (FTP) or box-on-demand methods used by companies like Amazon. FTP creates packaging tailored to product size, reducing the need for standard boxes and excess filler. The demand for fanfold boards and compatible printers will increase as FTP grows.
Sustainability
Sustainability is key in packaging. A corrugated board is preferred for its recyclability. The industry efficiently recycles old boards into new ones, promoting corrugated packaging over polymer-based options like EPS foams.
Digital Printing Advancements
Digital printing is evolving in the corrugated sector, offering flexible run lengths, cost savings, and high-quality prints. Brands use digital printing to strengthen customer connections and enhance the shopping experience. Packaging becomes an essential marketing tool, boosting repeat business and attracting new customers.
Retail Changes
Retail-ready packaging is a significant cost saver, reducing shelf restocking and handling costs by up to 50%. It is popular in convenience and discount stores. While eCommerce grocery sales won’t impact retail-ready packaging much, subscription boxes and meal kits offer new opportunities for corrugated board suppliers.
Eco-Friendly
Businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices. Corrugated boxes are a sustainable choice as they can be reused and recycled. Using corrugated boxes supports environmental sustainability while meeting packaging needs.
SR Packaging: Your Solution for Quality and Cost-Effective Packaging
As an online seller, reliable packaging is essential for your business. SR Packaging is here to meet that need with high-quality, cost-effective packaging solutions specifically designed for eCommerce. SR Packaging is the perfect solution if you’re struggling to find secure and dependable packaging. Their products are crafted to ensure your items remain safe and enhance the unboxing experience for your customers.
You can benefit from SR Packaging’s free, on-time delivery service across India, making it easy to get the packaging materials you need right when you need them. SR Packaging also offers 100% recyclable flyers and corrugated boxes. Using these eco-friendly options can improve your shipping efficiency while supporting sustainable practices. Choosing SR Packaging helps protect your products and aligns your brand with environmentally responsible values. This commitment to sustainability can make your brand more attractive to customers who prioritise eco-friendly practices.
Conclusion
Opting for corrugated packaging brings several key benefits. It provides robust protection for your products, ensuring they arrive safely to your customers. Its versatility means it can fit different sizes and shapes, making it adaptable for various needs. Corrugated packaging is environmentally friendly, which helps you reduce waste and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. It also keeps your costs down while maintaining a high standard of quality. Integrating corrugated packaging into your eCommerce strategy can improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.