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Sustainable Corrugated Boxes

Explore our selection of sustainable corrugated boxes, designed to cater to various packaging requirements. We provide multiple styles, eco-conscious materials, and sustainable ink/print options, ensuring each box meets both your needs and environmental standards. Opt for our tailored solutions to enhance your packaging’s impact and sustainability.

Sustainable Corrugated Boxes

Explore our selection of sustainable corrugated boxes, designed to cater to various packaging requirements.

How We Can Help Make Your Corrugated Box Sustainable

We specialize in providing sustainable corrugated box solutions that adhere to the highest environmental standards, including certifications from the FSC, SFI, RCS, and more. Let us help you meet your sustainability goals with our certified eco-friendly products and practices.

The Art and Science of Corrugated Box Design
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Material Optimization
Our corrugated boxes are optimized for material use, providing maximum strength with minimal resource waste. This ensures sustainable packaging solutions that meet environmental standards without compromising quality.
Structural Design
We offer corrugated boxes designed to maximize durability and reusability. Advanced structural techniques enhance the boxes' resistance to stress and damage during transit, extending their useful life and reducing the need for replacements.
Minimalistic Design
Our boxes adopt minimalistic designs that reduce the use of inks and materials. This not only creates a sleek, modern appearance but also lessens environmental impact, aligning with sustainable packaging practices.
Efficient Production
Our selection includes boxes made through energy-efficient production processes. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with their manufacture, offering a greener packaging option.
Downgauging
The boxes feature downgauging, where material thickness is reduced without sacrificing performance, effectively lowering material costs and environmental impact.
Adhesive Free Assembly
We provide boxes that utilize innovative assembly techniques, eliminating the need for adhesives, which are often not eco-friendly. This enhances their recyclability and reduces chemical use.
Multi-Functional Usage
Our boxes are designed for multiple functions, reducing the need for additional packaging materials and simplifying logistics, which in turn decreases carbon emissions.
Precision Fit
Precision-fit boxes reduce the necessity for packing fillers, lowering waste and improving protection during shipping, which translates to less packaging material used overall.
Eco-Friendly Coatings
We offer boxes with environmentally friendly coatings that protect without the environmental harm associated with traditional coatings, maintaining both the product's and the environment's integrity.
Logistic Optimization
Our boxes are designed to optimize space in shipping and storage, reducing the number of trips needed and thus the associated emissions, which supports a more sustainable supply chain.
Optimized Palletization
We engineer our corrugated boxes to optimize palletization, ensuring that they stack securely and efficiently on pallets for transport. This optimization reduces the number of pallets needed and maximizes the use of space in shipping containers and trucks. Better palletization leads to fewer shipments and lower transportation emissions, aligning with sustainable logistics practices and reducing overall environmental impact.
And More
For more specialized packaging needs, contact us at Brown Packaging. We offer a wide range of customizable corrugated box options tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're looking for unique sizes, enhanced durability, or innovative design features, our team is ready to provide you with the perfect packaging solutions. Reach out to explore how we can help elevate your packaging strategy and enhance sustainability.
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Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The FSC certification is highly regarded in the U.S. and globally for ensuring that wood fibers used in corrugated boxes come from responsibly managed forests. This certification guarantees that environmental, social, and economic standards are upheld during the production of forest products. Companies with FSC certification are recognized for their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their brand reputation among eco-conscious consumers.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
SFI certification indicates that forest products are sourced from well-managed forests that adhere to high environmental standards. Like FSC, SFI helps companies ensure that their products contribute positively to forest health and sustainability. It is widely recognized in the USA and supports companies in maintaining responsible supply chain practices.
Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
RCS certification validates the precise amount of recycled materials in a product. It ensures that companies are accurately representing their use of recycled content, which is crucial for transparency and consumer trust. This certification is particularly important as consumers and businesses increasingly seek products that minimize environmental impact.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, applicable and respected in the USA. It helps organizations improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure regulatory compliance. Companies certified with ISO 14001 are seen as leaders in environmental management, appealing to stakeholders looking for responsible business practices.
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
BPI certification is essential for verifying that products and packaging can be industrially composted in the USA. Products that meet BPI standards break down efficiently in commercial composting facilities, turning into nutrient-rich soil without leaving toxic residues. This certification is key for companies aiming to support zero waste initiatives and enhance their green credentials.
Carbon Trust Standard
Although based in the UK, the Carbon Trust Standard is recognized in the USA for certifying reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints of products and companies. It provides a credible and transparent way to demonstrate environmental responsibility and commitment to continuous improvement. Certification from Carbon Trust helps businesses attract sustainability-focused customers and investors.

Corrugated Box Styles

We offer a complete range of corrugated boxes, available in custom and stock options to suit your specific packaging needs. Our boxes are designed to meet various burst strengths and edge crush test (ECT) ratings, ensuring durability and reliability for your requirements.

The RSC is the most common style of corrugated box, featuring flaps of equal length from both the top and bottom, which meet in the center when folded. This design is versatile, economical, and ideal for a wide variety of products, providing reliable protection during shipping and storage.

HSCs are similar to RSCs but have only one set of flaps, allowing for an open top or a removable cover. This style is perfect for items that need to be easily accessible or for products that are irregularly shaped and require additional flexibility in packaging.
The flaps on an FOL box extend all the way to the opposite side, completely overlapping, which provides added strength and durability. This design is excellent for heavy or fragile items, offering superior protection against punctures and impacts.

RETT boxes are designed with a roll end that tucks into the top, providing a secure closure without the need for tape. They are commonly used for retail packaging due to their neat presentation and ease of access, making them ideal for shelf display.

An STE box features a bottom that can be quickly assembled with a snap-lock mechanism, offering security and durability. This style is frequently used for heavier items or products that require a more robust base for transport.

The RTE box has a top and bottom closure that tuck in opposite directions, which provides a simple and effective seal. This style is typically used for lighter products and offers a cost-effective solution for various packaging needs.

Telescopic boxes consist of two separate pieces that slide over each other, allowing for an adjustable height. This feature makes them suitable for products with varying dimensions, providing flexibility and customized fit.
Bin boxes are open at the top and often used for storing and organizing small parts or products within a larger packaging system or on shelves. They are straightforward to assemble and can be configured in multiple sizes to suit different storage needs.
A Gaylord box is a large bulk-size container typically used for shipping large quantities of materials or large, bulky items. Its sturdy design is capable of handling several hundred pounds, making it a staple in warehousing and freight operations.

Trays are shallow platforms used for transporting and displaying products, especially useful in food service and retail environments. They are designed to be stackable and can be customized with dividers and covers to secure the contents.

Folders are a type of corrugated box that wraps around a product, providing a snug fit. They are excellent for books, framed items, or other flat products, offering a layer of protection that is reinforced by the corrugated folds.

If you’re looking for additional styles or have specific packaging requirements not covered in our listed options, please contact Brown Packaging. We offer a wide range of customizable corrugated box solutions and are dedicated to meeting your unique needs with precision and expertise.

Corrugated Boxes vs. Other Packaging Options: A Comparative Study

Material Options

In our mission to support environmentally responsible practices, we offer corrugated boxes crafted from sustainable materials. These options not only ensure robust packaging but also contribute to reducing environmental impacts. Below are the sustainable materials we utilize:

Sustainable Print and Ink Options

Explore our eco-friendly print and ink options for corrugated boxes, designed to ensure high-quality results while minimizing environmental impact. We use sustainable inks and printing processes that reduce harmful emissions and are safer for the environment, providing you with a greener choice without compromising on visual appeal.

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Digital printing stands out for its direct from digital file to print capability, which eliminates the need for printing plates, reducing waste and setup times. This method is highly efficient for short runs and customized printing, making it ideal for on-demand and variable data projects. Digital printing uses less energy and fewer chemicals than traditional methods, reducing environmental impact.

  • Applicable to: Small to medium print runs, customized packaging, high-quality detail.
  • Sustainability Level: High, due to reduced waste and lower consumption of energy and materials.
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Flexographic printing uses flexible printing plates and fast-drying, primarily water-based inks, making it suitable for a wide range of substrates and large volume runs. This method combines high efficiency with adaptability and is particularly valued in the packaging industry for its speed and cost-effectiveness for long print runs. While flexographic printing involves more setup compared to digital, advancements have made it more eco-friendly with the use of water-based inks and improved plate technology.

  • Applicable to: Large print runs, continuous patterns, packaging films, labels, and corrugated materials.
  • Sustainability Level: Moderate to High, depending on ink choice and operational efficiency improvements.
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Lithographic printing, also known as offset printing, is renowned for its high-quality image reproduction and efficiency in high-volume tasks. This method uses plates that transfer an image onto a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface, typically involving oil-based inks. Lithographic printing is less favorable in terms of environmental impact due to higher VOC emissions and the extensive use of chemicals and water in the process.

  • Applicable to: High-volume print runs, publications, detailed artistic prints, and quality packaging.
  • Sustainability Level: Lower, due to higher resource usage and VOC emissions compared to other methods.
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Digital printing stands out for its direct from digital file to print capability, which eliminates the need for printing plates, reducing waste and setup times. This method is highly efficient for short runs and customized printing, making it ideal for on-demand and variable data projects. Digital printing uses less energy and fewer chemicals than traditional methods, reducing environmental impact.

  • Applicable to: Small to medium print runs, customized packaging, high-quality detail.
  • Sustainability Level: High, due to reduced waste and lower consumption of energy and materials.
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Soy-Based Inks utilize soy oil, allowing deeper color saturation and easier recycling compared to petroleum-based inks. While they provide excellent print quality and environmental benefits, soy-based inks generally cost more than traditional inks and may offer slower drying times, which can affect production speed. Additionally, they are sometimes limited in resistance to water and abrasion, requiring careful handling and specific applications.

  • Applicable to: Lithographic printing where print quality and environmental considerations are important.
  • Sustainability Level: High, due to their renewable nature and reduced emissions.
  • Cost Level: Slightly higher than traditional inks, justified by environmental benefits.
  • Advantages: Enhances recyclability, vibrant colors, reduces environmental impact, supports sustainability.
  • Disadvantages: Higher cost, slower drying times than other inks, and potential limitations in water and abrasion resistance.
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Water-Based Inks are chosen for their safety and low environmental impact. These inks use water as the solvent, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions and enhancing workplace safety. They are suitable for high-speed printing processes due to their quick drying by absorption into the substrate. Water-based inks provide vibrant colors and good adhesion but may pose challenges in terms of achieving the same level of vibrancy and durability as solvent-based inks.

  • Applicable to: Flexographic and digital printing for corrugated boxes.
  • Sustainability Level: High, as they minimize harmful emissions and are safe for use in various industries, including food.
  • Cost Level: Moderate, generally more affordable than UV-curable inks but can vary based on formulation.
  • Advantages: Eco-friendly, reduces VOC emissions, quick drying, cost-effective for large runs.
  • Disadvantages: May have limited color saturation and durability compared to solvent-based inks, sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.
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UV-Curable Inks are notable for their durability and quality, instantly curing under UV light to create a robust, smudge-resistant finish. They are ideal for high-quality graphic displays on retail packaging. Despite their advantages, UV-curable inks require specific equipment and high energy consumption for curing, which can increase operational costs. Their formulation can also be less eco-friendly compared to other inks if not properly managed.

  • Applicable to: Digital and lithographic printing for high-quality graphic corrugated boxes.
  • Sustainability Level: Moderate, significantly reducing solvent emissions.
  • Cost Level: Higher, due to energy use in curing and the need for specific equipment.
  • Advantages: Excellent durability, superb print quality, effective on various substrates, instant curing reduces lead time.
  • Disadvantages: Higher initial setup and operating costs, potential environmental impact from energy use, and the need for specialized curing equipment.
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Soy-Based Inks utilize soy oil, allowing deeper color saturation and easier recycling compared to petroleum-based inks. While they provide excellent print quality and environmental benefits, soy-based inks generally cost more than traditional inks and may offer slower drying times, which can affect production speed. Additionally, they are sometimes limited in resistance to water and abrasion, requiring careful handling and specific applications.

  • Applicable to: Lithographic printing where print quality and environmental considerations are important.
  • Sustainability Level: High, due to their renewable nature and reduced emissions.
  • Cost Level: Slightly higher than traditional inks, justified by environmental benefits.
  • Advantages: Enhances recyclability, vibrant colors, reduces environmental impact, supports sustainability.
  • Disadvantages: Higher cost, slower drying times than other inks, and potential limitations in water and abrasion resistance.
Edit Content

Water-Based Inks are chosen for their safety and low environmental impact. These inks use water as the solvent, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions and enhancing workplace safety. They are suitable for high-speed printing processes due to their quick drying by absorption into the substrate. Water-based inks provide vibrant colors and good adhesion but may pose challenges in terms of achieving the same level of vibrancy and durability as solvent-based inks.

  • Applicable to: Flexographic and digital printing for corrugated boxes.
  • Sustainability Level: High, as they minimize harmful emissions and are safe for use in various industries, including food.
  • Cost Level: Moderate, generally more affordable than UV-curable inks but can vary based on formulation.
  • Advantages: Eco-friendly, reduces VOC emissions, quick drying, cost-effective for large runs.
  • Disadvantages: May have limited color saturation and durability compared to solvent-based inks, sensitive to environmental conditions like humidity.
Edit Content

UV-Curable Inks are notable for their durability and quality, instantly curing under UV light to create a robust, smudge-resistant finish. They are ideal for high-quality graphic displays on retail packaging. Despite their advantages, UV-curable inks require specific equipment and high energy consumption for curing, which can increase operational costs. Their formulation can also be less eco-friendly compared to other inks if not properly managed.

  • Applicable to: Digital and lithographic printing for high-quality graphic corrugated boxes.
  • Sustainability Level: Moderate, significantly reducing solvent emissions.
  • Cost Level: Higher, due to energy use in curing and the need for specific equipment.
  • Advantages: Excellent durability, superb print quality, effective on various substrates, instant curing reduces lead time.
  • Disadvantages: Higher initial setup and operating costs, potential environmental impact from energy use, and the need for specialized curing equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about sustainable corrugated boxes, including style options, order minimums, lead time and more. Discover information to help you make informed decisions about eco-friendly packaging solutions tailored to your needs.

What services can you provide with sustainable corrugated boxes?

Expert Consulting

Our expert consulting services provide tailored guidance and strategic insights to help you make informed packaging decisions and optimize your packaging processes.

Digital Print

Utilizing advanced in-house digital printing technology, we offer high-quality printed samples that showcase your packaging design concepts effectively.

Structural Design

Our structural design expertise ensures your packaging is not only visually appealing but also optimized for functionality, protection, and cost-efficiency.

Sampling

We provide sampling services to help you evaluate and refine your packaging prototypes, allowing you to make data-driven decisions before full-scale production.

Graphic Design

Our graphic design team specializes in creating captivating visuals, ensuring your packaging communicates your brand identity and product messaging effectively.

Product & Material testing

We offer comprehensive product and material testing to guarantee the durability, safety, and compliance of your packaging, assuring its suitability for your specific industry and requirements.

Is there an order minimum required for corrugated boxes?

Order minimums vary from project to project, it usually depends on the type of packaging, design, size and desired materials. Contact us and we will evaluate the best options for your packaging needs.

What are your shipping costs and do you deliver throughout the United States?

Shipping is free to all Southern California businesses. Fees are generally added to orders outside of Southern California or if you need a rush order. We also deliver to all of the United States, in which prices for shipping can vary.

Are sustainable boxes available both in custom and stock?

Yes, we offer both custom and stock corrugated boxes to meet a variety of needs and specifications. Whether you require standard sizes for general use or customized solutions tailored to unique product dimensions and branding requirements, we have the capability and expertise to provide high-quality corrugated boxes that perfectly suit your needs. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements and explore our extensive range of options.

I need help selecting the right corrugated box

Selecting the right style of corrugated box is crucial as it ensures optimal protection, enhances cost-effectiveness, and meets specific logistical requirements, ultimately safeguarding your product’s integrity throughout the shipping and handling process.

Can you help make my corrugated box compliant to government regulations and retailer guidelines?

We Are Retail Compliant:

We ensure our corrugated boxes meet the packaging standards of major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Home Depot, aligning with their specific guidelines to facilitate compliance and streamline distribution. Our adherence to these standards helps clients optimize market reach and avoid repackaging costs.

We Are Gov. Compliant:

Our corrugated boxes comply with government regulations set by the FDA, EPA, CPSC, TSA, OSHA, DTSC (California), CPR (California), and more, ensuring adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards. This compliance supports a seamless distribution process across various sectors, protecting both products and consumers.

Where can I learn more about sustainable packaging?

To dive deeper into sustainable packaging, we invite you to explore our blog, which features a wealth of information on eco-friendly practices, innovations in sustainable materials, and expert insights. Our blog is regularly updated to help you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in sustainable packaging. Visit our blog to learn more and take your knowledge to the next level.

What services can you provide with sustainable corrugated boxes?
We offer a wide range of packaging services to seamlessly take your project from concept to completion. Our offerings include expert consulting, prototype and sampling, product and material testing, fulfillment, and custom structural and graphic design services.
Is there an order minimum required for corrugated boxes?
Order minimums vary from project to project, it usually depends on the type of packaging, design, size and desired materials. Contact us and we will evaluate the best options for your packaging needs.
What are your shipping costs and do you deliver throughout the United States?
Shipping is free to all Southern California businesses. Fees are generally added to orders outside of Southern California or if you need a rush order.
Are sustainable boxes available both in custom and stock?
Yes, we offer both custom and stock corrugated boxes to meet a variety of needs and specifications. Whether you require standard sizes for general use or customized solutions tailored to unique product dimensions and branding requirements, we have the capability and expertise to provide high-quality corrugated boxes that perfectly suit your needs. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements and explore our extensive range of options.
I need help selecting the right corrugated box
Choosing the right corrugated box depends on the product's size, weight, and shipping requirements. We offer personalized consultations to help determine the most suitable box style, material strength, and design to ensure your items are well-protected and cost-efficiently packaged.
Can you help make my corrugated box compliant to government regulations and retailer guidelines?
Yes, we specialize in ensuring that your corrugated boxes meet both government regulations and specific retailer guidelines. Our team is knowledgeable about the latest requirements, including environmental compliance and structural standards, ensuring your packaging not only meets but exceeds the necessary criteria for safety and sustainability. Let us help you navigate the complexities of compliance effectively.
Where can I learn more about sustainable packaging?
For comprehensive insights into sustainable packaging, we invite you to explore the Brown Packaging blog. Our blog is regularly updated with the latest trends, tips, and guidelines on eco-friendly packaging solutions. Visit us to deepen your understanding and stay informed about sustainable practices in the packaging industry.