Impact of Recycled Fiber Content on Corrugated Box Durability

With rising tariffs, unpredictable freight costs, and ongoing supply chain delays, more companies are pulling away from overseas packaging and turning to U.S.-based corrugated box suppliers. While international sourcing once offered significant cost savings, the current landscape has shifted. Now, domestic packaging solutions offer more control, faster turnaround, and better long-term value. Here’s why this shift is happening—and what buyers need to consider. Tariffs Are Raising Costs The return of tariffs on oversea goods has significantly increased the true cost of sourcing corrugated boxes overseas. What used to be a budget-friendly option is now burdened by duties, customs fees, and higher overall import costs—often eliminating any price advantage. Global Shipping Is Still Unstable Ocean freight remains volatile, with container costs, port delays, and extended lead times continuing to disrupt planning. Brands relying on overseas box production often face 8–12 week lead times—while U.S. suppliers can typically deliver in 2–4 weeks or less. Faster Turnarounds for Retail and E-Commerce In today’s fast-moving market, speed matters. Whether you’re launching new products, fulfilling flash sales, or restocking inventory, long overseas timelines are a major risk. Domestic suppliers offer more responsive service, making it easier to adjust forecasts and scale with demand. Better Communication and Quality Control Working with local vendors means easier collaboration, fewer miscommunications, and the ability to address issues quickly. You’re in the same time zone, speaking the same language, and often dealing with someone who knows your business directly. Retailers Prefer “Made in USA” Packaging Many retailers are encouraging (or outright requiring) U.S.-sourced packaging to support local economies and simplify logistics. Having a U.S.-made corrugated box can be a selling point, especially in food, cosmetics, or wellness categories where transparency matters. Sustainability and Local Sourcing Go Hand in Hand Brands committed to sustainability are realizing that local packaging = lower carbon footprint. Domestic sourcing means less transportation, less fuel usage, and often better access to recyclable or responsibly sourced materials. Final Thoughts What once made sense from a cost standpoint may no longer hold up under today’s market pressure. Tariffs, delays, and uncertainty have led many brands to move their printed corrugated box sourcing back to the U.S.—gaining speed, control, and stability in return. Looking to bring your packaging supply chain closer to home?We can help you transition smoothly and build a custom corrugated box solution that works for your business. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Corrugated boxes, commonly referred to as cardboard boxes, are a ubiquitous presence in our day-to-day lives. From moving houses to shipping products, these boxes are employed in a myriad of applications. As varied as their uses are, so are the demands placed upon them. Two critical factors dictate the effectiveness of a corrugated box: its size and its strength. Let’s delve deep into why these aspects are so important. Ensuring the Right Fit Protecting Contents An appropriately sized box ensures that the products inside do not jostle or shift significantly during transit. If a product is moving freely within a box, it’s more susceptible to damage from impacts or sudden movements. Efficient Space Utilization Especially when it comes to storage or shipping, using boxes of the correct size ensures maximum utilization of available space, whether in a warehouse or a shipping container. Overly large boxes waste space, while small ones may necessitate the use of multiple boxes where one might have sufficed. Cost Efficiency Using the right-sized box can save costs. Employing a box larger than necessary implies more material usage and potentially increased shipping costs based on dimensional weight pricing. Strength to Withstand Pressure Material Composition The strength of a corrugated box is primarily determined by the composition and configuration of its corrugated fibers. There are various flute sizes, with larger flutes providing more cushioning and smaller ones offering better printability and foldability. Stacking Strength When boxes are stacked, especially in storage or during shipping, the strength of the box determines how much weight it can bear without collapsing. A box with appropriate strength will ensure that the contents are not crushed, regardless of its position in a stack. Environmental Protection A sturdy corrugated box can provide some protection against environmental factors like humidity or minor water exposure. The corrugated design, combined with certain coatings or treatments, can help resist moisture infiltration. Balancing Strength with Weight While strength is essential, it’s also crucial to consider the weight of the box. Overly thick or heavy boxes can increase shipping costs and may be overkill for certain lightweight items. The strength-to-weight ratio is thus a crucial aspect when determining the best box for the job. Sustainability Considerations Today, environmental concerns play a significant role in packaging decisions. Corrugated boxes are favored because they are often made from recycled material and are recyclable themselves. By ensuring that a box is neither too big nor stronger than necessary, resources are conserved, and waste is minimized, contributing to a more sustainable packaging solution. Conclusion When selecting a corrugated box, one must consider both size and strength in conjunction to ensure the safety of its contents, cost-efficiency, and optimum space utilization. With the rising emphasis on sustainability, it’s also crucial to choose boxes that align with environmental goals. Whether you’re a business owner or simply moving to a new house, understanding the significance of these factors can make a world of difference in your packing and shipping endeavors. If you are interested in corrugated boxes, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Folding Carton Packaging Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts