It’s Not Cardboard, It’s Corrugated
Cardboard and corrugated are often used interchangeably to describe a packaging product or material. However, this is a huge misconception in the packaging industry, as cardboard is not used for boxes, folding cartons, edge protectors, sheets, inserts, partitions, displays or any other packaging products. This is because cardboard is often used as an umbrella term for paper and chipboard-based products.
Corrugated Explained: Material and Products
Corrugated material is made with at least three layers, the inside and outside layers are paper inner liner sheets with the middle liner being a flute. The way corrugated material is designed is to provide extra protection and support to products. More layers can be added to corrugated material to help improve the strength and support.
This material is very versatile and is used to create a variety of packaging products such as: boxes, POP displays, dividers, partitions, edge protectors and other corrugated products. These products can be stock, which is not altered, or customized with structural and/or graphic design.
Corrugated material takes the color of white or brown. The light brown color is the key reason why corrugated material is most called cardboard.
Chipboard Explained: Materials and Products
Chipboard material is created by mixing epoxy resin with small wood particles, when pushed together with high heat and pressure the material with take the form of a rigid board with a smooth surface. This material is typically lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture compared to corrugated material. However, it does not provide the same strength and support as corrugated but is available in different thickness and densities.
Chipboard is primarily used to package small, nonfragile, and lightweight items in a folding carton. It can also be used to create dividers, partitions or inserts. These chipboard products are available in stock or custom.
Like corrugated material, chipboard takes the color of white or brown, which makes it commonly referred to as light cardboard.
Why It’s Important to Know the Difference
It is important to know the difference between cardboard, chipboard and corrugated material when it comes to selecting your packaging supplier and packaging product.
There are packaging suppliers that do not supply both chipboard and corrugated material, which may impact your packaging efficiency, cost, inventory loss and many other elements. In addition, it is important to see whether a packaging supplier has the knowledge and engagement to educate you about the available packaging products that can best fit your product needs.
If you are interested in corrugated or chipboard packaging products and would like a consultant helping you at every step of the way, then contact Brown Packaging today.
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