Waterproofing a Corrugated Fiber Box

One of the key benefits of a corrugated fiber box is its ability to protect the contents within. This is why it is highly popular for packaging and shipping items. However, this benefit can fail if the material is exposed to moisture. Moisture can compromise a box’s structure, causing it to become weak and disintegrate when little pressure is applied.  

When shipping items, especially over long distances, there is the risk that at some point, the box will be exposed to moisture. Hence the reason that some businesses invest in corrugated fiberboard box designs that feature more fluting. This provides additional layering that can prevent the box from easily becoming damaged when exposed to liquids.  

Waterproofing can also be achieved by applying a waterproofing coating to the box. Different materials can be used to create this protective layering including fiberglass resin, PVA adhesive, paraffin wax, and lacquer. The layer is applied on the outside and when dry, will prevent moisture from penetrating through to the corrugated fiber box. It works the same when you have the box maker add a laminate layer on the outside.  

Pros  

It provides better protection for the contents of the box. It also keeps the structure of the box strong. When the contents are thus secured, it reduces the risk they might be damaged. When goods are delivered in good condition, the sender does not have to worry about having to make a replacement. This will make the business appear more reliable when their deliveries are not rejected for being damaged.  

Since the box is less likely to be damaged, the recipient can likely keep it for later reuse. Waterproofing can make a box more durable, allowing the person who has it to repeatedly enjoy its use. Adding this protective layer can also be added to the box manufacturing process so you do not have extra work of preparing boxes before shipping. While it may add to the cost of buying these boxes, it is more convenient and will be expertly done.  

Cons  

It can affect the recyclability of the box later on. Unless the protective layer can be separated from the fiberboard, you may not be able to submit the boxes for recycling. Another downside is that it can limit the addition of branding. If you want to add a logo, other design, or printed information on the box, you will have to use an alternative like stickers. Printing directly on the box is not possible when you have added a waterproof layer.