Materials for Custom Boxes

When people refer to our products, they commonly use the term, “cardboard box,” but that is technically incorrect. Cardboard is a broad term that can include several different types of paper, and we sell items made of both corrugated fiberboard and paper chipboard. If you plan to order a custom made box or custom display, take a minute to learn about these different types of materials.

Most of our boxes, including custom boxes, are made from corrugated fiberboard. When most people picture a cardboard box in their minds, they are probably thinking of corrugated fiberboard. Corrugated is very lightweight and strong, and provides extra protection and cushioning to the products it contains. Corrugated fiberboard is made from two types of paperboard called containerboard. One sheet, which is flat, is called linerboard. The other, which is crimped or wavy, is called the medium or flute. Corrugated comes in a variety of different flute sizes, which offer different strengths and weights. It also can have various layers of liners and medium sheets glued together, ranging from just one liner and layer of fluting to triple-wall corrugated, which has four liner sheets and three layers of fluting. Corrugated is environmentally friendly, durable, easy to print text and graphics on, and extremely versatile. It is the only rigid shipping container that can be cut and folded into any shape and size required.

Chipboard is a kind of smooth, flat, recycled paperboard. It can be thick, like the backing on a pad of paper. Or it can be thin, like a postcard. It is made from 100% recycled paper products that have been made into a slurry with hot water and then pressed to the desired thickness. Because it is thinner, chipboard is used more often for packaging. Chipboard is heavier, finer and has a cleaner look to it than corrugated, making it ideal for small projects where strength is not an issue but a delicate, finished look is. Stationery boxes and gift boxes are usually made out of chipboard.

There are many factors to consider when you order your custom made box. The material you want your boxes made out of is an important one. Whether you choose lightweight, folding, flexible corrugated; or smooth and sturdy chipboard, you can sure your box or display will turn out beautifully.