Types of Boxes for Packaging: Which Is Best for You?
If you’re just getting into packaging, the many different types of boxes out there can be totally overwhelming. They all seem to have their pros and cons, so how can you possibly sort through them all to choose the best option for your products and business?
While it may seem hard now, it really doesn’t have to be! BoxGenie knows boxes and also knows what it’s like to be a new small business trying to get their products out there in the best and most economical way possible. That’s why we have put together this guide on the different types of boxes for packaging so that you can sort through the different options and find the best one for you.
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
The first type of box we are going to discuss is a corrugated cardboard box. Contrary to regular cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard consists of multiple layers of material that is able to better insulate and cushion the box’s contents. Despite consisting of multiple layers, corrugated boxes are still relatively lightweight and are still easily stored flat—although they will take up a bit more space compared to the thinner paperboard boxes.
Corrugated boxes consist of a liner and a medium—the liner being the flat piece and the medium being the wavy “fluted” paper. The fluted paper is typically sandwiched between two mediums in order to reinforce it while also providing extra cushioning to make it very durable, crush-proof, and puncture-proof. Corrugated boxes are ideal for packaging all sorts of different items that may need more protection while being stored or shipped. They also offer better temperature protection than other types of packaging that may impact items during transit.
Corrugated boxes offer different flute sizes that range in thickness from 5 millimeters to 0.8 millimeters thick. That being said, the most common flute type is “C” with a 4-millimeter thickness. This is an ideal measurement for protection as well as storage purposes. Corrugated cardboard boxes also offer different types of boards.
The most common type is a single-wall board that consists of a single fluting placed in between two sheets of liner. This definitely gets the job done in terms of protection but may not be ideal for extremely heavy objects. Finally, there are different box styles for corrugated boxes.
- A slotted box consists of a single piece of corrugated cardboard that is scored and cut to be folded into a specific shape. BoxGenie’s Mailer Boxes are a perfect example of this style.
- A telescope box consists of a top piece and a bottom piece that fit over each other to offer extra insulation on the sides of the package.
- A folder box consists of a single piece of corrugated cardboard that is scored and cut with an unbroken bottom piece to fold around an object. BoxGenie’s One Piece Folder is the ideal way to protect whatever you’re shipping in this manner.
When it comes to materials for corrugated boxes, you have a few different options at your disposal, all of which can be printed on.
- Essential White Boxes: This BoxGenie packaging has a bright white color that is ideal for printing with a low shine. Essential white boxes give off a very clean and sharp appearance, making them ideal for all sorts of different products and industries altogether.
- Kraft Boxes: This type of corrugated is made out of recycled material and gives off a more natural look that is definitely appealing to those who are environmentally-conscious. The brown tone is what you generally expect when you think of corrugated boxes. Kraft contains the most recycled material out of the three options here, and works well for printing darker colors.
- Magic White with HD Print Boxes: This smooth, glossy material from BoxGenie will allow you to truly customize your boxes. It prints exceptionally well and allows bold, bright designs and colors to shine through.
With companies like BoxGenie, you can also feel secure in knowing that your packaging is environmentally friendly. We use as much recycled content as possible in the creation of our boxes, and we make sure that our products don’t release harmful chemicals into the air during production. Luckily for anyone who is concerned for the environment, BoxGenie creates environmentally friendly packaging without having to sacrifice on the quality.
Paperboard Boxes
The second type of box we are going to discuss is a paperboard box. This type of packaging is extremely lightweight yet still tough enough to survive the shipping process, although they are most commonly used within the retail sphere to house products that are already on the shelves.
When not in use, this type of box lays totally flat and doesn’t take up much room at all prior to being assembled. When it comes to design and assembly, this type of packaging is easily cut and manipulated into a variety of different sizes and shapes—making it a great way to customize your packaging and help you stand apart from competitors.
Rigid Boxes
The third type of box we are going to discuss is a rigid box. These boxes are made out of a highly-condensed paperboard that ends up being four times thicker than your standard paperboard. Unlike many other types of boxes, rigid boxes are completely rigid and are not collapsible. Although this makes them durable, this also makes them more expensive to store and ship since they will take up more space.
Rigid boxes are typically used for high-end products that need to give off a luxurious feel or that require extra protection. Designer shoes, jewelry, and high-end electronics all typically use rigid boxes for their products because their customers are paying a premium for their products—so the packaging needs to reflect this as well!
If you want your packaging to have a high-end feel to go along with your high-end product, rigid boxes are a great option...it’s just important to remember that this high-end option will cost you extra along the way.
Plastic Boxes
Moving away from your typical cardboard boxes, it’s now time to talk about plastic boxes. Many people forget about the possibility of plastic because cardboard tends to rule the packaging world. However, plastic boxes can be a great option for many different businesses who are looking to show off their products from the get-go while remaining environmentally-conscious.
Plastic is a solid option due to its flexibility and weight—making it extremely easy (and cheaper) to store and ship. That being said, plastic boxes can still be just as strong as cardboard depending on the type.
Oftentimes, people assume that a plastic box has to look cheap and is unable to be recycled; however, both of those assumptions are false. It’s easy and economical to add a film or a coating to the plastic to enhance its appearance and give it a more high-end feel. It’s also possible for plastic to be recycled, so not only will you feel good about the environmental impact of your packaging, but your pockets will feel good too, thanks to the low price of this packaging option.
Other Packaging Components
Although boxes are definitely the star of the show when it comes to packaging, they aren’t the only player involved! In addition to boxes, there are other packaging components that you need to think about when choosing your boxes. Depending on the type of packaging you choose, you may want or need to include other pieces to keep your products safe during transit so that they can reach your customers in one piece.
- There are cardboard partitions that are placed within the box to separate different parts or items.
- There are also inner pack forms that are able to hold items in position and keep them away from the sides of the box for added protection.
- Finally, there are pads that are used to fill spaces or separate sections of the box for different products or pieces.
All of these are things to consider when deciding on your packaging.
How To Choose The Best Packaging?
By now, you should know a whole lot more about boxes than you ever thought you would! That being said, it can still be a complicated space to try and figure out on your own. Thankfully, BoxGenie is here to help you choose the best packaging options for your unique products, business, and future goals. We know this space, and we are here to share our knowledge with you to help you impress your customers and grow your business into the future.
Conclusion
While packaging might seem insignificant at first glance, it’s actually extremely important for every business. Since each business offers different products and uses different shipping methods, it can be difficult for business owners to decide on the right packaging just based on research alone. Thankfully, the experts at BoxGenie are able to consider all these different factors and help you choose the best type of boxes for all your packaging needs.
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