Whether you are starting a company or adding a new product line, it is important to think about how you’ll package items for shipping. In particular, the type of container you choose to use is vital. A lot of businesses use cardboard boxes however are they appropriate for your specific needs?

Before you make an investment, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of using cardboard shipping containers from a variety of angles. In the article below we discuss the key aspects of these boxes and the benefits and drawbacks of going with cardboard.

Before you purchase, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of using cardboard shipping cartons from different angles.

Durability

Shipping boxes must be able to withstand the rigors of whatever shipping channel you choose to use. How does cardboard compare?

Pros:

Cardboard–specifically, corrugated cardboard–has excellent strength.
Cardboard has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Corrugated cardboard containers provide a fantastic service of making sure their items are safe from being damaged in the shipping stream.
Cardboard cartons can be reused by recipients.

Cons:

Not recommended for heavy objects. If the wrong size of carton or insufficient padding is used the cardboard shipping cartons might not be able to handle heavy items.
May deform under pressure. Despite its durability, cardboard can be damaged by being crushed, dented or otherwise damaged under some conditions.
It is not weatherproof. Cardboard cannot withstand certain weather conditions such as snow or rain.

Cost

Does cardboard have a cost benefit? This is a crucial question to consider.

Pros:

Storage is simple. Shipping cartons made of cardboard can be stored flat and built as needed. This can reduce your shipping costs.
A sustainable resource. Cardboard is renewable materials, which reduces the environmental impact.
Cardboard containers can be recycled to give them an “second time.” This could take some of the sting from the carton gets damaged in the packing process and a new one must be used.

Cons:

Recurring need. In contrast to reusable or returnable cartons like hard plastic shipping containers, the need for cardboard packing boxes is constant.

Shopping in Bulk

Purchasing large quantities of cardboard cartons could be beneficial.

Pros:

Cost savings. In bulk purchases of cardboard containers will save your business money.
Extended storage. As long as cartons are not contaminated with water and dust, they can be kept for longer periods of time.

Cons:

An upfront investment. Buying in bulk means paying more upfront for the long-term benefits.
Storage space. To get the advantage of buying large quantities of cardboard boxes you’ll need space to store them.

Sealing Solutions

How do you seal your shipping cartons? It is important to research the options prior to purchasing.

Pros:

Numerous options. Containers made of cardboard are sealed in various ways, including staples, glue, and tape.
Water-Activated Tape’s superior seal. The water-activated tape (WAT) provides a sturdy, secure seal when used with cardboard boxes that are ideal for online shopping. Because of this, many companies each year choose to switch to water-activated tape.

Cons:

The need for devices. Typically, a device is required to seal cardboard cartons. It could be a tape gun or a water-activated tape dispenser.

Take care when evaluating the cardboard payoffs

Spending some time looking at the pros and cons of using cardboard shipping containers will pay off. You get the type of container that’s perfect for your requirements and move ahead with your shipping operations confident you’ve picked the right one.

If you have any concerns about these products, and the ways they can assist you in improving your shipping operations we’re here for you. We’re happy to help at any convenience.