Cardboard packaging materials and technologies

June 6th, 2007 · No Comments

Cardboard packaging is perhaps the commonest of all types of coverings. Whether you visit the nearest departmental store, cloth shop or pharmaceutical depot, it is most likely that you will come across items packed in cardboard boxes. Actually, all medium, large and over-sized products are shipped in corrugated or smooth cardboard packaging, as it guarantees safety and is cost effective.

Designs and durability
Cardboard packaging is available all around the world in different designs, shapes and sizes. Cardboard boxes are firm, sturdy, and light-weight fabricated with three strata of brown paper. The method of transforming wood chips into pulp for strong paper was first invented by a Swedish Carl F Dahl in 1884. Cardboard packaging can endure ripping, breaking, and rupture.

Environment friendly
Cardboard packaging is very environment friendly, as they are manufactured from bio-degradable corrugated or flat cardboard sheets. In fact, all ridged cardboard items are made from recycled paper and fiber and are ecological.

Raw materials used
The main raw material required to manufacture corrugated cardboard is derived from the quick-growing variety of pine trees. Some of the major cardboard manufacturing firms possess numerous acres of land to cultivate the pine trees. They regularly harvest the mature trees and restore the yield by planting new saplings. Soon after the harvesting, the trunks of the trees are sent to the mills for pulping though the Kraft process and finally converted to Kraft paper with the use of chemicals. The pulp is then dried and pressed to form stiff paper for cardboard. Corn starch glue, waxes made from paraffin and brightly colored inks are the other raw materials used.

Manufacturing process

Corrugated cardboard production comprises two main stages. First, Kraft paper is made from the pine wood pulp by applying the Kraft or sulphate process. While the Kraft paper is made by feeding the dry pulp through enormous vapor rollers to squeeze out the remaining moisture in the pulp. Next, ribbing is performed by a machine using weighty rollers. Each layer of the cardboard is ribbed and pasted between two other coatings by the rollers to form a stiff and sturdy board.

Technology

The technology used for cardboard packaging is essentially customized. Cardboard packaging technology is designed for packing specific products. While doing this the technologists keep in view the product, its shape and size. Protection of the product, eco-friendly packaging, packaging material and quality control are the other details that are also taken care of while designing the cardboard packaging.