When you are mailing or shipping an item that cannot fit into an envelope, the most common container to use is a shipping box. A shipping box may look straightforward and ordinary, but there are also a few interesting things you should know about it

Materials used

The most commonly used shipping boxes are corrugated boxes, or cardboard boxes, as some people prefer to call them. The corrugated box’s advantages are many, which is why it is the preferred shipping container to use. A corrugated box is lightweight, durable, and made in different sizes and shapes.

If you are an online or offline seller and have products of various sizes, you’ll understand why corrugated boxes are convenient. Aside from the dimensions, there are corrugated boxes that are available in multiple depths. It is easy to cut them to have the right size to fit the item you are packing.

The multi-depth corrugated boxes have scoring at various intervals along the boxes’ sides. The scoring is your guide on where to cut so you can cut the box to the right size, saving you some money.

Construction of corrugated boxes

If you look closely at corrugated boxes, you’ll see that they are produced with corrugated paper. Corrugated paper is specially constructed paper with rows of air columns that make it stronger. Did you know that those ridges differ to fit the required flexibility and strength according to the box’s intended use?

Corrugated boxes are also called brown boxes. They are made from recycled cardboard boxes, so they are also eco-friendly. Stacking them is easy, and their shape makes transporting them economical. As the boxes do not have sharp edges, they are easy and safe to use.

Colours of shipping boxes

The standard colours of corrugated boxes are brown and white. The other colours are printed. No paint or ink goes into the natural boxes. They are the ‘greenest’ since they use 60-100% recycled materials, and they are cheaper than white shipping boxes.

On the other hand, some companies and users want the clean look that the white board represents. Since they are considered hygienic, most industries such as health, medical and food often pack and ship their products in white cardboard boxes.

If you are a product shipper, make sure that you know your market and your customers. Even if white represents cleanliness, some people associate it with bleaching. Care should also be taken when shipping products in white boxes. They get dirty faster and can arrive at their destination showing every scratch and dent.

Bespoke cardboard boxes

You can order bespoke cardboard boxes if you are into speciality products or to enhance your marketing efforts. You can order boxes in the shape and size you require, with or without design and graphics. However, consider the advantages of having your logo on the shipping boxes.

For example, you can visit www.ukplc.co.uk to view the various packing boxes they offer. If you need boxes with graphic design, a white box will show off the colours and the design better.

However, printing and design techniques, such as using a single dark colour, can be as effective on natural boxes.

Corrugated shipping boxes come in different shapes, sizes and weights. Be sure to choose the right type to protect the items you are shipping. Likewise, consider the company/product advertising opportunities branded shipping boxes offer.

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