Cardboard boxes may be the world’s favourite packaging solution, but they can also be expensive and protecting them to prolong their useful life makes financial and environmental sense.
In addition, protecting your boxes will ensure that the contents remain undamaged.
Read on to discover the most common threats to cardboard boxes and how to guard against them.
Cardboard boxes are pretty sturdy, particularly those made with double walls or corrugated cardboard. However, even the toughest box can be damaged if used or stored incorrectly.
The following pose the greatest risk to the durability of cardboard boxes.
Untreated cardboard is water-resistant to some degree, but not waterproof, and high moisture levels can cause the entire box to lose its structural integrity and rigidity.
Damp conditions will also encourage the growth of microorganisms and mould, which initiate the decomposition process.
Eventually, the water would penetrate, potentially ruining the contents, especially fragile items and electronics.
Insects and rodents are attracted to the paper and starch fibres found in cardboard. Rats will use the warm, dark boxes as nests, chewing through the cardboard to gain entry.
The way that you stack your boxes could damage them. The stack must be balanced with the strongest and heaviest boxes at the base. Fragile boxes could easily be crushed if a load is placed on them.
Small items are often placed in much larger boxes. Without adequate filling, the box will be unbalanced, and the contents will not be adequately protected.
There are many ways you can protect your boxes and preserve the condition of their contents.
Always check your box before you pack, particularly if you are using a recycled box.
Inspect the box for tears, water damage or signs of mould. Discard any damaged boxes. They won’t provide good protection for their contents.
Whether you are storing boxes at home or in a storage unit, you can protect them by choosing a dry, elevated spot, typically by placing them on pallets out of direct sunlight.
Consider using stickers on your boxes to indicate the top and bottom to protect
Always ensure that the heaviest boxes are at the bottom to provide a firm base and prevent fragile boxes from being crushed.
A consistent temperature is always advisable. If your boxes are too hot, the contents may be damaged, and the growth of mould and microbes may be encouraged.
If wet conditions are expected, you could seal boxes with shrink wrap or cover them with plastic wrap. You can keep the inside of the box dry by using silica gel packs to absorb moisture.
You can reinforce cardboard boxes to make them stronger by using high-quality packing tape along all seams and corners. Strong packing tape will make the box structure stronger.
Choose the correct box size for each item.
If the item is smaller than the box, fill all corner voids or spaces with bubble wrap or similar material to ensure the contents remain stable. This will distribute the weight evenly and make your box more stable.
Fragile items should always be covered in bubble wrap, shredded paper, or other cushioning materials for added protection.
If you are sending items through the post, it makes sense to buy top-quality cardboard boxes.
We sell a range of premium cardboard boxes in every size, with models suitable for national and international transit.
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