How to choose the right cardboard box for shipping

Introduction

Not all cardboard boxes are created equal. Choosing the right packaging is crucial for safe shipping, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction . Whether you run a small online store or manage large-scale logistics, understanding the differences between cardboard types and box designs helps prevent damage, reduce waste, and strengthen your brand reputation.

Step 1: Understand the types of corrugated cardboard

Cardboard is classified based on the number of layers and the type of flute. The main options are:

3-layer cardboard (single wall)

Light and affordable.
Suitable for clothing, cosmetics or small non-fragile products.
Not recommended for heavy or fragile goods.

5-layer cardboard (double wall)

Stronger and more durable.
Ideal for electronics, small appliances or heavy goods up to approx. 30–40 kg.
Provides better resistance to slumping and stacking pressure.

7-layer cardboard (triple corrugated)

The strongest option.
Suitable for industrial products, machine parts or international pallet shipments.
Often used as an alternative to wooden crates due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Step 2: Choose the right box style

Depending on the needs, there are different box models:

Standard Folding Boxes (RSC) – versatile and cost-efficient.
Die-cut boxes – custom-made to the product dimensions.
Letterbox/mailer boxes – ideal for e-commerce, stylish and user-friendly.
Extra strong boxes – with reinforced walls for maximum protection.

Step 3: Match the box to the product

The golden rule: the box should fit the product, not the other way around . Boxes that are too large increase shipping costs and require unnecessary padding. Boxes that are too small increase the risk of damage.

Tips:

For fragile products, allow 3–5 cm space for protection.
Use dividers or inserts for multiple items.
For valuable goods: use anti-tamper seals or printed tape.

Step 4: Think about sustainability

Eco-friendly packaging isn't just a trend—it's a customer expectation. Choose 100% recyclable cardboard boxes and avoid plastic filler whenever possible. Paper filler or cardboard inserts protect your products without harming the environment.

Step 5: Branding Opportunities

The shipping box is often the first physical point of contact with the customer. Investing in custom printed cardboard packaging increases brand recognition and creates a professional image.

Conclusion

The right cardboard box depends on the product's weight, fragility, and shipping conditions. By choosing the right wall thickness, box style, and size, companies can save costs, protect their goods, and enhance their eco-friendly image .

27 Aug 2025

The future of sustainable packaging in e-commerce

Introduction E-commerce is growing explosively, and with it, the demand for packaging. But with millions of packages shipped daily, packaging waste has become a serious problem. The future of packaging must be sustainable, innovative, and customer-friendly . Cardboard, once considered a simple material, is now at the heart of this transformation. Trend 1: Smart packaging Future cardboard boxes are more than just containers – they also carry information. QR codes and NFC chips provide product details, authentication, or recycling instructions. Retailers are using smart packaging to track returns and monitor supply chains. Trend 2: The disappearance of single-use plastics Regulations in the EU and elsewhere restrict the use of plastic. Cardboard, recyclable and biodegradable, is replacing plastic shipping bags, bubble wrap, and even wooden crates in certain sectors. Trend 3: Modular and reusable designs Customers appreciate packaging that is easy to open, close, and reuse. Future designs will focus on: Self-closing boxes without tape. Easy to open tear strips . Multi-purpose boxes for returns or multiple use. Trend 4: Stronger but lighter material Innovations in corrugated cardboard are creating thinner yet stronger boxes, reducing both material consumption and shipping costs. This trend of "lightweighting" will dominate logistics in the coming decade. Trend 5: Branding and sustainability combined Consumers no longer see eco-friendly packaging as boring or simple. High-quality printing on cardboard makes it possible to combine sustainability with a premium unboxing experience . Expect more creative designs that merge branding, sustainability, and customer satisfaction . What this means for companies To remain competitive, e-commerce companies should: Must switch completely to recyclable cardboard solutions. Smart packaging needs to explore customer engagement. Investing in innovative box designs that reduce waste. Conclusion The future of e-commerce packaging is green, smart, and customer-focused . Cardboard, with its versatility and eco-friendly properties, remains the foundation of this evolution. Companies that embrace these trends early on gain both customer loyalty and comply with regulations more quickly.

27 Aug 2025

How to choose the right cardboard box for shipping

Introduction Not all cardboard boxes are created equal. Choosing the right packaging is crucial for safe shipping, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction . Whether you run a small online store or manage large-scale logistics, understanding the differences between cardboard types and box designs helps prevent damage, reduce waste, and strengthen your brand reputation. Step 1: Understand the types of corrugated cardboard Cardboard is classified based on the number of layers and the type of flute. The main options are: 3-layer cardboard (single wall) Light and affordable. Suitable for clothing, cosmetics or small non-fragile products. Not recommended for heavy or fragile goods. 5-layer cardboard (double wall) Stronger and more durable. Ideal for electronics, small appliances or heavy goods up to approx. 30–40 kg. Provides better resistance to slumping and stacking pressure. 7-layer cardboard (triple corrugated) The strongest option. Suitable for industrial products, machine parts or international pallet shipments. Often used as an alternative to wooden crates due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. Step 2: Choose the right box style Depending on the needs, there are different box models: Standard Folding Boxes (RSC) – versatile and cost-efficient. Die-cut boxes – custom-made to the product dimensions. Letterbox/mailer boxes – ideal for e-commerce, stylish and user-friendly. Extra strong boxes – with reinforced walls for maximum protection. Step 3: Match the box to the product The golden rule: the box should fit the product, not the other way around . Boxes that are too large increase shipping costs and require unnecessary padding. Boxes that are too small increase the risk of damage. Tips: For fragile products, allow 3–5 cm space for protection. Use dividers or inserts for multiple items. For valuable goods: use anti-tamper seals or printed tape. Step 4: Think about sustainability Eco-friendly packaging isn't just a trend—it's a customer expectation. Choose 100% recyclable cardboard boxes and avoid plastic filler whenever possible. Paper filler or cardboard inserts protect your products without harming the environment. Step 5: Branding Opportunities The shipping box is often the first physical point of contact with the customer. Investing in custom printed cardboard packaging increases brand recognition and creates a professional image. Conclusion The right cardboard box depends on the product's weight, fragility, and shipping conditions. By choosing the right wall thickness, box style, and size, companies can save costs, protect their goods, and enhance their eco-friendly image .