What is the Difference Between Cardboard
Boxes and Corrugated Shipping Boxes?

Cardboard boxes and corrugated shipping boxes are two of the most popular packaging materials, and they are often confused. Even though they look similar, they are very different and have unique properties that make them suitable for shipping different products.

Cardboard vs corrugated Boxes 

Let's examine cardboard and corrugated boxes in more detail to see how they differ and which would be best for your business.

• Cardboard Boxes

They are made from a single flat sheet that quickly assembles into a three-dimensional package. These boxes come in various types and are mainly used as secondary packaging—the outer layer or box that holds the product in place. They are often supplied to brands in a flat form that they can assemble on-site later. Let's look into a corrugated box and what makes it different from non-corrugated cardboard packaging.

• Corrugated boxes 

Corrugated packaging is more resilient than non-corrugated boxes because it comprises three layers of sheets rather than a single one - an inside liner, an outside liner, and a fluted medium in between the two. Though thicker and sturdier than other boxes, it is still lightweight enough to be used as a shipping material. A corrugated carton is commonly used to ship larger and heavier products as it provides better protection against shocks, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. 

Most brands that manufacture and ship small—to medium-sized items such as cosmetics, fragrances, hair care and skin care lines, apparel, shoes, jewelry, watches, and so on prefer using cardboard boxes over corrugated boxes to ship their products for several reasons. Here are a few reasons why cardboard packaging is more popular. 

Why Are Cardboard Boxes So Popular? 

Cardboard packaging is usually a foldable paper box that can be easily assembled, lightweight, and highly portable, making it a number-one choice for countless packaging industries and brands worldwide. It is versatile and can be made into any style, shape, and size. Let's look at a few of the most popular cardboard packages brands use to ship products.

Types of Cardboard Packaging

While there are several different types of cardboard boxes, here are five of the most popular ones used by countless businesses worldwide.

• The Tuck End Box With Auto-Bottom

The tuck end box, or the crash bottom box, automatically locks in place with a simple tuck flap during the assembly process. It has the strongest shape and is often used to pack expensive and heavy items such as beer or wine. 

• The Box With Snap Bottom Or Lock Bottom

This box is also reliable for medium-sized, heavier items such as electronics or wines. It is traditionally known as the 1-2-3 bottom box due to its flaps that lock in place and press against each other. 

• Reverse and Straight Tuck End Folding Boxes

These boxes are best known for holding medium to light items such as cosmetics, hair care products, medicines, and so on. They are easier to assemble and can be stored flat. 
These boxes have a distinct feature of top and bottom closure. In the straight tuck end box, the flaps tuck and shut on the same side of the box, whereas the flaps of the reverse tuck end box close in opposite directions.

• Sleeve Packaging 

Sleeve boxes are matchbox, sliding, or tray boxes that seamlessly glide out. They are usually popular with brands that sell fragrances, watches, jewelry items, cosmetics, mobile gadgets, and more. Sleeve boxes offer many branding and customization opportunities and give the products a sleek, elegant look as well. 

• The Two Piece Box (Tray and Lid Box)

Two-piece boxes come in many variations and usually have two distinct components: a top lid and a double-wall bottom tray. Both components fit together beautifully and are commonly used by apparel brands that see them as a perfect way of upscaling the product's perception.  

Why Create Custom Packages with Custom Boxes Only?

Custom Boxes Only is a professional packaging company that can help you create high-quality product packages for your customers at affordable rates. For instance, a standard-sized lip gloss box comes in 2 x 1 x "4", a standard-sized perfume packaging is usually 3 x 3 x 6", and a foundation box is 3 x 3 x 2" in "dimensions. However, we customize all boxes to fit any style and size our customers need. With no minimum order limit, our clients can get the best custom boxes with various add-ons to enhance their branding game. We offer:

1. Any shape, size, and style in custom boxes
2. Matte, UV-treated, or gloss lamination
3. Digital, offset, and screen printing with CMYK palette
4. Add-ons like embossing, debossing, foil stamping, and more.

Whether you are looking for cardboard boxes or corrugated shipping boxes, we can make it for you at market-competitive rates with unlimited design revisions. Contact us for a free quotation now, or place your order.