Cardboard

57 Cardboard stacked for recycling pick up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - free photo with attribution (Creative Commons)

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A studio image of a hand of playing cards. MOD 45148377

Stack of egg cartons

Corrugated Cardboard

Cardboard is a material made from paper and is used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from packaging to the construction of displays and furniture. It is known for its durability, lightweight, and recyclability, making it a popular choice in various industries. Cardboard typically comes in two main types: corrugated cardboard and paperboard.

Types of Cardboard

Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard consists of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. It is designed to provide structural strength and cushioning to products during shipping. The corrugation makes it resistant to impact, compression, and vibration.

Paperboard

Paperboard, on the other hand, is a thick, paper-based material that is often used for packaging consumer goods. It is lighter than corrugated cardboard and is used to make boxes for a variety of products such as cereals, shoes, and other lightweight items.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of cardboard involves pulping wood chips or recycling used paper and cardboard through mechanical or chemical processes. This pulp is then pressed and dried to form sheets that can be further processed into various types of cardboard. The process varies slightly between corrugated cardboard and paperboard due to their different structures and intended uses.

Recycling

Cardboard is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world. The recycling process involves collecting used cardboard, sorting it by type, and then re-pulping it to create new cardboard sheets. This process conserves resources and reduces the environmental impact associated with the production of new cardboard.

Uses

Cardboard is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Packaging: Boxes, cartons, and protective sheets.
• Displays: Point-of-sale displays, exhibition stands, and signage.
• Furniture: Lightweight and temporary furniture pieces.
• Art: Sculptures and craft projects.

Environmental Impact

While cardboard is recyclable and considered environmentally friendly, its production and disposal still have an impact on the environment. The production process consumes water and energy, and the use of inks and dyes can introduce pollutants. However, the widespread recycling and reuse of cardboard help mitigate these impacts.

See Also

• Paper
• Recycling
• Sustainable packaging

Cardboard Resources
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