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What makes the history of cardboard so fascinating?
Our daily lives are very closely connected with cardboard. From the package that delivers your online orders to the boxes that hold your breakfast cereals, cardboard is everywhere. But do you know where cardboard comes from, what it is made of, and the history behind this now-essential material? In this article, we will talk about cardboard, the most important and popular raw material in the packaging industry.
Origin of Cardboard
When did the cardboard box invente? Who invented the boxes?
The story of the history of cardboard begins in 15th century China, where cardboard invented and paper originated. Cardboard is essentially made from paper pulp, which usually has a corrugated inner layer for added strength. The process of making cardboard involves several stages, such as processing and shaping this paper material. About a century after its invention in China, this innovation spread westward and reached Iran. In Iran, paper manufacturing activities first started industrially in Karaj in 1934 with the establishment of a cardboard manufacturing factory using waste paper. This answered the question, “When were Iranian cardboard boxes invented?” These early cardboard boxes were handmade, which was certainly a time-consuming process.
Packaging Industry
History of the Invention of Ready-Made Cardboard Boxes
A significant milestone occurred later in the 19th century thanks to a Scottish entrepreneur. Robert Gair, originally from Scotland, invented the cardboard box in 1879 in Brooklyn, USA – an invention that was born out of a happy accident. While working on an order of seed bags, a misplaced metal ruler cut them instead of just creasing them. This sparked an idea in Gair’s mind, leading him to discover that cutting and creasing simultaneously could create cardboard boxes. This innovation greatly accelerated the process of making cardboard boxes in the packaging industry.
Advances in Cardboard Design
The evolution of cardboard continue with the invention of corrugated paper, which patented in England in 1856. Providing an inner lining for products like hats, pleated paper was a milestone in the history of cardboard. Subsequently, Albert Jones from New York City introduced corrugated boxes in 1871, marking the time when fluted cardboard invented. His innovation was designed for packaging fragile items such as bottles and glass lanterns with cardboard.
In 1874, Oliver Long improved Jones’s design by adding liner sheets to both sides of the corrugated board. This led to the corrugated cardboard we know today. So, while cardboard boxes indeed made of paper, it is this multi-layered and corrugated structure that gives them their unique strength, durability, and resilience.
The Impact of Cardboard Today
Online Ordering of Cardboard Boxes
The history of cardboard, starting in 15th century China where paper originated, is a tale of innovation, creativity, and sometimes happy accidents. Today, it’s hard to imagine a world without cardboard. Cardboard use for an astonishing range of applications – from packaging and shipping to arts and crafts. With a production volume expected to exceed 72 million tons by 2022, cardboard is a testament to how a simple idea can revolutionize the packaging industry and our daily lives.
The History of Cardboard Recycling and Renew ability
Although the history of cardboard is characterized by rapid development and growing prevalence, the story doesn’t end there. Today, there is greater emphasis on the responsible disposal and recycling of cardboard. With such widespread use in our homes and businesses, proper recycling is crucial to ensuring the longevity of our planet’s resources. Supporting cardboard recycling is an essential step toward sustainable material management and contributing to the circular economy.
The history of cardboard, from its beginnings in China where paper originated to today’s online ordering and delivery, is a narrative of human progress and creativity. Cardboard is undeniably a fundamental part of our past, present, and future. Designing custom cardboard boxes is a great way to optimize your packaging operations and online sales, creating customer satisfaction along the way. At Pivazh Packaging, we offer a variety of boxes to our customers through suitable packaging solutions. Consult with us today to get the best price and benefit from Pivazh’s tiered discounts. Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for more information.
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