From an environmental perspective there are few products perceived or as authentically green as paper based packaging such as corrugated board.
Though some continue to use outdated data to the contrary, nationally we annually plant more trees than we harvest so paper based corrugated packaging is truly manufactured from a renewable source. That of course makes it uniquely biodegradable, compostable, and easily recyclable just about anywhere. Compared to other metal or plastic options, reusable corrugated containers are also relatively low cost.
The fact that it is so recyclable also makes it one of the leading reusable packaging products containing a high percentage of recycled content or even post consumer recycled content. We have been producing our Globe Guard ® 100% recycled and 100% PCW RSC style boxes for years now and utilize similar board structures to almost everything we make for either stock or custom applications.
There is no greener material than corrugated board so the key is, knowing how to make it reusable.
Can Corrugated Packaging Ever Be Truly Reusable?
It can be, depending on how it is designed and manufactured, as well as the application. For example, our Globe Guard Reusable Box is designed for a minimum of two uses and is the first box that can be inverted inside out providing two distinct looks. (See video)
However for other multiple use applications the solutions are less drastic and making a corrugated container reusable is actually easier than most people realize. There are three areas where we can positively impact the durability and reusability of corrugated:
Corrugated board grade -- a slight increase in board grade can greatly improve the containers durability and longevity. For example, increasing the board grade from 32ECT to 44 single wall board typically adds less than 10% to the cost but depending on the application this small increase in board strength and cost can more than triple the number of times the container may be able to be reused.
Corrugated board coatings -- At one time, the only coatings that were available were wax which was widely used in produce packaging and poly (plastic) which was popular for meat and other applications where possible leakage is a concern. Unfortunately both are petroleum based coatings and render the board unacceptable for recycling or capable of biodegradation. Today we have a wide selection of eco friendly, water based coatings that deliver the same results with none of the negative impacts. Coating the inside and/or the outside of a corrugated container can dramatically increase its reusability to a never before anticipated number of repeated uses.
Corrugated design -- HOW a corrugated container is designed, can greatly affect the way a container is used and at the same time its reusability. That may sound too simple to be true but we prove it almost daily as we modify a containers shape or even its look to make it easier to economically reuse. Top load versus end load, RSC versus full over lap are all choices able to increase reusability and reduce cost.
Reusable Corrugated Container Design Choices
Stock and custom RSC style containers that typically require no tooling for moving, storage or shipping boxes.
Stock and custom die cut mailers for shipping and display
Stock and custom totes, bins and other storage units
Stock and custom pallet size containers for a variety of large capacity applications
Custom point of purchase (POP) displays able to serve multiple times as shipper and retail display unit
Stock and custom eco friendly corrugated coolers designed to replace EPS, foam coolers
Reusable Corrugated Containers
Why Use Corrugated?
From an environmental perspective there are few products perceived or as authentically green as paper based packaging such as corrugated board.
Though some continue to use outdated data to the contrary, nationally we annually plant more trees than we harvest so paper based corrugated packaging is truly manufactured from a renewable source. That of course makes it uniquely biodegradable, compostable, and easily recyclable just about anywhere. Compared to other metal or plastic options, reusable corrugated containers are also relatively low cost.
The fact that it is so recyclable also makes it one of the leading reusable packaging products containing a high percentage of recycled content or even post consumer recycled content. We have been producing our Globe Guard ® 100% recycled and 100% PCW RSC style boxes for years now and utilize similar board structures to almost everything we make for either stock or custom applications.
There is no greener material than corrugated board so the key is, knowing how to make it reusable.
Can Corrugated Packaging Ever Be Truly Reusable?
It can be, depending on how it is designed and manufactured, as well as the application. For example, our Globe Guard Reusable Box is designed for a minimum of two uses and is the first box that can be inverted inside out providing two distinct looks. (See video)
However for other multiple use applications the solutions are less drastic and making a corrugated container reusable is actually easier than most people realize. There are three areas where we can positively impact the durability and reusability of corrugated:
Reusable Corrugated Container Design Choices