Our daily lives are so intimately connected with cardboard. From the package that brings your online orders home to the boxes that hold your breakfast cereal, cardboard is everywhere. But do you know where cardboard comes from, what it's made of, and the history behind this now indispensable material?
Origin of Cardboard
When was the cardboard box invented? Who invented boxes?
The story of cardboard begins in 15th-century China, where cardboard was invented and where paper originated. Cardboard is essentially made from paper pulp, typically with an inner corrugated layer for added strength. The process of making cardboard involves multiple steps, such as treating and shaping this paper material.
Around three centuries after its invention in China, the innovation spread westwards, reaching the shores of England. Here, M. Treverton & Son, an English company, invented the first paperboard box in 1817, answering the question, "When were cardboard boxes invented?". These early cardboard boxes were made by hand, which was surely a time-consuming process.
The Invention of Prefabricated Boxes
The significant turning point came later in the 19th century, thanks to a Scottish entrepreneur. Robert Gair, originally from Scotland, invented the cardboard box in Brooklyn, USA, in 1879 – an invention birthed through a fortuitous accident. While working on an order of seed bags, a misplaced metal ruler cut through the bags instead of merely creasing them. An idea sparked in Gair's mind, leading him to discover that simultaneously cutting and creasing could create prefabricated paperboard boxes. This innovation greatly sped up the process of how cardboard boxes are made.
Advancements in Cardboard Design
The evolution of cardboard continued with the invention of 'pleated' paper, which was patented in England in 1856. Offering an inner lining for products like hats and pleated paper was a stepping stone in cardboard's history. Subsequently, Albert Jones of New York City introduced corrugated boxboard in 1871, shedding light on a time when corrugated cardboard was invented. His innovation was designed to package fragile items like bottles and glass lanterns.
In 1874, Oliver Long improved upon Jones' design by adding liner sheets to both sides of the corrugated board. It led to the corrugated cardboard we know today. So, while cardboard boxes are indeed made of paper, it's this multi-layered, corrugated structure that gives them their signature strength and durability.
Impact of Cardboard Today
Tracing back to its origins in 15th century China, where the paper originated, the history of cardboard is one of innovation, creativity, and, sometimes, happy accidents.
Today, it's hard to imagine a world without cardboard. Cardboard is used for an astounding array of applications - from packaging and shipping to arts and crafts.
With an output of more than 72 million tons predicted by 2022, cardboard stands a testament to how a simple idea can revolutionize industries and daily life.
Read More: How To Find Your Desired Custom Cardboard Boxes
Uses and Innovations
Cardboard’s versatility and sustainability have made it an essential material in our daily lives. We are surrounded by major applications that we take for granted, for example, the corrugated cardboard used in the creation of:
Architectural models
The compact yet firm partitions in wine boxes protect individual bottles
Even the unique DIY display boards used for school projects or presentations
Cardboard Recycling and Sustainability
Although the history of cardboard is characterized by rapid development and growing prevalence, the story doesn't end there. Today, more emphasis is being placed on responsible disposal and recycling of cardboard.
With such extensive usage in our homes and businesses, proper recycling is crucial to ensure the longevity of our planet's resources.
Supporting cardboard recycling is a necessary step towards sustainable materials management and contributing to a circular economy.
Read More: How to Pack Books for Moving a Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
The history of cardboard, from its beginnings in China, where the paper originated, to the online deliveries of today, is a tale of not just material but human progress and creativity. Cardboard undeniably stands as an essential part of our past, present, and future. Custom cardboard box design is a great way to optimize your packaging operation and build customer satisfaction along the way.
We at Half Price Packaging live up to delivering the promised value to our customers through tailored packaging solutions. Consult with us today to get the free quote and make sure you receive a risk reversal option first.
