How are corrugated boxes made?

Corrugated boxes are everywhere, carrying products from all over the world and just down the street. Your favorite pizza probably comes delivered in a brightly colored corrugated box. Your little brother or sister might use a big corrugated washer, dryer or dishwasher box for a playhouse. You might flatten and collect corrugated boxes for recycling. Where do all those boxes come from?

Do boxes come in boxes?

Boxes are about the only product not often shipped in boxes. They're usually shipped in bundles. They are made in special factories called “box plants.”

Corrugated boxes are designed to be very strong. They are made of corrugated paperboard, which is different from the stiff paper known as “cardboard.” Look at the edge of corrugated paperboard, and you will see a row of air columns. The air acts as a cushion, while the paper columns make the material strong. Each box is made to hold something just right, protect it from banging around, and keep it from spilling. Boxes are made with important information printed on them about what's inside, or how to lift or move them. Carefully designed inserts hold items in place so they won't spill or become damaged.