Corrugated Cardboard History
In 1817, England produced the first commercial cardboard box, according to Ohio State University. By 1856, corrugated or pleated paper was patented as a liner for tall hats in England. In 1871, Albert Jones of New York patented corrugated cardboard. This single-sided or single-face shipping material wrapped and protected bottles and glass lantern chimneys.
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Mass Production
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In 1874, G. Smyth created the first machine to produce large quantities of corrugated cardboard. Oliver Long updated corrugated cardboard with liner sheets on both sides. Softwood provides longer fibers that help make the paper strong in tension. The corrugated cardboard retained its shape and resisted punctures and tears.
The Box
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The modern cardboard box has surfaces that accept printing. In 1890, Robert Gair started cutting and creasing cardboard, which led to the prefabricated corrugated carton box. By early 20th century, the commercial industry used corrugated cardboard boxes to replace wooden crates.
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Modern Adaptations
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Corrugated cardboard features outer flat sheets or liners made of puncture-resistant papers with corrugated short fiber paper (fluting). Packaging with corrugated cardboard lowers the risk of crushing and protects the box's contents.
Environmental Advantages
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Cardboard recycling benefits industry and communities. Corrugated cardboard cushions delicate fruit and produce and reduces the chances of bruising and damage. Cases usually fold flat for convenient shipping to the packing site. Modern boxes contain a percentage of recycled fibers. As a fiber source for recycling, modern cardboard can help a developing country create a paper and packaging industry.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit angled corrugated cardboard image by leafy from Fotolia.com what in a cardboard box? image by Andrey Khritin from Fotolia.com recycled cardboard image by Gale Distler from Fotolia.com