Cardboard packaging is generally considered cheap and easy to produce, which is part of the reason for its popularity, but the actual processes involved are complex and multilayered. You may not realise how many stages go into cardboard production.
Pulping
You start with woodchips, which are broken down through either mechanical grinding or the application of chemicals such as sodium sulphide and sodium hydroxide until they have been turned into fibres.
Paper forming
Water is added to the pulped fibres to create a liquid slurry that can be spread over the mesh of a paper making machine. When the water is drained, the fibres can be dried and pressed until you have paper.
Corrugating
Paper travels through special rollers, leaving it with a fluted pattern. This is layered with linerboard to create corrugated card.
Cutting and shaping
Die-cutting machines allow the shaping of everything from the standard rectangular box to a cardboard container with slots, handles and other modifications.
Printing and coating
Product information and branding, such as a company logo, can be added to the cardboard with the aid of a printing machine. Protective coatings can make the cardboard more moisture resistant.
Folding and glueing
The cardboard can now be folded into its final form, with glue to ensure it is firmly held together. Automated machinery such as that used at //capscases.co.uk/services-2/sustainable-cardboard-packaging ensures precision, efficiency and consistency.
These steps follow cardboard production from the first pulping of the wood chips to the final folding, allowing you to consider how to improve efficiency and sustainability at every stage.
