When it comes to gifts, the packaging matters a lot. No matter how precious the item is inside, the outer look, which is the packaging, really matters. You can't make the first impression or create high expectations unless the gift packaging is excellent. Ecommerce and gift packaging industries choose versatile, safe, and reliable boxes for their packaging needs. When we look at those boxes, they have one thing in common, namely the material. Wood pulp is a cost-effective and more eco-friendly option than many. This is why we will further compare the two standard options: cardboard and corrugated gift boxes.
The most common and versatile packaging comes in the form of cardboard boxes. From food items to general commodities, they are all available in this packaging. That only shows how versatile this material and the packaging style are. Since it is about gift packaging, cardboard is still one of the most reasonable and flexible solutions. They are also known as paperboard boxes because of the material used in their production.
If we look at the structure, a single layer of cardboard is made of wood pulp or paper fiber. With a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, this mode of packaging rules many areas of packaging. Even if it does not have any flute core or middle cushioning layer, it provides a stable packaging surface.
Its lightweight structure makes it suitable for almost every item, from food items to general commodities. Cakes, biscuits, cereals, cables, toys, etc. Therefore, choosing it for perishable gifts like pastries or biscuits is a good idea. However, tin boxes are more suitable because of their protection level. On the other side, clothing and similar items that need only basic packaging are also good with the cardboard boxes. That provides enough protection from creases, dust, and even moisture when packed with plastic layers.
The cost is low because it is one of the readily available materials. Wood pulp is abundant in the world; therefore, the price is very low. Moreover, the cardboard is not very thick, which reduces the cost of production. It's just a single layer without any flute layer in the middle, making it a cost-effective solution. However, a cardboard gift box can not provide much protection from shocks, water, pressure, and various environmental impacts.
Then a sturdier option comes, which is made of the same material. The only difference is the number of layers, the thickness, and the addition of flute layers. Before we go for the gift boxes, let's find out why these boxes are so versatile. From product packaging to transportation packaging, corrugated boxes provide a safe solution. They offer the safety of goods from various threats and also easy stacking. This low-cost shipping of almost every kind of item makes the corrugated boxes a common choice for the logistics industry.
These corrugated gift boxes are famous in the ecommerce industry for various reasons. Their low cost, versatility, printability, and easy stacking make them a top packaging choice for gifts. With multiple layers, they provide high cushioning to every kind of sensitive item inside. Outer flat layers and middle corrugated flutes offer a stable support to heavy items from shocks and punctures.
If we look at the types available in the industry, there are plenty. A, B, C, E, and F types are very common. These grades define the thickness level of corrugated boxes. Even G, N, R, and T are further classifications available in the industry.
These gift boxes are the best suited for general and fragile items. For instance, clothing, stationery items, electronics, glass items, and even perishable goods can be packed inside corrugated gift boxes. This is why the ecommerce industry uses them for almost every kind of item they supply. Customers receive them right at their addresses without any scratches, punctures, or any other sort of damage. Here are a few types available in the industry that are used for general packaging for logistics and also for gifts.
It is the thickest type of corrugated box, measuring 5mm in thickness. It has the highest level of cushioning for the highest level of protection. Therefore, using it for heavy and sensitive gifts like glass items, furniture, and ceramics provides extra care. It makes the sending side free of worries because of the high cushioning against various shocks and damage.
Then there is the B flute, which has a 3mm thickness to protect items from crushing and punctures. It is a better option for gifting because the printing is easier on it. Companies use it for the packaging of electronic items and get enough printing capacity because of its higher stiffness than type A flute.
Then the C flute corrugated box comes, which is a thicker option than the type B. Usually, it comes after type A because of its 4mm thickness. It has slightly less cushioning and more printing capacity than type A. This type of gift box is suitable for heavy and sensitive items, which also require printing.
Then the second thinnest type of corrugated box comes, which is only 1.5mm thick. It is not only thin but also provides a space-saving solution. Because of its thinness, it is sturdier than the above types. This sturdiness gives it a better printing surface. That means it's the best for delicate gifts that need crush resistance. Lightweight electronics, decorative items, and jewelry need E flute-type corrugated gift boxes.
The last is the F flute, which is the thinnest and the most rigid corrugated box type. It is only 1mm thick, which is why it suits delicate and compact items for packaging. Since it is inflexible and thin, it becomes ideal for printing. This type is a crush-resistant one, which is why it is suitable for perishable fresh items like pizza, donuts, etc. Both the ecommerce and fast-food sectors use this type to pack their items safely. Similarly, when it comes to gift packaging of sensitive and delicate items with the highest level of printing, type F flute is the best.
Since there are lots of types of gifts with different sensitivity levels and weight ranges, only a single layer will not be enough for all. Sometimes you need single, double, and even triple layers of corrugated gift boxes. The higher the layers are, the higher the cushioning will be. Some boxes have five layers also, which makes them suitable for heavy gifts like glass, furniture, ceramic, electronic, and similar items. Such combinations are known as AA flute boxes, BC flute boxes, EB flute boxes, etc.
The cost of corrugated gift boxes is higher than that of cardboard gift boxes. The reason is apparent, and that is the number of layers. The middle layer of the flute makes the most significant difference. The higher the layers are, the higher the cost will be. However, maintaining the safety of the gift is the primary objective of every sender. But let's look at the overall shipping cost. It will still be low because of the material used to produce corrugated gift boxes.
Selecting the packaging material and type is not a simple process if we look closely. Every detail and factor involved in it matters. The safety of the gift and the presentation must align with customer satisfaction. Also, the cost of packaging entirely depends on the material used for it. When we analyze carefully, cardboard and corrugated boxes are cost-effective and a decent option for that. When we further compare them, the corrugated gift box is a way better option because of its versatility and the solutions it offers.