Cardboard Packaging Manufacturing
Teal Packaging produces cardboard packaging solutions for businesses requiring durable, cost-effective protection for products during storage, shipping, and retail display.
Our cardboard boxes combine corrugated and solid paperboard materials to meet diverse packaging requirements across industries.
Types of Cardboard Packaging
We make multiple cardboard packaging formats:
- Corrugated shipping boxes (single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall)
- Folding cartons for retail shelf presentation
- Point-of-purchase displays with corrugated construction
- Mailer boxes with integrated locking mechanisms
- Die-cut cardboard inserts and dividers
- Flat shipping pads and layer separators
Corrugated Cardboard Specifications
Our corrugated packaging uses multiple flute profiles:
- A-flute (5mm thickness, excellent cushioning for fragile items)
- B-flute (3mm thickness, good stacking strength, smooth print surface)
- C-flute (4mm thickness, industry standard for general shipping)
- E-flute (1.5mm thickness, folding carton alternative with rigidity)
- F-flute (0.8mm thickness, retail packaging with minimal bulk)
- Double-wall (two flute layers for heavy products or tall stacks)
Board Grades and Strength
Cardboard strength is measured by Edge Crush Test (ECT) ratings.
We offer multiple grades:
- 23 ECT (supports stacking weight up to 20 lbs per square inch)
- 26 ECT (supports 30 lbs PSI, replaces legacy 125 lb test)
- 32 ECT (supports 40 lbs PSI, standard for most applications)
- 44 ECT (supports 60 lbs PSI, heavy-duty shipping)
- 55 ECT (supports 80 lbs PSI, double-wall applications)
- 71 ECT (supports 100 lbs PSI, triple-wall for industrial loads)
Folding Carton Materials
Retail cardboard packaging uses solid paperboard substrates:
- SBS (solid bleached sulfate): bright white, premium printing surface
- SUS (solid unbleached sulfate): natural kraft color, recycled appearance
- CCNB (clay-coated news back): budget option, white exterior with gray interior
- Recycled paperboard: 30% to 100% post-consumer content
Pricing Structure
Cardboard packaging pricing depends on material grade, dimensions, printing complexity. And order volume. Standard corrugated shipping boxes (C-flute, 32 ECT) start at $0.75 per unit for 500-piece runs of common sizes (12" x 10" x 8"). Folding cartons with single-color printing start at $0.48 per unit for 1,000 pieces. Full-color retail cartons start at $0.68 per unit for 1,000 pieces. Volume discounts apply: 2,500 pieces typically reduces cost by 22%, 5,000 pieces by 32%, 10,000 pieces by 40%.
Production Requirements
Minimum order quantity: 100 units. Standard production turnaround: 15-20 business days after proof approval. Rush production available (8-10 days) for 30% premium. We require box dimensions (length, width, depth measured as interior dimensions for shipping boxes, exterior for folding cartons), material specifications. And printing requirements. Artwork should be provided in vector format (AI, EPS, PDF) with 0.125" bleed and embedded fonts.
Box Styles and Configurations
Corrugated cardboard boxes are available in multiple structural styles:
- RSC (Regular Slotted Container): standard style with outer flaps meeting at center
- FOL (Full Overlap): flaps overlap completely for added strength
- HSC (Half-Slotted Container): open top for high-speed filling
- Die-cut custom shapes: tailored to product dimensions
- Self-locking mailer boxes: no tape required for closure
- Telescope boxes: separate lid and base for reusable packaging
Printing Capabilities
Cardboard packaging can include multiple printing processes:
- Flexographic printing: 1-4 spot colors, cost-effective for corrugated
- Offset lithography: full-color CMYK for folding cartons, precise registration
- Digital printing: full-color for short runs (under 500 units)
- Screen printing: specialty inks and textures
Common Applications
Cardboard packaging serves diverse industry needs:
- Ecommerce shipping for consumer products
- Food packaging (dry goods, baked items, frozen foods)
- Electronics shipping with custom foam inserts
- Retail shelf boxes for grocery and mass merchandise
- Pharmaceutical secondary packaging
- Automotive parts distribution
- Book and media shipping containers
- Textile and apparel boxes
Customization Options
Beyond standard box styles, we offer specialized features:
- Die-cut windows with clear film for product visibility
- Perforated tear strips for easy opening
- Handles (hand holes or attached rope handles)
- Interior dividers for multi-product packaging
- Scored panels for variable-depth boxes
- Reinforced corners for heavy-load applications
Sustainability Features
Cardboard is inherently recyclable and biodegradable.
Our packaging enhances environmental performance through:
- FSC-certified paperboard from responsibly managed forests
- Post-consumer recycled content options (minimum 30%)
- Soy-based and water-based inks replacing petroleum formulations
- Efficient die design to minimize material waste
- Corrugated boxes recyclable in municipal programs (cardboard stream)
- Biodegradable in landfill environments (unlike plastic packaging)
Testing and Quality Control
Cardboard packaging undergoes rigorous testing to ensure performance:
- Compression testing: boxes tested to withstand stacking loads
- Drop testing: packages dropped from 30-48" to simulate handling
- Moisture resistance: humidity exposure to verify structural integrity
- Bursting strength: material resistance to internal pressure
- Print quality: color accuracy checked against Pantone standards
Design Assistance
Our packaging engineers help optimize cardboard box designs for cost and performance. We calculate ideal dimensions to minimize material waste while protecting products. We recommend appropriate board grades based on product weight and stacking requirements. We suggest cost-effective printing solutions that maintain brand presentation. Design consultations are complimentary with quote requests.
Ordering Process
Submit your cardboard packaging specifications through our quote request form. Include product details, shipping requirements, quantity needs, and timeline.
Our team responds within 4 business hours with detailed pricing and production schedule. Browse our product catalog for box style examples and material options.
Shipping and Logistics
Cardboard boxes ship flat (knocked down) to minimize freight costs. Standard palletized shipments include strapping and corner protectors. Typical freight cost for 1,000 flat corrugated boxes (12x10x8) to East Coast destinations: $160-$210. West Coast: $240-$310. Samples ship via UPS Ground within 2 business days of request.
Ready to source cardboard packaging that protects products and fits your budget? Request a quote and receive detailed specifications within 4 hours.