Retail Packaging (chipboard vs. corrugated)

It’s commonly understood that chipboard (folding) cartons are mainly used to sell things and that corrugated (cardboard) boxes are mainly used to ship things.

It’s rare to see ‘chipboard’ material being used as a shipper, yet not unusual to find ‘corrugated’ being used for retail cartons (unseen by the untrained eye).

The machinery used to convert chipboard and corrugated materials are similar in nature but different in technology (high vs. low tech) which directly impacts their operational cost.  Some other differences include their tolerance standards, material price breaks, and industry lead times.

It’s an easy decision when choosing corrugated boxes for shippers, but not always so easy when selecting the best material for retail box needs.  A myriad of questions must 1st be asked and answered.  Yet some of these questions may never be asked by sales reps having an agenda of selling you their products.

Gaining the expert advice of a packaging consultant having no skin in that game ensures your decision in selecting the best packaging materials will be informed and a wise one.