A Brief History of Cardboard: Who Invented Cardboard

From the early time you wake up to the moments before you go to bed, you see several packaging types or different-sized boxes made with cardboard around you. Whether it is about packing lightweight goods, storing different products, or delivering online orders. You observe the massive use of cardboard in the packaging boxes offering durability and versatility. 

Do you know what is cardboard? Have you ever thought about where cardboard came from? Can you name the genius who invented cardboard?

In this blog, we will explore the history of cardboard. We will trace when was cardboard invented first and how it was made. What innovations were brought to cardboard? We will also discover the uses of cardboard and how it looks its eyes on the future. Let’s begin.

Factors That Led To Invent Cardboard

Before the invention of cardboard, people used various materials for packaging and storage. Simple paper made from wood pulp was used for packaging.

Wooden crates, boxes, and barrels were commonly used, as well as woven baskets for storing and transporting items before the advent of cardboard. These storage materials are still being used today.

The use of animal hides was also common. They were used to create bags and pouches for comfortably carrying personal items. Fabric or clothing bags were used to carry smaller items such as food.

These materials used before cardboard were less durable and more expensive, leading to the invention of cardboard, which revolutionized the packaging industry.

Who Invented Cardboard? When Cardboard Made A Debut

Where does cardboard come from? Where did paper originate?
The journey of cardboard invention began in the 15th century in China where it was invented. China is the origin that gave birth to cardboard. In the beginning, cardboard was just a thicker paper sheet glued together used for packaging.

Crossing three centuries later, an English company known as M.Treverton & Son invented the first paperboard box of cardboard sheets in 1817. It had less strength compared to modern cardboard and became thicker and more rigid when developed.

Evolution in Cardboard Invention

We see evolution in this invention in the same 19th century in 1879 when a Scottish native Robert Gair invented the pre-cut cardboard box. This box was easy to fold and used to store various items. For shipping and general uses, this box was considered an ideal option.

Corrugation: Pioneering New Innovations

When was corrugated cardboard invented?
Corrugation in cardboard is considered a driver of innovative solutions. This innovation came to cardboard when in 1856 in England pleated paper was patented. It was used as a liner in various items including tall hats.

In 1871, Albert Jones invented corrugated boxboard and for single-sided corrugated paper board, he patented his design. This material was a perfect choice for wrapping glass bottles or glass lanterns.

Corrugated Machine Invention

Who invented the cardboard box?
Following Jones’ invention in 1874 G. Smyth developed a corrugated machine for massive production which helped Oliver Long bring innovation to this corrugated board by adding curly liner sheets on both sides.

The corrugated board method we use today is based on the first corrugated machine invented by G. Smyth which led to the first-ever invention of a pre-cut cardboard box in bulk in 1890 by Robert Gair.

How Prefabricated Boxes Were Invented

The idea of this invention came through an unexpected accident when a Scotsman Robert Gair a Brooklyn printer and paper-bag maker was on a job to accomplish an order by printing seed bags.

He was using a metal ruler to crease the bags. But by mistake, it cut them through which gave Gair the idea to crease and cut the paper which transformed prefabricated boxes.

How Cardboard is Being Used Today

Who is the largest producer of cardboard?
Currently, worldwide production of cardboard exceeds 72 million tons, with China being the largest producer. 

Cardboard is highly recyclable and is commonly used in manufacturing boxes for shipping and delivering goods.

Today, above 80% of products are being packed in shipping boxes made from cardboard including folding cartons, cereal boxes, pizza boxes, mailer boxes, and many others.

What Is Cardboard Used For

Cardboard, known for its versatility and durability, is a widely used packaging material in various industries, including retail, pharma, cosmetics, food, and beverages.

Packaging:

Cardboard is widely used for storing, shipping, and packaging various items, products, and goods ensuring durability and protection. Even for moving boxes, it is used to manufacture folding cartons to pack when you are shifting.

Display and Signage:

You can create posters, promotional displays, and point-of-sale signage.

Craft and DIY Projects:

Cardboard also serves as a thick paper material for your home decor, crafts, and DIY projects.

Food Packaging:

Many food restaurants are taking advantage of this sustainable cardboard for creating pizza boxes, takeout containers, or cereal boxes.

Protective Inserts or Dividers:

To protect your fragile and delicate items in larger boxes, cardboard inserts or dividers are placed ensuring complete protection during transportation.

Whether you need to create custom boxes, crafts, DIY projects or display signage, cardboard is the one covering everything.

For storage purposes, you can also use this paper material to create boxes to help you pack your clothing or valuable items in them.

Last but not least is the sustainability of cardboard which became a reason for making cardboard popular in every industry. This is not the end. A lot more cardboard uses are yet to be uncovered we will discuss them some other time.

Conclusion

Envisioning the future of cardboard - cardboard is capturing its marketplace. Cardboard was, is, and will be. Through this blog, we have tried our best to highlight cardboard from every aspect starting from the origin of cardboard to innovations brought by talented brains and its uses.

It is expected to see new horizons in cardboard that will revolutionize many industries in the near future. Looking at a better tomorrow of cardboard, many industries are focusing on considering cardboard to manufacture various types of packaging for their products.

If you are seeking a reliable packaging supplier for cardboard packaging boxes or need any type of packaging made from cardboard, head forward to Custom Product Packaging where you will find no boundary to produce boxes and other cardboard made products at economical prices with free shipping all across the USA and Canada. Want to contact us? Email us at order@customproductpackaging.com. Our customer support team is available 24/7 for your assistance.

FAQs

Q1. When was cardboard first widely used?

Ans. In the late 19th century, cardboard began to be used widely when it was manufactured in the US. Before this, cardboard existed was not universally used.

Q2. What were boxes made of before cardboard?

Ans. Before the invention of cardboard, wooden crates were the method for transporting items and goods. These wooden crates are still being used and are an expensive option.

Q3. Is cardboard eco-friendly?

Ans. Yes, cardboard is eco-friendly as it is made from renewable resources.

Q4. What was cardboard made from?

Ans. Cardboard was made of paper fibers obtained from wood pulp.