Cardboard Cartons
Cardboard cartons is an umbrella term for several different types of small cardboard box. The material that is mostly used in boxes that are referred to as cardboard cartons is known as paperboard, although it is still technically correct to refer to it as cardboard, as the name 'cardboard' refers to any heavy paper-based product. Paperboard is thin, flat and generally smooth in texture. It is made by combining several layers of cellulose fibre when they are wet. The cellulose fibres themselves are sourced from pine, spruce and birch trees, with them being separated from the raw wood by means of a process called pulping. Once the fibres have been separated from the wood, they are layered together while they are wet, before a smooth surface is created for the printing of graphics and text. This smooth surface is produced by adding a white mineral pigmented coating to the layers of cellulose fibre. The strength and smoothness of the resulting surface allows for cardboard cartons to be created on to which designs and embossing can be added.
It is also possible to waterproof cardboard cartons. This is achieved by moving the sheets of fresh paperboard through the rollers of a mechanical extruder, which extrudes a thin layer of polyethylene, a type of plastic, onto both sides. The machine adds multiple layers of polyethylene to the paperboard, which is then cooled and set. The resulting product still has the light weight of standard cardboard cartons, but it is now waterproof as well and glossy enough for machines to imprint designs upon. In order to ensure that the carton boxes remain watertight, once they have been cut into shape they are placed inside a sealing machine which heats the polyethylene at the corners and seams, creating strong bonds that hold the carton together without the need for adhesives.
Milk Cartons
The cartons that result from the above process highlight the main use of cardboard cartons: folding cartons for milk and juice. This type of cardboard carton is cheap to produce, as old cartons can effectively be recycled into new ones at relatively low cost. They are also watertight and create little waste after they have been used. Manufacturers can simply ship blank folding cartons to dairy producers, who are then able to construct them and place their logo and information on the glossy surfaces with ease. Carton packaging also has the advantage of being easy to open and close, due to its intuitive folding design.
Carton Boxes
Carton boxes are used for other purposes as well, such as packaging for cereals and food products. Their small size and low weight make them ideal for this task. They are also regularly used as packaging for computer software, as they can be made to be aesthetically striking due to their easily printed surfaces, while being durable enough to protect the goods inside.
Corrugated Cartons
Corrugated cartons are also available from certain suppliers for the transport of heavier goods, and these are available with either single or double fluting, depending on the weight of the product they are required to contain.