Chipboard vs. Corrugated Cardboard

When deciding on packaging for your business, it’s easy to get so hung up on the design of the box itself that you completely overlook the actual type of box that will best suit your products. But the type of box you select is just as important as the images you print on the outside.

There’s a lot that goes into determining what type of box is best for your needs, but first, you should try to understand the differences between chipboard and corrugated boxes so you can decide which one will work best for your business.

Corrugated Boxes

When people think of the term “cardboard box,” more often than not, they’re actually envisioning corrugated boxes. If the box you’re picturing has fluted, fan-like folds pressed between two sturdy layers of cardboard, then surprise! That’s a corrugated box, and you’ve just learned a new industry term.

shipping box for berry coffee company

Most often, corrugated boxes are used to ship bulky and heavier items or fragile items that need more protection, as the folds provide extra strength for durability and safety. Corrugated cardboard is also the material that product displays are generally made out of since they can handle stacked loads and are durable enough to withstand the normal wear and tear that comes with life in a popular store.

kraft mailer box with logo printed on inside

Corrugated boxes are often reused when moving, shipping large appliances and electronics, and they can even be used for a second (or third!) time when shipping smaller items like plants and jewelry. They’re also an environmentally responsible option, as they can be made from recycled materials. And we’re proud to say that our corrugated boxes are 100% recyclable.

Chipboard Boxes

Now that you’re clear on the definition of a corrugated shipping box, you may be wondering what chipboard is. Chipboard is often constructed from recycled paper (not wood, as the name might suggest) that has been layered and pressed into a variety of thicknesses.

small chipboard box

Chipboard is used for die cutting projects, in scrapbooking materials (like those funky, raised letters and designs you use to decorate pages), as envelope stiffeners, and even on the backs of marbled notebooks and notepads.

Similar to many of our other folding carton styles and uses, chipboard helps to pack and give extra cushion to products that may have an odd shape or might be especially fragile. Chipboard boxes are usually partitioned into rows so that each individual product is protected (picture a box of glass Christmas ornaments, for example). Often, chipboard packaging can be a bit cheaper than the corrugated option, and it usually takes up a little less space and weighs less than a corrugated box. It goes without saying that it’s also recyclable.

top-tuck chipboard mailing box

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up any confusion you might be facing when deciding between corrugated cardboard and chipboard boxes. Both provide extra support to ensure the integrity of your products, and of course, both can be customized to suit the needs of your business perfectly.

Still have questions about what box is right for you? If you’re ready to get started on your own design or want to place an order, reach out today to get in touch with one of our box experts to get started.

Start your own project and Configure Custom Corrugated Boxes using our box maker tool!