Corrugated Plastic Boxes
Corrugated plastic boxes are constructed from a wide range of extruded, twin-wall
plastic sheet products. Extruded
plastics that may be used include high-impact
polypropylene resin. The boxes are constructed in a way similar to that of
corrugated paperboard. Two sheet of plastic surround an inner, fluted (pleated)
sheet. The air pillows created by the fluting provide impact-resistance and strength.
Corrugated plastic boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and offer
some advantages over corrugated paperboard. Plastic is moisture and mold resistant,
stronger than paperboard and can resist some chemicals. Plastic boxes can be
locked, whereas paperboard boxes are not as secure. They can also be stacked
easily and can be folded flat for storage. Plastics can also be recycled, although
not as easily or completely as paperboard.
Corrugated plastic boxes also have some disadvantages. Up-front and replacement
costs are much higher for plastic than paperboard. Corrugated plastic boxes
weigh much more themselves than their paper-based counterparts. Corrugated
plastic boxes are more likely than cheaper alternatives to be stolen from worksites
and factories.