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Plastic Corrugated Boxes

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Introduction

This article will give a detailed discussion of plastic corrugated boxes.

It is expected that after reading, one should understand the following:

  • Plastic Corrugated Boxes: What They Are, How They Work, and Considerations in Choosing the Appropriate Corrugated Plastic Box
  • How Plastic Corrugated Boxes are Manufactured
  • Different Types of Plastic Corrugated Boxes
  • Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Plastic Corrugated Boxes
  • And much more…
Plastic Folding Boxes

Chapter One: Plastic Corrugated Boxes: What They Are, How They Work, and Considerations in Choosing the Appropriate Corrugated Plastic Box

The reality is that moving goods to numerous locations puts too much strain on cardboard boxes. They rip easily, are prone to leak, and may expose products to chemicals, moisture, and dust, which can quickly harm stock and impede production from various manufacturing components being exposed to these harmful conditions. Corrugated plastic boxes are an effective, reusable alternative that conserves time, money, and resources.

What They Are

A plastic corrugated box is a disposable container with three layers of material consisting of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer on its sides. Corrugated plastic is known by various names, including polyflute, flute plastic, twin wall plastic, and corflute. There are three layers of polypropylene plastic substrate found in corrugated plastic. These plastic containers provide good protection when storing, handling, stacking, and transporting goods. They are composed of high-quality polyethylene or polypropylene and commonly range in thickness from 2mm to 25mm (nearly an inch). These plastic corrugated boxes are 100% recyclable and reusable for reduced waste and greater savings. They are resistant to chemicals, dust, and water. In addition, they are lightweight to facilitate transportation and handling.

Plastic Corrugated Boxes

How They Work

Plastic corrugated boxes are an attractive alternative for packaging because of their material and sturdiness. As a result of their construction, corrugated plastic boxes rank among the market's most portable, shock-absorbing, and lightweight plastic products. With a neutral pH, polypropylene is an incredibly durable thermoplastic polymer that can resist various environmental temperatures, weather, and usage circumstances for extended periods. They are there to protect the products being transported or stored. Plastic corrugated boxes reduce the damage of any internal items from the external environment if there happens to be an impact during transportation. They are excellent at shielding products from moisture. Plastic corrugated boxes also function extremely well maintaining their support structure when storing or carrying heavy objects.

Plastic Corrugated Box as Packaging

Considerations in Choosing the Appropriate Plastic Corrugated Box

When looking for a packaging solution that goes with their product, people want a lightweight, attractive, safe, and affordable material. Therefore, choosing the appropriate packaging is essential if one wants their goods to arrive at their destination safely, cheaply, and damage-free. Luckily, various plastic corrugated boxes are specifically designed to handle different considerations.

Mode of Transportation

Before choosing the appropriate plastic corrugated box, one must determine what means of transportation will transfer any items housed within them. For instance, a corrugated plastic box transported by land must be prepared for rough roads, while one transported by air should be suited for atmospheric changes.

The Threat of Moisture

Packaging is vulnerable to moisture exposure from warehouse storage, maritime shipping, or an unfortuitous encounter with rain. Since paper absorbs water, packaging made from corrugated cardboard or other materials may not be able to withstand moisture and, once wet, will not protect the products inside from this threat. Corrugated plastic would be a better choice in this situation. However, the glue used to assemble the plastic sheets into a box must be considered to prevent moisture damage.

Product Specifications

As with any packaging material, the weight, size, and shape of the product being housed within must be considered. It is exactly because of these factors that plastic corrugated boxes are manufactured in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.

Temperature Equilibrium

Products are shipped to extremely diverse climates around the world. Therefore, keeping such potential variances in mind while looking into shipping options for goods is vital. For example, plastic corrugated boxes can withstand an incredible variation in temperatures.

Product Worth

Containers house valuable things. Therefore, it is important to consider the container used to secure the items within. Corrugated plastic boxes contain three levels of material- an interior liner, an arched form or fluting in the middle, and an outer liner. Due to their design, plastic corrugated boxes can support a wide range of product weights, provide excellent dimensional stability, and are available in a wide range of sizes to guarantee the material is secure. The product worth should also be considered when choosing the strength of the plastic used. When the product is of high worth, thick plastic should be selected.

Fragile Products

As opposed to more durable goods, crystals, mirrors, and chinaware are fragile things requiring greater protection. Therefore, the container housing these items must be considered to prevent damage while storing or shipping fragile goods. Plastic corrugated boxes protect their enclosed items from being smashed or crushed. Double-walled boxes with partition inserts are one option available. In addition, plastic corrugated boxes may be constructed in special cases to handle specific handling concerns.

Nature of the Good

While the exterior of a packaging container is important, consideration must also be given to its interior. For example, one may reduce the danger of harm to the items held within by using materials for cushioning empty spaces with the fills of air pad, paper pad, foam, and loose fill. In addition to cushioning, electronics packaging requires the prevention of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and corrosion protection. Again, plastic corrugated boxes come to our rescue.

Chapter Two: How Plastic Corrugated Boxes are Manufactured

As mentioned in chapter one, plastic corrugated boxes are created to handle a variety of considerations. However, the process is always the same. Three layers of a thin polypropylene plastic substrate, essentially plastic cardboard, are used to create corrugated plastic boards. Corrugator boxes are created by machines through a process that are both detailed below.

Corrugator Machine

A corrugator is a group of devices that continually create a single, double, or triple wall board. The working principle of a corrugator machine is quite simple. Two stages are used to make plastic corrugated boxes: the containerboard combining process, which involves adhering one or more fluted (wave-like patterns created to provide strength and cushioning) plastic sheets to one or more flat facings of plastic linerboard, and the box manufacturing process, which involves putting the plastic corrugated sheets together into boxes. Interchangeable corrugating rolls with various flute sizes are available for each corrugating machine. The width of the corrugated medium can be altered by changing the flute size in the corrugator.

During the containerboard combining process, a roll of plastic material is inserted into the corrugator. The corrugator's enormous, electrically powered rollers take the material to be corrugated and feed it through preheating rollers and corrugating rolls before corrugating the material. On the corrugating rolls, a layer of plastic sheet passes through gear-like parts of the corrugator, which creates flutes in this plastic. Next, another liner roll is fed into the corrugator to align with the corrugated rolls. After a layer of fluted material is completed, it is aligned with another solid layer of plastic at another flat structure of the corrugator machine called the bridge. At the bridge, a layer of corrugated plastic is glued together with this solid layer of plastic to form a wall.

Plastic Corrugator

A corrugated box can be described as being either a single-, double-, or triple-wall board depending on the level(s) of corrugated plastic. Once a wall is completed, the plastic’s corrugated edges are meticulously coated in starch adhesive to marry it to another wall at a glue station, Finally, the completed sheets of layered material travel across plates heated by steam as they continue through the corrugator, curing the adhesive holding the walls together.

Forming the Blanks Into Boxes

The plastic board is trimmed and divided into sheets, known as box blanks, by a slitter-scorer at the end of the corrugator. Once the box blanks emerge from the slitter-scorer, they slip into an automatic stacker, loaded onto a sizable, rolling platform. Next, a folding machine bends the blanks into boxes along pre-set score lines. After the boxes have been adequately formed and trimmed, glue is applied to the portions that will be put together to complete the box forming.

Automatic Box Folding Machine

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Chapter Three: Types of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

There is a wide variety of plastic corrugated boxes, each with specific benefits for use in various contexts. These varieties include:

Plastic Profile Board - Plastic profile board offers a lightweight, stiff material that may be made in various weights and thicknesses.

Triple-Wall - As the name suggests, triple-wall corrugated plastic boxes have three layers of flutes (grooves). To add stability, each layer has flutes of various sizes. In addition, the extra layers improve compression strength and cushioning.

Triple Wall Sheet

Double-Wall - A box with a double-wall design has an extra layer of fluting compared to a single-walled plastic corrugated box, making it capable of holding heavier and larger objects.

Double Walled Sheet

Single-Wall - This is the basic corrugated wall design with a single outer layer. It also has an inner layer fluting between the two layers. It is also called a double-face corrugated plastic.

Single Walled Sheet

Honeycomb - Honeycomb corrugated boxes contain corrugation featuring a honeycomb pattern. Honeycomb corrugated plastic is pliable and can be used to create lightweight boxes that transport simple material which is not fragile.

Honeycomb Sheet

Types of Flutes

The following are the top five flute profiles for plastic corrugated boxes:

A-Flute

This is the original flute design incorporated into corrugated plastics. A-flute profiles contain approximately thirty-three flutes per linear foot and are a quarter inch thick.

B-Flute

With approximately 47 flutes per linear foot and a 1/8′′ thickness, B-flute corrugated plastic boxes are frequently used to hold canned products.

C-Flute

Typical for shipping cartons, C-flute corrugated plastic has 5/32′′ of thickness and approximately 39 flutes per foot.

E-Flute

E-flute corrugated plastic contains about 90 flutes per linear foot and is 1/16" thick.

F-Flute

F-flute corrugated plastic is used for small retail packaging; it has about 125 flutes per foot and is 1/32′′ thick.

Many flute profiles can be mixed in a single composite board. As an illustration, a triple wall board might have two layers of C-flute medium and one layer of A-flute medium. By combining flute profiles, designers can alter a plastic corrugated box's total thickness, compression strength, and cushioning strength.

Types of Flutes

Divider/Partitioned Corrugated Plastic Boxes

This is a corrugated plastic box with partitions, so the material packaged within may be held in different compartments. The partitions are designed to suit the size of the individual materials. In addition to providing better organization, these boxes are thin, strong, and affordable, making them the perfect packaging option for storing, protecting, or shipping delicate, non-waterproof items.

Partition Boxes

Plastic Corrugated Boxes With a Double Cover

A double-cover plastic corrugated box's body is made of square or rectangular tubing with telescopic covers that can be swapped out. They are kept flat in storage. When necessary, a tube is opened, and the top and bottom slot-assembled pieces can be removed or added to allow for better positioning of the items. The interlocking form of a double-cover plastic corrugated box is a safer and snugglier-fitting option for holding important items. The covers and tubes in a double-cover plastic corrugated box include interlocking flanges to strengthen their framework. They are designed to enable the shipment of bulky objects like appliances and large machinery.

Plastic-Handled Plastic Corrugated Boxes

These plastic corrugated boxes are designed for better handling and easier carrying. A plastic handle is inserted in their design. This box is usually implemented where the components to be transported are fragile.

Corrugated Plastic Mailers

Corrugated plastic mailers, commonly referred to as corrugated plastic shipping boxes, are designed to protect delivered goods. These boxes are available in several colors to improve their visual appeal and customer experience and can be personalized to represent a business. Corrugated plastic mailers are frequently used for subscription box packaging and e-commerce, and they can convey one large item or numerous smaller products.

Slotted Plastic Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated plastic that has been scored and slotted is used to create slotted boxes. The slotted form is the most popular and commonly used type of corrugated plastic box. Corrugated slotted boxes can ship or store various goods, chemicals, and parts. There are many common slotted box designs. The regular slotted box has the following characteristics; when folded, its four flaps meet in the middle of the box and are all the same length, with the two outside flaps being half as wide as the container. The half-slotted corrugated box is identical to the full version, except that the top lacks one set of flaps. There is also the overlap slotted box where the outer flaps overlap and are the same length as the inner flaps. The overlapping flaps are stapled together to form the shape. The length of this design is bigger than the width. For the full overlap box, the top and bottom flaps overlap and are the same length to provide more support for larger goods. For a corrugated box containing a center slot, the inner and outer flaps are different lengths and fold together in the middle.

Telescopic Plastic Corrugated Boxes

The lid of a telescoping plastic corrugated box is larger than its bottom portion due to its two-piece construction. The lid adds stacking strength and ease of opening when the tray is closed by extending partially or completely over the sides of the tray. In many industries, telescoping plastic corrugated boxes are frequently used for everything from displaying products to careful packaging and moving and shipping items. Heavier and bulkier things are typically packaged and shipped in stronger telescoping boxes that still provide easy removal of the contents inside.

Telescopic Boxes

Rigid Plastic Corrugated Boxes

A rigid plastic corrugated box features two end parts and one middle piece. A single piece of scored corrugated plastic that can fold into a slotted or telescope-shaped container makes up the self-erecting variation of a rigid corrugated box.

Folding Corrugated Plastic Reusable Box

The bottom of a folder-style box is solid, and the overlapping flaps are notched so they can be folded or wrapped around a product. This kind of box is frequently used to carry smaller items, books, and other printed goods. Their one-piece design features a flat bottom, and the expansions of the side flaps form flaps for the sides, end, and top. There are versions with either five-or four-panel trays. The five-panel variation has a top, but the four-panel variant does not. The second and fourth panels of the five-panel form are located at the top and bottom, and the fifth panel is a side in the one-direction folding design.

Folding Corrugated Plastic Reusable Box

Auto Bottom Tuck-Top Boxes

The tuck-top plastic corrugated box is designed to be quick, effective, and simple to close. The tuck flap of these boxes tucks into the body of the box, and the top flaps close over the top when extended. As a result, the bottom of the box flattens, and the sides split apart when opened, making it easier to load objects. The tuck-top snap-lock bottom plastic corrugated box is a variation on the tuck-top auto bottom plastic corrugated box in which the bottom is made up of four interlocking flaps rather than being pre-glued.

Chapter Four: Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

Applications of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

Office Stationery

Office supplies and stationery are packaged in plastic corrugated boxes.

Moving

It is recommended that consumers utilize plastic corrugated boxes to move their goods if they are relocating and considering hiring a moving company to assist them. Plastic corrugated boxes are sturdy enough to safeguard delicate items that could otherwise sustain harm if transported in cardboard boxes. The nicest thing about plastic corrugated boxes is that they do not shatter under enormous weight, guaranteeing that one's possessions remain unharmed and simplifying the moving procedure.

Supply Chain and Logistics

Plastic corrugated packaging is one of the best things to have happened to the supply chain. Plastic corrugated boxes are readily accessible on the market, simple to pack and unpack, and able to deliver various products safely. They can be used to transport most industrial goods with ease.

Textiles

Plastic corrugated boxes come in different sizes and styles and are perfect for carrying a wide range of textiles.

Automotive

Auto components come in various sizes and forms. Therefore, storing and shipping them takes careful planning. In addition, it is essential to use a durable, weight-bearing, cushioned packing material to prevent parts from being damaged. Plastic corrugated boxes meet these various requirements.

Medical Care

Medications often must get to their destinations securely and within an established temperature range. Plastic corrugated boxes are an excellent solution. Plastic corrugated containers naturally maintain temperatures and can transport numerous items simultaneously through dividers or partitions without causing damage to the items within. Plastic corrugated boxes may be the best choice for moving several small items from one location to another.

Electronics

Electronic devices are typically fairly delicate items; therefore, they must be packaged to protect them from damage during transport. These packages also need to shield electronic components from potential static electricity. Luckily, electronic devices can be packed in plastic corrugated boxes since they don’t conduct electricity.

E-business

In the world of e-commerce, presentation is crucial. One can personalize the plastic corrugated boxes used in the e-commerce sector with a distinctive design, aesthetics, and brand quirkiness to help increase marketing and branding through packaging. Plastic corrugated boxes can be branded to promote your business.

Agriculture

Plastic corrugated boxes are constructed from materials that adhere to FDA food storage guidelines and are designed to endure various temperatures. This can ensure the freshness of food when it is being transported or temporarily stored.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

Storage, transportation, and distribution are crucial operations for most industries. The packing of items must be done in a way that satisfies the requirements of both the customer and the business. Convenience, portability, and the safety of the goods are among the main factors to consider. Typically, cardboard boxes are used in the packing process. However, plastic corrugated boxes perform better than cardboard packing for various reasons, as we will discuss in greater detail.

Advantages

  • Plastic corrugated boxes are an intelligent substitute for cardboard boxes and hardwood containers. They fold several times, making transportation simpler. Their manufacturing process is also cheaper and requires less energy.
  • Corrugated plastic boxes are typically reusable. Compared to cardboard or paper-based boxes, they are more durable, have a longer shelf life, and can be recycled when the time finally comes after their extremely long period of service.
  • Typically, plastic corrugated boxes don’t need to be disposed of, even after several uses, and, instead, can be returned to the shipper for reuse.
  • Because of their material and folding capabilities, plastic corrugated boxes may be easily folded and opened.
  • Contrary to other, more-rigid plastic containers, plastic corrugated boxes are lightweight and thin.
  • Since they can be partitioned into specific internal boundaries, multiple goods can be packaged in plastic corrugated boxes.
  • Plastic corrugated boxes maintain their structure and surface integrity and are waterproof. These features of plastic corrugated boxes help guarantee the safety of workers and the environment.
  • Based on customer requirements, plastic corrugated boxes can be created for a specific order. The packing requirements provided by the customer can influence the dimensions and design of any box. Designs for plastic corrugated boxes with high-density capabilities are also feasible.
  • Plastic corrugated boxes are made using ecologically-friendly and environmentally-sustainable production techniques.
  • Glass, lighting, mirrors, and chrome-plated items need special handling during shipment because they are scratch sensitive. Due to this reason, several kinds of plastic corrugated boxes have been specially created for this specific function.
  • They last a long time. Corrugated plastic containers survive 30 to 50 times longer on the job than corrugated cardboard containers.
  • Corrugated plastic is very inexpensive to make and buy. Even in the unlikely event, a plastic corrugated box is damaged, replacing it won’t cost much money. In addition, they are a more cost-effective packaging choice due to their durability compared to the alternatives.
  • Containers made of corrugated plastic provide an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. They also withstand impact, dampness, corrosion, dirt, dust, and most chemicals better than other packing choices. Additionally, these containers keep their shape even when fully loaded.
  • Plastic corrugated boxes come in a wide variety of designs. They are made in any size to fit any material-handling application an individual may have, including pick and pack, warehousing, and automated storage and retrieval systems.
  • Space can be saved by using plastic corrugated containers. When not in use, many designs allow them to nest inside one another to conserve space.
  • Plastic corrugated boxes are strong enough to lay flat independently, so one can easily set items inside. In addition, one can cut, bend, staple, and even punch holes in these items.

Disadvantages

  • Although corrugated plastic is a rather durable material, it isn't designed to endure forever and will eventually show signs of wear and tear. A person might notice some fading, bending, or even ripping in the corners rather quickly, depending on the materials enclosed inside and the environmental factors which the container may be exposed to.
  • Plastic corrugated boxes are designed to last and not to decompose. Although some curbside pickup services will accept them, it is more common that one might have to transport these items to a recycling facility.
  • It's critical to remember that corrugated plastics produce substantial carbon waste during their manufacturing process.
  • Corrugated plastic is not advisable for a company's primary, permanent branding on its boxes. Printing on this material can fade after just a few months when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

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Table of Contents

Considerations in Choosing the Appropriate Corrugated Plastic Box

How Plastic Corrugated Boxes are Manufactured

Types of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Plastic Corrugated Boxes

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