Corrugated paper is designed to be more resilient and is typically used for packing or wrapping. It comes in two forms. Lined corrugated paper is made up of rigid layered paper enclosing a fluted layer between smooth layers. The fluted layer offers additional strength to the packing. Modern cardboard is an example of lined corrugated paper. Unlined corrugated paper consists only of a flexible fluted layer.
Corrugated paper was patented in 1896 by Healey and Allen to be used as lining in men’s tall hats. In 1870, Robert Gair invented pre-cut flat pieces of corrugated cardboard that open up and fold into boxes. In 1871, Albert Jones patented shipping material for bottles and glass lanterns made with stronger corrugated paper. In 1874, the first single sided corrugated board making machine was built by G. Smyth.
Today, corrugated paper has many different uses from boxes and packing materials to cups, decorations and arts & crafts projects. Corrugated paper products are generally lightweight but very durable and versatile. Some manufacturers have even made contemporary furniture out of this material. Lined corrugated paper is often used in children’s toys, shipping boxes, and product displays in stores while unlined corrugated paper is often used for protecting items being shipped or for decorations. A good example of unlined corrugated paper being used as decoration is the border we often see on bulletin boards at school.
Most lined corrugated paper boxes are made up of a single layer. Layers are sometimes added to make stronger boxes or other products. On the bottom of a corrugated paper box, the edge crush test rating will be displayed. This represents the amount of force or weight that the box can withstand before it buckles at the edges. These boxes come in different strengths to accommodate different purposes. For example, heavier items may be shipped in boxes that are made stronger and thicker while lightweight objects wouldn’t need as much strength.
Corrugated paper production uses a machine that uses heat to condition the paper, steam to make it receptive to forming the flute shape and then starch to glue the two separate papers together. Architects have known that an arch with a proper curve is the strongest way to span a given space. Corrugated paper is based on the same principal. Arches are anchored to the liner board and resist bending and pressure from all directions. When placed on its end, the arches form rigid columns capable of supporting a lot of weight. The space between the flutes acts as a cushion protecting contents when pressure is applied to the side of the board.
Corrugated paper comes from wood giving it a great advantage over other packaging mediums as wood is a renewable source. Theoretically all corrugated board can be turned back into paper by recycling. The paper recycling process tends to make the fibers shorter and eventually become a natural biodegradable material. Corrugated paper is one of the best examples of sustainability and is excellent on cost effectiveness. Corrugated paper is an easy to print, natural, recyclable, biodegradable product.