[DA] Who invented the cardboard box?

The short answer is Robert Gair, but the story of how the cardboard box came to be is actually far more interesting and complex than you might think. Let us take you on a journey through time and delve into who really deserves the credit for this amazing invention.

Who invented paper?

Before we can talk about cardboard boxes, we have to start with paper. Because it’s hard to make cardboard without paper, right? The story goes back to the year 105, when a Chinese official named Cai Lun announced that he had invented a new method of making paper.

Although there are examples of paper from before his time, Cai Lun is the first to leave documentation of his method: he pressed plant fibres and dried them to create paper. This process quickly became popular and is the basis of how paper is made today.

But what about corrugated cardboard?

Plain paper is good, but corrugated cardboard is something completely different. It’s thicker and has waves that provide extra protection – perfect for packaging! Corrugated cardboard was first used in England in 1856, but not for shipping – it was actually used as reinforcement in top hats. It wasn’t until 1871 in the USA that corrugated cardboard was used as packaging. Albert Jones patented the idea and used corrugated cardboard to protect bottles. This was the start of the many uses of corrugated cardboard that we know today.

And what about the box itself?

To make a cardboard box you obviously need corrugated cardboard, but where did the idea of a box come from? We have to go back to 1840s France, where cardboard was used to transport silk butterflies. Ferdinand Revoul is credited with this invention, but the first cardboard boxes were not quite like the modern cardboard boxes we use today.

However, the real inventor of the modern cardboard box is Robert Gair. In the late 1800s, he had an unfortunate incident where a machine cut a paper bag incorrectly. Instead of getting frustrated, he had an idea: by combining cutting and folding, he could create an easy and efficient box that could be used for storage and shipping. In 1890, he patented his invention – and the rest is history.

A humble but ingenious invention

Gair’s simple design revolutionised the packaging industry and inspired many other innovations – such as the classic breakfast box cartons introduced by Kellogg’s.

We at RAJA are deeply grateful to Robert Gair and all the other brilliant inventors who have contributed to the cardboard box we have today. It has been the basis for countless innovations over the years and has made shipping and storage easier for businesses around the world.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little journey through time and learnt something new about the history of the cardboard box. Did we miss anything? Share it with us in the comments!