10 features of the best cardboard boxes for packing and shipping parcels

10 features of the best cardboard boxes for packing and sending parcels

Packing cartons are most often used for sending various types of parcels, especially larger ones. This is because it is very versatile and environmentally friendly packaging. What should characterise a good quality packing carton?

Not every packing cardboard box is of good quality and suitable for shipping. The most important thing is that the parcel reaches the addressee intact. However, it is not only the strength of the carton that is important – customers pay attention to several other characteristics, which are discussed below.

Which packing cartons are most commonly used?

There are 3 types of shipping cartons that are most commonly used in online shops – cut pack cartons (another name for postal/express cartons), auto-bottom cartons and return cartons. Cut cartons are made from a die-cutting machine and so can be any shape and size. They have interlocking flaps and wings, so they can be easily closed without the use of adhesive tape. They have double walls, so they are robust and resistant to possible damage and crushing. Rajapost packaging cartons are available in 2 colours – brown and white. They are also available in a flat version. Importantly, they can be reused.

• Cardboard boxes with automatic bottom

Cartons with automatic bottoms save storage space – they are stored folded. In addition, they are very quick to assemble – just press on the sides and the box is folded. They are equipped with a special adhesive strip, so there is no need to use any adhesive tape. They are also robust, as their bottoms are reinforced with an extra layer of cardboard.

• Returnable boxes

Another popular type of cardboard boxes for packaging is return boxes. A customer wishing to return or complain about goods can use them for shipping thanks to the fact that such cardboard boxes are equipped with a double adhesive strip. This saves money and is convenient for the buyer, especially as one does not usually have the right packaging on hand to use for returns.

RAJA also offers many types of other packaging boxes – such as those with adjustable heights – which can be easily adjusted to fit the item being sent. Online bookshops, on the other hand, often use book wrappers with self-adhesive closures. For shipping long and narrow items, long cardboard boxes and square Quattropack tubes and round shipping tubes are used. On the other hand, special wine/beer cartons are best for shipping alcohol.

There is plenty of choice, so everyone can easily find the packaging to suit their needs. What’s more, they can order individual company prints for them, making the parcel boxes personalised.

What features should cartons for packing parcels have?

Here are the most important features of packaging boxes:

1. strength and damage resistance

Cartons for shipping are made of corrugated cardboard of different thicknesses. The most commonly used is 3-ply cardboard, but 5-ply and 7-ply cardboard are also used. Cartons used for shipping heavy items are made of such thick cardboard.

2. easy to return

Online shops are increasingly using return cartons so that buyers can use the same box to return goods.

3. recyclable

The environmental aspect is increasingly important in the packaging market, so cardboard boxes are an ideal solution because they can be recycled.

4. made from recycled materials

Most cardboard boxes are made at least in part from recycled paper, which also fits in with the ecological approach to packaging.

5. adaptable to fit the contents

In many cases, it is important for the packer to be able to adapt the carton to the contents of the shipment. Adjustable height boxes are a very economical solution – you can order 1 type and use it for all shipments,

6) Easy to fold

Speed is very important in the work of the packer, as it translates into efficiency of the packing process. For this reason, boxes with an automatic bottom are available on the market, which can be folded up in a single movement.

7) Easy to store

Boxes with automatic bottoms can be stored folded, so they take up little storage space compared to traditional boxes.

8) Can be custom printed

For many companies, it is important that you can personalise your shipping boxes, so you can order a personalised print.

9. custom formats can be ordered

It is also important for businesses to be able to order customised box formats, especially if they are shipping items of unusual shapes and sizes.

10. self-adhesive closure

Equipping the boxes with self-adhesive closures means that there is no need to use adhesive tape to seal them. In addition to this, it is also a considerable time-saver, which is so important at the packing station.

Read also:

• Height adjustable cartons – advantages
• Discover our bestsellers among our packaging cartons
• Flap cartons – types and applications