How long does Cardboard boxes lasts (2024)

If you have a company that uses cardboard boxes on a daily basis – it could be for product storage, e-commerce packaging or a grocery shop that delivers fruits and vegetables, for example – you may have already wondered if these packages have expiration date. After all, this is a very used type of material – if purchased in large quantities, it can save your company’s money. But is it worth it? That’s what we’re going to talk about today.

How long do the cardboard boxes last?

There is no standard that specifies or requires the inclusion of an expiration date on corrugated cardboard boxes. Through studies and observations, however, it was possible to reach a consensus that, under ideal conditions (with controlled temperature and humidity), they last up to two years. Some factors can promote changes in this estimate, such as the relative humidity of the air, the temperature of the environment in which it is stored, the way it is stacked, the quality of the corrugated cardboard used in the manufacture of the boxes, the adequate dimension of the packaging in relation to the product, between others.

How to store cardboard boxes?

In order to give more durability to the boxes in stock, it is necessary, in the first place, to know how this storage will be. This includes the characteristics of the product and its storage location. If there is stacking, for example, it is necessary to know how many boxes it will be, whether it will be columnar or crossed and how long this material will be stored. In this way, understanding the entire process that the package will go through until it reaches the final consumer, it is possible to make an adequate and more durable planning.

Based on this information, your corrugated cardboard box supplier will have knowledge of the entire process that the box will face until it reaches the final consumer and will be able to identify the most suitable type of material for each operation. That is why it is extremely important that your supplier knows the process that the cardboard box will face in order to consider all the problems (and, of course, how to avoid them). It’s much better to do good packaging development than to have problems with your customer, don’t you think?

Canada box manufacturer

Finally, one last tip: have a professional and reliable supplier of cardboard boxes and establish a closer relationship with him. There’s nobody better to help you define the best materials to use and the best way to store your packaging. If you have any questions, please contact our technical team and we can help you in this mission. We are at your disposal. https://racerboxes.com/contact-us/

How long does Cardboard boxes lasts (2024)

FAQs

How long does a cardboard box last? ›

There is no standard that specifies or requires the inclusion of an expiration date on corrugated cardboard boxes. Through studies and observations, however, it was possible to reach a consensus that, under ideal conditions (with controlled temperature and humidity), they last up to two years.

How much does cardboard last? ›

A cardboard box kept in a dry place like an attic would probably last a couple of hundred years. Cardboard left in the weather and given some wear, maybe anything from a few months to a few years. If it catches fire, five minutes or less. How do you open a cardboard box without ripping it?

How many years does it take a cardboard box to decay? ›

Cardboard takes approximately 2 months to decompose. However, instead of sending your boxes to the landfill consider adding them to your recycling or your compost pile. Cardboard breaks down fairly quickly when exposed to the elements, but stacks of cardboard can take years to decompose.

How durable is a cardboard box? ›

Corrugated cardboard offers strength and durability for a variety of reasons. The rigid flutes are still encased between two pieces of cardboard, but the structure supports a substantial amount of weight. It supports food weight in travel boxes and is useful for shipping purposes.

How do you make cardboard boxes last longer? ›

5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Cardboard Box
  1. Reinforce any gaps. ...
  2. Pad the length of the corners with cardboard inserts. ...
  3. Add a cardboard layer at the bottom. ...
  4. Tape over all inside joints and edges. ...
  5. Double box it.

How do you make cardboard last longer? ›

If your boxes are of the barest design, consider coating them with resin, wood glue, or epoxy. This will help make them more water-resistant and less likely to suffer damage from pests. Applying this can help create a protective barrier that will prevent damage in case of unforeseen exposure.

How many times can a cardboard box be used? ›

Have you ever ordered something online that comes in a sturdy, neat and practical box, and then felt guilty for throwing it away? This is because cardboard boxes are NOT single-use items! They are strong and durable enough to be used a few times before they start to lose their quality.

Does cardboard deteriorate? ›

Cardboard And Paper Boxes Can Deteriorate In Wet Weather

You should avoid storing your product in the same box for a long period of time. If you store your product in a box that is already wet, this will make the cardboard more prone to molding or deterioration due to moisture exposure over time.

Is cardboard better than plastic? ›

When we take everything into account, cardboard is preferable to plastic in most categories – but the difference isn't always as big as people might think. Although cardboard requires less energy to produce, it also uses more water and creates more solid waste in the process.

Does cardboard attract bugs? ›

Yes, cardboard can attract other pests like silverfish, termites, and rodents. These pests, like roaches, are drawn to the dark, moist, and sheltered environment provided by cardboard boxes. It's essential to keep storage areas clean and dry to minimize the risk of attracting these pests.

How long does cardboard last under mulch? ›

The cardboard layer breaks down after several months (depending on soil type and geographical region) and the mulch will begin to decompose through contact with the soil. There are several advantages to sheet composting: It is an easy and uncomplicated method of composting.

Do cardboard boxes mold? ›

Cardboard is a porous/absorptive material that harbors moisture and promotes the growth of mold.

Is it worth keeping cardboard boxes? ›

There's no use keeping cardboard boxes if they're in no condition to be reused. If they're worn or damaged, then it's often better to get rid of them than wasting your time (and home space) trying to save it.

What are the disadvantages of cardboard boxes? ›

  • Not for extremely heavy items. If the wrong carton size or insufficient padding is used, cardboard shipping cartons may not be effective with weighty items.
  • May deform under pressure. Despite its strength, cardboard can be crushed, dented, or otherwise damaged under some conditions.
  • Not weatherproof.

What is more durable than cardboard? ›

Corrugated plastic can withstand heat, humidity, cold, and moisture, unlike cardboard that can be compromised or fail if they are exposed to moisture, humidity, heat, and cold. Our plastic corrugated products are designed for repeated usage, unlike cardboard that has to be replaced only after a few uses.

How long can a cardboard box last in rain? ›

Not long at all, cardboard is made from fibers, so it will start to deteriorate quickly. Even a wetted cardboard box that has been sitting in water will have the bottom drop out after maybe 10 to 15 minutes.

Do cardboard boxes dry out? ›

Even after the boxes are made, moisture needs to be maintained, or stacking strength will be diminished. Both high humidity and low humidity can create issues. Too high and corrugated fibers can loosen, glue bonds can weaken, and delamination can occur. Too low, and the corrugated board and glue can dry out and crack.

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