Why are cardboard boxes so expensive for Packaging in 2024?

Cardboard boxes are now expensive for packaging. The main reasons are rising costs of raw materials, production costs, and high demand. In this article, we explain why prices have risen and share tips on how you can save money on cardboard packaging.  Learn more and find solutions to manage these cost challenges better.

What is Cardboard Packaging?

Cardboard packaging is commonly called cardboard boxes or packaging boxes. However, depending on its design and purpose it can also be known by other names such as cartons, shipping boxes, custom-printed cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes, or folding cartons.

What is Cardboard Packaging?

Advantages of Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is a perfect packaging material for many different reasons, even though it can be expensive for packaging. Following are the benefits of using cardboard packaging boxes.

  • Hard to Break

Cardboard is durable, long-lasting, and hard to break, making it perfect for reusing and maintaining its strength.

  • Sustainability

We’re often asked, “Is cardboard packaging sustainable?” The answer is always yes. Cardboard is one of the most sustainable packaging options. That is because it is recyclable, which means you’re reducing waste in landfills, helping to prevent more tree cutting, and saving energy. However, creating a material from scratch requires much more energy than recycling.

  • Cost-effectiveness

Cardboard is a highly affordable packaging material if you buy it in bulk. However, it is also lightweight, which means that your shipping costs are lower than if you were using a heavier material.

  • Customizable

Cardboard packaging can be completely customized. You can cut and fold it to make it into different shapes and sizes and print on it. Businesses can benefit from using customized, unique, or personalized packaging to impress their customers.

  • Flexible

Cardboard packaging is not only rigid but also flexible; so it can be folded flat for easy storage and transportation. This means you can fit more cardboard boxes on a pallet when they are flat-packed.

  • Strong

The last benefit of cardboard packaging is that it is solid. This means it protects the items inside your box and should stay safe during shipping.

Advantages of Cardboard Boxes

Read Also: What is the Best Packaging for Candle Boxes?

3 Key Reasons - Why Are Cardboard Boxes for Packaging in 2024?

The cost of cardboard boxes in 2024 may increase due to market conditions, industry trends, and regional factors. Other factors also impact the price, making cardboard boxes more expensive for packaging, as follows:

Cost of Raw Material

The price of cardboard boxes is largely affected by the cost of raw materials, which mainly come from paper pulp. Many factors can affect raw material prices, including changes in supply and demand, transit costs, and environmental responsibilities. So, increasing raw material costs can increase the price of cardboard products.

Cost of Raw Material
Cost of Production

Cost of Production

In this process, we need to consider the cost of production. Once we have the paper material, the next stage involves shaping and designing it to the required size and form. Also, there are several stages involved in manufacturing cardboard boxes, including:

  • Pressing
  • Cutting
  • Shaping

The production cost can rise due to the use of new technology, energy, labour, and maintenance.

Supply & Demand

The price of packaging can be affected by an increase in demand. Prices will increase as demand increases. Custom packaging is a unique way to attract today’s customers, who prioritize products with personalized presentation. The following factors play a role in the higher demand for cardboard boxes:

  • E-commerce
  • Shipping 
  • Packaging for events
Supply & Demand​

How Can You Reduce Costs for Custom Cardboard Boxes ?

Are you worried about the high cost of cardboard boxes, and you may only be able to afford custom packaging if it is cost-low? As these boxes are important for packaging and branding, how can you minimize the cost and keep using them? The following tips will help you.

  • Check Your Needs and Be Specific

Many brands utilize large, unique-shaped boxes with diverse designs, leading to resource wastage. Make sure your needs are specific. The paper should be cut professionally according to the need. Additionally, the box size should be reduced to meet specific requirements. Before cutting the paper through the cardboard boxes, you should determine the type and purpose of the box.

  • Unique and Simple Designs

Keep the box design simple but unique using basic shapes, printing text, and other necessary elements. Avoid spending on fancy designs and other luxuries as they raise costs. So, analyze your packaging needs to create simple and effective packaging.

  • Specific Customization Options

It would be great if you observed your packaging requirements in depth. Premium packaging is important for selling luxury items because it makes them look better and more valuable. However, it is just a waste of money, for other products. Find ways to save money on custom packaging and design, start it by understanding how custom packaging will benefit your product and setting a budget.
How Can You Reduce Costs for Custom Cardboard Boxes?

Summary

Cardboard is an eco-friendly, sustainable, and good alternative to plastic packaging. It is also easily accessible, cost-effective, suitable, and easy to recycle after use. Despite being expensive for packaging due to rising costs, choosing cardboard remains a win-win for both consumers and businesses.