Corrugated Cardboard History

Corrugated Cardboard History

Corrugated cardboard started in the middle of the 19th century with its use in the transport of sensitive materials. It was patented in 1856 by two Englishmen, Healey, and Allen. The paper was corrugated between two fluted cylinders and this product was used as the lining of top hats. (Onen, 2007). 

The first patent for corrugated cardboard as a packaging material was received by Albert L. Jones in 1871. By developing cylindrical corrugated cardboard for the protection of lamps, Jones helped usher in a different era in product transportation.

The first corrugating machine for mass production was designed by G. Smyth in 1874 and produced by Oliver Long in parallel with the invention developed by Jones. The corrugated board technique, which is quite common today, is based on this machine.

Robert Gair created the first corrugated cardboard box in 1890. Gair, who made a wind-up box by cutting corrugated cardboard plates, started fabrication production after receiving an order to protect typewriters that were damaged in transportation. Corrugated cardboard replaced wooden packaging in the 20th century and its use has become quite common.

Paper, which is the raw material of corrugated cardboard, is one of the packaging types with the highest environmental and biocompatibility since it is a reproducible, reusable, and recyclable material.

Corrugated cardboard should be defined as a cost reduction tool, not a cost element. It is possible to prevent the product that comes out with great efforts from losing its value because it is not well packaged and protected, with a well-designed packaging.

Source: Erişmiş MC, The Effects of Process Conditions on Raw Material Product Resistance Relationship in Corrugated Cardboard Production, MSc, Istanbul University, Institute of Science, 2010.