Learn about the different types of cardboard

Cardboard is a commonly used and also the thickest paper material. It is made by vaulting two or more layers of paper pulp (the more layers, the stiffer and stronger the cardboard). Cardboard is primarily divided into solid and corrugated. Both types are widely used in a variety of industries, most notably in the packaging industry.

Cardboard in several varieties

As already mentioned, cardboard can be divided into two basic types: solid and corrugated. Solid cardboard is also often referred to by other names, including upholstery, furniture or recycled solid cardboard, among others. In each case, it is a material that is made from 100 per cent recycled waste paper, so it is completely eco-friendly. Solid cardboard is available in various versions. Top S.A. offers the following, for example

• extremely puncture-resistant solid cardboard glued in sheets, which is used for the production of dividers and upholstered furniture packaging;
• solid paperboard in sheets, which is used, among other things, for die-cutting in the sewing industry;
• solid board in rolls, which is used for packaging, dividers and bobbin production.

Corrugated board, on the other hand, contains two to seven layers of paper pulp, of which the middle layers are fluted (so-called fluting). Its specific structure makes it more rigid and robust. It is primarily used for the production of packaging.

Common applications for paperboard

As cardboard is an environmentally friendly, relatively cheap to produce and versatile material, it is used in a variety of industries. Above all, it is used to make a wide variety of packaging. The largest demand for cardboard packaging is in the food industry, where a variety of boxes for food and confectionery products are used practically on a daily basis.

Cardboard has optimum strength and resistance to a wide range of external influences, which is why it is suitable for use as disposable packaging and as unit packaging in a variety of shapes and sizes.