Recently, we have been highlighting the advantages of using our plywood boxes through several proven and often sought-after properties in logistics loops. Because they are foldable and reusable and offer significant resistance to stacking, our boxes have many advantages in terms of storage and empty returns.
But beyond these advantages related to design, why did we choose to prefer plywood to cardboard? For a whole set of practical, economic and ecological advantages that we will detail in this article.
Why prefer plywood to cardboard?
When comparing the properties of plywood boxes with those of cardboard boxes, there are many differences and the results are very evocative.
First of all, in terms of the safety of the packaged product. The resistance of plywood guarantees the optimal protection of the products, while cardboard remains a fragile and shake-sensitive packaging, which makes it vulnerable. The compression tests performed on both materials are irrevocable. For a box of the same size, the maximum supported force is from simple to double or even triple depending on the basic quality of the cardboard. In addition, the cardboard is not very resistant to stacking – deformation – and outdoor storage conditions, as it is particularly susceptible to humidity.
In terms of sustainable development, our folding boxes can be reused up to 200 times (depending on their conditions of use) while cardboard packaging can certainly be reused but very quickly damaged during use. Wood has a negative carbon footprint, while the manufacture of cardboard and its recycling require different energy-consuming steps.
In terms of personalization, 95% of our boxes from a minimum order of 5 units are made to measure. For the cardboard boxes, customization is only possible from a demand in large quantities. Moreover, it is possible to benefit from a permanent and qualitative marking (screen printing, stencil, digital printing) while the printing of logos on the cardboard boxes is often limited to the constraints of series.
Finally, let’s not forget that a company’s brand image is important. Therefore, plywood packaging refers to high-end quality while cardboard is more often associated with mass-market products.
While it seems natural to prefer plywood for all the reasons listed in this article, it is important to keep in mind that for each type of product and the level of safety induced, there is a corresponding optimal packaging. If you are still hesitating about the choice of yours, do not hesitate to contact our experts of the design office who will be able to give you all the detailed technical characteristics.