Cardboard in Package Construction
Modern packaging requirements demand precise control over compression strength, cushioning performance, and environmental impact. Industry testing shows that single-wall corrugated board provides compression resistance of 5.5-7.0 kN/m², while multi-layer designs can achieve 12-15 kN/m² without increasing material thickness beyond 7mm. This represents a critical advancement as global shipping volumes continue to rise, with associated material consumption reaching 80 million tonnes annually.
The fundamental challenge lies in engineering multi-layer structures that maximize protective performance while minimizing material usage and maintaining recyclability.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including cell-based cushioning materials with curved wall structures, multi-density corrugated layers for impact absorption, and fiber-pulp receptacles with digitally-optimized support elements. These and other approaches focus on creating packaging solutions that balance protection, sustainability, and commercial viability.
1. Integrally Formed Paperboard Packaging Box with Curved Internal Support Cavity
LEE JOOMAN, 2024
A packaging box for protecting fragile items like lenses during shipping. The box has an internal support cavity that provides cushioning and prevents the item from moving around inside. The box bottom connects to the support piece at one end and the lid at the other end. This allows the item to be placed inside the support cavity, which has curved walls to match the shape of the item, preventing pressure damage from stacked items. The curved walls also provide dust protection. The box is made of integrally formed paperboard.
2. Corrugated Cardboard Packaging with Multi-Density Layer Structure for Impact Absorption
M, 2024
Corrugated cardboard packaging for cooking appliances that provides an environmentally sustainable and space-saving alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam packaging. The corrugated cardboard packaging aims to reduce environmental impact, improve recyclability, and save storage space compared to EPS foam. The packaging design uses corrugated cardboard with different densities or layers to provide varying levels of durability and impact absorption for shipping protection. The cardboard packaging is fully recyclable, unlike EPS foam, and can be made from biodegradable materials. It also reduces storage space compared to bulky EPS foam.
3. Coating Composition for Packaging Materials Comprising Thixotropic Aqueous Mixture with Smectite Clay, Water-Soluble Polymer, and Cross-Linking Agent
NABACO INC, 2024
Coating packaging materials like paper and cardboard with a thixotropic aqueous mixture to improve barrier properties like reducing gas and moisture transfer through the material. The coating composition contains smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and a cross-linking agent that links the clay to the polymer. Applying the mixture to a surface and heat treating crosslinks the clay-polymer barrier. This provides coated packaging with improved barrier properties for replacing single-use plastic in produce shipping.
4. Pulp Mold Packaging with Internal Insulation Chambers and Grooved Mold Structure
THERMO LAB KOREA CO LTD, 2024
Pulp mold packaging with improved strength, insulation and stackability for fresh product transportation. The packaging has a main body with a cover that attaches inside the main body. This allows for insulation between the main body and cover. The cover has a top and bottom mold with an internal space. The main body has a top mold with an internal space. The cover and main body molds are made of pulp material with a binder, antifoaming agent, and water repellent. Grooves on the molds prevent distortion. A fixed coupling connects the cover bottom to the main body. This prevents jamming when stacked. The internal spaces between the molds can be filled with cellulose foam insulation.
5. Molded Pulp Packaging System with Foldable Base and Pallet Engagement for Heating Devices
BDR THERMEA GROUP B V, 2024
Eco-friendly packaging solution for heating devices like water heaters and tanks that reduces plastic usage and improves protection during transportation. The packaging uses molded pulp materials like recycled paper to make a base element that surrounds and supports the bottom of the device. The base engages into a pallet and has foldable edges to secure it. This replaces single-use plastic wedges and strapping. A covering element goes on top and side elements on the sides. The molded pulp provides cushioning and stability without plastic, reducing environmental impact compared to expanded polystyrene.
6. Cylindrical Cardboard Container with Manually Insertable Cardboard Bottom Closure
FATEC S A U, 2024
A fully recyclable cylindrical cardboard container with a manually closable bottom cup to hold liquid dispensing bags. The container is made entirely of cardboard and can be recycled since it doesn't contain any other materials like plastic or metal. The bottom closure is a flexible cardboard cup that can be easily inserted by hand to seal the container around the bag. This eliminates the need for complicated machinery and reduces risks of injury compared to containers with metal seals.
7. Folding Biodegradable Battery Container with Terminal Access and Shock Absorption
ACUMULADORES MOURA SA, 2024
Biodegradable, folding container for batteries that is made from renewable or recycled materials like corrugated paper or cardboard. The container is designed to replace plastic battery packaging that is discarded after each recharge. The folding container allows easy access to the battery terminals for recharging without breaking apart the container. It provides protection and shock absorption during transport. The biodegradable material reduces environmental impact compared to plastic. The folding design reduces waste by eliminating the need for new plastic containers for each recharge. The container can be flattened and reused multiple times.
8. Packaging Box with Multi-Compartment Structure and Hinged or Sliding Access Mechanism
FENDI S R L, 2024
A packaging box for perfume bottles that provides improved protection and presentation. The box has a main compartment for holding the perfume bottle, as well as additional compartments for storing accessories like perfume pumps and atomizers. The box is made of materials like cardboard, paperboard, or plastic. It can be designed with a hinged lid or a sliding drawer mechanism for opening. The box may also have a handle for carrying. The additional compartments allow better organization and protection of the perfume and accessories during shipping and storage.
9. Cardboard Corner Pieces with Three-Layer Structure for Packaging Protection
HINOJOSA PACKAGING SL, 2024
Ecological, cost-effective, and space-saving corner pieces for packaging that replace traditional polystyrene corner pieces. The new corner pieces are made entirely of cardboard and are designed to protect fragile items during shipping. They offer environmental benefits by being biodegradable and recyclable. They are also more economical and have lower storage volume compared to bulky polystyrene pieces. The cardboard corner pieces can be customized without requiring new molds, unlike polystyrene pieces. They have a three-layer structure that provides protection for the packaged item. The cardboard pieces can be automated for production efficiency.
10. Foldable One-Piece Paper Packaging Structure with Integrated Inner and Outer Box Assembly and Clamping Support Plates
STL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
One-piece paper packaging structure that replaces foam cushioning in electronic device shipping boxes. The structure is a foldable paper box that provides protection without foam. It has an outer box and inner box connected by folding panels. The outer box has a bottom plate, side panels, and support plates that form a bendable box. The inner box has a bottom plate, side panels, and support plates connected by folding panels. The inner box folds into the outer box to create a sealed container. An outer cover seals the opening. The folding panels create gaps in the inner box to prevent crushing. The outer box support plates clamp onto the inner box to secure it.
11. Cardboard Food Container with Truncated Pyramidal Shape and Circular Flange Sealing Mechanism
HINOJOSA PACKAGING S L, 2023
A cardboard container for food products with a unique shape and sealing mechanism that aims to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic containers. The container has a truncated pyramidal shape with a rectangular base and completely rounded edges. The upper edge folds outward to form a circular flange. This allows the container to be sealed with a transparent plastic sheet on top, providing visibility of the contents. The rounded edges and flange make the containers stackable like plastic containers, but the cardboard construction reduces environmental impact.
12. Modular Packaging Structure with Pulp Molded Corner and Side Guards
TES TOUCH EMBEDDED SOLUTIONS CO LTD, 2023
A modular packaging structure for display devices that provides high protection, meets environmental regulations, and allows customization for different device sizes. The packaging uses modular corner and side guards made by pulp molding. The corner guards protect the device corners and fold together to create a corner receiving groove. Multiple corner guards can cover all device corners. The side guards protect the sides and have a side receiving groove. The modular guards can be shared between devices of similar size. This allows customizing the number and orientation of guards for different devices. The pulp molded guards are recyclable and meet environmental standards.
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