Industry News & Analysis
Expert coverage of the corrugated cardboard industry — pricing data, market trends, box specifications, and packaging technology.
Q1 2026 Corrugated Market Recap: Prices, Demand, and Outlook
A comprehensive Q1 2026 corrugated market summary covering containerboard prices, box demand trends, OCC pricing, and the outlook for the remainder of 2026.
State-Level Packaging Regulations in the U.S.: A Corrugated Industry Overview
A comprehensive overview of state-level packaging regulations affecting the corrugated industry, including toxics in packaging, labeling laws, and recycling mandates.
PCA's $70/Ton Price Increase: Breaking Down the First Containerboard Hike of 2026
Packaging Corporation of America announced a $70/ton containerboard price increase for 2026. Here's what's driving it, whether it will stick, and what buyers should do.
The Containerboard Manufacturing Process: Kraft, Recycled, and Semi-Chemical Methods
A detailed guide to how containerboard is manufactured, covering kraft, recycled, and semi-chemical processes from wood chip to finished linerboard and medium.
FEFCO Box Codes Explained: The International Standard for Box Styles
A practical guide to FEFCO-ESBO box style codes, covering the major categories from 02xx RSC styles to 09xx interior fitments, with applications and trade usage.
International Paper's DS Smith Acquisition and Planned Split: What It Means for Corrugated Buyers
Analysis of International Paper's $7.2B acquisition of DS Smith and its planned split into two companies — and what these moves mean for corrugated packaging buyers worldwide.
The Smurfit Westrock Effect: How the Biggest Packaging Merger in History Is Reshaping the Corrugated Industry
Analysis of how the Smurfit Kappa and WestRock merger created the world's largest listed packaging company and what it means for corrugated buyers, competitors, and pricing.
Hazardous Materials Packaging: UN-Rated Corrugated Box Requirements
UN-rated corrugated box requirements for hazardous materials shipping including 4G designation, performance testing, supplier certification, and compliance.
How Corrugated Cardboard Is Made: From Tree to Finished Box (Complete Guide)
The complete manufacturing process for corrugated cardboard — from forestry and pulping through papermaking, corrugating, and converting into finished boxes.
Containerboard Capacity Cuts in 2025: Which Mills Closed and Why It Matters
A detailed breakdown of the major containerboard mill closures in 2025 — including IP Campti and GP Cedar Springs — and how ~6% capacity reduction is reshaping pricing.
The Death of the RISI Index? Why Major Producers Are Abandoning Price Benchmarks
An analysis of why major containerboard producers like IP and GP are moving away from Fastmarkets RISI index pricing, what it means for buyers, and how the market is adapting.
How Corrugated Packaging Design Affects Warehouse Efficiency
How corrugated box design impacts warehouse stacking, labeling, pick and pack operations, and automation compatibility for improved supply chain efficiency.
Dimensional Weight Pricing and Corrugated Packaging: How to Optimize Box Size
How dimensional weight pricing affects corrugated packaging costs, with formulas, carrier rules, and strategies to optimize box size and reduce shipping spend.
The EU PPWR Timeline: Key Dates and Requirements for Packaging Producers
Key dates and requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) from the 2025 effective date through 2035 recyclability mandates.
Flexographic vs. Digital Printing on Corrugated: Cost, Quality, and When to Use Each
A detailed comparison of flexographic and digital printing on corrugated packaging, covering cost structures, quality differences, run lengths, and decision criteria.
How to Read a Box Maker's Certificate: Decoding the Stamp on Your Corrugated Box
A complete guide to reading and understanding the Box Maker's Certificate (BMC) stamp found on corrugated boxes, including ECT, Mullen, and size limit values.
Inside a Corrugator: How the World's Fastest Machines Produce Corrugated Board
A detailed look inside a corrugator machine — how the singlefacer, bridge, double backer, and rotary shear work together to produce corrugated board at 1,000+ ft/min.
OCC Prices Explained: What Drives the Cost of Recycled Cardboard and Why You Should Care
A comprehensive breakdown of Old Corrugated Container (OCC) pricing — how it's set, what drives volatility, and why OCC prices matter to everyone in the corrugated packaging supply chain.
The Complete Guide to Corrugated Flute Types: A, B, C, E, and F Compared
Everything you need to know about corrugated flute types — profiles, dimensions, performance characteristics, and when to use each type for optimal packaging results.
Key Financial Metrics Every Corrugated Box Plant Owner Should Track
The essential financial and operational metrics for corrugated box plant owners, including waste %, OEE, revenue per MSF, board cost %, and EBITDA margins.
Item 222 and Freight Classification: How Corrugated Box Specifications Affect Shipping Costs
How corrugated box specifications affect freight classification under NMFC Item 222, including density-based ratings and strategies to optimize freight class.
Right-Sizing Your Corrugated Packaging: How to Stop Shipping Air
A practical guide to right-sizing corrugated packaging — how to reduce box sizes, eliminate void fill, cut DIM weight charges, and lower total shipping costs.
Containerboard Price Tracker: A Monthly Guide to Linerboard and Medium Costs
How to track containerboard prices using public and subscription data sources, what the numbers mean, and how to use pricing data to make better purchasing decisions.
Corrugated Cardboard Recycling: How the Process Works from Bin to New Box
A step-by-step explanation of how corrugated cardboard is recycled — from collection and sorting through pulping, cleaning, and conversion into new containerboard.
Free vs. Paid Corrugated Pricing Data: Where to Find Reliable Market Intelligence
A comprehensive guide to free and paid sources of corrugated packaging pricing data, from FRED and BLS to Fastmarkets and the CorrugatedNews price tracker.
Quality Control in Corrugated Manufacturing: Tests Every Box Plant Runs
A comprehensive guide to quality control tests in corrugated manufacturing — Cobb test, ring crush, flat crush, pin adhesion, warp measurement, and more.
How to Start a Corrugated Box Manufacturing Business: Equipment, Capital, and Market Entry
A practical guide to starting a corrugated box manufacturing business, covering capital requirements, key equipment, market analysis, and sheet plant vs integrated models.
Understanding Board Grades: What 32 ECT, 44 ECT, and 200# Test Actually Mean
A clear explanation of corrugated board grades including ECT ratings, Mullen burst test, and how to choose the right grade for your packaging needs.
The 93% Recycling Rate: Why Corrugated Is America's Most Recycled Packaging Material
How the corrugated industry achieved a 93%+ recycling rate, what the number actually means, and how it compares to every other packaging material on the market.
Food-Contact Corrugated Packaging Regulations: FDA Requirements Explained
FDA requirements for food-contact corrugated packaging explained — 21 CFR compliance, indirect food additives, printing inks, and BPA-free requirements.
ISTA Testing Standards for Corrugated Packaging: What You Need to Know
A comprehensive overview of ISTA testing standards for corrugated packaging — 1A, 2A, 3A series, test procedures, when testing is required, and cost of testing.
Pallet Optimization for Corrugated Boxes: Maximizing Truckload Efficiency
How to optimize corrugated box dimensions for 48x40 pallets, maximize box-to-pallet ratios, and choose between column stacking and interlock patterns for shipping.
Single Wall vs. Double Wall vs. Triple Wall Corrugated: How to Choose
A complete comparison of single wall, double wall, and triple wall corrugated board — specifications, strength ratings, cost differences, and when to use each type.
How Digital Printing Is Revolutionizing Short-Run Corrugated Packaging
How digital inkjet printing is transforming short-run corrugated packaging with zero plate costs, instant versioning, and near-offset quality on corrugated board.
How to Buy Corrugated Boxes: A First-Timer's Complete Guide
Everything you need to know before ordering custom corrugated boxes — from specifications and quantities to getting quotes and evaluating suppliers.
Prop 65 and Corrugated Packaging: California's Labeling Requirements
How California's Proposition 65 affects corrugated packaging, including potential chemical exposures, labeling requirements, and compliance strategies.
U.S. Corrugated Box Shipments: Monthly Tracking and What the Numbers Tell Us
How the Fibre Box Association tracks corrugated box shipments in billions of square feet, what 2025 numbers showed, and what the 2026-2027 forecast means for the industry.
Understanding the Corrugated Box Pricing Formula: From Containerboard to Finished Box
A detailed breakdown of how corrugated box prices are calculated — from containerboard costs through converting, printing, and delivery to your dock.
Gaylord Boxes Buying Guide: New vs. Used, Pricing, and Where to Buy
Everything you need to know about buying gaylord boxes — new and used pricing, quality grades, where to source them, and inspection tips for used gaylords.
Succession Planning for Family-Owned Corrugated Box Companies
A practical guide to succession planning for family-owned corrugated box companies, covering ownership transitions, valuations, next-gen training, and ESOP options.
How the Supreme Court's Tariff Ruling Affects Corrugated Packaging Costs
Analysis of the Supreme Court's February 2026 IEEPA tariff ruling — what it means for OCC exports, recovered paper trade flows, and corrugated packaging costs.
Corrugated Box Size Guide: Standard Dimensions for Shipping and Storage
A complete reference guide to standard corrugated box sizes for shipping and storage, including common stock dimensions, how to measure, and size optimization tips.
ECT vs. Mullen Test: Which Box Strength Rating Matters for Your Application
A practical comparison of Edge Crush Test (ECT) and Mullen Burst Test ratings for corrugated boxes — what each measures, when each matters, and how to specify correctly.
Returnable vs. One-Way Corrugated Packaging: Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
A total cost of ownership comparison between returnable and one-way corrugated packaging, covering trip costs, logistics, damage rates, and decision frameworks.
Choosing the Right Corrugated Box for Your Product: A Decision Framework
A step-by-step decision framework for selecting the right corrugated box based on product weight, fragility, shipping method, budget, and performance needs.
Corrugated Sales 101: Understanding Your Customer's Packaging Needs
A comprehensive guide to consultative corrugated box sales, covering customer needs assessment, specification writing, value selling, and building lasting relationships.
Kraft Linerboard vs. Recycled Linerboard: Price Comparison and When to Use Each
A detailed comparison of kraft and recycled linerboard — pricing gaps, performance differences, sustainability trade-offs, and market share trends driving purchasing decisions.
The True Cost of a Corrugated Box: Breaking Down Materials, Labor, and Overhead
A comprehensive breakdown of every cost component in a corrugated box — from containerboard and adhesives to converting labor, printing, and freight.
Warp, Washboarding, and Other Corrugated Defects: Causes and Solutions
Identify and troubleshoot common corrugated board defects including warp, washboarding, delamination, and crush, with root causes and practical solutions.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): What U.S. Exporters Need to Know
How the EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation affects U.S. corrugated exporters — recycled content targets, recyclability grades, and compliance strategies.
5 Industry Trends That Will Define Corrugated Packaging in the Next Decade
Five macro trends reshaping corrugated packaging through 2035: sustainability mandates, automation, digital printing, industry consolidation, and e-commerce growth.
The Ultimate Guide to Gaylord Boxes: Sizes, Specifications, and Best Uses
Everything you need to know about Gaylord boxes — standard sizes, triple wall specifications, weight limits, new vs. used pricing, and the best applications for bulk containers.
How Independent Box Plants Can Compete in the Age of Smurfit Westrock and IP
Strategies for independent corrugated box plants to compete against integrated giants like Smurfit Westrock and International Paper through nimbleness and niche focus.
How to Get Quotes from Corrugated Box Manufacturers: What Information You Need
What to prepare before requesting corrugated box quotes — dimensions, quantities, print specs, board grades, and how to compare quotes from multiple suppliers.
Corrugated Packaging Lead Times: What Affects Production Speed
What determines corrugated box production lead times, from order entry to delivery, and how to reduce them through better planning and supplier communication.
Corrugated vs. Plastic Packaging: A Complete Environmental Impact Comparison
A comprehensive comparison of the environmental impact of corrugated and plastic packaging, covering lifecycle analysis, carbon footprint, recyclability, and more.
North American Corrugated Market Forecast: What to Expect Through 2030
A data-driven forecast of the North American corrugated packaging market through 2030 — market size, CAGR projections, e-commerce drivers, and capacity trends.
Augmented Reality and Corrugated Packaging: Virtual Prototyping Before Production
How augmented reality is transforming corrugated packaging design with virtual prototyping, 3D proofing, store shelf simulation, and customer presentations.
Why Corrugated Box Prices Don't Always Follow Containerboard Indexes
Understanding why your box price doesn't move in lockstep with published containerboard indexes, including converting costs, print complexity, and market dynamics.
How to Reduce Corrugated Packaging Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Proven strategies to cut corrugated packaging costs including downgauging, right-sizing, order consolidation, annual contracts, and design optimization techniques.
RSC vs. FOL vs. HSC: Understanding Corrugated Box Styles and When to Use Each
A practical guide to the most common corrugated box styles — RSC, FOL, and HSC — with FEFCO codes, cost comparisons, and application guidance for each style.
Carbon Footprint of Corrugated Packaging: How to Calculate and Reduce It
A practical guide to calculating the carbon footprint of corrugated packaging — Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, calculation methodology, and reduction strategies.
Heavy-Duty Corrugated: Specifications for Industrial and Bulk Packaging
Complete specifications for heavy-duty corrugated packaging including double-wall, triple-wall, and bulk bins. Covers weight ratings, board grades, and applications.
Inventory Management for Corrugated Packaging: JIT vs. Safety Stock Strategies
How to choose between JIT and safety stock strategies for corrugated packaging inventory, balancing cost, risk, and supply chain reliability.
Nearshoring and Its Impact on Corrugated Box Demand in North America
How manufacturing nearshoring to Mexico and the U.S. is reshaping corrugated packaging demand across North America, with implications for capacity and logistics.
The Rise of Corrugated E-Flute for Retail-Ready and Shelf-Ready Packaging
How E-flute corrugated is replacing folding cartons for retail-ready and shelf-ready packaging, with superior print quality, supply chain efficiency, and cost savings.
Amazon FBA Packaging Requirements: Corrugated Box Specifications You Must Follow
Complete guide to Amazon FBA corrugated box packaging requirements including box sizes, labeling rules, void fill specs, and penalties for non-compliance.
Global Corrugated Industry Power Rankings: The Top 10 Companies by Revenue in 2026
Ranking the ten largest corrugated packaging companies in the world by revenue — from Smurfit Westrock at #1 to Mondi — with market position and strategic analysis.
How Many Times Can Cardboard Be Recycled? The Science of Fiber Degradation
The science behind cardboard recycling limits explained. Learn why corrugated fibers can be recycled 5-7 times and what determines fiber quality at each cycle.
Corrugated Packaging for Small Businesses: Getting Professional Results on a Budget
How small businesses can get professional corrugated packaging without overspending — stock boxes, online suppliers, right-sizing, print alternatives, and cost tips.
Fit-to-Product Packaging Machines: How They Work and What They Cost
How fit-to-product and box-on-demand packaging machines work, what they cost, and when they make sense for corrugated packaging operations and fulfillment centers.
Microflute Corrugated: Why E and F Flute Are Taking Over Retail Packaging
Explore why E-flute and F-flute microflute corrugated are replacing solid fiber and folding cartons in retail packaging. Covers growth drivers, SRP, and specs.
Corrugated Packaging for Cold Chain Logistics: Insulated and Temperature-Controlled Solutions
How corrugated packaging is used in cold chain logistics, including insulated designs, wax alternatives, moisture resistance, and temperature-controlled shipping.
How Energy Costs at Paper Mills Directly Impact Your Corrugated Box Prices
An in-depth look at how natural gas, coal, and electricity costs — representing 15-20% of mill operating costs — flow through the supply chain to affect corrugated box prices.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging: A State-by-State Guide
A comprehensive guide to EPR packaging laws in Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, and other states — fee structures, compliance requirements, and strategies.
How to Evaluate a Corrugated Box Supplier: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Ten critical questions to ask when evaluating corrugated box suppliers, covering quality consistency, lead times, financial stability, and technical support.
The Mexican Corrugated Market: Growth, Opportunities, and Cross-Border Packaging Flows
An in-depth look at Mexico's corrugated packaging market including key players, cross-border containerboard trade, USMCA impacts, and nearshoring-driven growth.
Die-Cut Corrugated Boxes: When Custom Shapes Are Worth the Investment
A complete guide to die-cut corrugated boxes covering the process, tooling costs, break-even analysis, and when custom shapes justify the investment over RSCs.
OCC Export Markets: How China's Import Ban Reshaped Global Recycled Fiber Trade
How China's National Sword policy transformed the global OCC export market — the shift to Southeast Asia and India, domestic mill capacity response, and where the market stands today.
Robotic Palletizing in Corrugated Plants: ROI and Implementation Guide
A practical guide to robotic palletizing in corrugated box manufacturing, covering robot types, typical ROI, integration considerations, and real-world results.
Minimum Order Quantities for Custom Corrugated Boxes: What to Expect
Understand minimum order quantities for custom corrugated boxes by box type, why they exist, how to negotiate lower MOQs, and alternatives for small runs.
The Impact of Nearshoring on Corrugated Packaging Demand
How the nearshoring trend is reshaping corrugated packaging demand in North America, with implications for box plants in Mexico, Texas, and border regions.
PFAS-Free Barrier Coatings: The Next Frontier in Sustainable Corrugated Packaging
An in-depth look at PFAS-free barrier coatings for corrugated packaging, covering regulatory drivers, alternative technologies, and what they mean for the industry.
Corrugated Board Adhesives: Starch-Based Glues and How They Affect Performance
A technical deep dive into corrugated board adhesives — corn starch formulas, Stein-Hall chemistry, gel point, bond strength, and specialty adhesive options.
Digital Twins in Box Plants: How Virtual Models Are Improving Real-World Production
How digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of corrugated plants, enabling predictive scheduling, waste reduction, and optimized corrugator performance.
Stock vs. Custom Corrugated Boxes: Cost Comparison and Break-Even Analysis
A detailed cost comparison of stock vs. custom corrugated boxes, including tooling costs, volume thresholds, and break-even analysis to guide your packaging decision.
The Rise of Independent Box Makers: How AICC Members Are Competing with Giants
How independent corrugated box makers and AICC members are growing market share against integrated giants through agility, service, and smart board sourcing strategies.
ArtiosCAD and Box Design Software: Tools for Structural Packaging Design
A guide to ArtiosCAD and other structural packaging design software used in the corrugated industry for box design, 3D visualization, and production output.
Box-on-Demand Systems: How In-House Corrugated Cutting Is Changing Fulfillment
How box-on-demand corrugated cutting systems work, their costs, ROI, and how they are transforming e-commerce and industrial fulfillment operations.
Water-Based Barrier Coatings: How Corrugated Is Replacing Plastic in Food Packaging
How water-based barrier coatings are enabling corrugated packaging to replace plastic in food applications — repulpable moisture and grease barriers explained.
FSC and SFI Certification for Corrugated: What They Mean and Why They Matter
A detailed comparison of FSC and SFI certifications for corrugated packaging — chain of custody, certification process, market demand, and cost implications.
Smart Corrugated Packaging: QR Codes, RFID, and IoT Sensors Explained
How smart packaging technologies like QR codes, RFID tags, and IoT sensors are transforming corrugated boxes into connected, data-rich supply chain tools.
Die-Cutting and Converting: How Flat Corrugated Board Becomes a Finished Box
A detailed look at the corrugated converting process — rotary die-cutting, flatbed die-cutting, scoring, folding, gluing, and how they produce finished boxes.
AI in Corrugated Manufacturing: From Predictive Maintenance to Design Optimization
How artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming corrugated box manufacturing with defect detection, predictive maintenance, and automated design.
How to Budget for Corrugated Packaging: A Finance Manager's Guide to Price Volatility
Learn how to budget for corrugated packaging costs despite price volatility. Covers hedging strategies, contract structures, and forecasting methods for finance teams.
Georgia-Pacific's Capacity Reductions: Impact on Containerboard Supply
Analysis of Georgia-Pacific's containerboard capacity reductions including Cedar Springs and how Koch Industries' strategy is reshaping the supply-demand balance.
Life Cycle Assessment of Corrugated Packaging: What the Data Actually Shows
An in-depth look at life cycle assessment data for corrugated packaging — carbon footprint, water use, energy consumption, and how LCA results compare across studies.
Producer Price Index for Corrugated Boxes: How to Read the FRED Data
Learn how to read and interpret the Producer Price Index for corrugated and solid fiber boxes using FRED data, and understand what PPI signals for packaging costs.
Containerboard Price Increases: A Historical Timeline and Pattern Analysis
A comprehensive history of containerboard price increases since 2000, analyzing patterns, success rates, seasonal timing, and what drives implementation outcomes.
Recycled vs. Virgin Containerboard: Environmental Impact and Performance Comparison
A detailed comparison of recycled and virgin containerboard — strength, moisture resistance, printability, environmental tradeoffs, and market share data.
The Role of the Corrugator Machine: Speed, Width, and Production Capacity Explained
How the corrugator machine works — singlefacer, bridge, double backer, slitter scorer, and cutoff sections explained, with speeds up to 1,200 ft/min.
ISPM 15 and Wood Packaging: Why Corrugated Pallets Are Gaining Ground
How ISPM 15 wood packaging regulations affect international shipping and why corrugated pallets and paper-based alternatives are gaining market share.