Why Are Cardboard Boxes So Expensive? Key Factors You Should Know

Do you know how widely custom cardboard packaging boxes are used in the world? These boxes play a key role in our daily lives from packing average to luxury goods and more amazingly you can see their frequent use in online shopping. Yet, many of you are surprised, do you know why? Okay, let me tell you, mostly there arises a question. Why are cardboard boxes so expensive? If you are searching for this question and eager to know the answer, you are at the exact place. In this blog, we will uncover mysteries of why their prices vary.

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Stay connected with us till the end of this blog for valuable information!   

First, we will learn what a cardboard box is, then we will start exploring the reasons behind its expensive nature one by one.

What are Cardboard Boxes?

These boxes are crafted using various thick, paper-based materials, such as corrugated fiberboard and chipboard. Custom cardboard packaging is used to store and ship different items such as food and beverages, cosmetics, apparel, toys, etc. These offer protection and a classic look to a diverse range of items.

Corrugated fiberboard – Corrugated fiber is also called a corrugated box. This packaging is made from a minimum of three layers of paper. It consists of an inner layer of fluted medium sandwiched between two outer linerboard layers.

Chipboard – Chipboard boxes are composed of cardboard, paper scraps, and sawdust.

5 Key Factors Driving High Prices of Cardboard Boxes

Some of the reasons for the increasing cost of custom printed cardboard boxes are their high demand in the market and disruption in the supply chain process. The cost of the raw materials used to manufacture cardboard can fluctuate as per the demand of the market. There is a chance that their shortage can also cause the rates to rise. Apart from these factors, this is still considered the most reliable and durable packaging material. Most packaging industries use it because of its eco-friendly, recycling, and flexible nature. Let’s discuss the factors:

1. Limited Availability of Raw Materials

Pure wood pulp from trees is the primary component of cardboard material. Do you know why the lack of material occurs sometimes? Well, we are going to declare the reason behind it. Do you have an idea what deforestation is?

Deforestation, known as the cutting down of trees, is the main cause of the shortage of raw materials. This makes the material rare, which leads to high costs. Not every brand can meet high costs. Because of the budget challenges they face. High-budget companies can bear their costs.

2. Rapidly Increasing Market Demand

Today’s consumers are placing greater emphasis on environmental responsibility. They want their product packaging to protect the environment, saving it from pollution. So, cardboard packaging is one that does not pollute the environment and caters to diverse industry’s needs. One of the most amazing benefits is its recycling power.

“Sustainable Cardboard Solutions for a Greener Future!”

This has made it the most demanding packaging box. The more demand has made it more costly. Sometimes, the maximum utilization of personalized cardboard boxes reduces their availability. This makes the market produce more cardboard box packaging.

3. Cost of Production & Manufacturing

Why are cardboard boxes so expensive? Another key reason is the high production and manufacturing costs. Labeling and packaging can significantly contribute to higher costs of custom cardboard packaging boxes. Additionally, the quality of materials used, labor costs, and some advanced manufacturing processes play a vital role in driving up prices.

4. Increased Shipping Expenses

As the inflation rate changes at a higher pace, it can significantly cause fuel prices to rise. This, in turn, makes the costs of printed cardboard boxes wholesale considerably higher. Everyone can’t meet that change, this makes it challenging for small businesses and manufacturers. These can deeply affect their business sales and profits.

5. Supply Chain Challenges

Manufacturing of customized cardboard boxes passes through many steps if there occurs any hindrance, it makes the process slow and stops its supply. This affects the overall supply chain. For example, if their material availability becomes less then manufacturers need more time to make the boxes. This can affect the whole business cycle.

How Cost of Cardboard Boxes Shift?

Keeping a balance between cost, functionality, and the box appearance is mandatory. All these factors should be parallelly aligned with each other. Here, we are breaking down some important factors that can alter the price of cardboard printed packaging boxes. Let’s kick things off!

Right and Reliable Supplier

The selection of the right suppliers is of huge importance and this is the first step. No one can overlook it. It is a long-term process, if you choose the wrong one, how can you imagine you get the best packaging? Quality and costs are at risk with them; it could lead to higher expenses. So, be vigilant in the selection process. Check their website, reviews, and compare their prices with the rest of the competitors.

Impact of Material Quality on Pricing

The second step is to check the quality of the stock. Remember, the price of the cardboard packaging box varies as per the material quality changes. The right material is mandatory to be picked at once that is full of quality. So that the packaging must be of high class and sturdy, meeting both aesthetic and functional needs.

Higher-Quality Materials =  Enhance Durability & Protection = High Costs

In my opinion, the right and trustable custom packaging manufacturer in the USA is BoxLark (BL LLC), dedicated to giving custom packaging wholesale of all types at economical rates.

Here, you can enjoy a discount of up to 30 % off.

Hidden Fees Issues

When you are in the initial phase, must check that the brand is taking any hidden fees. You can clear it by properly negotiating with them. Additional fees may include such as design fees, step-up fees, etc.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Cardboard Boxes

After knowing the higher costs of customized cardboard boxes, I am going to share how you can cut down the costs of cardboard boxes. I will provide you with some tips that will surely assist you.

1. Be Specific in Your Needs

Firstly, you should know about your needs like what size of the box you are going to customize for the specific products. This reduces the wastage of the raw materials. This is the best approach that you have a clear structure about your brand’s requirements.

2. Recyclable & Reusable Cardboard Boxes

Recycling and reusing the cardboard packaging box is the best approach to saving costs. After knowing this fact, no one doesn’t want to waste it. Brands should give awareness to the customers about this fact. They can reuse it for other purposes and can go with the recycling approach also.

3. Buy in Bulk Quantity

The bulk purchase of custom packaging boxes can save money. You can order the cardboard boxes in bulk to get the lowest prices. Most of the brands give discount offers for the bulk sale. BoxLark offers exclusive discounts on custom boxes wholesale. So get the benefit of such offers and remain within your budget.

4. Minimalist Cardboard Boxes Customization

It’s widely recognized that embellishments cause the costs to rise. Sometimes you face difficulty in maintaining your budget. Minimalist customization services are the best approach to giving custom packaging a unique look at a reasonable cost. You can design the box in your own way and make it minimalist. Let’s discuss another factor and how you can cut the costs. As we know, labeling and complex design cost you more. The solution is to go with the sophisticated design approach. It assists you to stay within your budget.

Affordable Alternatives to Costly Cardboard Packaging Solutions

Cardboard boxes are the most widely used packaging containers. Apart from that, if you are looking for the most economical alternative, then start exploring them with us!

• Reusable plastic boxes
• Reusable fabric bags
• Corrugated bubble wrap
• Kraft paper bags
• Kraft paper boxes

All of these alternatives feature both benefits and challenges. So, the best pick depends on your specific brand needs. You can also see other factors such as shipping distance, which materials you want to enclose, and whether it is nature-friendly or not.

Key Notes!

The increasing cost of cardboard boxes is because of some of the few factors discussed above such as higher demand, availability of raw material, etc. Understanding all these factors makes the businessman take proper decisions.

By focusing on all the above details you not only cut costs but also get affordable, quality, and eco-friendly custom cardboard packaging boxes. This reduces the environmental impact and makes the packaging shopper’s first choice.

If you want to explore effective testing techniques for cardboard box strength and durability, kindly go through the given blog link: Strength and Durability Testing Methods for Cardboard Boxes: A Comprehensive Guide

Bonus Tip: Don’t go here and there for custom printed packaging boxes such as cardboard boxes, rigid packaging, printed corrugated box packaging, and kraft boxes, you can order your variety of custom boxes from BoxLark (BL LLC).

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Phone Contact Info: (+1 347 480 2020)

Email Contact Info: sales@boxlark.com

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