Cardboard boxes are one of the most common packaging solutions used worldwide today. They protect products during transport, reduce shipping costs, and are recyclable. But many people wonder: When Were Cardboard Boxes Invented? The history of cardboard packaging reveals how innovation shaped modern logistics and why these boxes remain essential in global trade.

The Early Origins of Cardboard

• Early Paper-Based Packaging
  The roots of cardboard can be traced back to China in the 15th century, where paper was used to wrap and protect goods.

• First Commercial Paperboard
  By the early 1800s in Europe, thicker paperboard was being manufactured and used in bookbinding, hatboxes, and luxury packaging.

The Invention of the Modern Cardboard Box

The first commercial cardboard box was produced in England in 1817. It was a simple paperboard box designed for packaging and storage. This marked the beginning of mass adoption in industries that needed lightweight yet sturdy containers.

Corrugated Cardboard: A Major Breakthrough

• 1856 – Corrugated paper was patented in England, initially used as a liner for tall hats.

• 1871 – Albert Jones of New York patented the first use of corrugated cardboard for packaging, protecting bottles and glassware.

• 1890 – Robert Gair invented the pre-cut cardboard box, making it possible to mass-produce foldable cartons. This innovation revolutionized packaging and led to widespread use in shipping and retail.

Evolution Into Today’s Packaging

Since their invention, cardboard boxes have developed into various forms:

• Single-wall corrugated boxes – Lightweight, suitable for everyday shipping.

• Double-wall and triple-wall corrugated boxes – Designed for heavy-duty industrial applications.

• Custom-printed boxes – Used by businesses for branding and marketing.

Today, cardboard boxes are integral to e-commerce, logistics, food packaging, and countless other industries.

Why the Invention Matters

The development of cardboard boxes changed global trade by:

• Reducing Shipping Costs – Lightweight packaging made transport cheaper.

• Protecting Goods – Corrugated layers provided strength and cushioning.

• Supporting Sustainability – Cardboard is recyclable, reducing environmental impact.

• Enabling Mass Production – Pre-cut, foldable designs improved efficiency for businesses.

Supplier’s Perspective

As a professional cardboard box supplier, we continue the legacy of innovation that began in the 19th century. Our corrugated boxes are:

• Eco-friendly – Made from recyclable materials.

• Durable – Designed with single, double, or triple-wall structures.

• Customizable – Available in sizes, prints, and coatings to fit industry needs.

• Globally supplied – Meeting the demands of businesses in logistics, retail, and e-commerce.

Conclusion

So, when were cardboard boxes invented? The answer: the first paperboard box appeared in 1817 in England, and corrugated cardboard was patented in the mid-1800s, later revolutionized by Robert Gair in 1890. Since then, cardboard boxes have become the backbone of modern packaging—lightweight, strong, and sustainable. Choosing a trusted supplier ensures your packaging is built on centuries of innovation and tailored to today’s business needs.