Cardboard boxes were invented in 1890 by Robert Gair. Other key inventions in 1890 include the smoke detector, tabulating machine, and the Babcock test. While all of these inventions are still used today, they are almost unrecognizable from their 19th Century counterparts except for the cardboard box.

Even though cardboard boxes were a staple for over 100 years, environmental issues of modern times are becoming more and more of a hot topic.

Over 100 billion cardboard boxes are produced in the US every year. Factoring in that 1 tree will produce about 150 boxes, we’re looking at just over 660 million trees being cut down every year to support American commerce.

In addition, even recycling boxes require half the time and energy required to make a brand new box, which makes recycling cardboard in bulk a time-consuming and inefficient band-aid on a more severe problem.

The number is only expected to grow as online shopping continues to surge and e-commerce services, like Amazon Prime, make it easier to have single items shipped in 1 box than driving down the street to the store. However, to combat this issue consumers are starting to demand their companies switch to eco-friendly materials. Switching now to anticipate consumer demands can give businesses the necessary edge to inch out their competition.

One solution to tackle this environmental issue is to utilize reusable packaging products. A cardboard box can realistically make 2 or 3 trips if all of the stars align. This number drops significantly when you factor in adverse weather, untrained manufacturing trains, and faulty transportation. On the other hand, reusable packaging containers are made from stronger materials, can last over 20 years, and can replace over 100 cardboard boxes in their lifetime. While reusable packaging containers require a larger initial investment, they break even in as little as 10 trips and become profitable with every day of use afterward.

As a returnable packaging manufacturer, Amatech Inc. can custom design boxes, totes, dividers, partitions, sleeve packs and a variety of other returnable packaging products just for you. From automotive and pharmaceutical to appliance and aerospace industries, our durable and cost-efficient returnable packaging products can reduce storage and shipping costs for companies in almost any industry.

Contact Amatech today to speak to our sales team and discover how the difference of returnable packaging will be right for you and the environment.