When Were Cardboard Boxes Invented?

Before cardboard boxes were invented, it was the norm to move goods around in wooden crates. They were quite expensive and difficult to reproduce, so a new means of packing items was definitely needed.

The first commercial box was made from paperboard, not corrugated, and is credited to M. Treverton & Son based in England in 1817. The first corrugated cardboard box then followed in 1871 and was predominantly used for the shipping and handling of goods.

It wasn’t until 1890 that the pre-cut cardboard box we so often see today was invented. Scottish-born Robert Gair was a Brooklyn printer and paper-bag maker who happened upon the method in a happy accident.

By 1895, the first corrugated cardboard boxes began being produced in the United States. From then, cardboard boxes really took off as the go-to choice for goods transportation.

You can see the history explained in greater detail in this video produced by the "Today I Found Out" youtube channel. 

What Were the First Commercial Cardboard Boxes Used For?

The most well-known commercial cardboard box that really set them up for mass production was the lightweight cereal box. The Kellogg Company was one of the first to do this and many more brands have followed suit, to this day.

Why Use Cardboard Boxes for Packing Products?

Cardboard is an extremely versatile material that can be cut to any size you need. It’s a highly sustainable material that can be reused and recycled and is often cheaper to mass-produce.

Cardboard boxes have been in circulation for many years and continue to be one of the best ways for packing and shipping items.

Check out our Box Builder to create a box the perfect size for your products.

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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