Why are cardboard boxes so expensive? [You Need to Know!]- 2025

You must be familiar with the wide use of cardboard boxes in the packaging industry. It is used for both shipping and shelf storage. Since the past few years, the cost of cardboard paper has increased four times. In today’s world, cardboard is the most expensive packaging solution. The continual rise in the cost of cardboard packaging has affected both brands and consumers. Why cardboard boxes are so expensive? Do you want to know the reasons behind the high cost of cardboard boxes? You have hit the right place. Continue reading it to get answers to your questions. First of all, we will learn what a cardboard box is and then unveil the main factors driving the costs of cardboard packaging. Let’s explore without further ado.

What are Cardboard Boxes?

“Cardboard boxes are sturdy containers crafted from layers of thick paperboard, commonly used for shipping, storing, and packing items. They are lightweight, durable and designed for easy folding and assembly.” Unlike standard boxes, they are available in custom designs, shapes, sizes, hues, and layouts. Brands can craft packaging in accordance with their product’s specifications and brand’s theme. These boxes are widely used for retail packaging, food, beverage, cosmetics, apparel, pharmaceuticals, electronics and the e-commerce industry. These boxes have become popular due to their specific features:

• Durable and long-standing
• Highly sustainable
• Tailored made to meet client’s needs
• Give ultimate safety and protection to goods
• Cost-effective

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Exploring the Reasons Responsible for the Cost of Cardboard Packaging Boxes

Cardboard paper is prepared using cellulose a valuable raw material. After covid 19, cellulose prices have been surged by 60% to 70% in paper mills. It caused concerns for both manufacturers and consumers equally. Nowadays, cardboard boxes have become almost unaffordable, especially for small-scale brands desiring to make a big shot in the market. “Cardboard boxes can feel pricey because of a mix of factors, including the growing demand from the e-commerce boom, higher raw material costs like cellulose, supply chain hiccups, labor shortages, and the complex process required to create durable, protective packaging.” Continue reading to learn why are cardboard boxes so expensive:

• Material Costs

The biggest reason behind the expensive nature of cardboard box is the high material costs. Usually, cardboard is manufactured from raw material wooden pulp. Material prices keep on fluctuating because of several factors like environmental regulations, transportation prices, etc. So, when the price of raw materials increases, the overall cost of cardboard boxes automatically.

• Manufacturing Procedure

Production cost is another big factor driving the costs of cardboard. The procedure of converting raw wooden pulp into a custom shapes, sizes, and designs is a time-consuming task. Moreover, this method of paper cutting results in paper waste. Thus, this entire production process is costly due to the usage of high-tech machinery. Besides that, the incorporation of high-end printing and finishing solutions adds to the expanses. The following steps are involved in this procedure:

• Pulping
• Pressing
• Corrugation
• Shaping and cutting

• Labor and Energy Costs

The production of cardboard boxes utilizes a lot of energy and demands labor for quality control and operating machinery. The prices of energy sources and skilled labor have a huge impact on the cost of cardboard boxes.

• Durability

Another factor that drives up the sales is the premium nature of cardboard packaging. Thick cardboard made with thick corrugated paper is famous for its strength and costs more. The thick cardboard offers better protection to products making it ideal for shipping heavy-duty and expensive products safely. Adding thick corrugated layers also impacts the cost of cardboard material.

• Recycled Materials

The usage of recycled paper adds to the cost of cardboard packaging. Though, the procedure of recycling is costly for the brands but healthy for the environment.

• Environmental Regulations

In modern times, global warming has become the most burning question. The majority of brands prefer eco-friendly packaging to reduce the level of carbon footprints in the atmosphere and attract eco-conscious consumers. Viewing the catastrophes of climate change, governments introduce strict environmental regulations compelling brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. Therefore, brands choose cardboard to align with the compliances of regulatory agencies surging the overall price of cardboard packaging.

• Market Demand and Trends

The price of packaging is linked to its demand. When the product’s demand increases, prices are upgraded automatically. Cardboard boxes are ideal for retail packaging. After covid 19, e-commerce businesses are thriving. Online shopping has increased the demand for sustainable cardboard boxes leading to the rise of recycled cardboard paper costs. Further, seasonal holidays spike the demand for cardboard boxes as well.

• Inflation and Economic Policies

Inflation and trade policies are also other reasons to affect the costs of cardboard boxes. Inflation gives rise to the prices of raw materials, labor, and energy costs making cardboard boxes more expensive.

• Shipping Charges

The shipment of cardboard boxes increases prices due to the consumption of fuel. Besides, shipping charges enhance with the distance of destination as well.

• Customization and Design Costs

Cardboard boxes are accustomed to endless customization solutions and are viable for prints, designs, etc. The cardboard is tailored with the brand’s logo, unique graphics, and captivating artwork. Thus, the usage of high-end printing techniques gives rise to the prices of cardboard boxes.

Tips and Tricks to Reduce the Costs of Cardboard Boxes

Do you need cardboard boxes to cater to your branding demands and looking for an effective approach to reduce the cost? You can follow the mentioned tips to diminish the costs of cardboard packaging:

• Recognize Your Needs

First of all, brands need to identify their specifications. Clarity regarding the packaging shape and designs prevents the wastage of material. So, it is a very impactful approach to reduce the overall costs for these boxes.

• Choose Apt Customization Options

Next, you have to be clear about your customization needs. It makes it easy for brands to decide the box’s style like cardboard display boxes, die-cut, and tray boxes e.t.c, design, and add-ons. However, investment in complicated designs and finishings can cost more. That’s why; brands can opt for simple and distinctive packaging reducing the manufacturing cost.

• Minimalistic Design

A minimal design approach helps to create an outstanding package without breaking the bank. Packaging tailored with a simple artwork or design looks appealing and stands out your products from the rest.

• Reuse and Recycle the Package

Cardboard paper is eco-friendly and allows consumers to reuse and recycle. Then, what’s the need to waste it? Brands can encourage consumers to reuse and recycle packages. It reduces packaging waste as well as costs.

• Order at Wholesale Prices

The bulk purchase of boxes is quite helpful in reducing the costs of cardboard. Ordering in bulk lowers the overall manufacturing cost per unit and reduces the shipment fees as well. Most of the brands offer bulk orders at discounted prices that help brands save a huge chunk of the brand’s budget.

• Opt for Alternatives to Cardboard

Cardboard boxes have become highly expensive. Are you looking for an affordable yet eco-friendly packaging alternative for cardboard? Here are the most effective alternatives to cardboard:

1. Corrugated bubble wrap
2. Cornstarch packaging
3. Foam peanuts
4. Mushroom packaging
5. Seaweed packaging

Conclusion

Summing it up, the costs of cardboard boxes are affected by a plethora of factors. These involve: higher manufacturing, labor, energy costs, and environmental regulations. However, brands can reduce the overall cost of these boxes by adopting alternatives to cardboard and adopting the practice of reuse or recycling. Additionally, we at iCustomBoxes offer top-notch custom boxes USA with infinite customization solutions catering to clients’ needs. For further details, you can contact our experts. Our customer care support is available 24/7.