Measuring a box

• Length - From the base of a box, the length is the longest side.
• Breadth (width) - From the base of a box, the breadth is the shortest side.
• Height (depth) - From the side of the box, measuring from the base to the top is the height.
• length x breadth x height = cubic volume

Choosing a box

• Arrange the items as desired. Measure the length, breadth and height of the items. This gives the minimum box dimensions for accommodating the products.

Cushioning items

• Polystyrene loose fill chips cushions your products and prevents damage during transit or storage.
• Allow extra space around your products and increase the size of your box.
• The more protective material you can accomodate the more protection you'll give to your items.

Using a hand tape dispenser

• Hand tape dispensers make the application of sealing a box using packing tape easier and faster.

Lay the tape dispenser on a flat surface with the tape wheel facing up.

Slide the core of the packing tape over the tape dispenesr wheel.

Ensure the whole wheel is covered by the core of the packing tape.

Feed the packing tape, adhesive side down, through the roller and metal plate.

Pull the packing tape through the tape dispenser to ensure the tape flows freely.

Press the tape dispenser onto the cardboard box you wish to seal and pull the dispenser back.

Sealing a box

The most secure way to seal a box is the 'H' seal method. The H seal method allows for all the flaps of a cardboard box to be sealed, giving extra protection. The H seal method also shows a high level of tamper evidence as there is more tape to remove.

• Using a packing tape dispenser, start from the side of the cardboard box and pull the tape dispenser back and over the top of the box to seal the two flaps.
• Continue to pull the tape dispenser back across the top of the cardboard box and allow a further few inches of tape to follow down the side of the box.
• Pull the tape dispenser down so the blade will cut the tape at the required point.
• Use the packing tape dispenser to seal the edges of the cardboard box in the same way as the top but allow an overhang of tape.
• Fold over the overhang of tape to the side of the cardboard box.
• Repeat on the other side and seal the bottom of the box as previously done.
• When you have finished, your cardboard box will be sealed on all sides, displaying a H on the top and bottom of your box.

Designing a box

Steps for designing the perfect box.

• 1. Choose the style of box required.
• 2. Measure your product by length then width and depth.
• 3. Add space for fitment of fillers to protect you product (e.g. bubble wrap, loosefil, foam, card fitments etc.).
• 4. How heavy is your product? Choose B flute, C flute or BC double wall as appropriate.
• 5. Choose board grade. This relates to the strength of the paper being used. Kraft is the purest quality making it stonger and damp resistant. Test contains a high proportion of recycled paper.

Tape loading instructions

• 1. Place tape dispenser on table.
• 2. Slide tape core onto tape wheel.
• 3. Pull tape between pressing roller and sprung flap (adhesive side down).
• 4. Pull tape under pressing roller allowing tape to rotate freely.
• 5. Press down on box to operate.

What are corrugated cardboard boxes made from

• Cardboard boxes are made of cardboard corrugated fibreboard.
• Corrugated cardboard consists of two layers of cardboard.
• A corrugated central part called 'fluting'
• The liner is made of long fibers to make it strong and durable.
• The fluting is made of short fibers to make it rigid and resistant to pressure.
• There are also double and triple wall corrugated.

Cardboard boxes usages?

• Shipping products
• Boxes for moving home
• Shipping items sold on ebay

Are cardboard boxes bad for the environment?

• Cardboard is also biodegradable and decomposes when sent to landfill as opposed to plastic.

Tips for packing boxes when moving

• Furniture and other big things that cannot be boxed need specialized mover who will help in moving these goods.
• Use packing boxes of good quality.
• Do not make the box extremely heavy.
• Label all the boxes. Labeling should be done on both sides of the boxes. Include instructions of fragile and open this side up.
• Do no use grocery boxes. These may not be clean and will have rotten vegetables in them.
• Moving boxes are available for purchase in the market. These boxes are made of sturdy cardboard. These can be used again and also for packing. Specialist boxes include book boxes, dishpack boxes, wardrobe boxes and mirror boxes. Dishpack and mirror boxes are designed for good cushioning and saving the goods inside them from breaking or chipping.
• For heavy boxes use a moving company.
• All valuables and important documents should be kept with oneself.