When Was Cardboard Invented & By Who?
Cardboard may seem like it's been around forever since it's one of the world's most recognizable forms of packaging.
But who invented cardboard in the first place, and when were cardboard boxes invented?
Cardboard is a significant part of our business at Stop & Stor, as we offer packing supplies to help you move into and out of our New York self-storage units. So, in this article, we’re discussing who invented the box we all know and love to use, plus how the invention of cardboard has forever changed the world of moving and storage.
Early Beginnings of Cardboard and Paperboard
The history of when were cardboard boxes invented dates back to 1817, when the first paperboard box was created in England. M. Treverton & Son created this type of box. That same year, cardboard box packaging was also made in Germany.
However, some historical records credit the Chinese for inventing cardboard over 200 years earlier.
Between the 1820s and 1850s, paperboard grew in popularity across Europe. So, when was corrugated cardboard invented? It started appearing in the 1850s in the form of shipping cartons with corrugated paperboard that replaced handmade wooden crates used for trade.
The Invention of Corrugated Paper for Practical Uses
In 1856, Edward G. Healy and Edward E. Allen got a patent in England for corrugated cardboard. The men used this pleated paper as a liner for top hats, which were in fashion at the time. Corrugated cardboard was extremely durable and provided comfort while wearing this style of hat.
The Transition to Protective Packaging: Key Innovations
In 1871, Albert L. Jones patented corrugated paper for packaging. He used it to protect fragile kerosene lamp chimneys and glass bottles from breaking during shipping.
Then, in 1874, Oliver Long improved upon Jones’ patent by using two liners for increased durability. The liners had long ridges that made the paper sturdier. His innovation led to the familiar corrugated cardboard we know today.
The Machine That Revolutionized Cardboard Production
As with many innovations during this period, mechanization altered the future of the invention of cardboard.
In 1874, G. Smyth built a machine that could produce high volumes of corrugated cardboard. Mass production was then possible, setting the stage for widespread commercial use.
The Accidental Discovery of the Fold-Up Cardboard Box
Interestingly, an accidental discovery led a Scottish-born entrepreneur to become the one who invented the box made of cardboard. Robert Gair owned a Manhattan paper bag factory, where one of his machines with a metal ruler accidentally cut through seed bags instead of creasing them.
This made him realize that his machines could cut and crease paper to fold boxes more quickly. This method led to the mass production of pre-cut, foldable cardboard boxes.
Cardboard as an Industry Standard
Corrugated cardboard boxes became the go-to product in shipping during the 1890s. Henry Norris and Robert Thompson produced the earliest corrugated boxes in the U.S. in 1894.
Soon after, Wells Fargo bought them for shipping because they were affordable, easy to store, and lighter than wooden boxes. However, some Wells Fargo carriers initially hesitated to trust their strength and durability.
In the early 1900s, corrugated cardboard became widely accepted and preferred over wooden crates because of its ideal characteristics. Their advantages included being light, low-cost, versatile, and resistant to transportation strains.
The Evolution of Cardboard Use in Consumer Products
Cardboard soon became the material of choice for various consumer products, including breakfast cereal.
In the 1900s, Kellogg started using cardboard for its cereal packaging. From that point, the use of cardboard revolutionized the food packaging industry, and it still does today, filling nearly every aisle of grocery store shelves.
Environmental Impact and Modern Innovations in Cardboard
Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging have taken center stage in our world today as more consumers care about protecting the planet. Recycled cardboard has become the standard in eco-friendly packaging because of its renewable resource base, low energy consumption during production, and high recycling rate.
Producing cardboard is energy-efficient, and using recycled cardboard reduces landfill waste. Leading manufacturers are invested in ongoing advancements to increase cardboard’s durability, improve recycling, and reduce waste.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Cardboard
We hope that you’ve found this discussion as interesting as we have about who invented cardboard and when was cardboard invented.
From its early days as hat liners to its current status as a global packaging staple, cardboard has experienced a fascinating journey over the years. Yet, for cardboard to remain a viable and popular option in so many different industries, sustainable sourcing, durable reuse, and ease of recyclability must be top priorities.
If you need cardboard boxes for your next move, Stop & Stor is here to help. We offer cardboard boxes of various sizes, plus specialty boxes for your files, dishes, and wardrobe. Visit one of our New York locations to learn more, or call us at 718-898-8000.
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
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