boxes

A box is a hollow container with flat sides joined together to enclose a space. Most boxes are rectangular or cuboid, but they can be cylindrical or other shapes. Boxes are designed to hold, protect, store, or transport items and to provide a flat surface for stacking.

Materials range from paper-based materials such as cardboard and fiberboard to wood, plastics, metal, and glass. Cardboard boxes include single-wall and corrugated varieties; box construction may involve folds, adhesive seams, tape, staples, or interlocking joints.

Common types include shipping boxes (corrugated fiberboard boxes), storage boxes (with lids, often plastic or fabric), wooden crates and chests, metal toolboxes, and specialized boxes for electronics or fragile items. Features include flaps, lids, handles, inserts, cushioning, and partitions.

Manufacture and design: boxes are cut to size, scored for folding, and assembled by glue, tape, staples, or interlocking methods. Die-cutting and lithography allow graphic printing on surfaces. Dimensions are typically given as length x width x height; internal dimensions are important for fit, while external dimensions account for packaging allowances.

Uses: packaging, shipping, storage, moving, and display. In retail and e-commerce, boxes serve as product packaging that can be branded and protected.

Environmental considerations: cardboard and paper-based boxes are widely recyclable and reusable; plastic and metal boxes may be recyclable in some jurisdictions. Reuse and recycling reduce waste, though some forms require cleaning and proper disposal.