carton

Carton is a container made primarily from paper-based material, used to package and protect goods during storage and transport. The most common materials are paperboard, a rigid thick paper, and corrugated fiberboard, which consists of a fluted middle layer between liner sheets.

Folding cartons are typically made from solid bleached or recycled paperboard and are printed, scored, and folded into boxes for consumer packaging. Corrugated cartons have greater strength and are used for shipping; they can be single- or double-walled. Both types are produced in a range of sizes and can be coated or laminated to improve moisture resistance or barrier properties.

Manufacture involves pulping wood or recycled fibers to form sheets, applying inks, and cutting and folding or gluing to shape. Many cartons are coated or laminated with plastics or other materials to meet performance requirements. Printing methods commonly include offset or flexographic processes. Some cartons are designed with inserts, tamper-evident features, or easy-open designs.

Common uses include packaging for food, beverages, cosmetics, electronics, and household goods. Cartons may be designed for retail display or for shipping efficiency, and can incorporate branding, labeling, and functional features such as resealability.

Environmental and recycling considerations: most paper-based cartons are recyclable in standard paper streams, though coatings, plastics, or metalized layers can complicate processing. Recycling capability and guidelines vary by region and facility. Increasingly, cartons are produced with higher recycled content and responsibly sourced fiber to reduce environmental impact.

Etymology and history: the term carton derives from the French carton, historically referring to a pasteboard box; carton packaging became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in paperboard and corrugated materials.