kartongin

Kartongin is the Finnish term for cardboard, a broad category of paper-based materials used for packaging, containers and displays. It is manufactured from cellulose fibers and can be formed into flat sheets or into corrugated structures. The most common form is corrugated cardboard, which consists of two flat liner sheets bonded to a central fluted layer, giving high strength-to-weight. Solid cardboard, or board, refers to non-corrugated sheets used for cartons and rigid packaging.

Fiber sources include recycled paper fibers and virgin pulp. Production typically involves pulping, refining, and forming into sheets, with additives or coatings to improve barrier properties or printability. Corrugated board relies on a combination of linerboard and medium; coatings may be applied for moisture resistance. Cardboard is designed for printing, labeling, and stacking.

End of life: kartongin is widely recycled. Collected curbside or through dedicated recycling streams, it is pulped and refined to produce new linerboard or medium. Recycling reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions compared with virgin production, though mechanical and chemical pulping still consumes water and energy. Contaminants such as food residue should be minimized before recycling.

Environmental and regulatory aspects: sustainable sourcing of fiber is encouraged, with certifications like FSC or PEFC in many markets. Some cardboard products are coated or laminated, which affects recyclability and compostability. The material remains a key component of packaging due to its light weight, strength, and recyclability.