papelão

Papelão is a paper-based material used widely for packaging, and in Portuguese it covers both solid cardboard and corrugated cardboard (papelão ondulado). In English, the term generally corresponds to cardboard and its subdivided forms, which are made from cellulose fibers that may come from wood pulp or recycled sources.

Solid cardboard refers to stiff, flat sheets used for cartons, displays, and protective padding, while corrugated cardboard consists of two linerboards with a fluted middle layer that adds rigidity and cushioning. The flutes can vary in profile, giving different strength and cushioning properties.

Production involves pulping and refining fibers, forming sheets, and drying. In corrugated boards, the linerboards and the fluted medium are joined with adhesive. Finishes such as coatings or prints may be applied to improve moisture resistance or branding. Cardboard is widely recyclable, and its environmental impact depends on fiber source, coatings, and cleanliness before recycling.

Uses are diverse and include shipping boxes, consumer product packaging, point-of-sale displays, and arts and crafts. The material is valued for its light weight, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability, but it has limitations such as sensitivity to moisture and reduced strength when wet or contaminated.

Historically, papelão emerged in the 19th century with the development of corrugated board for packaging, transforming packaging practices by enabling lighter, cost-effective, and recyclable solutions.