tektury

Tektury, in Polish, refers to cardboard sheets and boards manufactured from paper pulp. The term covers several related materials used for packaging, printing, and crafts, most notably corrugated cardboard (tektura falista) and solid fiberboard (tektura lite). Tektury can be made from virgin or recycled fibers and are widely valued for their lightness, rigidity, and printability. They are designed to be recyclable and are a central component of modern packaging.

Corrugated cardboard consists of a fluted middle layer sandwiched between two flat liner sheets, forming a lightweight yet strong three-layer structure. This "sandwich" arrangement provides shock absorption and stackability, making it suitable for shipping boxes and display cases. Solid fiberboard is a dense, multi-ply board without a corrugated layer, used for cartons, cartons inserts, and consumer packaging where a smooth surface is important.

Production involves pulping wood or recycled paper, forming sheets, and applying adhesives to bond layers. For corrugated tektury, the fluted medium is produced separately and then glued between liners. Grammage (weight per square meter), thickness, moisture content, and surface finish determine mechanical performance and print quality.

Historically, modern tektury emerged in the late 19th century, with corrugated cardboard patented in 1871 in the United States and later widely adopted worldwide. Today, tektury are prevalent in shipping, retail packaging, and consumer products, valued for recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Limitations include moisture sensitivity and limited use in high-heat or waterproof applications without coatings.

See also: cardboard, paperboard, packaging.