Cardboard is so deeply embedded in modern life that it’s easy to forget it was once a revolutionary invention. From protecting fragile goods to enabling global e-commerce, cardboard packaging has become one of the most important materials in modern trade. But where did cardboard come from, who invented it, and how did it become the packaging solution of choice for businesses today?
This article explores the history of cardboard, its invention, and its evolution into the sustainable packaging material relied upon by businesses across the UK and beyond.
When Was Cardboard Invented?
The origins of cardboard date back to the early 19th century.
The first known form of cardboard was invented in 1817 in England, when paperboard was created by layering sheets of paper together to increase strength. At the time, this early cardboard was mainly used for book covers and rigid boxes, rather than shipping or industrial packaging.
This marked the beginning of cardboard as a material designed not just for writing or printing, but for protection and structure.
The Invention of Corrugated Cardboard
The real breakthrough came later.
In 1856, English inventors Edward Allen and Edward Healey patented corrugated (fluted) paper. However, this early version wasn’t used for packaging it was designed to act as a liner inside tall hats, helping them retain shape.
It wasn’t until 1871 that corrugated cardboard found its true purpose.
American inventor Albert Jones patented the first use of corrugated paper as a protective packaging material, designed to wrap and cushion fragile items such as glass bottles.
Just a few years later, in 1874, Oliver Long improved the design by adding a flat liner sheet to the corrugated layer creating the foundation of modern corrugated cardboard boxes.
The Rise of Cardboard Boxes in Shipping
By the early 20th century, cardboard boxes had begun to replace wooden crates.
Why?
- They were lighter
- More cost-effective
- Easier to store and transport
- Offered excellent shock absorption
During World War I, cardboard packaging became essential for transporting food, medical supplies, and equipment. This accelerated innovation in cardboard strength, durability, and mass production.
By the 1920s and 1930s, corrugated cardboard boxes had become a standard packaging solution across industries.
Cardboard and the Growth of Modern Commerce
As consumer goods manufacturing expanded, cardboard packaging evolved alongside it.
Key developments included:
- Single wall, double wall, and triple wall cardboard
- Improved box compression strength
- Custom box sizing for reduced waste
- Printing directly onto cardboard for branding and logistics
Cardboard enabled the rise of mail-order businesses and later became the backbone of e-commerce packaging, protecting goods during increasingly complex supply chains.
The Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging
In recent decades, cardboard has gained renewed importance due to its environmental advantages.
Cardboard is:
Made primarily from renewable resources
Widely recyclable in the UK
Biodegradable under the right conditions
Easily reused and repurposed
As businesses seek sustainable packaging solutions, cardboard has emerged as a preferred alternative to plastic-based packaging, offering comparable strength and performance without compromising on quality.
Cardboard Packaging Today
Today, cardboard is used across almost every industry, including:
- Retail and e-commerce
- Food and beverage
- Manufacturing and industrial supply
- Logistics and warehousing
Modern cardboard packaging can be:
- Custom-designed
- Printed for branding
- Engineered for heavy-duty loads
- Optimised to reduce shipping costs and waste
For UK businesses, cardboard remains one of the most reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging materials available.
Why Cardboard Remains Essential for UK Businesses
Over 200 years since its invention, cardboard continues to evolve — adapting to new technologies, sustainability requirements, and supply chain demands.
From its beginnings as layered paper in 19th-century England to today’s advanced corrugated packaging systems, cardboard has proven one thing consistently:
Simple ideas, when engineered well, can change the world.
About UPAc
At UPAc, we understand the importance of choosing the right cardboard packaging — whether you need standard boxes or tailored packaging solutions designed for your products and supply chain.
