What Is Cardboard Made Of? A Deep Dive into the Material Behind Every Box
Cardboard is a paper-based material made mainly from cellulose fibres, derived from wood pulp and recycled paper. Softwood fibres provide rigidity, while hardwood fibres offer smoothness. Additives such as clay, calcium carbonate, and starch adhesives improve surface and bonding quality. Manufacturing involves pulping, refining, sheet formation, layering, and coating stages. Board types include paperboard, corrugated cardboard, and solid fibreboard, each combining virgin and recycled fibre ratios to balance strength, print quality, and sustainability certification.