Cardboard Boxes

Why choose cardboard boxes?

Cardboard boxes have been a packaging staple for businesses of all sizes for good reason: they're strong, stackable, widely available, and — when you're buying in volume — remarkably cost-effective.

They're also one of the more environmentally responsible choices you can make. Corrugated cardboard manufacturing produces over 50% fewer CO2 and oil emissions compared to many alternatives, UK recycling rates run consistently above 80%, and the cycle from used box to new box can happen in as little as 14 days.

Most boxes in our range are made from corrugated cardboard: a fluted (wave-shaped) inner layer sandwiched between two flat outer sheets. That fluting is what gives a cardboard box its strength — it absorbs impact and resists crushing in transit and storage.

If you're looking to put your brand on the box, our custom printed cardboard boxes are worth a look.

How do I choose the right cardboard box?

How heavy is your product?

Single wall boxes handle most everyday despatch needs and are suitable for products up to around 10kg. Double wall adds an extra layer of corrugated board, giving you significantly more crush resistance and stacking strength — the better choice for anything heavier, more fragile, or going through a demanding supply chain.

What type of product are you packing?

Beyond single and double wall, there's a box built for most applications. A few worth knowing about:

Postal boxes — designed to minimise shipping costs and fit within standard courier size thresholds. A smart choice for consumer-facing ecommerce brands.

Moving boxes — sized and built for the varied contents of a house or office move, with double wall strength where it counts.

Letterbox-friendly boxes — designed to fit through a standard letterbox, eliminating missed deliveries and reducing the need for signature on delivery.

Small cardboard boxes — ideal for compact products where keeping per-unit packaging costs low matters.

Large cardboard boxes — for bulkier items that need reliable protection without over-engineering the packaging.

Bottle boxes — purpose-built for wine, spirits, and other bottled products, with internal cell dividers for safe transit.

Gift boxes — for premium presentation and retail packaging where the unboxing experience is part of the product.

Does the size need to hit a postal band?

If you're sending via Royal Mail, your packed box dimensions directly affect what you pay. A box even a few millimetres over a size threshold can move you into the next price band — which adds up quickly at volume. Our Royal Mail size guide makes it easy to check before you buy.

Are you packing at speed?

If throughput matters, look for self-erecting crash-lock bases or peel-and-seal options — they save meaningful time on a busy packing line. ColomPac boxes are a firm favourite for operations that need to turn around despatch quickly.

For a full breakdown of box types, flute grades, sizing, and what to look out for when buying, see our complete guide to cardboard boxes.

Single wall or double wall?

Single wall corrugated cardboard has one fluted layer between two flat sheets — the go-to for most everyday despatch, suitable for products up to around 10kg. Double wall has two fluted layers, adding meaningful crush resistance and stacking strength for heavier or more fragile products.

Still not sure? Our guide covers how to choose between single and double wall in more detail.

How to dispose of cardboard boxes

The good news: most cardboard boxes can go straight into any standard paper and card recycling bin — at home or at work, no special trips needed. Your customers can do the same.

The one thing to watch is tape. Plastic parcel tape left on a box can cause problems at the recycling facility. Switch to paper tape and the whole box goes in as-is, tape and all — no prep required.

It's also worth noting that right-sizing your boxes isn't just good for the environment — it cuts material costs and reduces wasted space on delivery vehicles. A box that fits your product well is the most sustainable box you can choose.

Use our recycling locator to find out what you can recycle and where.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between single wall and double wall cardboard boxes?

Single wall boxes have one layer of corrugated fluting between two flat sheets of board — ideal for most everyday despatch needs and products up to around 10kg. Double wall adds a second fluted layer, giving significantly more crush resistance and stacking strength. If you're packing heavier items, fragile goods, or products going through a busy fulfilment chain, double wall is worth the small extra cost.

What size cardboard box do I need?

Measure your product at its widest, longest, and tallest points, then allow a little room for any protective packaging inside. Aim for no more than 3–5cm of clearance on each side — too much empty space and contents can shift and get damaged in transit. Our box sizing guide walks through this in more detail.

Can I get cardboard boxes with next-day delivery?

Yes — the majority of our cardboard box range is available for next-day delivery when ordered before our daily cut-off time. Delivery options are confirmed at checkout.

Are cardboard boxes recyclable?

Yes, and straightforwardly so. Cardboard goes straight into any standard paper and card recycling bin. The one caveat is plastic tape — if it's left on the box it can cause issues at the recycling facility. Use paper tape and the whole box goes in as-is, no preparation needed.

Can I buy cardboard boxes in bulk?

Yes — our range is designed for businesses buying in volume, and pricing reflects that. If you're looking to set up a regular supply arrangement, get in touch and we can talk through options.

Do you sell custom printed cardboard boxes?

We do. If you want your brand on the box — logo, colours, messaging — our custom boxes service covers that. It's a practical way to improve the unboxing experience and reinforce brand recognition at the point of delivery.