Types of Cartons

Egg cartons are prime examples of cartons made from Styrofoam.lonely egg in carton image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com

There are many types of cartons. Cartons are used for transporting any number of dry or frozen items, depending on the type of material the carton is made from. Cartons are made in different shapes and sizes. Cardboard is commonly used material for cartons because it is flexible and sturdy. Cartons can also be made out of Styrofoam and wood, however. The types of cartons can range from large to small, based upon the kind of products found inside.

Cardboard Cartons

A regular slotted carton is the most common design for a cardboard carton and can be used for many different types of jobs. These types of cartons are easily taped shut, or the flaps can be folded over each other to hold the carton shut. They are also economically wise because there is little waste when making them.

There is a cardboard carton referred to as a full telescope carton. This type of carton is actually made of two separate pieces that fit tightly together, such as a gift box or a shirt box.

Another commonly used type of cardboard carton is a die-cut carton. This is one that does not need to be assembled, and either has a separate lid or an attached hinged lid. These boxes are ideal for packing and moving things because they do not require tape. Computer paper often comes in die-cut cardboard cartons.

Styrofoam is an inexpensive material that is often used to hold and carry light items such as eggs. Styrofoam cartons can be molded into any shape, which makes them ideal for very fragile items that need to be held securely. Styrofoam containers, however, are not strong and cannot be used to hold or carry heavy items with the risk of breaking. Styrofoam containers are also believed to be detrimental to the environment, which is why they are no longer used in a variety of applications. For example, fast food burgers use to come in Styrofoam containers, but they are now served wrapped in paper, which takes up less room and breaks down considerably faster in landfills.

According to the Museum of Learning, aseptic cartons are made from laminates of foil, paperboard and polyethylene. These types of cartons are used to hold and transport liquids, such as milk, juice and soap.

Wood cartons are beneficial for transporting heavier materials that may not be able to withstand being moved inside of Styrofoam or cardboard cartons. Although wood shipping cartons are beneficial for their strength and durability, they are also very heavy and expensive to ship. Small wood cartons can be used to transport high end items, such as cigars. The wood helps the cigars maintain their natural smell and flavor.