Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated Cardboard

Definition

Corrugated Cardboard is a paper-based sheet material composed of a fluted inner core sandwiched between two flat linerboards. The fluting improves shock absorption, provides cushioning, and adds structural integrity, making it a widely used material for packaging picture frames, art, and related supplies.

Properties

• Lightweight yet strong: The fluted core creates rigidity while keeping weight low.
• Shock-absorbing: Provides protection during shipping and handling.
• Versatile: Available in single-wall, double-wall, and heavy-duty grades for different protective needs.
• Recyclable: Made primarily from wood pulp fibers, and often produced with recycled content.

Applications in Framing & Art Handling

• Commonly used to create shipping boxes for frames and artwork.
• Serves as a temporary backing material for oversized prints or art in transit.
• Used as protective layering in hybrid or soft-packing methods.
• Occasionally employed as a low-cost mounting surface for non-archival purposes (not recommended for conservation work).

Conservation Considerations

Standard corrugated cardboard is not acid-free and will off-gas over time, making it unsuitable for archival or long-term storage of artwork. For preservation purposes, framers should use acid-free foam core or Coroplast instead.

Related Terms

• Sintra
• Acid Free Foam Core
• Coroplast
• Metal Print