What are cardboard boxes made of?

Paperboard is a thin and flat material in sheet form made up from an interlaced network of

cellulose fibres. It is usually made in several layers, combined together in the wet state. A

white mineral pigmented coating is applied in one or more layers, on one or both surfaces,

enhancing whiteness and smoothness and providing a surface for printing and varnishing.

The main raw material for paperboard is cellulose, the basic organic matter of wood. The

fibres are derived from different kinds of trees, mainly pine, spruce and birch. The process by which the fibres are separated from wood is known as pulping. Fibres derived directly from wood are known as "primary" or "virgin" fibres. When used paper and paperboard are repulped, the fibres are known as "secondary" or "recycled" fibres.

Paperboard can be divided into four different grades: SBB, SUB, FBB and WLC:

• SBB stands for Solid Bleached Board

• SUB for Solid Unbleached Board

• FBB for Folding Box Board

• WLC for White Lined Chipboard.

SBB, SUB and FBB are made from virgin fibres while WLC is mainly made from recycled fibres. (all information from IGGESUND PAPERBOARD AB)