Why Are Cardboard Boxes Expensive? Factors, Reasons, and Cost ...

09 Jun.,2025

 

Why Are Cardboard Boxes Expensive? Factors, Reasons, and Cost ...

Cardboard boxes are a fundamental part of packaging used in industries for storing and shipping products. However, cardboard box costs have been rising consistently over the years. Many businesses and people are concerned about the price hike and are looking for ways to spare packaging costs. Understanding the factors that impact the cardboard price can help you make smarter choices when buying them for your items or commerce needs. 

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In general, the cost of cardboard boxes can be broken down into factors such as the material quality and the sizes or the amount requested. These elements affect the general costs and can change based on market conditions and how you can manage those costs more effectively.

Why Is the Cost of Cardboard Increasing?

Cardboard production relies heavily on wood pulp. The supply chain has been disrupted by environmental concerns and foresty regulation leading to reduced supplies of pulp. This has created a backup in the production process which pushing up cardboard prices by 6 to 12%. 

In recent years the UK has seen substantial increases in vitality costs due to a combination of variables including geopolitical tensions the transition to renewable energy sources and inflation. These rising energy costs have been passed down the supply chain which results in higher prices for cardboard. 

Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Cardboard Boxes


The cost of cardboard boxes is influenced by the durability of materials and the dimensions required as well as the level of customization needed for specific needs.

Material Quality and Thickness

Cardboard is accessible to different qualities and thicknesses which specifically impacts its cost. Higher-quality cardboard with better durability and quality tends to cost more. Thicker cardboard offers more assurance for the items inside which makes it more costly compared to thinner options. The type of material used can significantly impact the overall cost when choosing cardboard boxes.

Size and Dimensions

The size of a cardboard box also affects its cost. Larger boxes require more material and are therefore priced higher. Custom-sized boxes can include additional costs due to manufacturing complexities. Differentiate standard-sized boxes tend to be more reasonable because they are mass-produced. It is essential to consider the proper dimensions for your items to avoid unnecessary costs when selecting box sizes.

Quantity Ordered

Buying cardboard boxes in bulk can regularly lead to a lower unit cost. Vendors offer discounts for larger orders to help reduce the cost per box. On the other hand, requesting smaller quantities might result in higher costs due to the need for bulk discounts. It is important to assess your needs and arrange the right amount to adjust cost and storage space.

Shipping Distance

Shipping cardboard boxes from the manufacturer to your location can significantly impact the overall cost. The farther the distance the shipping costs will be higher. Additional variables like fuel costs and delivery speed can also increase shipping costs. If you are ordering cardboard boxes from distant suppliers consider sourcing locally to reduce transportation costs. 

4 Reasons Why the Cost of Cardboard Boxes Is Rising

The cardboard box costs are rising that is driven by increased raw material prices and higher demand. 

Shortage of Raw Material

Cardboard production depends on wood pulp which can sometimes be in short supply. When there is a shortage of raw materials, the price of the materials increases causing cardboard prices to rise. The shortage of timber can be caused by components such as environmental restrictions or natural disasters.

Increasing Demand 

The request for cardboard boxes has increased over the years, particularly with the development of ecommerce and online shopping. With more businesses requiring packaging for shipping the competition for cardboard supplies has driven up costs. The manufacturers are forced to raise the cost to meet the higher demand.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain problems have affected the raw materials and product availability. Disruptions like delays in production transportation issues or indeed labor shortages contribute to the increasing cost of cardboard. These challenges make it troublesome for manufacturers to deliver and provide cardboard boxes on time. 

Production And Manufacturing Cost

The cost of producing cardboard boxes includes expenses related to machinery labor and energy. With rising costs of power and wages, manufacturers are constrained to alter their pricing. The high costs for printing and custom design services contribute to the overall cost increase.

5 Effective Ways to Reduce the Cost of Cardboard Boxes

Reducing cardboard box costs applies to packaging sizes, purchasing in bulk, using recycled materials, and negotiating prices.

Specify Your Product Requirements

To avoid paying for unnecessary features consider indicating your product necessities. Understanding the precise size and quality required for your packaging can assist you select the right box without overspending. If your items do not require high-strength boxes you can opt for lighter and less expensive choices.

Innovative Yet Minimalistic Design

A simple yet efficient design can reduce the cost of cardboard boxes. Minimizing the amount of cardboard used for the box can significantly lower costs. Avoid abundance packaging by considering creative however minimalistic packaging designs that keep up product security while reducing material costs.

Calculate your Packaging Alternatives

It is worth comparing different types of packaging material to find a solution that works for both your budget and your items. Other materials like paper may be more cost-effective than cardboard. Take the time to assess all choices and select the best option based on your needs.

Reuse the Durable Packaging

If you are in a position to do so consider reusing strong cardboard boxes. Boxes that are still in great condition can be reused for shipping and capacity purposes. By recycling old boxes you can save money and reduce the environmental impact of purchasing unused boxes.

Use Standard Recycled Paperboard Sizes and Thicknesses

Standard sizes and thicknesses are ordinarily more reasonable than customized boxes. By choosing recycled paperboard with the standard dimensions you can save on the production cost. Furthermore selecting recycled materials helps reduce costs and minimize the environmental impact of packaging.  

How Does Expensive Packaging Affect Small Businesses?

Costly packaging can have a significant impact on small businesses. For many small companies packaging represents a huge part of their costs. When the toll of cardboard boxes rises it becomes harder to keep products affordable for customers while maintaining profit margins. 

Small businesses regularly struggle to find cost-effective packaging arrangements without compromising on item security or presentation. This can lead to challenges in managing cash flow or increasing prices which may impact customer satisfaction.

Is Kraft Cheaper Than Cardboard? Pros & Cons

Here is a simple comparison of Kraft and cardboard packaging to help determine which option is more cost-effective.

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Which Best Packaging Companies Offering Affordable Solutions?

A few companies offer reasonable and reliable packaging solutions. A few of the best choices include:

  • Box Agency Known for giving customizable solutions and amazing client benefits, Box Agency offers a variety of cost-effective packaging choices for all types of businesses.
  • Uline – Uline offers a wide selection of cardboard boxes and packaging materials with competitive costs and bulk discounts.
  • The Packaging Company – With a broad catalog and affordable prices, The Packaging Company gives a range of eco-friendly choices for packaging.

Each company has its interesting offerings and pricing so it is important to compare your particular needs sometime recently choosing the best fit for your business.

12 Places to Get Cheap Shipping Boxes in - Shopify

Finding cost-effective solutions for packaging and shipping your products is crucial to maintaining your profit margins and enhancing customer satisfaction.

In this article, we'll outline the different types of affordable shipping boxes available to you. Plus, discover 10 places where you can source cheap shipping boxes for your business.

12 places to find cheap shipping boxes

  1. Amazon
  2. Shipping companies
  3. Target
  4. Walmart
  5. Staples
  6. Home Depot
  7. Lowes
  8. U-Haul
  9. Packagingsupplies.com
  10. Grocery stores
  11. Uline
  12. The Boxery

1. Amazon

Amazon has a variety of shipping supplies, including shipping boxes. The online retailer has a wide range of box sizes and shapes (there are roughly 10,000 results for a search of “shipping boxes”). It offers shipping directly to your door, as well as free two-day shipping with an Amazon Prime membership. Prices range from a couple of bucks for one box to several thousand dollars for bulk orders.

2. Shipping companies

Large shipping companies such as USPS, FedEx, DHL, and UPS all offer free shipping supplies, including boxes and mailers, if you use their services. Although this limits you to using a certain company (like USPS if you choose to use their Priority Mail boxes), it can be a good way to save money in the long run. Prices range from free to around $100 for specialty boxes.

3. Target

Target has a large selection of some of the cheapest boxes and mailers available. Visiting any of their nearly 2,000 brick-and-mortar US stores can save you money compared to ordering packing supplies online. Prices for boxes range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars for bulk orders.

4. Walmart

You can purchase boxes online or in person at Walmart. Many of their locations are open 24/7, making the retail giant a good choice in a pinch. Prices range from less than $1 to around $100 for larger orders.

5. Staples

Although the company has limited retail locations, Staples offers plenty of options when it comes to mailing supplies, including shipping boxes. If you buy boxes online, you can sort them by size, shape, and box type. Prices range from $1 to hundreds of dollars.

6. Home Depot

Home Depot has a wide selection of heavy-duty boxes, including large boxes and specialty moving boxes, such as wardrobe and TV boxes. Home Depot also sells kits that include a variety of different types of boxes and packing materials. Although typically used for moving, they can also be used for shipping. Prices range from $5 to around $500 for packs of 90 boxes.

7. Lowes

Lowes has a large selection of boxes and some mailing supplies. The home improvement store carries Duck, Bankers Box, and its own store brand of boxes as well. Prices range from $1 to about $1,000.

8. U-Haul

Known as “the moving experts,” U-Haul sells a variety of specialized packing materials, like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, corrugated paper, storage boxes, and box kits. These can be ordered online or purchased in person. Prices for boxes range from around $1 to $500.

9. Packagingsupplies.com

A specialty online retailer focusing on boxes and other packaging supplies, this site sells a variety of products that can be delivered straight to your door. You can shop by dimension and shape, making it easy to find the perfect box. Prices start at a few dollars for the smallest sizes.

10. Grocery stores

An unexpected—and readily accessible—stop in your search for shipping boxes should be your local grocery store. It’s a convenient place to find cheap—or even free—boxes. Many stores give away produce or other food boxes earmarked for recycling. During your next visit, ask a manager about stock delivery days so you can schedule pickup when there’s a large selection to choose from.

11. Uline

Uline has a huge selection shipping and packaging supplies, featuring over 1,700 box sizes in various styles, colors, and materials. It's inventory includes corrugated boxes, mailers, heavy-duty boxes, and specialized options like insulated shippers and wood crates.

Beyond boxes, you can also find materials like packing tape, bubble wrap, poly bags, and cushioning products. With same-day shipping available from 13 locations across North America, Uline is a reliable source for finding cheap packaging solutions.

12. The Boxery

The Boxery provides over 1,000 sizes of corrugated boxes for shipping. You can find standard strength boxes, heavy-duty options, and specialized configurations like cube and multi-depth boxes. Bulk ordering and custom boxes are available.

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Types of shipping boxes

There are several options for packaging boxes when it comes to shipping your goods. Here are a few choices:

  • Corrugated cardboard boxes. The most popular shipping material due to its strength and reliability, corrugated boxes contain multiple layers of paper in tight wave shapes, which creates a thicker, denser option for protecting valuable goods.
  • Cardboard boxes. Regular cardboard boxes are thinner, generally made from a single layer of paper stock or heavy paper pulp. These are still a flexible option when it comes to shipping materials, although they are often less durable or long-lasting than their corrugated counterparts.
  • Poly boxes. Constructed of a polyethylene film, poly boxes are flexible and reusable options that are cheap, customizable, and reliable. They can also help protect contents through a combination of water resistance and padding.
  • Insulated boxes. Combining the structure of a cardboard or corrugated box with a styrofoam or polyurethane interior, insulated shipping boxes are for shipping perishable goods such as food, plants, or other temperature-sensitive items.

How to save on shipping boxes with Shopify

Shipping boxes for your small business can be expensive depending on the type, size, and weight of the box, shipping fees, and many other factors. Understanding the basics of shipping will help you reduce shipping costs and remain competitive as a small shop.

Those who partner with Shopify can cut their shipping costs. By using Shopify Shipping, merchants have the ability to save up to 88% on shipping costs in the US, and can send products around the world.

Shopify merchants based in the US or Canada can receive pre-negotiated discounted shipping rates from major carriers such as USPS, UPS, DHL Express, Canada Post, and Sendle. This means you could offer cheaper (or free) flat-rate shipping to your customers, giving you a leg up on the competition.

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