It is all packaging that we are fed. It protects your items. A key feature that is often downplayed is cardboard inserts for packaging. They stabilize goods during transport. They arrange components and elevate every unboxing.

Picture that you order a shirt or a gadget. Things will rattle around without a decent cardboard insert. They could wrinkle. Break. By using cardboard inserts for packaging, online sellers ship items safely. And they deliver smiles. More contemporary trends reveal that 75% of U.S. retailers currently use durable cardboard inserts, which is a 10% increase in popularity from last year. Smart brands realize this is more than a cushion; it is an experience.

And inserts provide real estate for branding. Imagine printed panels with thank-you notes. Or a sharp white insert that matches high-end packaging. And to pick eco-friendly board positions, your brand is seen as caring. As e-commerce rises, packaging quality becomes an important differentiator. Inserts From Amazon sellers to boutique brands, tell the world you care and are professional.

In this guide, we introduce types and benefits, materials, methods of ordering, and environmental factors. 

Benefits of Cardboard Inserts for Packaging

Protects Products During Shipping

Cardboard inserts for packaging for products serve one primary purpose to keep things safe when they are being shipped. They hinder the movement of goods, bumping into each other and being damaged. Whether you are storing breakables or fabric, inserts add an extra layer of protection.

Improves Customer Experience

The unboxing is an advertising method in and of itself. When packages are well-organized with inserts, it is evident that consideration was put into their presentation. That makes for a better first impression and more positive reviews.

Increases Brand Value

Printed paperboard inserts showcase your brand’s logo or messages inside the box. These little moments of branding help customers to remember you and develop trust.

Reduces Returns and Complaints

Delivery damages are a major cause of returns. Cardboard inserts for packaging

 minimize that risk, cutting costs for your business and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Benefit	Description
Product Protection	Prevents movement, breakage, and damage during shipping
Enhanced Unboxing Experience	Creates a clean, organized, and delightful first impression
Brand Visibility & Messaging	Allows for printed logos, messages, or instructions inside packaging
Lower Return Rates	Reduces damage-related returns
Sustainable Packaging	Reusable materials

How Cardboard Inserts Are Manufactured?

Design and Planning Stage

The process begins with a bespoke design. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows mapping of the product’s size and shape. Die line is what designers use in their artwork to ensure that the insert fits inside the box perfectly.

Process for Die-Cutting And Printing

Then the shape is cut out using steel dies. For print, you print before cutting if branding is required with die cut cardboard inserts. The clean-cut and precise shapes of the custom cardboard inserts will form-fit snugly around your product.

Folding and Quality Testing

Once trimmed, the packaging inserts are provided with a score for folding. Tested against the actual products to ensure fit, strength, and quality. Full production does not start until after the film is released.

Packaging and Shipping

Cardboard inserts for packaging are shipped flat to save space and delivered to you, pre-cut and ready to be folded and inserted during packaging.

What Material Is Used By Manufacturers?

Corrugated Cardboard

Galvanized is the typical material. It is light but strong, so it is great for shielding objects in transit. Single-wall versions are perfect for common needs, and ‘double-wall’ is used for heavier items.

Kraft Paperboard

Kraft paper has a natural appearance and environmentally friendly features. It can frequently be found on cardboard inserts for shirts, food items, or organic brands looking for a homespun connection.

White Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS)

Whiteboards are made from SBS. They are used for luxury boxes. The material features a polished finish, an immaculate look, and superior printing quality.

Recycled and Sustainable Boards

You can find some manufacturers that offer recycled versions. They are inexpensive and encourage green packaging solutions. They are durable, functional, and a breeze to make custom cardboard inserts for packaging.

 

Material Type	Key Features	Best Use Cases	Eco-Friendliness
Corrugated Cardboard	Strong and lightweight	Electronic and fragile items	Recyclable
Kraft Paperboard	Natural look, biodegradable, rigid	Clothing, organic, and eco brands	Compostable, Recycled
White SBS Paper	Smooth surface, premium appearance	Luxury packaging, cosmetics	Recyclable
Recycled Paperboard	Affordable and personalized	Low-budget packaging	High – uses post-consumer waste
Colored/Black Boards	High-impact visual appeal, premium branding	High-end or themed packaging	Varies by type

Environmental Factors of Cardboard Inserts

Recyclable and Biodegradable

Nearly all cardboard inserts for packaging are recyclable, too. Whether they are from Kraft or whiteboard, consumers can dispose of them responsibly as regular recycling waste.

Compostable Materials

Some inserts are even compostable. What it’s good for: This is ideal for businesses looking to get into zero-waste packaging. Kraft and uncoated paperboard made inserts, which compost naturally in compost facilities.

Sustainable Sourcing

Buy materials certified by the FSC. We ensure that the paper we utilize is sourced properly. That’s a nice touch for customers who care about where their food comes from.

Low Shipping Impact

The art board comes, flat-packed, light in weight. Less fuel in shipping and less storage space required in warehouses translate, in turn, to a smaller carbon footprint overall for your business.

How to Order Cardboard Inserts?

Start with Accurate Measurements

Begin by measuring the precise dimensions of your product. List the overall size (length, width, and height). This is useful for manufacturing small cardboard inserts that fit under the flaps of your boxes.

Select the Right Insert Type

Now select which type of insert you would like. Die-cut cardboard inserts are ideal for fragile pieces. Any designs for shirts? If you want something clean, choose white cardboard inserts.

Choose the Best Material

Your brand and product belong on the appropriate board. Kraft is eco-friendly, SBS is sophisticated, and corrugated is suitable for heavy or fragile products. They are both useful in e-commerce packaging.

Approve a Sample and Place Bulk Order

After you have created a prototype, review it. Ensure it corresponds with your product and presents it in the way you prefer. If accepted, you can then order as much product as needed from the business.

Purpose of Cardboard Inserts

Keeps Products in Place

One of the primary reasons why you should use cardboard inserts for boxes is the stability during shipping. This helps keep things safe if you end up shipping multiple things together.

Delivers Improved Package Appearance

Cardboard inserts for packaging help the inside of your packaging look better in the box. Items that are neatly arranged when customers open a package lead to better experiences and improved branding.

Communicates Brand Messaging

Cardboard Inserts with printed cardboard inserts with printing can show some thank you letters, some caring guides or advertisements in the boxes. This is a great way to maximize every bit of your packaging to connect with your customers.

Complex Product Layouts

If you sell products on a website, you may have complex or advanced product views and catalog blocks.

Several orders contain more than 1 item. Inserts keep things in order so they won’t disappear. For the customers, it also makes returns or re-packing more convenient and enhances their satisfaction.

How Cardboard Inserts Are Manufactured?

Understanding production helps you order better. Here is how inserts are typically made:

1. Design Phase

• Create CAD files based on product dimensions.
• Include cutouts for fragile parts.
• Work with dielines for precise layout.

2. Material Selection

• Choose board thickness – single vs. double wall.
• Pick paper finish: kraft or white.
• Add print-ready coating if needed.

3. Die Cutting

• Process boards through a steel rule die.
• Dies stamp out shapes and fold lines.
• Ensures accurate, repeatable cutouts.

4. Printing

• Apply artwork via flexo or digital printing.
• Achieve high-quality logos and instructions.
• Combine colors or simple black text.

5. Scoring and Folding

• Score lines help inserts fold neatly.
• Creased seams maintain structure during packing.

6. Quality Control

• Inspect sample batches.
• Test fit with actual products.
• Check print quality and material consistency.

7. Packaging and Shipping

• Deliver inserts flat-packed for space savings.
• Stack for easy assembly at the warehouse.
• Prepare for bulk delivery.

Design, precision cutting, and branding are combined for appealing inserts.

Type of Cardboard for packaging

Common types include:

• Single-Wall Corrugated: Casual service, good strength and recyclable.
• Double/Triple-Wall Corrugated: Heavy or fragile produce.
• Kraft Paperboard Features: all-natural, recycled and rugged printed look.
• White SBS: Flat creamy surface that can be printed on well.
• Recycled Paperboard: Affordable and sustainable.
• Black or Colored Board: lastly, a black or colored board is used to brand luxury or specialty products.

One may select all these types to balance between eco-credentials, print quality and durability. Choose these inserts according to your box size, products, and the brand name.

Conclusion

Your product is well presented in well-made cardboard inserts. They increase the unboxing and enhance efficiency and will assist you in making your brand unique. Select the product as per your brand requirements. Measure accurately. Review samples and buy in bulk.

Cardboard inserts for packaging aid in achieving various objectives, namely the product safety, remembering the brand, the efficiency of operation, and environmental responsibility. They are little pack improvements making a huge difference. And they go in line with the current ecommerce expansion.

Discover the excellent quality inserts, get to know about die cut cardboard inserts, branding with printed cards and high-quality white SBS boards. Call Contact Plus printers and help you with your next project through our low-cost, dependable, and environmentally-friendly solutions and total packaging service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are inserts in packaging?

Inserts are internal supports that are used to hold, separate, and protect the contents within packages and boxes during shipments and deliveries. Inserts are usually made of cardboard or board.

How expensive is cardboard packaging?

Depending on the size and the type of material, prices range from 5 to 1.50 cents on an insert or more by including a silkscreen or die cut or other type of custom work.

What type of cardboard is used for packaging?

Among them, the most common are corrugated and kraft as well as white SBS boards selected by their abilities to protect the goods and to brand the items according to the weight of the product.