Cardboard boxes are still in short supply. The reasons for these shortages are complex and longstanding but can be attributed to a combination of increased demand and supply chain issues. So what happens if you need cardboard boxes to get stock out the door?

In this article we explain how we can help you beat cardboard lead times…

So why are lead times getting longer?

There are a number of reasons manufacturers are struggling to deliver your cardboard boxes on time.

1. Increased Demand for Cardboard Packaging

More businesses than ever are trying to be more sustainable. Consumers favour cardboard over plastic packaging as it is easy to recycle and more environmentally friendly. Due to consumer demand this has encouraged many businesses to rethink their packaging and opt for cardboard alternatives. This has increased demand for cardboard.

2. Board Price Increases

Paper is in high demand and the mills are working at maximum capacity. Even recycled cardboard boxes require a percentage of new pulp. There seems to be no indication of the demand slowing down with further price increases likely throughout 2022.

3. Shortage of Pallets

Due to supply chain issues there is a shortage of wooden pallets, which are needed to transport cardboard boxes.

4. Uncertainty over Brexit

Uncertainty over Brexit has led to supply chain issues and increasing costs, making the industry more sensitive to minor problems such as labour shortages or transport delays.

These problems compounded have led manufacturers to increase their prices and extend their lead times. While many businesses had hoped that the issues would settle down in 2022, the industry is still in a fragile position and these problems are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Beat Cardboard Lead Times

It is clear the demand for cardboard packaging is only going to increase. Being a finite resource, the only likely outcome is that prices and lead times will increase substantially. But there is an alternative that allows you to continue packing your products in cardboard but without the increased expenditure or lengthy lead times.

Choose to Reuse

At Reuseabox we specialise in new surplus or used cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are strong and durable and can often be used multiple times before they need to be recycled and reprocessed. Used cardboard boxes do not need to be manufactured, which means we can pass on those cost and time savings to our customers.

What if I Need New Cardboard Boxes?

Industry bales millions of brand new boxes every year. These boxes are usually surplus to original requirements. Reuseabox rescues these boxes and makes them available as low cost packing boxes to a whole range of businesses.

Choosing to Reuse Cardboard Boxes is Better for the Planet

Reusable packaging is the most sustainable option you can choose to package your products. We wanted to find out just how much better it is than buying new cardboard boxes. So we worked with academics and environmental consultants to develop a Carbon Footprint Tool. We discovered some impressive statistics!

For every tonne of cardboard boxes that are reused, you save

• 5 Trees
• 21,578 Litres of Water
• 4,386 KW/H of Energy
• 5 Tonnes of Carbon

Place an Order, Plant a Tree

Place an Order, Plant a Tree

We also know that planting trees is vital to preserving our planet for future generations and helping to tackle climate change. That’s why We Plant a Tree for every order placed for our new or used cardboard boxes. When you place you order with Reuseabox, you’ll receive your own tree certificate in recognition of your contribution to reforesting.

Summary

Join our Reuse Revolution today and choose to pack your products in truly sustainable packaging. To find out more about purchasing new surplus or once used cardboard boxes, check out our Full Range of new and used cardboard boxes or Contact Us to speak to a member of the team.