Cardboard tubes have become a popular packaging solution for various industries due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and eco-friendliness. However, when it comes to long-distance container transportation, cardboard tubes come with inherent limitations.
We often get asked by customers from around the world requests to supply them due to our high quality and prompt lead times. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why cardboard tubes may not be the best choice for shipping goods over extended distances.
Limited Durability: Cardboard tubes, while sturdy for their intended use, are not designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance container transportation. When exposed to prolonged vibrations, shifts, and rough handling during transit, cardboard tubes are prone to crushing, denting, or tearing. This can lead to significant damage to the packaged goods and compromise their overall integrity.
Insufficient Protection: Compared to other packaging materials such as plastic, metal, or composite materials, cardboard tubes provide relatively limited protection against external factors like moisture, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and impacts. These factors can pose significant risks to the goods being transported, especially over long distances. Consequently, delicate or sensitive items may be more susceptible to damage or spoilage.
Inadequate Load-Bearing Capacity: Cardboard tubes have a limited load-bearing capacity, making them unsuitable for transporting heavy or dense products over extended distances. The structure of cardboard tubes is not optimized to handle the weight of goods stacked on top of each other in containerized shipments. Consequently, there is an increased risk of collapse or deformation, potentially causing damage to the packaged items and compromising the stability of the container during transit.
Vulnerability to Environmental Conditions: Shipping containers are exposed to various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and humidity. Cardboard tubes, being made of paper-based material, are highly susceptible to these factors. Excessive moisture can cause warping, weakening, or mold growth, leading to a compromised structural integrity of the tubes. Additionally, extreme temperature variations can cause expansion or contraction, further increasing the risk of damage during transportation.
Limited Reusability: While cardboard tubes are recyclable and eco-friendly, their reusability is often limited, particularly when used for long-distance container transportation. The wear and tear incurred during transit, coupled with the potential for damage, render the tubes less durable for subsequent uses. This can increase packaging costs and waste generation for businesses involved in international shipping.
Conclusion: While cardboard tubes offer several benefits as packaging materials for local or short-distance transportation, their suitability for long-distance container shipping is questionable. The limitations in terms of durability, protection, load-bearing capacity, vulnerability to environmental conditions, and limited reusability make cardboard tubes less viable for safeguarding goods over extended journeys.
In the first instance we recommend to our prospective customers to look for cardboard tube supplier close to your country (and we are more than willing to recommend ! Just ask!), or alternatively, consider using other packaging types that are less susceptible to the issues we've raised above.
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