A carton is a type of packaging typically made from paperboard, which is suitable for food, pharmaceuticals, hardware, and many other types of products
. Cartons can be made from various materials, such as paperboard, duplex, white kraft, recycled paper, and different types of plastics, or a composite
. Some cartons are designed for direct contact with food and are referred to as "food-grade" cartons
. There are several types of cartons, including:
- Folding cartons : These are made from paperboard and are suitable for various products, including food and pharmaceuticals
- Tray styles : These have a solid bottom and are often shipped as flat blanks, assembled by the packager
- Egg cartons : These are designed to protect whole eggs while in transit and can be made from molded pulp or expanded polystyrene
Cartons are lightweight and have a high product-to-package ratio, with an average of 94% product and only 6% package
. They are also transportation efficient, as the same amount of product can be shipped in fewer trucks, resulting in less fuel and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
. Cartons are recyclable, and many of them are made from renewable resources
