The History of Corrugated Packaging: From 1856 to Today

Corrugated packaging has a fascinating history spanning over 160 years. Understanding this evolution provides perspective on today's innovations.

Early Origins (1856-1900)

1856: Edward Healey patents corrugated paper in England—originally used as a liner for tall hats to help them keep their shape.

1871: Albert Jones patents single-face corrugated board in the USA for wrapping glass bottles.

1874: Oliver Long patents double-face (single-wall) corrugated board.

1895: First corrugated box machine invented, enabling mass production.

Industrial Era (1900-1950)

Early 1900s: Corrugated boxes replace wooden crates for shipping.

1914-1918: WWI drives massive demand for military packaging.

1920s: Development of water-resistant coatings.

1930s: Introduction of flexographic printing on corrugated.

Modern Era (1950-2000)

1950s: Development of the Stein-Hall adhesive formula—still used today.

1960s: Computer-controlled cutting and scoring machines.

1970s: Energy crisis drives interest in efficient production methods.

1980s: Introduction of high-graphics printing capabilities.

1990s: Focus on recycling and environmental sustainability.

Recent Innovations (2000-Present)

Digital printing on corrugated

Boiler-free production technology (pioneered by Xuegong)

Instant-setting adhesives

Smart packaging with sensors and tracking

Sustainable and compostable coatings

The Future

Corrugated packaging continues to evolve with

Further energy efficiency improvements

Enhanced functionality (moisture barriers, antimicrobial)

Integration with digital supply chains

Increased automation and robotics

Xuegong's contribution to this history—boiler-free production—represents one of the most significant process innovations in decades.