Technical Guides
The History of Corrugated Packaging: From 1856 to Today
How corrugated packaging evolved from Victorian-era hat liners to the world's most important packaging material.
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.
More in Technical Guides
Recycled Paper Adhesive Penetration Control
Control adhesive penetration on recycled liners and mediums—manage porosity, viscosity, glue gap, and solids so pin adhesion holds without washboarding.
Steam Trap & Condensate Care on Corrugators
Maintain corrugator steam traps and condensate returns—catch failed traps, water hammer, and energy loss with fixed inspection intervals.
Corrugator Drive Maintenance: Gearboxes & Motors
Maintain corrugator gearboxes, couplings, and motors with oil intervals, alignment checks, vibration trends, and LOTO—before 200–300 m/min faults escalate.