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Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Tunxis Recycling Operating Committee

Corrugated Cardboard

TROC delivers about 3,000 tons per year of recycled cardboard, which is recovered and used in the manufacture of containers and related products. More than 95% of all products in the U.S. are shipped in cardboard boxes because of their strength and convenience.

Corrugated cardboard boxes are typically made from two layers of linerboard and one layer of medium. Linerboard makes up the inner and outer surfaces, which contain the fluted medium. The layers are joined on a corrugator, a machine which presses folds into the medium, and laminates the linerboard to each side. The flat sections are folded, printed, and stapled or glued to make boxes.

Corrugated cardboard boxes are desirable for packaging because of their strength and convenience. Cardboard boxes are designed to be stacked, and can withstand pressure from the top and sides. The containers are lightweight, can be flattened and reused. According to EPA, in 2005 72% of all corrugated cardboard used in the U.S. was recycled.