Here are some fun facts about cardboard:
Recycling
Recycling cardboard uses 75% less energy than making new cardboard. Recycling one ton of cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil and 9 cubic yards of landfill space.
Uses
Cardboard is used to package over 90% of products shipped in the U.S. The average American uses 65 cardboard boxes each year.
History
The first cardboard box was invented in 1817 by Sir Malcolm Thornhill in England. The corrugated cardboard box was invented in 1871.
Environmental
Cardboard is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Design
Cardboard is the only packaging material that can be cut and folded into any shape or size.
Uses other than packaging
Cardboard was used during World War II to package military supplies and as makeshift shelters and camouflage.
Inventions
Robert Gair, a Scottish inventor, discovered creased carton boxes by accident when someone chopped through thousands of paper bags in his factory.
National Toy Hall of Fame
The cardboard box was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2005.
Museum
France has a museum dedicated to cardboard packaging called the "Musee Du Cartonnage et de Imprimerie".