When you are faced with the decision over which things to use when you are going to transport things from one place to another, you normally go with the ones that are available and cheap. This is also the case when you want to ship goods or packages overseas. The question on whether to use plastic boxes or sturdy Ring a Box cardboard boxes always arise especially when there is a notion from people that plastic is not environment-friendly. However, when comparing plastics over cardboard boxes, either for cargo handling or self-storage, consider the following advantages and disadvantages of using these convenient storage solutions:
Plastic Boxes
Disadvantages
Price. Boxes made of plastic are a little expensive compared to cardboard boxes. The price will depend on the size of the box.
Size. Plastic boxes are usually not used by professional packers because of its heavy weight and because of its size. It is wider than most boxes and is a little too heavy to carry, thus requiring some lift machines to handle.
Stacking. When it comes to stacking, plastic boxes are generally stackable but not all plastic boxes are created equal. Boxes made from softer or thinner plastic material, and therefore low quality design, may suddenly break and cause the stack to fall apart.
Advantages
Reusable. Plastic boxes have longer life span compared to cardboard boxes. You can use it as many times as you want and as long as you need, provided that it is sturdy.
Eco-friendly. Even though many people believe that plastics are harmful for the environment, it is actually not the case. When you look at a mover’s perspective, it actually takes more cardboard boxes to move the things in a three-bedroom house. This means that more trees will be cut for these boxes, and more energy will be used to make these. Whereas you can put more things inside a plastic box, and it can be reused for a couple of times.
Spill-proof. Generally, you do not transport liquid products, but when you do, like perfume, lotion, and others. When these are spilled inside, it won’t leak through the plastic, thus reducing the chances of weakening the material compared to cardboard boxes.
Cardboard Boxes
Disadvantages
Not Reusable. When it comes to long distance moving, or overseas moving, using cardboard boxes causes more inconvenience compared to plastic boxes because some cardboard are easily torn. Thus, more likely, you won’t be able to use them again.
Not Environment Friendly. Papers are usually thought of as environment friendly because when you burn them, they do not emit gases that are harmful to the environment. However, when making paper products, you cut a lot of trees and you burn a higher amount of energy when making them. So, compared to plastic, paper product is not environment friendly.
Not Spill-proof. Because cardboard is made of paper, any liquid that is spilled inside, especially in large volumes, will leak.
Landfills and Dumps. More cardboard boxes end up in landfills and dumps compared to plastic boxes. Even though cardboard or paper is recyclable, it still requires a huge amount of water and energy to be recycled.
Advantages
Price. Cardboard boxes are less expensive. Sometimes, you can even get them for free.
Size. The size and dimensions of a cardboard box is made for moving purposes.
Stackable. When things are packed properly, cardboard boxes are easily stackable.
Universal. A lot of people use cardboard boxes and professional packers in Sydney or any part of Australia are more likely to use cardboard boxes than plastic.