How to Transition from Plastic Tubes to Cardboard Long Boxes
Swap plastic tubes for cardboard: better for the environment with comparable protection.
Why switch from plastic tubes?
Quick answer
Cardboard long boxes provide comparable protection to plastic tubes while being fully recyclable, cheaper to store, and free from Plastic Packaging Tax. For posters and prints, rigid cardboard boxes actually outperform tubes by preventing rolling and creasing. For items like fishing rods or curtain poles, cardboard boxes with internal supports match tube protection. The transition requires testing with your specific products but most businesses find cardboard equal or better.
Performance comparison
Corrugated long boxes have excellent span rigidity, especially in double-wall.
Posters and prints stay flat in boxes but can roll and crease in tubes.
Rectangular boxes stack efficiently; round tubes waste space and roll.
At equivalent wall thickness, corrugated cardboard matches or exceeds plastic tube crush resistance.
Comparison: boxes vs tubes detailed comparison or recyclability guide.
Making the transition
Transition steps0 / 4 checked
Sustainability benefits
Switching from plastic tubes to cardboard long boxes eliminates plastic from your packaging, avoids the Plastic Packaging Tax, aligns with consumer preferences, and provides measurable data for sustainability reporting. The recyclability rate for cardboard exceeds 80% compared to near-zero recycling for plastic postal tubes.
Cardboard alternatives to plastic tubes
Recyclable long boxes that replace plastic tubes from ProcuraPack.
Browse long boxesFrequently asked questions
Yes, for most applications cardboard provides equal or better protection with superior sustainability.
At double-wall grades, corrugated boxes match or exceed plastic tube crush resistance.
Better - flat boxes prevent the rolling and creasing that tubes can cause.
Flat-pack storage saves space, recycling avoids disposal costs, and you avoid Plastic Packaging Tax.
No, it is usually a straightforward size-for-size replacement. Test with your products before full switch.
Part of our guide
Product Guide: Long Cardboard Boxes
Expert guides on long cardboard boxes for shipping oversized, elongated, and awkward items safely.
Browse all guides →
