Waterproof vs water-resistant packaging: What’s the difference and why does it matter?
When shipping products from A to B, you must ensure they’re properly protected. This doesn’t just mean being protected from bumps in the road and being manhandled, it also means being protected from moisture.
The terms ‘waterproof cardboard boxes’ and ‘water-resistant cardboard boxes’ are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things.
Understanding the differences between the two is an important part of making sure your products remain safe in transit and storage.
- Waterproof cardboard packaging boxes
- What makes water-resistant packaging different?
- Packaging material: Waterproof vs water-resistant cardboard boxes
- Pick the right packaging for your products
- Where to get water-resistant packaging boxes?
Waterproof cardboard packaging boxes
Waterproof packaging has a full moisture barrier, meaning it’s designed to completely prevent water from penetrating the material. That means waterproof cardboard boxes can protect products from damage even in heavy rain, submersion, or extremely humid conditions.
This type of packaging is usually used for products that need complete protection from any moisture during shipping, such as electronics and outdoor equipment.
What makes water-resistant packaging different?
With 42% of consumers more excited to open a package if it arrives in premium packaging, and premium packaging making 34% of consumers more likely to purchase again (Dotcom Distribution) - what’s on the outside matters almost as much as the product within.
The premiumisation of packaging doesn’t just refer to visual appeal; it also means using packaging that keeps products safe and secure during transit, especially with regard to moisture. That’s where water-resistant packaging comes in.
Water-resistant and weatherproof cardboard boxes provide reliable, partial moisture protection, keeping water at bay as much as possible.
Made with 100% recyclable coatings, these boxes offer excellent defence against moisture, though they’re not built to withstand prolonged exposure - think splashes rather than full submersion. This makes it perfect for products that may encounter light rain, splashes, or mildly damp conditions; these water-resistant boxes are the smart choice for keeping your goods safe as they travel from your business to the buyer.
Packaging material: Waterproof vs water-resistant cardboard boxes
The materials used in waterproofing cardboard and to create water-resistant packaging are often very different.
In waterproofing, materials like plastic, laminated layers and advanced coatings are commonly used to block moisture completely. These materials do an excellent job of keeping products completely safe from liquid but usually are not recyclable and don’t align with eco-conscious consumers' values.
When it comes to sustainability, water-resistant packaging certainly makes a splash for all the right reasons. Water-resistant cardboard boxes can be produced using a sustainable coating, so you can use water-resistant shipping boxes with the peace of mind that they can be easily recycled.
This water-repellent coating doesn’t take away from the sustainable credentials of the packaging. In fact, because there are water-resistant coatings that include no plastics, the coatings don’t impact the packaging’s recyclability. This appeals to many consumers, 52% of which are prioritising sustainability by reducing their use of single-use plastic (Bacardi).
Pick the right packaging for your products
Deciding between waterproof and water-resistant packaging is crucial to ensuring your products stay safe and your customers stay happy. You should take things such as product sensitivity, shipping conditions and customer expectations into account.
With 94% of consumers believing it’s a brand’s responsibility to create products that are not harmful to the earth (Deloitte), the sustainability of water-resistant cardboard boxes should play an important role in the packaging you choose.
If products are likely to come into contact with heavy rainfall or high humidity, waterproof packaging may be the right choice. But, if your customers expect sustainable packaging that withstands some exposure to moisture, water-resistant packaging is a more sustainable option that may provide more than enough protection for your products.
Where to get water-resistant packaging boxes?
If you’re searching for moisture and damp-proof packaging, at Smurfit Westrock, we offer water-resistant packaging and shipping boxes tailored to your specific product needs.
Get in touch with our packaging experts today to learn more.