What carton is? In this topic, we will try to discuss all the concepts and aspects of “carton definition”. Some of these concepts or aspects has very little to do with carton, however, it would be nice to get some information about. In this subject, although very short, we will try to point 5 and 3 layer cartons as well as master cartons.
Meaning and Etymology of the Word “Carton”
The term “carton” pronounced as ‘kārtan’ includes 5 letters and its equal in “Abjad Arabic Letters” is 671 which in Persian melodious language means “cardboard”, “cardboard folder” (in which documents are put). However, in “Mazani” dialect (dialect of the people in Mazandaran Province – Northern Iran), /kaartan/ means “spider”. Also in Dehkhoda Dictionary and Moein Encyclopedic Dictionary, Caron has been defined as “knitter” or “spider”.
More Synonyms and Terms for Carton
Can or box made of cardboard, large box, package, envelope, in the amount of a carton or container, vessel or container made from waxed cardboard and is used for liquids.
In English, carton is defined as: “a box made of thick paper, sometimes coated, or of plastic, made to hold a particular type of product” and its synonyms are: box, case and similar words for carton are as: container, package.
What Carton is?
There are two definitions for carton in Wikipedia:
- Carton
Carton is a type of paper product which is made from combining paper sheets and is widely used in packaging. Carton is usually made of 3 paper layers, of which the two top and bottom layers are flat sheets and in the middle there is corrugated paper (usually called as fluting paper). Based on needs in packaging, the quality and type of carton varies. For instant, while sending a cargo abroad, 5-layer carton with stronger fluting should be used and for lighter types, 3-layer carton can be used.
- Cartoon (in English)
The meaning of “cartoon” differs according to context. In visual arts, it means “initial sketch” which later applies for an art work in the same dimensions, such as fresco, oil painting, mosaic, marquetry or a combination of colorful glasses used for door, window or tapestry. Since these sketches are drawn on a thick paper or cardboard and this is what the word “cartone” means in Italian language, these designs are called cartoon. In Renaissance Italy, cartoons were being used for many purposes, such as Raphael’s cartoons and tapestries for the Sistine Chapel.
In journalism, cartoon means humorous or satirical painting, and exaggerated drawing that usually includes some writings. In political cartoons, caricatures are used most often. Political cartoons were first used in 16th century, during the religious reform. In 18th century, cartoon was considered as an inseparable part of News Papers, affected by Hogarth and others. In early 1840, “cartoons” were applied to sequential images that had various political, social and … subjects.
In Iran, “Farsi” speaking people, understand apply the word “cartoon” to cartoon animation and any other humorous or satirical animation is called “caricature”.
There are of course, other descriptions for carton in packaging that will be discussed in “packaging” topic.
Carton Usages
Nowadays, whatever we purchase, no matter if small packages of foodstuff or large ones like home appliances are packed in a type of carton or box or a combination of both. Let’s consider the socks packaging as an example. The socks are packed in a box first, then is put in a carton (generally called as master carton).
Usually, carton in packaging is referred to as “Master Carton”.
What is Carton Made of?
Cartons are generally made of paper. But, the important point about the material of carton (3 or 5 layers) is the various types of papers, used in carton production (e.g. Testliner, Flute, Iranian), and obviously the quality of carton depends on the quality of paper. Low quality papers, lead to many problems in production line in factory. In addition, the quality of paper is highly effective in carton price calculation. Generally, 3 or 5 layers sheets are produced in Iran.
3 layers sheets, are made of two papers on top and the bottom which are attached to a middle layer of fluting paper.
5 layers sheets, include 3 paper layers on top and bottom attaching 2 flute paper layers at the middle.
Popularity of Carton and Box
The main reason of using cartons and boxes in packaging industry, is the possibility of being recycled, which brings them back to production cycle. However, in addition to be environment friendly, there are more reasons for cartons and boxes to be popular. Some of these reasons are as follows:
- Proper and affordable in price
- Easily available
- Simple production process
- Easy transportation
Carton Price
Carton price depends on various factors. Some of essential factors in carton price are: paper type, number of layers, flute type, carton dimensions, weight, cutting type, printing type, etc. This subject is more discussed under the “Carton Price Calculation” topic.
We hope that the above discussion about the carton would have been useful for you.