Substrate Saturdays with Steve: Corrugate – More Than Just Cardboard
What is Corrugate?
Corrugate, often referred to simply as cardboard, is a surprisingly versatile material with applications ranging from packaging and displays to signage and even structural builds. As Steve explains in the episode, while we all recognize it from the packages we use daily, there’s much more to it than meets the eye.
Not only is corrugate lightweight and durable, but it’s also incredibly eco-friendly. It can be easily recycled, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to balance sustainability with functionality. At Thysse, we use various types of corrugate depending on the needs of a project, and Steve walks us through these different options in detail.
The Many Uses of Corrugate at Thysse
1. Standard Cardboard (Single-Sided Printing)
One of the most frequently used forms of corrugate in our shop is standard cardboard, which can be printed on one side. As Steve points out, this type of material is perfect for short-term signage, temporary displays, and lightweight packaging solutions. It’s a great way to create custom branding elements for events or retail environments without breaking the bank.
However, there’s one thing to keep in mind—moisture is not its friend. As Steve humorously notes, everyone knows what happens when you leave cardboard outside. It doesn’t hold up well in wet conditions, making it best suited for indoor applications where it won’t be exposed to the elements.
2. Double-Sided Printable Corrugate
For projects that require a bit more versatility, we also work with a thinner corrugate stock that allows for printing on both sides. This is especially useful for custom displays and signage projects where messaging is visible from multiple angles. Steve showcases a few examples, including branded gift boxes where both the outer and inner box are printed. One other advantage of double-sided corrugate signage exists in situations where only one side is visible–for example, in merchandising fixtures. A double-sided sign can simply be flipped around to reveal the next message, saving shipping, print and reset/change costs.
Because this material is still lightweight yet durable, it’s a fantastic and versatile option for businesses that looks great without sacrificing sustainability.
3. Structural Corrugate (Beyond Just Cardboard!)
Then there’s the heavy-duty stuff—structural corrugate. This is where things get really exciting. As Steve emphasizes, this material is far more than just traditional cardboard. It’s engineered for strength, making it ideal for creating sturdy, eye-catching displays and even functional structures.
Steve highlights some of the incredible things Thysse has built using structural corrugate, including chairs, decorative trees, and other freestanding elements. With different brands and variations available, this type of corrugate allows for creative, innovative solutions that blend brand expression with structural practicality.
Why Corrugate Matters
Corrugate may seem like a simple material, but its applications are nearly endless. As Steve illustrates in the episode, it’s a fantastic option for businesses looking for cost-effective, recyclable, and highly customizable solutions for their packaging, signage, and marketing needs.
From everyday packaging to creative, large-scale displays, corrugate continues to prove its worth in the industry. And at Thysse, we’re always exploring new ways to maximize its potential.
But WAIT! There’s More!
Substrate Saturdays with Steve is a 13 part series you can explore on Thysse’s YouTube channel and within the blog section of our website. Each segment is hosted by Steve Peetz, as he walks us through the different materials we use in our shop, offering insights into their unique properties and real-world applications.
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