Frequently Asked Questions

Corrugated manufacturing is subject to a ±10% over‑run or under‑run. For example, an order for 1,000 boxes may ship and bill between 900 and 1,100 units to accommodate material waste and machine setup. If you cannot accept these variations, it must be stated during the quoting process, as it will affect the price.

Artwork begins only after structural design approval and the order is placed, as art charges (typically included in the print plate estimate) are incurred at that stage. A PO may be provided in advance specifically for print plates if needed.

No. Returns are not accepted for model boxes or dividers.

Production time varies by product type and complexity:

• Corrugated:
• Standard items: 7–10 business days from art approval
• Complex items: 2+ weeks
• Set‑up (rigid) boxes: 3–6 weeks
• Folding cartons: 4 weeks

Shipping may require an additional day or two. We also operate our own dedicated truck fleet for regional deliveries.

Minimums vary by product line. Some items require higher quantities, while others can be produced in much smaller runs. The best way to get an accurate MOQ for your project is to reach out to our team using the form below, and we’ll guide you to the right option.

We provide contract packaging, vendor‑managed inventory, and ongoing order management to keep your supply chain running smoothly. If you’d like us to handle the packing and inventory side, we can take care of that for you.

NWPB maintains certifications and industry affiliations that support responsible sourcing, safe manufacturing, and high‑quality production standards. These include:

• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): We offer SFI‑certified material options sourced from responsibly managed forests.

• Access to FSC and PEFC certifications: Available upon request for customers who require globally recognized sustainable fiber standards.

• AIB International: Demonstrates our commitment to safe, clean, and compliant manufacturing practices.

• AICC – The Independent Packaging Association: Reflects our engagement with industry best practices, innovation, and ongoing education.

• Oregon Business & Industry (OBI): Supports our involvement in regional manufacturing, workforce development, and responsible business policy.

These certifications and affiliations reinforce our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and long‑standing service to the Pacific Northwest.

NWPB offers extensive structural and graphic customization, including: 

• CAD design, prototypes, and 3D renderings

• Internal/external structures, including foam up to 2"

• Functional coatings for moisture, oil, grease, flame retardancy, and non‑skid surfaces

• Litho wraps for rigid set‑up boxes

We offer full customization for premium rigid packaging, including recycled chipboard in multiple thicknesses, high‑quality wraps, and specialty finishes like foil stamping, embossing, debossing, and custom textures.

CMYK (4‑color process) blends Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black to create a wide range of colors, ideal for photographic images. Spot Color uses individually mixed inks (often Pantone) for brighter, more consistent colors but with a smaller overall color range.

Print cards typically take 2–3 days for the print plate supplier to produce in PDF format.

No. Colors vary depending on the substrate (white vs. kraft, coated vs. uncoated). To ensure accuracy, NWPB produces ink drawdowns on the correct substrate and mails them to you for approval.

Preferred artwork format: Adobe Illustrator vector files (.ai).
Vector PDF is also acceptable.
Avoid EPS and avoid using molded rubber plates for barcodes; photopolymer or laser‑engraved rubber is preferred.

A print plate is a flexible, relief‑based polymer plate with a raised, mirrored image used to transfer ink onto corrugated material. Similar to a durable, high‑speed rubber stamp.

Print plates are priced based on square inches of artwork per color. One plate is required for each color printed, and plate charges are separate from the box price.
Print plates are a one‑time charge per item/size. NWPB stores and maintains them at no cost. After three years without use, we will ask whether you’d like them returned or destroyed.

A cutting die is a custom‑engineered tool made of plywood and steel blades (rules) used to cut, crease, and shape corrugated sheets. Essentially a large, precise “cookie cutter” for packaging.

Cutting dies are quoted based on size, complexity, and inches of rule (including all cut knives and scores). Die charges are separate from the box price.
Cutting dies are a one‑time charge per item/size, stored and maintained at no cost. After three years without use, we will ask whether you’d like them returned or destroyed.

ECT measures edgewise compression strength and is a true indicator of stacking strength. Mullen/Burst measures resistance to internal and external forces and is better for rough handling.

They are often considered equivalent, but they measure different strengths. For products weighing 25–40 lbs, 32 ECT is usually sufficient. For harsher handling environments, 200# Burst is often the better choice.

Uncoated corrugated combusts at 445°F.

Corrugated boxes are made from a fluted medium sandwiched between linerboards, creating a lightweight but strong structure ideal for shipping, storage, and retail packaging. The flutes provide cushioning, rigidity, and protection during transit.

Rigid set‑up boxes are premium, pre‑assembled boxes made from thick chipboard and wrapped with printed or specialty papers. They offer a high‑end look and feel and are commonly used for luxury goods, gifts, cosmetics, and specialty retail packaging.

Corrugated packaging is ideal for e‑commerce shipments, food and beverage, agriculture, industrial goods, subscription boxes, and any product requiring durability, cushioning, and stack strength. It’s also widely used for POP (Point‑of‑Purchase) displays, where corrugated materials offer the strength, printability, and structural versatility needed for retail merchandising. Corrugated POP units can be designed as floor displays, counter displays, dump bins, or pallet skirts, providing an eye‑catching, lightweight, and cost‑effective way to showcase products in retail environments.

Rigid boxes are best suited for premium or gift‑oriented products such as cosmetics, candles, jewelry, specialty retail items, and anything that benefits from an elevated unboxing experience.

Always measure Length × Width × Depth (L × W × D):

• Length is the longest opening dimension

• Width is the shorter opening dimension

• Depth is the vertical distance from top to bottom

These measurements ensure your product fits properly and that the box is designed to your exact specifications.

Standard practice is to provide inside dimensions, unless outside dimensions are specifically requested. Inside dimensions ensure your product fits correctly, while outside dimensions are important for palletizing and distribution.

The Manufacturer’s Joint is the area where the two ends of the corrugated blank are joined together using tape, staples, or glue. It forms the structural connection that completes the box.

NWPB can design and produce custom inserts such as partitions, corrugated structures, and foam inserts (up to 2" thick). Our team uses CAD drawings and prototypes to ensure a precise fit for your product. Contact your sales representative to begin the design process.

Shipping supplies can be ordered directly through our sales team. Many stock items ship within 5–7 business days, and custom items follow standard production timelines.

The “Corrugated Recycles” symbol is a statement of fact indicating that the container can and should be recycled. It does not guarantee that the container was made from recycled material, only that it is recyclable through standard corrugated recycling streams.

The recycled content of a corrugated box depends on the recycled fiber percentages of the individual liners and medium used to make the board. Many corrugated containers in the U.S. incorporate recycled fiber at rates near 75%, though the exact percentage varies by material specification.

NWPB integrates sustainability into every stage of production:

PNW‑Based Since 1953

• Rooted in Portland for decades and now headquartered in Camas with a Seattle satellite, we proudly serve the entire Pacific Northwest, reducing transportation distances and supporting local supply chains.

Ethical Sourcing

• We source materials from responsibly managed forests, including SFI‑certified options, with access to FSC and PEFC certifications for brands that require globally recognized sustainability standards.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

• We use high‑recycled‑content materials, water‑based inks, and tightly monitored wastewater systems that reduce environmental impact and keep production clean and compliant.

Responsible Material Use

• We use recycled chipboard for rigid set‑up boxes and offer fully recyclable corrugated packaging. Our long‑term tooling storage policy also reduces unnecessary remanufacturing and waste.