Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We provide free quotes on all projects. Request yours here and our team will get back to you promptly.

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.

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 and we'll guide you to the right option.

Production time varies by product type and complexity:

• Corrugated, standard items: 7–10 business days from art approval
• Corrugated, complex items: 2+ weeks
• Rigid Set-Up 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.

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.

Yes. We provide contract packaging, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and ongoing order management to keep your supply chain running smoothly. If you'd like us to handle packing and inventory, we can take care of that for you. Learn more about fulfillment services.

NWPB maintains several certifications and industry affiliations that support responsible sourcing, safe manufacturing, and high-quality production:

• SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative): Certified material options sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• FSC and PEFC access: Available upon request for customers requiring globally recognized sustainable fiber standards.
• AIB International: Demonstrates our commitment to safe, clean, and compliant manufacturing practices.
• AICC: Reflects our engagement with industry best practices, innovation, and ongoing education.
• Oregon Business and Industry (OBI): Supports our involvement in regional manufacturing and workforce development.

NWPB offers extensive structural and graphic customization, including:

• CAD design, prototypes, and 3D renderings
• Internal and 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

For premium rigid packaging, we offer 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 and complex artwork.

Spot color uses individually mixed inks (often Pantone) for brighter, more consistent colors but with a smaller overall color range. Best for brand colors that need to match exactly.

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 before going to press.

• Preferred: Adobe Illustrator vector files (.ai)
• Also accepted: Vector PDF
• Avoid: EPS files
• For barcodes: Photopolymer or laser-engraved rubber plates are preferred over molded rubber plates.

A print plate is a flexible, relief-based polymer plate with a raised, mirrored image used to transfer ink onto corrugated material. Think of it as a durable, high-speed rubber stamp. One plate is required per color printed.

Print plates are priced based on square inches of artwork per color. Plate charges are separate from the box price and are a one-time charge per item and size. NWPB stores and maintains them at no cost. After three years without use, we'll 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. Think of it as a large, precision "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 and are a one-time charge, stored and maintained at no cost. After three years without use, we will ask whether you'd like them returned or destroyed.

ECT (Edge Crush Test) measures edgewise compression strength — the true indicator of stacking strength. Better for warehouse and shipping environments where boxes are stacked.

Mullen/Burst measures resistance to internal and external forces — better for rough handling environments where puncture and impact resistance matter.

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. Reach out and we'll help you select the right spec for your application.

Uncoated corrugated combusts at 445°F. Functional coatings for flame retardancy are available for applications that require higher heat resistance.

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. Explore our Rigid Set-Up Box options.

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 — floor displays, counter displays, dump bins, and pallet skirts — offering strength, printability, and structural versatility for retail merchandising.

Rigid Set-Up 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 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. Outside dimensions are important for palletizing and distribution planning.

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 including 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. View packaging supplies.

The "Corrugated Recycles" symbol is a statement of fact indicating that the container can and should be recycled. It does not guarantee 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 at every stage of production:

• PNW-based since 1953. Headquartered in Camas with a Seattle satellite, we 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.
• Sustainable manufacturing. High-recycled-content materials, water-based inks, and tightly monitored wastewater systems.
• Responsible material use. Recycled chipboard for Rigid Set-Up Boxes, fully recyclable corrugated, and a long-term tooling storage policy that reduces unnecessary remanufacturing.