But where did they come from originally? According to the history books, the first cardboard (or more specifically paperboard) box was invented in 1817 in England by the firm M. Treverton & Son. Cardboard box packaging was made the same year in Germany.

How long has cardboard been around?

The cardboard box was invented all the way back in 1817 in England. The box was simple paperboard and was not corrugated, but it was a box (Kellogg Cereals helped popularize this box in the mid-1800s)!

How was cardboard invented?

The cardboard box that we recognize today was created by accident in the 1870's by an American printer named Robert Gair. Mr. Gair was making paper bags in his shop when he accidentally cut a paper box where it was only meant to be creased.