Folding cartons have been used for packaging various products for over a century. One of the earliest commercial uses of folding cartons was in the 1880s when they were adopted by tobacco companies to package cigarettes. Over the following decades, advances in printing technology allowed for higher quality designs and photos to be printed on cartons. This helped boost their popularity for consumer goods packaging. By the mid-20th century, folding cartons had become widely used across different industries like food, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics and more.

Material Advancements
One of the major developments was the shift from paperboard to corrugated paperboard or solid bleached sulfate (SBS) in the 1960s. ASEAN Folding Cartons This provided better stacking strength and durability compared to paperboard. In the 1990s, low basis weight papers and barrier coatings were developed to make cartons more affordable and suitable for liquid packaging. More recently, sustainable and recyclable materials like solid bleached sulfite (SBS), coated unbleached kraft (CUK) and recyclable polyethylene (rPE) are gaining popularity. Several carton manufacturers have also started using recycled fibers and materials certified by sustainable forestry programs.

Design and Printing Techniques
Advances in printing allowed for multi-color, photo-quality images on cartons by the late 20th century. Digital printing and pre-printed carton blanks in the 2000s made short-run jobs more economical. Foil stamping and embossing effects further enhanced designs. Die-cutting and scoring capabilities also improved significantly. Today, cartons can be designed with multiple panels, cut-outs, premium finishes and even interactive elements like flaps and fold-outs. Sophisticated software optimizes designs for inventory management and fulfillment.

Growth in Southeast Asia
The ASEAN region saw notable growth in folding carton consumption with the expansion of consumer industries and e-commerce. Major carton manufacturing hubs emerged in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam to serve the local and export markets. Brand owners appreciate the graphics capabilities of cartons to stand out on shelves. Furthermore, cartons protect products effectively during fulfillment and transportation. The aseptic carton format is also gaining traction for juices, milk and other perishable foods and beverages.

Sustainability Focus
As environmental awareness increased globally, sustainability emerged as a key focus area. Carton manufacturers in ASEAN are playing a lead role by offering FSC-certified and recyclable materials. Some have invested in renewable energy and zero-waste production facilities. Design innovations allow cartons to use less materials while maintaining strength. Brands also promote carton recycling messages to boost end-of-life recovery rates. Local governments support such initiatives through awareness programs and better recycling infrastructure development. With their renewable content and recycling potential, folding cartons today provide a practical sustainable packaging solution.

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