By: Nate Koenig, National Sales Manager
Liberty Plastics, Inc.
natekoenig@libertyplasticsinc.com



Since 1876, corrugated cardboard has been a cornerstone of shipping and packing thanks to its versatility and sustainability. Lightweight yet durable, it can be fabricated or printed in a variety of applications. 

But what if traditional corrugated cardboard doesn’t have the strength, moisture resistance or durability to meet your packaging needs? That’s where Wave-Core™ by Liberty Plastics takes the reins. 

Wave-Core™ is a lightweight, multi-layer extruded product that’s ideal for packaging applications. It offers superior performance and customization benefits that only plastic can provide.

Commercialized in 1985, Wave-Core™ corrugated sheet was originally created for the US Postal Service. Until 1984, most boxes and totes used to transport mail were made of corrugated cardboard. Though strong and durable, the US Postal Service needed a material that could better withstand the variable weather conditions. Wave-Core™ provided a reliable solution without eliminating the need for cardboard. 

What are the benefits of Wave-Core?

Wave-Core ™ is made of High-Density Polyethylene, a robust plastic that offers greater durability and weatherability than traditional corrugated cardboard. It can be used in low or high temperatures, it maintains its shape, is impact resistant, and does not stress-whiten, crack or craze when folded. Its “wave-like” construction looks and feels like traditional corrugated products and can be customized for more rugged applications when a stronger alternative is needed.. 

Liberty Plastics offers Wave-Core™ in sheet and roll formats. At the same time, we can also fabricate it into a fully functioning packaging solution. Because it’s so easily recycled, Wave-Core™ can help you achieve your Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Wave-Core™ HDPE products are all curbside Class-2 recyclable, one of the most common recycling streams and highly desired by post-consumer and secondary markets. This means that at the end of its life, Wave-Core™ products can be successfully diverted from landfills and repurposed into many value-bearing products. 

Finally, Wave-Core™ by Liberty Plastics offers a good return on investment in many aspects. For one, Wave-Core™ is a more durable solution compared to corrugated cardboard. This increases “product turns” which reduces packaging costs in closed loop systems. Its durability offers enhanced protection so materials can handle a wider range of conditions during shipping, lowering the cost of product rework or re-pack. In addition, our HDPE plastic does not absorb liquids, allowing for products to be reused multiple times after a simple wash. 

Let us design your next solution

Corrugated cardboard has been an industry staple for 150 years, and continues to play a vital role for logistics and packaging systems. For applications where corrugated cardboard falls short, consider using Wave-Core™ by Liberty Plastics, a superior performing product offering many advantages. More information can be found at www.libertyplasticsinc.com along with full case studies of successful use in packaging applications and many more unique industries.