Cardboard Boxes Price Comparison for B2B Companies (Australia)

Looking for the best cardboard box prices for your B2B needs? Comparing suppliers is key to finding durable, cost-effective packaging that supports your operations and budget. Explore how leading providers stack up in price, quality, and value to make the smartest choice for your business.
Jump to cardboard Boxes with custom print
Price Comparison at a Glance
| Supplier | Supplier reviews | Price per 1000 Boxes (AUD)* | Price per item | Strong Eco Focus? |
| Officeworks | Open supplier Review | No | ||
| PACKQUEEN | Open supplier Review | Some Options | ||
| Hero Packaging | Supplier Review | $0.91 | $32.54 | Yes |
| The Packaging People | Open supplier Review | Some Options | ||
| Greenpack | Open supplier Review | Yes | ||
| Awesome Pack | Open supplier Review | Some Options | ||
| Eco Friendly Packaging | Open supplier Review | Yes | ||
| Stanley Packaging | Open supplier Review | No | ||
| Planet Friendly Packaging | Open supplier Review | Yes | ||
| Ozpack | Open supplier Review | Some Options | ||
| Heaps Good Packaging | Open supplier Review | Yes |
How to find a reliable cardboard box supplier?
Choosing the right supplier for your shipping boxes can feel like a major task. With so many options available, how do you find the best balance between cost, quality, and sustainability for your business? Getting your packaging right is crucial for protecting your products, managing your budget, and meeting customer expectations.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of cardboard box prices and offerings from key Australian suppliers. We’ll explore everything from bulk discounts to eco-friendly options, giving you the insights needed to make a smart decision. We will cover prominent suppliers including Officeworks, Packqueen, Hero Packaging, and many more.
Key Factors When Choosing a Supplier
Before we dive into specific suppliers, it’s important to understand the factors that influence your choice. Price is just one piece of the puzzle.
- Price Per Unit: The most obvious metric, but it often changes with volume.
- Quality and Durability: The thickness and grade of the cardboard (like single-wall or double-wall) determine how well it protects your items. A cheaper box that leads to damaged goods isn’t a good deal.
- Bulk Discounts: Most suppliers offer significant savings when you purchase larger quantities. Always calculate the tiered pricing to find the sweet spot for your needs.
- Sustainability: Many businesses and consumers now prioritize eco-friendly materials. Look for suppliers offering recycled, compostable, or FSC-certified options.
- Shipping Costs and Speed: A low box price can be offset by high shipping fees. Consider suppliers with warehouses near you for faster, more affordable delivery.
- Variety and Customization: Does the supplier offer the specific sizes you need? Do they provide custom printing to help build your brand?
Australian Cardboard Boxes Supplier Breakdown
Let’s compare some of Australia’s most popular packaging suppliers. Note that prices are subject to change and vary based on size and quantity, so this serves as a general guide.
Officeworks
Known for convenience, Officeworks is a go-to for many small businesses and startups. They offer a range of standard-sized shipping boxes that you can pick up in-store or order online.
- Pricing: Generally higher on a per-unit basis, especially for small quantities. They are more competitive for mid-range packs (e.g., packs of 10 or 25).
- Quality: Standard quality suitable for general shipping needs. Their focus is on common sizes rather than specialized, heavy-duty options.
- Best For: Businesses that need small quantities of boxes immediately and value the convenience of a national retail network.
Pros — what Officeworks tends to do reasonably well / what people like
- Large selection & convenience — Officeworks offers a wide range of products: stationery, office supplies, electronics, printing & copying services, etc. For many customers this means “one-stop shop” convenience if you need several different types of items.
- Availability (in principle) of online ordering + click-and-collect / delivery options — For some buyers the option to order online and pick up or get delivery adds flexibility.
- Often competitive prices (especially for basic supplies) — For ordinary office/stationery supplies, Officeworks tends to be among cheaper/budget-conscious retailers (relative to smaller specialty shops). Many people use it for everyday basics.
- Widespread physical presence (stores) — for people in Australia — Because Officeworks has many store-locations across Australia, for shoppers it can be easy to access in-person service (rather than relying only on online shopping). This helps especially for bulky items, or if you want to examine a product before buying.
- Some services (printing, copying, basic supplies) may work fine — There are reports from some users that simple tasks (buying stationery, printing small jobs) work without major issue. For example, one user on Reddit said that printing/copy-services were among the more reliable parts when they tried them.
Cons — frequent complaints and problems people report (2024–2025)
From recent reviews and user stories, many customers raise serious concerns about Officeworks’ reliability, service quality, and consistency. Some common issues:
- Poor customer service & support — Many reviewers complain about “unhelpful or rude” staff, difficulty getting meaningful support over phone or in store, or lack of basic courtesy.
- Online ordering / delivery issues — cancellations, delays, “same-day delivery” promises that don’t deliver — Several complaints note that online orders were cancelled or delayed; “same-day delivery” often didn’t materialize.
- Stock/display mismatch — items shown “in stock” online but unavailable in store or not available for inspection — Some users drove to stores based on online stock information, only to find that display/demo units were missing, or the item wasn’t actually available.
- Post-purchase service / warranty / returns problems — Multiple reports that products broke soon after purchase — and it was difficult to get a replacement, refund, or sensible handling under warranty. Some users felt warranty claims were poorly managed.
- Inconsistent reliability across store branches or departments — Experiences seem to vary widely depending on which store, staff, or service type (e.g., printing vs electronics vs stationery) — making quality unpredictable.
- Customer dissatisfaction is frequent — trust ratings are low on public review sites — On one of the main review platforms, Officeworks has a very low rating (approx. 1.8–2.0/5), reflecting many negative experiences from a significant number of reviewers.
Packqueen
Packqueen is a major online player with an extensive catalog of packaging solutions, including a massive variety of cardboard boxes.
- Pricing: Highly competitive, especially when buying in bulk. Their pricing structure heavily favors larger orders.
- Quality: Offers a wide range of quality options, from standard shipping boxes to premium, heavy-duty mailers.
- Sustainability: Provides a selection of products made from recycled materials.
- Best For: E-commerce businesses of all sizes that can benefit from bulk purchasing and need a wide variety of box sizes.
Pros — What PackQueen does well
- Wide / flexible product range & custom-packaging options
PackQueen offers a broad selection: from mailing/postage boxes, gift boxes, food & hamper packaging (cake boxes, cookie/macaron boxes, chocolate boxes, etc.), to courier mailers, labels, and wrapping supplies.
They also allow customization (e.g. custom-printed boxes/labels) which is useful for small businesses or brands wanting branded packaging. - Generally good product quality (for many customers)
Many buyers report receiving sturdy, well-made boxes that are easy to assemble and suitable for shipping or gift packaging.
Sample-box ordering seems supported — which is helpful if you want to test quality/size before committing to larger orders. - Reliably fast delivery (for many customers in Australia)
According to one customer-review platform, PackQueen’s “average delivery time” is within 5 days.
Many reviews say the items arrived on time, undamaged, and as described. - Decent customer service / responsiveness (from reported feedback)
On the same review-based site, PackQueen rates ~4.9/5 for customer service, and many reviewers say their queries were resolved quickly (sometimes under an hour) via email/phone/live-chat.
Some users explicitly appreciate communication and flexibility when customizing orders. - Good value especially for small/medium businesses or gift packaging needs
Several reviews mention reasonable pricing, especially when compared with bespoke packaging suppliers.
For gift-boxes, chocolate boxes, and other presentation packaging, many users say PackQueen offers a balance between affordability and adequate quality.
Hero Packaging
Famous for its compostable mailers, Hero Packaging also supplies a range of shipping boxes designed with sustainability in mind.
- Pricing: Tends to be in the mid-to-high range, reflecting their focus on eco-friendly materials and branding.
- Quality: Excellent quality boxes that are sturdy and reliable.
- Sustainability: This is their core strength. Their boxes are typically made from recycled materials and are recyclable.
- Best For: Eco-conscious brands that want their packaging to reflect their company values and are willing to invest a bit more in sustainability.
Pros — what Hero Packaging tends to do well
- Strong sustainability credentials / eco-friendly focus — Hero Packaging emphasizes compostable mailers, recycled and plastic-free boxes, compostable tape/labels and other sustainable materials. That’s a major plus if you’re trying to reduce environmental impact or run an eco-friendly brand.
- Wide, flexible product range (mailers, padded mailers, boxes, custom branding, etc.) — They offer mailing bags, padded mailers, custom boxes, tissue, tape, labels, etc. That allows businesses to get most of their packaging needs in one place.
- Low minimum-order quantities (MOQs) and good for small/medium businesses or small runs — You don’t necessarily need to order thousands of pieces to work with them — they support small orders.
- Good branding / custom-packaging options — If you want to print your logo onto mailers / boxes / tissue / inserts, Hero supports custom-printed packaging. That’s useful for small brands, e-commerce shops or boutique businesses wanting a polished, professional packaging look.
- Positive feedback from many users — when packaging is used appropriately — Some customers praise Hero’s materials, appearance, and service. For example, one reviewer wrote: “The OG of sustainable packaging … quality of the materials used are superior … sustainable and compostable? Huge win.”
- Same-day dispatch (in many cases) and transparent business practices — According to their site, orders placed before a cutoff are dispatched same-day.
Cons / Common Complaints — what to watch out for with Hero Packaging
- Some users report issues with durability / protection (especially for fragile or heavy items) — For instance, one reviewer said their “pink mailers are fragile and do not protect products at all,” leading to jewelry arriving crushed to customers. Trustpilot Another user said their parcel bags “are so thin they rip at the dullest box corners” and “bottom of the bag exploded completely.” Trustpilot This suggests that compostable mailers alone may not provide enough protection for fragile items — additional internal protection (bubble-wrap, padding) may be necessary.
- Shelf-life / degradation over time — compostable packaging may degrade if stored too long — According to Hero’s own disclosures, their compostable mailers have a shelf life around 9–12 months (if stored properly: cool, dry, out of sunlight). If you buy in bulk and don’t use them promptly, their protective quality may degrade.
- Mixed customer satisfaction — not all orders go smoothly — On public-review platforms the overall rating isn’t perfect (on one site, 3.7/5 based on 27 reviews) and some customers report serious problems (mailers failing, items arriving damaged, lost stock, or orders not shipped at all). Trustpilot+1
- Limited customization or less variety compared to conventional/plastic packaging — Some reviewers (and one summary of pros/cons) note that while Hero is good overall, their range of customization (or thickness/durability options) is “limited compared to traditional packaging.”
- Potential for extra internal protection needed — may increase cost or complexity — Because mailers alone may not be enough for fragile/heavy items, you may need to add extra padding (bubble wrap, hex-wrap, boxes) which offsets part of the “cheap & green packaging” advantage. Hero themselves sometimes note this in their responses to complaints. Trustpilot+1
- Possible supply or stock issues (especially for popular sizes/colours) — According to a user on a public forum, someone said they switched from Hero because when they tried to reorder, “everything on their website says it’s sold out.” > “I’m just hoping someone knows if they’re going to restock…” Reddit That suggests there may occasionally be shortages or restocking lags — not ideal if you need reliable, consistent supply.
- Shipping and logistics constraint if you’re outside Hero’s primary distribution region — Hero is Australia-based (manufacturing and printing in Sydney). While some customers globally might order, shipping costs and delivery times could be prohibitive if you are outside Australia.
The Packaging People
The Packaging People offer a broad array of packaging products, with a strong focus on both standard and custom solutions.
- Pricing: Competitive, particularly for businesses looking for custom-printed boxes or larger wholesale orders.
- Quality: High-quality materials with options for different grades and finishes.
- Sustainability: They offer an eco-friendly range, including recyclable and biodegradable options.
- Best For: Businesses that need custom branding on their boxes or have specific size requirements that aren’t met by standard suppliers.
Pros — what The Packaging People tends to do well
- Wide selection & flexible packaging options — They offer many types of packaging: pre-made pouches, mailing boxes, custom-printed bags/pouches/boxes/tins, cylinders, eco-friendly packaging options, and more.
- Custom printing and branding support — Good for businesses wanting branded packaging: TPP supports custom printing (digital and gravure) across many packaging types, which helps build brand identity.
- Eco-friendly / sustainable packaging options — They emphasize recyclable, biodegradable and environmentally conscious packaging choices, useful for brands that care about sustainability.
- Low MOQs (minimum order quantities) and support for small/medium businesses — According to their site, they aim to support “new, growing, and ambitious brands,” which suggests that you don’t always need to order huge volumes to work with them.
- Good customer service (according to many users) — Several reviewers praise TPP for being helpful, responsive, offering free samples (for bags/packaging), and giving guidance about what packaging suits their product needs.
- Relatively positive feedback for many — when things go well — Some users report satisfaction: packages arrived as expected, quality was good, and the look/finish met their expectations.
Bottom line on strengths: The Packaging People seems especially good for small/medium businesses seeking custom, branded, eco-conscious packaging — whether pouches, boxes, cylinders, or mailing packaging. Their flexibility (small orders allowed), wide selection, and customization support make them a practical partner for businesses building their brand image or shipping consumer products.
Cons / Common Complaints — what to watch out for
- Mixed customer feedback: not all orders go smoothly — On one review-aggregate site, a substantial portion of reviews are negative or mediocre (with approximate breakdown: ~23% “Terrible”, ~20% “Poor”, ~26% “Average”) out of 70+ reviews.
- Reliability issues on some orders — missing items or delayed shipping — For instance, one reviewer said they were promised free shipping over a threshold but were charged shipping, and that “bio-liners” (part of their order) were left out. Their follow-up with customer service reportedly met silence.
- Possibility of inconsistent quality / order fulfillment for certain product batches — As with many packaging suppliers, some complaints relate to shipments missing components, or packages not matching promised specs (though exact frequency is unclear).
- Lead times for custom packaging can be long — While pre-made/off-the-shelf items may ship quickly, custom-printed or custom-designed packaging tends to involve longer turnaround times (depending on design approval, print runs, etc.).
- Not all reviews can be confirmed — potential bias in some positive reviews — Some praise appears on sites that may rely on self-submitted reviews, and it’s harder to verify impartiality.
- If you are outside Australia (or far), shipping / logistics may be a complication — Since The Packaging People is based in Australia, international orders might face higher shipping cost, longer delivery times, or customs delays — something to check before ordering (especially if you’re in Europe, like you are).
Greenpack
As the name suggests, Greenpack specializes in environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
- Pricing: Can be on the higher end due to the cost of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
- Quality: Strong and durable products designed to compete with traditional packaging.
- Sustainability: Their entire business model is built around it, offering compostable, biodegradable, and recycled products.
- Best For: Companies with a strong environmental commitment that want a supplier fully dedicated to green solutions.
What Greenpack does well (Pros)
- Strong focus on eco-friendly / sustainable packaging — Greenpack markets itself as a supplier of biodegradable, compostable and biobased packaging and food-service products: compostable cups, PLA/plant-starch containers, paper bags/trays, biodegradable cutlery, etc.
- Good alternative to conventional plastic packaging — According to Greenpack’s own materials, their bioplastics are designed to be food-safe, biodegradable, and more environmentally friendly than traditional oil-based plastics.
- Decent price competitiveness (compared to conventional plastics) — Greenpack claims its bioplastic products are priced competitively and meant to compete directly with conventional plastics.
- Versatility: wide range of products suited for food service / takeaway / catering — Their catalog includes items like disposable plates/cutlery, cups, food containers, takeaway trays, compostable drinking straws, etc., which works well for restaurants, cafés, catering, markets, or small food businesses.
- Positive (though mixed) customer feedback in some reviews — On a review-summary site for Greenpack.com.au, some buyers praised the product quality, the eco-friendly “ethos,” and relatively reasonable pricing and customer service.
- Legitimacy / Safety of the website (for at least some Greenpack branches) — According to a third-party scan, the website greenpack.com.au is considered “legit and safe to use,” with valid SSL encryption and no red flags for phishing/malware.
What to watch out for / potential drawbacks (Cons)
- Mixed customer reviews / moderate overall rating — On a user-review site summarizing feedback about Greenpack, many ratings are “average,” with a considerable share of customers giving “terrible” or “poor” marks. That suggests that experience with shipping, delivery, or product satisfaction may vary significantly between orders.
- Limited selection for more niche or specialized packaging needs — Some reviews mention that while the general eco-friendly packaging is fine, Greenpack may not always have solutions if you need specialized or non-standard packaging (for example very large containers, unusual shapes, heavy-duty packing).
- Shipping costs / logistics might be high depending on region/order size — According to the same review summary, shipping costs (especially outside major urban zones or for smaller orders) can be relatively expensive.
- Lower visibility / smaller scale compared to major plastic packaging suppliers — The third-party site evaluating the company notes that the website’s traffic rank is “rather low,” which may indicate a smaller scale operation or niche market — meaning sometimes fewer reviews, possibly less consistent stock, or longer lead times.
- “Generalist” packaging may not suit heavy-duty or industrial-grade needs — Because the focus is on biodegradable / compostable / food-service packaging (cups, straws, disposable containers, etc.), Greenpack may not be optimal if you want heavy-duty, reusable, robust packaging suitable for heavy items, long-distance shipping, or industrial use.
- Some inconsistency in customer satisfaction and reliability — Given the mixed reviews, if you’re ordering bulk or need reliable repeatable service, some orders might go well, others less so — that variability carries risk, especially if you rely on consistent supply or tight schedules.
Awesome Pack
Awesome Pack is an online supplier that targets e-commerce businesses with a range of shipping supplies, including boxes.
- Pricing: Offers competitive pricing and frequent promotions. Their bulk discounts are significant.
- Quality: Provides reliable, standard-quality shipping boxes suitable for most e-commerce applications.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses looking for a cost-effective, all-in-one supplier for their shipping needs.
Pros – what Awesome Pack tends to do well
- Wide product range for e-commerce packaging needs — Courier bags, mailing boxes, bubble wrap, thermal/printer labels, compostable satchels, packing tape, void-fill, tissue paper, and much more.
- Good for bulk orders & businesses — They emphasise “bulk-buy / volume discounts,” so if you run an online store (or ship a lot), it can be cost-effective.
- Prompt dispatch and shipping infrastructure — According to their site, orders placed before a certain time are dispatched the same day from their Melbourne warehouse.
- Eco-friendly and sustainable options available — Compostable satchels, kraft-paper tape, recyclable or compostable packaging alternatives are offered. Good for sellers aiming for “green” packaging.
- Competitive pricing / “best-price” promise — They position themselves as providing competitive pricing, especially for business customers.
- Flexibility for small and large sellers — They seem to cater both to small volume buyers and large-scale needs.
Cons / Criticisms – things to watch out for with Awesome Pack
- Mixed reputation (especially outside packaging supplies context) — There are reviews tied to a “subscription-box” version of “Awesome Pack” (not the packaging supplies retailer) complaining about missed shipments, unresponsiveness, and what some consider as a scam. For example one user on a review site wrote:
“I ordered a two month subscription … first box came … but second box … never arrived … customer service … no reply.”
That version seems to have had serious reliability issues — if you were expecting a subscription-style “box of goodies,” that’s a red flag. - Low public visibility / limited site-traffic (per one independent check) — According to one site assessing trust/safety of the domain, traffic to the site is relatively low, which may indicate limited scale or specialist audience
- Potential inconsistency in customer reviews — While some sources (e.g. business-directory listing) show high ratings (“4.9/5” from many reviews) for the packaging-supplies business, other reviews (especially for the subscription-box business) are strongly negative.
- Risk of mixing up two different “Awesome Pack” businesses — There appears to be a packaging-supplies company based in Australia, and an older (now apparently defunct) subscription-box service with the same name. Some very negative reviews refer to the subscription-box — so if you’re looking to buy packaging supplies, be sure you’re using the correct site.
- Uncertainty about long-term reliability (for subscription model) — From the critical reviews: shipping delays, failure to deliver, and poor communication when problems arise are repeatedly mentioned.
Other Notable Suppliers
- Eco Friendly Packaging: Similar to Greenpack, this supplier is focused entirely on sustainable options. They are a great choice for brands wanting to minimize their environmental impact.
- Stanley Packaging: A large-scale distributor offering very competitive prices on bulk orders. They are well-suited for high-volume shippers who need a steady, affordable supply.
- Planet Friendly Packaging: Another specialist in the eco-conscious space, offering innovative and sustainable packaging materials beyond just cardboard.
- Ozpack: A solid all-arounder providing a wide range of packaging materials with competitive pricing, especially for wholesale customers.
- Heaps Good Packaging: A newer player focused on compostable and eco-friendly packaging, similar to Hero Packaging, appealing to brands with a strong green message.
*Prices are approximate per standard shipping box (single-wall, medium size), based on bulk ordering where available. Actual prices may vary depending on size, quantity, and custom requirements. Check supplier websites for the most up-to-date pricing.
Supplier Comparison by Chipset, Quality, and Bulk Suitability
| Supplier | Chipset (Board Type) | Best Quality Options | Ideal For Bulk/Wholesale? |
| Officeworks | Single-wall, some double-wall | Standard shipping | No (better for small orders) |
| PACKQUEEN | Single/double-wall, heavy-duty | Wide range/high durability | Yes |
| Hero Packaging | Recycled single/double-wall | Premium & eco-friendly | Yes |
| The Packaging People | Single/double-wall, custom | Custom print and premium | Yes |
| Greenpack | Compostable/recycled, single-wall | Sustainable and sturdy | Yes |
| Awesome Pack | Single-wall | Reliable e-commerce boxes | Yes |
| Eco Friendly Packaging | Compostable/recycled board | Eco-friendly & strong | Yes |
| Stanley Packaging | Single/double-wall, industrial | Durable for large volume | Yes (very competitive) |
| Planet Friendly Packaging | Sustainable/recycled | Innovative, eco-focused | Yes |
| Ozpack | Single/double-wall | Variety, good for wholesale | Yes |
| Heaps Good Packaging | Compostable single-wall | High-end eco/compostable | Yes |
Now that you have an overview, here are some actionable steps to help you decide.
- Forecast Your Volume: Estimate how many boxes you’ll ship per month. If you ship hundreds or thousands of items, a wholesale supplier like Stanley Packaging or Packqueen will offer the best per-unit price. If your volume is low, the convenience of Officeworks might be worth the extra cost.
- Align with Your Brand Values: If your brand promotes sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging from suppliers like Hero Packaging, Greenpack, or Planet Friendly Packaging is a must. This reinforces your brand identity and appeals to conscious consumers.
- Order Samples: Before placing a large order, get samples. Test the box with your products. Is it easy to assemble? Does it feel sturdy enough to survive transit? Most suppliers will happily provide samples.
- Calculate the Total Cost: Don’t just look at the price tag on the box. Add in the shipping fees to your location. A supplier with a warehouse in your state might save you a significant amount on freight, making their slightly higher unit price more economical in the end.
Conclusion
Finding the right cardboard box supplier in Australia involves balancing cost, quality, volume, and brand values. For businesses needing small quantities fast, Officeworks is a practical choice. For growing e-commerce stores, Packqueen and Awesome Pack offer great value and variety. For those dedicated to sustainability, Hero Packaging and Greenpack provide excellent, eco-conscious solutions.
By defining your priorities and doing a little research, you can find a packaging partner that protects your products, fits your budget, and delights your customers. Take the time to compare your options and calculate the true cost to set your business up for shipping success.
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