Plastic reel alternative
If your business manufactures any wound products, such as cables, hoses, rope, or filament, cardboard spools are a lightweight and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic reels.
The light weight of corrugated cardboard spools allows for easy handling and helps reduce transport costs and emissions. Available in semi-bespoke sizes, cardboard spools and reels are also available with custom print and are easy to recycle.
At GWP, we custom-engineer your spools to meet the specific strength and durability requirements of your application. Our fully automated manufacturing process, using purpose-built machines at our UK production site, guarantees exceptional accuracy and quality.
Benefits of corrugated cardboard spools
By using or switching to corrugated cardboard spools, you can expect:
Spool measurements guide
| Measurement | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Flange | Min: 40mm from core - Max 600mm diameter |
| D2 | Core | 150mm - 191mm |
| D3 | Centre Hole | NA |
| L1 | Width | NA |
| L2 | Traverse | Min 25mm - Max 400mm |
What our customers say...
GWP Packaging supply all our cardboard packaging requirements, buying thousands of products per year from them (including approximately 40,000 spools in a specific size). They supply a quality product and service at a competitive price. They also delivery daily if needed, offer short lead times and are very helpful in development of new products. Overall service at a competitive price.
Robbie Simmonds | Stores Manager | Batten and Allan
There is a “family” feel when dealing with GWP and you can really see how much they value their customers. I would thoroughly recommend GWP due to the flexibility of helping their customers create a solution and service that fits the needs of the business.
Ben Carter | Operations Manager | Hardware Services
GWP are a responsive and pro-active company who manufacture all their own packaging products. They can also adapt each delivery exactly to match what we need, and when we need it. Their design team and prototyping ability are excellent and their innovative approach to design was a significant factor in us working with them. GWP have shown us that we can rely on them and as a result we have been able to significantly reduce the amount of packaging stock we have to hold
Rebecca Crozier | Supplier Account Manager | Stannah
FAQs
What size spools are available?
Cardboard spools are available in semi-bespoke sizes to suit your application (although there are some limitations with very small or very large reels). This dimensional flexibility means that your spool can be the perfect size for your winding equipment, transport and/or product.
Are cardboard spools cheaper than plastic or plywood spools?
Depending on the size, configuration and volume of spools required, using cardboard reels is typically more cost-effective than plywood or plastic options. There are also other related cost savings, including custom sizes and lower weight, which result in reduced transit costs.
Are cardboard spools lighter than their alternatives?
Corrugated cardboard spools are lighter in weight than both moulded plastic and plywood options. This weight saving can not only improve safety and ease of handling for your employees and spool users but can also directly impact your shipping costs.
Are cardboard spools environmentally friendly?
Cardboard spools are the most environmentally friendly option currently available on the market today. They are typically manufactured from 80% recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. They are also biodegradable should they end up in landfill.
Are cardboard spools suitable for 3D printer filament?
The use of cardboard spools is becoming more widespread for use in holding 3D printer filament (as the adoption of this technology becomes more established). They are also suitable for storing and transporting cables, tubing, rope, string, chains, flexible extrusions and even pressed electronic components.
Why GWP Packaging?
35+ years of experience
We’ve worked with countless industrial manufacturers over our 35+ years in business, gaining vast experience with the specific requirements of many sectors.
UK packaging experts
Our UK-based team of experts have extensive, specialist knowledge of what makes successful industrial packaging, from design through to production.
Competitive advantage
High costs, transit damage, inefficient packing, poor sustainability – we can help you with all of this and more thanks to our proven approach.
A business you can trust
Being part of Macfarlane Group combines our service with financial stability, extensive resources, and a logistical network of a national corporation.
Disclaimer: Application images on this page may have been enhanced or created specifically to illustrate a products features and/or potential uses. Please see our content policy for further details.
Quotes, technical info and advice
Speak with our UK-based packaging experts
The information on this page has been collated, checked and approved by several of our corrugated packaging experts:
