Short History of Distribution Packaging in the USA Distribution packaging emerged in the 1800s as the industrial revolution blossomed and manufacturers began shipping their goods nationwide via railroad. - Paper did not enter the distribution arena as protective packaging until the early 1900s, when corrugated boxes first appeared as shipping containers. - From the end of World War I to the end of World War II, the use ratio of corrugated to wood containers went from 20/80 to 80/20. - Pallets became popular for industrial use following World War II, and unitizing of high-volume products for shipment accelerated in the 1950s. - Plastics began appearing in the early 1960s with various foams replacing corrugated, rubberized fiber, and wood-based products as interior packaging.Short History of Distribution Packaging in the USA Distribution packaging emerged in the 1800s as the industrial revolution blossomed and manufacturers began shipping their goods nationwide via railroad. - Paper did not enter the distribution arena as protective packaging until the early 1900s, when corrugated boxes first appeared as shipping containers. - From the end of World War I to the end of World War II, the use ratio of corrugated to wood containers went from 20/80 to 80/20. - Pallets became popular for industrial use following World War II, and unitizing of high-volume products for shipment accelerated in the 1950s. - Plastics began appearing in the early 1960s with various foams replacing corrugated, rubberized fiber, and wood-based products as interior packaging