We are all familiar with using the matchboxes to light the flames, ignite the chimneys and cigarettes, etc. Considering the old-school usage and environmental concerns, using the matchboxes will be easier and produce gasses with fewer toxic fumes.
Among these matches, they are classified into several categories, which are cardboard matches and wooden matches. Based on their usages and their purposes, the matchboxes can be categorized.
This blog will explain to you the categories of the matchboxes, what type of matchboxes can be used, how they are classified, and the pros and cons of those match products.
Cardboard Matches and Wooden Matches – The Difference
Before using the cardboard and wooden matches it is better to learn the overview of the cardboard and wooden matchsticks. These are categorized based on the sage and safety factors of the matchboxes, such as the base materials, match heads and the striking surfaces.
Here are the cardboard matches, which will be used for easier and safer use, whilst the wooden matchsticks are easier to use and they produce a uniform level of flames with better efficiency and safety.
Structure of the Matchsticks
Wooden Matches are made up of wood, which are wooden sticks. The wooden materials are specially extracted from either pine or aspen trees.
On the other hand, cardboard matches are made of thick paper or cardboard, which will lighten for some time.
Emission of the Flames
The wooden matches do emit fire for a prolonged time, as the match heads are made up of thicker materials, and these match heads are made up of sulfur and phosphorus.
Meanwhile, the cardboard matches are ineffective compared to the wooden matchsticks which will be extinguished in less duration. They will not emit flame uniformly when compared to wooden matchsticks, as they are easily subjected to moisture
Igniting the Matchsticks
For igniting the cardboard matchsticks, it is recommended to fold the cover strip over the striking surface and pinch the matchsticks between the stripes and the covers, which will help these matchsticks enhance safety by preventing tear-off.
But for igniting the wooden matchsticks, there is no need to do further processes, as the wood and the match heads are made up of more robust materials so that it can be done with a single strike, and thus, it will get ignited rapidly.
Recycling of the Matchsticks
One of the best benefits of cardboard matchsticks is that they are more reliable and easily recycled. As they are sent for recycling purposes, it will be helpful to manufacture the matchsticks with recycling materials. Also, this will cut down the manufacturing costs from the regular prices.
Wood is a natural resource that will quickly decay underground within a few days. So, you do not need to be worried about the environment. In some cases, the wood is also recycled; this will be useful for avoiding landfills
Holding the Matchsticks
The cardboard Matchsticks are made with lighter materials, which are wisely helpful for quick use and provide better usability. Yet, they cannot produce brighter and long-lasting flames, making them not easier to hold with a grip.
On the other hand, wooden matchsticks consist of more robust wood materials, which are coated with wax, which will give the users a better grip, and the flames will burn efficiently and for a longer time.
Usage of Matchsticks based on Categories
Use of Wooden Matchsticks
- The Wooden Matchsticks are widely used to ignite the fire for more enormous chimneys, stoves and heavier boilers.
- These wooden sticks are primarily used in various industries, such as applying glue by melting them with fire.
- For aesthetic purposes, wooden matchsticks are used in craft-making for decorative purposes, making some aesthetic accents, etc.
- The Wooden matchsticks can ignite the campfire in the forests, as the matchsticks produce the flames longer than usual.
- Another primary benefit of using cardboard matches is that they are widely used in woodworking, where they can apply stains to small areas to bring the finished quality.
Use of Cardboard Matchsticks
- The Cardboard Matchsticks are widely used in lighting the stoves in restaurants, households, candles and cigarettes, etc.,
- As they are made of lighter materials, they do not remain brittle so that the matchsticks will burn with a single strike.
- Cardboard matches are also used in pharmaceutical industries, as they produce lighter flames, which are safer.
- Additionally, cardboard matches are widely used in agriculture, food processing and chemical manufacturing, as they are safer than wooden matches.
- In the more prominent chemical industries, using cardboard matchsticks is advisable, as they will not burn for longer and will get extinguished because of the moisture around them.
Closure Thoughts
Both the wooden and cardboard matchsticks are helpful in various aspects, as they have different unique properties. For lighting heavier machinery such as ovens, boilers, etc, it is recommended to use wooden matchsticks.
On the other hand, cardboard matchsticks are used in chemical, agriculture, and food processing industries, where the products are easily sensitive to fire, and these cardboard matchsticks will get quickly extinguished.
In a nutshell, even though cardboard matchsticks are safer to use, for more practicality, it is better to use wooden matchsticks, as they provide easier ignition and the flame will be burnt uniformly. For a permanent solution, it is advisable to use wooden matchsticks.
Accordingly, the demand for wooden matchsticks is rising worldwide, so matchbox manufacturers prefer wooden matchsticks. Several wooden match exporters worldwide provide the best quality matchsticks to various countries.
