Types of Corrugated Cardboard
Types of Corrugated Cardboard
All corrugated cardboard has a layer of corrugated fluting and at least one liner. Fluting and liners can be
combined in different layers to create different types.
Single face cardboard has only two layers, a liner layer and a corrugated layer. It's not as durable as the other
types of corrugated cardboard but is often used inside boxes to add extra cushioning.
Single wall cardboard is the most common type of corrugated fiberboard. If someone is talking about
corrugated cardboard, they are most likely referring to this style. It consists of two outer liners and a middle
layer of corrugated medium.
Double wall cardboard has two layers of corrugated fluting and three liners, making it extremely durable.
Triple wall cardboard is sturdy enough to be used in place of wooden crates. Three layers of fluting make this
corrugated cardboard a dependable choice for shipping chemicals or items that need special handling.
Note: Measurements are approximations. Manufacturers produce corrugated flutes which may vary slightly in size.
A Flute Cardboard
Type A cardboard has excellent compression and cushioning as well as good stacking strength. It is great for
packaging and insulating fragile items, and it is commonly used to provide structural strength in boxes to
protect shipments in transit.
Type B cardboard has excellent crush and puncture resistance and is a great printing surface. This cardboard
is commonly used for inner packaging components such as pads and partitions.
C Flute Cardboard
Type C cardboard makes a good printing surface. It also has compression properties and offers crush
resistance. It is most commonly used for shipping boxes and to secure glass, furniture, food, etc.
E Flute Cardboard
Type E cardboard’s thin construction helps to reduce storage space. It has excellent crush resistance and an
exceptional printing surface. It is commonly used for displays, pizza boxes, ballot boxes, and packaging of
consumer goods such as glass, ceramics, and cosmetics.
Type F cardboard has an outstanding printing surface and excellent crush resistance. Its thin construction
allows for stiffer boxes with less fiber. It is commonly used in fast food clamshell containers and packaging for
consumer goods such as cosmetics, jewelry, and shoes.
To prepare the cardboard for recycling, all packing materials should be removed and the boxes must be
flattened. Cardboard with grease spots cannot be recycled, so any portions of the box that have been soiled
must be cut out. Tape and labels can be left in place because they are sorted out during the recycling process.
For warehouses and industrial environments that produce large quantities of OCC, using a cardboard baler
helps to save space.
Corrugated cardboard is the material of choice for anyone that needs to ship or package products. Now that
you have an understanding of the types of corrugated fiberboard boxes and fluting sizes, you can choose the
corrugated cardboard that's best for your business.
Telescope-Type Boxes
Telescope-type boxes consist of two separate components: a top component and a bottom component. The top fits
completely and snugly over the bottom, which provides extra strength and thickness on all sides. This type of
packaging is often used for taller, larger, or heavier items.
Multi-Depth Boxes
Multi-depth boxes have premade scores on each side that enable users to cut the container to their desired height. A
single box can be assembled in up to four different sizes. This is ideal for packaging operations that may require
different box sizes as packagers can order a single box type instead of multiple types.