3 Common Types of Boxes in the

World of Packaging
1. Folding Cartons
Folding cartons (also called paperboard cartons, or paperboard boxes) are
some of the most common types of boxes that you will see at retail stores.
Think of a typical cereal box – this is a folding carton.

Here is a basic example

of a plain folding carton
with no print.

2. Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes (also called set-up boxes) are sturdier and do not fold or collapse as
folding cartons do. They are often, but not always, used for higher-end products
where perceived value is important. They are also used when the product within
is heavy and in need of extra support.
An iPhone box, is an example of a rigid box.

This is an example of a
classic shoe box style
of rigid box. A high-end
shoe store would use
rigid boxes like this.

3. Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes (also called corrugated board, corrugated fiberboard or combined
board) are what you would commonly refer to as brown cardboard boxes that you would,
for example, use to pack your belongings in when you move to a new house.

Corrugated fiberboard typically has three layers. A wavy or fluted layer sandwiched between two outer flat
layers. The fluted layer is where the strength of this paper product lies.
 To sum it all up:

The majority of consumer products will use all or most of the above mentioned types
of boxes for a single product as it travels from manufacturer to store shelves.

These 3 common types of boxes are all made of paper pulp of varying thicknesses.

1.Folding Cartons (also called Paperboard Boxes, Paperboard Cartons ) (example:

cereal box).
2.Rigid Boxes (also called Set-Up Boxes) (example: iPhone Box, Jewelry Box)
3.Corrugated Boxes (also called Corrugated Fiberboard, Shipper Boxes,
Cardboard Boxes) Used in both shipping and retail environments.

Folding Cartons
Folding cartons are, arguably, the most common type of box that the average consumer
is exposed to the most often.
 Reverse Tuck End
Reverse Tuck End Straight Tuck End with side hanging Tab

Most common, economical versatile Popular hides edges on front panel 5th Panel for extra marketing space

Dispenser Style Straight Tuck End Pillow Box or

Tuck Top Box with Hang Tab Pillow Pack

5th Panel for Hanging and Light weight items can ad a hangtag
Great for Point of Purchase extra marketing space or window

Beer Tray With Lid Bellows Gusset Tuck Book Style Box

typical use bakery and restaraunts AKA French Tuck - hides front edges Add a window and reveal inside

Box Sleeve Seal and Box Counter Style Box

Inexpensive extra marketing space Perfect for machine filling and gluing open top of the box
fold the lid back for
Reverse Tuck End display riser

Folder Box

Tab fits into front panel - typically needs

material like celeophane for proper closure
 Rigid Boxes (Also Called Set-Up Boxes)
Again, this is not a definitive selection of rigid boxes. these are merely but a few
examples to give you a visual idea of what is meant by the term ·rigid box·.

Rigid Boxes tend to be used as packaging for more expensive items as there is
often some (or even a lot) of hand labor involved. These boxes do not fold down
or collapse for shipping or storage; once they are erected into box form, they stay
that way, hence the name "Rigid Boxes·
 Full Telescoping Partial Telescoping Classic Shoe Box Neck Box with Hinged Back

Thumb Cuts for easy opening Popular and versatils

book with
Round Box with lid Classic Book Style magnetic closure Angled Neck Box

AKA hat box When closed resmebles a book

Magnet hidden in flap

Clamshell Book Neck Box Different Closure Levels

Clamshell 3 Sided Hinge

Can Introduce a hint of color

Drawer Box Briefcase Neck Box

Cigar Box Tray With Sleeve

AKA Flip top box AKA Slip Case Great Presentation

Briefcase Neck Box

Slip Case or Slash Case Flip Top Box Neck Box
with Joint Cover

AKA Shouldere ridgid box

 Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes can be used as both shipper boxes (master packs) and as retail packaging.

The medium of Corrugated Boxes have S basic flute classifications

also called "flute profiles":

Flute Size Classification

for Corrugated Board

A Flute: is the original flute size with approximately 33 flutes (waves) per foot.

B Flute: has smaller flutes than A Flute and has more of them, around 47 flutes per foot. It was
created to box canned goods that were self-supporting and thus didn't require as much load support.

C Flute: was invented next to serve as an all-purpose size and has about 38 flutes per foot.

E Flute: is thinner with 90 flutes per foot.

F Flute: was created to be used as a folding carton would be - to hold light to medium-weight retail
goods and be printed on either directly or using a litho laminated label.

* It's important to note that flute profiles are more like guidelines and can vary among manufacturers
in regards to size of actual flutes and amount of flutes per foot. Also to note, there exist many more
flute profiles than the 5 basic ones I listed above.

So typically, the larger the flute size, the more cushioning and compression resistance it offers.
Smaller flutes offer better graphics printing capabilities. The smallest flute sizes like E and F can be
used instead of standard folding carton boxes (primary retail boxes) and can offer greater strength
and structural integrity as well.
FOUR BASIC KINDS OF COMBINED BOARD

Single
Face
Single
Woll
(Double
Face)

Double
Wall

Triple
Wall

For more detailed information go to:

https://www.howtobuypackaging.com

By Sara Greasley