What Are Corrugated Boxes? (Types and Their Uses)

When you think of packaging, what comes to mind? 

Likely, it’s a sturdy box that keeps your products safe during shipping. 

But not all boxes are created equal. Enter corrugated boxes! 

These seemingly simple structures play a crucial role in the logistics of countless industries. But what exactly are corrugated boxes, and why should you care about them?

What Exactly Are Corrugated Boxes? 

When most people hear “cardboard boxes,” they probably picture the standard, flat, rectangular box. But corrugated boxes are a step up, they’re not just any ordinary cardboard. Made from corrugated fiberboard, these boxes have a unique construction that makes them more robust and protective.

A corrugated box is composed of three layers: two flat outer sheets (called linerboards) and one middle, wavy layer (called the fluted sheet). 

This clever design provides strength and durability, allowing the boxes to withstand pressure and protect fragile items during shipping or storage. The fluted sheet between the liners acts like a cushion, absorbing shock and protecting your goods from potential damage.

Thanks to their lightweight yet sturdy structure, corrugated boxes are used in everything from shipping delicate electronics to packaging bulk goods. They’re also eco-friendly, as they’re easy to recycle. So, whether you’re shipping a fragile gift or organizing your office, corrugated boxes are the unsung heroes you can rely on for safe and secure packaging.

What Are Corrugated Boxes Used For? 

Corrugated boxes are incredibly versatile, and their uses span across industries. They’re commonly used for shipping products, from electronics to clothing, ensuring safe delivery. But their utility doesn’t stop there.

These boxes are also widely used for storage, helping businesses organize inventory, and even for moving household items. 

Thanks to their strength and lightweight design, they’re a popular choice for packaging food products, medical supplies, and fragile goods. Essentially, if you need a reliable, cost-effective solution for protection and transportation, corrugated boxes are the go-to choice.

Types of Corrugated Boxes 

Corrugated boxes come in various types, each designed for specific purposes, offering different levels of strength and protection. Here are some of the most common types:

• Single Wall Boxes: These have one layer of corrugated fiberboard between two flat liners. They’re lightweight yet sturdy, making them ideal for everyday shipping and storage needs.
• Double Wall Boxes: With two layers of corrugated fiberboard and three flat liners, these boxes provide extra strength and are commonly used for heavier or more fragile items that need additional protection.
• Triple Wall Boxes: The most robust of the bunch, these boxes feature three layers of corrugated fiberboard. They’re designed for industrial shipping or the transportation of very large and heavy items.
• Regular Slotted Containers (RSC): The most common type, these boxes have flaps that meet in the middle when closed, offering versatile use for shipping and storage of various products.
• Full Overlap Boxes (FOL): These boxes have flaps that fully overlap when closed, providing extra strength at the top and bottom. They’re perfect for shipping heavy or fragile items that need added protection.
• Half-Slotted Boxes (HS): Similar to RSC boxes but with one open side, these are often used for easy access storage or retail displays.
• Die-Cut Boxes: Custom-made to specific shapes, sizes, and designs, die-cut boxes are great for specialized packaging needs, like retail displays or custom product packaging.
• Corrugated Trays: Shallow, flat boxes with high sides, these trays are typically used in the food and beverage industries to hold and transport products securely.

Which Items Should You Ship In Corrugated Boxes? 

Corrugated boxes are perfect for shipping a wide variety of items. Here are some types of products that should always be shipped in corrugated boxes:

• Fragile Items: Whether it’s electronics, glassware, or ceramics, the durability of corrugated boxes ensures that delicate items are protected during transit.
• Heavyweight Items: For anything heavy, from tools to appliances, corrugated boxes offer the strength needed to handle the weight without compromising safety.
• Retail Displays: If you’re shipping items that will be displayed in retail environments, corrugated boxes can be customized to fit the exact dimensions, ensuring your product arrives in perfect shape.
• Food Products: From perishable items to takeout, corrugated boxes are commonly used for shipping food, including items like pizzas or meal kits, as they help maintain freshness and ensure safe delivery.
• Multiple Smaller Items: If you’re sending several items together, corrugated boxes keep them securely packed and organized, minimizing the risk of damage.

In a Nutshell 

Corrugated boxes are a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective packaging solution. Their unique structure offers strength, durability, and protection for a wide range of items, from fragile goods to heavy products. 

In short, corrugated boxes are essential for anyone who wants to safeguard their products during transport or storage.

FAQs 

Corrugated Box vs Cardboard Box: What’s the Difference?

A corrugated box is made from three layers of material, two flat layers (linerboards) and one fluted layer in between. This design makes it stronger and more durable than a cardboard box, which is typically made from a single sheet of thick paperboard. Corrugated boxes are used for shipping and protecting heavier or fragile items, while cardboard boxes are lighter and better for smaller, less delicate goods.

What Types of Paper Are Used in Corrugated Boxes?

The paper used in corrugated boxes includes two main types: linerboard and fluting. Linerboard is the smooth, flat outer paper, while the fluting is the wavy, inner layer that gives the box its strength. Linerboards are usually made from kraft paper (which is durable and strong) or recycled paper, and the fluting is typically made from a paper type called “flute paper.”

What Is the Difference Between Folding Carton and Corrugated?

Folding cartons are made from lightweight paperboard, which is thicker than standard paper but not as strong as corrugated material. These are commonly used for retail packaging of smaller, lighter items. In contrast, corrugated boxes are made from layers of paper with a fluted middle, providing superior strength, cushioning, and protection. Corrugated boxes are ideal for shipping, while folding cartons are more suited for product presentation and retail display.