Corrugated boxes are an essential part of packaging, offering durability, flexibility, and protection. Whether you’re a small business owner, an online retailer, or managing a large e-commerce store, understanding the various types of corrugated boxes can help you choose the right solution for your packaging needs.

What Makes Corrugated Boxes Unique?

The term “corrugated” refers to the wave-like structure, or flutes, that give these boxes their strength. The core structure of a corrugated box is composed of layers: the flat outer surfaces, known as liners, and the wavy middle layer, known as the flute. Depending on how many layers are used, corrugated fiberboards come in several variations, such as 3-ply, 5-ply, or 7-ply.

The more layers a box has, the stronger it is. For instance, a 3-ply box has a single layer of flute sandwiched between two liners, while a 7-ply structure contains multiple flute layers, offering superior protection.

Types of Flutes: Why They Matter

Flutes are at the heart of corrugated boxes. Different flute types provide different benefits, depending on the use case. Below are some common flute types widely used in the industry:

• Type A Flute: Offers excellent cushioning and stacking strength, making it ideal for packing fragile items. It has 36 flutes per foot and a thickness of ¼ inch.
• Type B Flute: Known for its resistance to punctures and flat crush, this flute is often used for inner packaging and displays. It has 46 flutes per foot with a thickness of ⅛ inch.
• Type C Flute: Commonly found in shipping boxes and used for fragile items, such as glassware or furniture. It offers good compression and crush resistance, making it a reliable option for shipping.
• Type E Flute: Mostly used in packaging consumer goods and food products like pizza boxes. With its 90 flutes per foot and 1/16 inch thickness, this type is crush-resistant and ideal for high-quality printing.
• Type F Flute: Lightweight and extremely thin, this flute type is popular for packaging smaller consumer items like jewelry and shoes. With 124 flutes per foot, it provides excellent crush resistance while maximizing space efficiency.

Why Choose Corrugated Boxes for Your Business?

Corrugated boxes are not just strong; they are also eco-friendly and versatile. Here are some key reasons why they are a go-to choice for businesses:

• Customization: Whether you’re shipping small items or large, heavy products, corrugated boxes can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
• Protection: The structure of corrugated boxes provides excellent protection against shocks, vibrations, and sudden impacts, keeping your goods safe during transit.
• Sustainability: Made from recyclable materials, corrugated boxes help reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste.

At NobelPath Export we offer 3, 5 and 7 ply boards and boxes in various flute combinations. We offer boards from 3mm to 15mm thickness in flute combinations of E, B, C, A, EB, EC, EA, BC, BA, CA, AA, BCA, ACA and AAA designed to meet the needs of businesses across industries.