The packaging material plays a huge role in overall customer satisfaction. Firstly, it is the outermost layer of protection for the products, especially when the order is in transit. Secondly, it influences the packaging cost and its performance as well. Thus, when buying corrugated boxes for product packaging, knowing the different types of cardboard is essential to making an informed decision.
Well, if you are confused, let us clear it for you. Yes, there is more than one type of corrugated box. And as said, knowing the different available types will help you choose the best-corrugated box that will keep your product safe and secure until it reaches the consumer.
What are Corrugated Boxes?
The word corrugated means to shape into a series of parallel grooves to give added strength and rigidity. Thus, a corrugated box is one small rigid and robust box. It is made of paperboard and generally has three layers. But there are four and or even five-ply corrugated boxes as well.
The outermost two layers of the corrugated boxes are flat and thick. They look smooth. There is a part inside those layers with air grooves. That is the corrugated part of the box. The grooved part is also referred to as the flute. It provides better cushioning and strength to the overall box.
The larger grooves are used for strength, while the smaller ones provide structural integrity. Some corrugated boxes come with multiple medium layers for added protection.
Multiple or different flute materials can be used for single corrugated boxes to provide customized strength and protection.
Corrugated VS Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated and cardboard are two types of material used for manufacturing packaging boxes. Corrugated and cardboard are both made of thick paper, but they are not the same. As said above, the corrugated sheets are made of three layers with a liner inner and outside. The cardboard boxes are made of a single layer.
The cardboard sheets are essentially used for cereals boxes, card boxes, etc. The corrugated boxes are the best used as shipping boxes. Corrugated boxes enhance the overall packaging process. They are lightweight, durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
Types of Corrugated Boxes
The corrugated boxes are differentiated based on the following factors:
Flute Size
Flute size determines the thickness of the corrugated boxes walls. The different flutes used for corrugated boxes include A, B, C, E, and F. Notably, A is approximately the largest flute size with 5 mm thickness. Corrugated boxes with A flute are ideal for the products that require extra cushioning, like glass products. And so, boxes with B, C, E, and F flutes go with smaller thickness making them an ideal option for products that require comparatively less protection.
Board Types
The most common types of boards used for corrugated boxes include single-wall and double-wall boards. A single-face board is also used – it is made of a one-liner sheet adhered to one corrugated medium. This style of the board provides extra cushioning and protection to the products when wrapped around them.
A Single-wall board is a single corrugated medium adhered between two liner sheets. It is one of the most common board types and is used as a shipping box and retail display. Double-wall is two corrugated mediums adhered between three liner sheets. It is generally used for heavier products that essentially require stronger shipping boxes.
There is a triple-wall board as well that has three corrugated mediums glued between four liner sheets. It is indeed the strongest of all the boards and is mostly used for industrial products.
Board Grade
Corrugated boards are categorized as ECT – Edge Crush Test or Mullen. ECT measures the stacking strength or the pressure that the box can withstand before being crushed. ECT test shows if the corrugated boxes will be stacked on top of each other. Mullen value shows the pressure that the box can withstand before being punctured.
Benefits of Corrugated Packaging
The following are the benefits of using corrugated boxes for product packaging:
Customer Satisfaction
Providing your customers with a pleasant unboxing experience is the best way to satisfy your customers. Product packaging is the highest layer of your product, and it is the first physical touch as well for your customers. Also, a pleasant unboxing experience is essential for eCommerce companies as they don’t have any shelf presence.
Packaging Customization
Corrugated boxes come in different sizes, are made of different boards, and have varying ECT values. This makes them one of the most versatile and valuable options for sellers. They can also be customized as per different needs. Also, you can easily stick shipping labels to the boxes. These boxes can also be custom designed.
Eco Friendly
Sustainable packaging is a current trend in the market. In recent years, customers have started to value environment-friendly products and packaging more.
As an eCommerce business, establishing a solid relationship with customers is essential. The good news is that corrugated boxes are also one of the best options for sustainable packaging.
Cost-Efficient
Corrugated boxes are a cost-efficient product packaging option. Since the corrugated boxes are sustainable, they are cost-effective to produce.