Corrugated Boxes
If you’ve started a new business and are confused about your packaging options, Infinity Packaging Solutions is here to help. As a packaging design and manufacturing company of custom corrugated boxes, we’ve heard almost every question out there about packaging. Here’s what you need to know about corrugated boxes.
First, corrugated board and cardboard are entirely different products. Cardboard is simply heavy-duty paper stock and is therefore not a good choice for strong shipping containers. For an example of what cardboard is, take a look at a cereal box.
Corrugated board, conversely, is made up of two components for a stronger board: the medium and the liner. Liner is found on the outside surfaces of the board and sometimes includes a layer inside as well. It’s a flat material that surrounds the medium. Medium is found between the liner layers and adds an arched shape, or “flute,” that gives the board strength. These layers are glued together to create a structure able to sustain falls, bumps, and long shipping journeys, something a cereal box would never survive. It’s important to know the difference to make sure your products arrive safely.
Custom Corrugated Packaging Basics
After realizing that you need a corrugated box over cardboard, the next step is deciding what type of corrugated boxes in San Diego would be best for you. Corrugated boxes can vary different factors that make them extremely customizable. Whether you need a thicker board box for added protection, or a lighter box to reduce shipping costs, there’s a style of box right for your product.
First, check out flute profiles. These most commonly come in A through F, with A being the largest flute you can get. Flute size determines the stacking strength and how thick your box walls are. “A” flute is the thickest and strongest arch for safety and stacking. “F” flute, on the other hand, is much thinner and is used mostly for retail packaging because it’s easily printable with clear graphics.
There are also different types of boards that can be used in making corrugated boxes. The two most common types are double and single wall. Here’s a little more information on each:
- Double-wall – commonly used for products that need a stronger shipping box or for heavier products, this board uses two sheets of fluting glued between three liner sheets.
- Single-wall – The most common form of corrugated board you’ll find on the market, single-wall board is used for everything from retail displays to shipping boxes and is made of one sheet of fluting glued between two liner sheets.
- Single-face – Normally sold in rolls to be used as product protection material, this type of board is just one sheet of fluting glued to one sheet of liner.
Less common is triple-wall board, which is the strongest available and usually used for produce bins or industrial parts. It’s made of three layers of arches flued between four liner sheets.
Once you understand the nuances of corrugated packaging, you can better protect your products. Whether you need litho laminated corrugated boxes or corrugated clamshell packaging, recognizing the many options makes it easy to choose the right style for your product. Talk to a package designer at Infinity Packaging Solutions today to determine the best fit for your challenges and needs. You’ll find us serving greater San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and nationwide. Call us at 760-402-3364 or contact us online for a free quote, and find out what we can do to improve your customer sales.
