The ingredients that products use do matter, and you might not even realize until now that there are different types of cardboard. Well, you’re in luck for here, we’re going to hit on the different types of cardboard, and what they all mean.
Now, to be completely technical, the correct turn is corrugated fiberboard. Cardboard includes all types of different heavy-duty paper that includes cardstock, paperboard, and corrugated fiberboard. But, when the average person thinks of cardboard, they think immediately the corrugated fiberboard type. Corrugated cardboard is essentially a flat sheet of paper that has a corrugated wavy sheet of paper over it.
There are actually many different types of corrugated cardboard. The first is single face cardboard, which doesn’t have the same levels of durability, but it’s cheap to make and gives extra protection to packaged products.
The single wall board is the most commonly used style of cardboard and it’s got five different styles of flutes. The flute is an inverted S shaped arch that was within the type of material used to make corrugated boxes.
There are also different types of flutes as well, and they are actually based on how thick they are. C flute, for example, is the most common and it’s the most versatile, and strong enough for most shipments. It’s 3/16 of an inch thick.
Then there is B flute, which is used for smaller products and boxes, which is great for folding, and point of purchase displays, and they’are about 1/8 in thickness
The E flute is another easy to fold, easy for printing, and it’s good for smaller boxes. This is technically what pizza boxes are made of, and they’re 3/32 of an inch.
F flute is used for shoeboxes and specialty packaging, and it’s 1/16 of an inch.
Finally, you’ve got the R flute, which is an alternative to the B flute, and it involves improved printing surfaces, and it reduces the manufacturing waste of the product.
You also have double and triple walled boards, and these are essentially ways to make it stronger. The double wall board is resistant to breaking when they’re stacked and is used for industrial containers. Triple wall board is another super strong one, and it allows for it to be a substitute for wooden crates.
If you’re looking for what type of cardboard is best, you should ask yourself whether cost or durability is more important. If you want cost, then single-face cardboard is the best, but it won’t’ be as strong in terms of support and protection to the product when being transported. More durable cardboard allows for more protection, keeping cool air in the box, and will hold, but remember you will need to pay more.
And there you have it, the best types of cardboard boxes that are out there, and which ones will work for you. Choosing the right kind of packaging is something that you’ll want to figure for yourself, and determine based on needs.