Corrugated Packaging: Cost-Effective Packaging that Delights Your Customers
If you’re looking for a more durable solution than cardboard, corrugated boxes are for you. Cardboard is generally composed of thick paper stock or heavy paper pulp whereas corrugated is made up of three separate layers—the inner layer, the ruffled fluting, and the outer layer. Due to its three-layer design, corrugated packaging is significantly more durable than cardboard. Here, we’ll go over the basics of corrugated boxes and help you decide if they’re the right choice for your business.
The Basics of Corrugated
In order to create corrugated material, two pieces of cardboard are put together, with a layer of fluting between them. Fluting is the layer of wavy material that gives the box its strength. Once the flutes are created, it is glued to the inner and outer layers of paper, creating a strong box. After the box is created, a laminator machine is used to glue the layers of single or multi-walls together, further strengthening the corrugated box.
Flute Styles
There are various flute styles that are used for different applications. There are certain styles that are good for strength and protection and others that are better for printing and folding.
- A-Flute: This fluting is the original choice for corrugated boxes and is primarily used for thick corrugated pads or wall applications where durability and strength are important.
- B-Flute: This fluting is good for stacking due to its strength and crushing resistance. B-fluting is used primarily for food packaging, retail packaging, die-cut inserts, and displays.
- C-Flute: C-flute is the most common corrugated flute today. It provides cushioning, stacking, and printing capabilities and can be used for shipping cartons and corrugated box displays.
- E-Flute: As the second most common flute, it’s often used to print high-quality graphics for custom-printed corrugated boxes, retail packaging, and displays.
- F-Flute: Less common, this fluting provides a high-end look while maintaining strength. It is used for custom-printed corrugated boxes and retail packaging.
Board Types
There are a few different board types available when choosing corrugated boxes:
- Single Wall boxes are made up of one inner layer and one outer layer that encases a layer of flute. They are lightweight and generally used for lightweight products.
- Double Wall boxes consist of two outer liners, one inner liner, and two layers of flute in between.
- Triple Wall boxes contain four layers of linerboard that surround two layers of C flute and one layer of B flute, making them extremely strong.
- Single Face corrugated is a packaging material that is generally used for cushioning during transit, however, it is also seen in other uses, such as sleeves for hot coffee drinks.
Board Grade
Corrugated boxes have what is called a board grade. This is assigned to the corrugated board based on a few elements including the weight and type of outer liner, the flute type, and the weight and type of inner liner used. These different grades are assigned based on the strength of the corrugated board.
- Mullen Grade corrugated board is able to withstand punctures and rough handling conditions during transit. These corrugated boards also go through what is called a Burst Strength Test, which analyzes how much force the board can take on its flat side.
- Edge Crush Test (ECT) Grade corrugated board is known for its ability to withstand crushing during transit or storage. The ECT test applies force to the corrugated board’s fluted edge.
Benefits of Corrugated Packaging
Cost-Effective
Corrugated boxes are some of the most affordable packaging products available. They do not require intensive labor or expensive tooling during their manufacturing process, which allows them to be sold at a lower price.
Environmentally Friendly
Corrugated material is generally made up of about 70-100% recycled materials and can be reused, repurposed, and recycled easily.
Customizable
Manufacturers are able to design custom boxes that fit the needs of your product and business. Whether this is designing a differently shaped or sized box or adding your brand logo or colors, customization is easy and can help bring in more business.
Customer Satisfaction
Due to corrugated’s strength and durability, products are less likely to be damaged during transit and storage. Customers are less likely to receive damaged products, reducing customer service complaints. Additionally, consumers are now prioritizing sustainable packaging, making them happy with corrugated materials.
Ready to Explore Corrugated Boxes for Your Business?
At Tyoga Container, we can help you find the right corrugated packaging solution for your needs. From die-cut boxes to bulk corrugated packaging to inner packaging, we have everything you need to keep your product safe during transit. We offer multicolor printing on corrugated, ensuring high-quality graphics, like your logo or slogan, can easily be added.
We use only state-of-the-art equipment to deliver clean cuts and neat folds, and our experienced professionals can help our clients find their perfect solution. Our team will work with you to find the right product, discuss graphics, and deliver a prototype. No matter what you are packaging or the size of your order, our short lead times will have your packaging to you quickly.
Ready to implement corrugated packaging? Contact us today.
