There are many different types of boxes and terms used to describe them in the packaging industry, which can confuse many people. There are many different packaging for various purposes, such as folding cartons, rigid boxes, corrugated cardboard boxes, and ,paperboard boxes more.
However, there are 3 common types of boxes in the packaging industry, and all of them are made of paper pulp carrying different thicknesses.
3 Common Types of Boxes
As mentioned above, there are a lot of boxes in the packaging industry, but the most common are these three:
- Folding Cartons
- Corrugated Boxes
- Rigid Boxes
1. Folding Cartons
Folding cartons are (also known as paperboard boxes and paperboard cartons). Think of this box as a traditional cardboard box. Mostly these boxes get used in retail businesses for various products, especially food items like cereal and toys.
Paperboard material is cost-effective, but also a bit flimsy. Meaning this can only store light-weight products. Plus these boxes can be cut into various styles and shapes, such as tuck ends, sleeves, and more. It is a recyclable material offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Please note paperboard comes in various thickness levels from 14 pt. to 24 pt. for storing different products.
2. Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are the workhorses of the packaging world. They’re constructed from a special type of cardboard with a unique wavy layer (called fluting) sandwiched between two smooth outer layers known as liner boards. There are different flutes available which varies the thickness of your corrugated cardboard, and those are given below:
Flute | Millimeters | Inches |
A Flute | 5 | 1/4 |
B Flute | 3 | 1/8 (0.125) |
C Flute | 4 | 11/64 |
D Flute | 2 | (.085) |
E Flute | 1.5 | 1/16 (0.625) |
F Flute | 0.6 | 1/32 |
The most common flute that gets used in manufacturing corrugated boxes is either E-Flute 1/16” or B-Flute 1/8″.You can also read a blog with a complete guide on corrugated flutes and their specifications.
This design gives corrugated boxes their incredible strength and durability, creating a protective cushion for the items inside.
Businesses and individuals rely on corrugated boxes for shipping, moving, and storing all sorts of things.
From fragile glassware to heavy appliances, these boxes keep their contents safe during transport, even on bumpy roads or long journeys. They’re the go-to choice when you need packaging that can withstand the rigors of handling and protect your valuables.
3. Rigid Boxes
Rigid packaging boxes, (also known as set-up boxes), offer exceptional strength and stability. Unlike folding cartons, they won’t collapse, making them perfect for high-end products or heavy items that need extra protection. Their premium look and feel boosts the perceived value of your products. Some of the example for rigid boxes are given below:
- Apple’s Packaging or iPhone Box
- Gift Boxes
- Jewelry Boxes, and more.
To sum it all up:
Among the custom packaging manufacturer, there are three common types of boxes stand out: folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and rigid boxes. Each box has its feature which sets it apart from the other. Each type serves specific needs based on its construction and material thickness, ensuring safe transportation and enhancing product presentation.