How do you choose the right thickness for corrugated cardboard boxes?

1 Measuring thickness

The thickness of corrugated cardboard is usually expressed in terms of flute size, which refers to the height and frequency of the waves or ridges that form the middle layer of the cardboard. The flutes are sandwiched between two layers of paper, called liners, that give the cardboard its smooth surface. The most common flute sizes are A, B, C, E, and F, with A being the thickest and F being the thinnest. The flute size determines how many flutes are in a given length of cardboard, as well as the thickness of the liners. To measure the thickness of corrugated cardboard, you can use a caliper or a micrometer to measure the distance between the two liners, or you can use a flute identifier tool that matches the flute size to a standard scale.

2 Considering factors

When choosing the thickness of corrugated cardboard for your boxes, you need to consider several factors, such as the size, weight, shape, and fragility of your product, the mode and duration of transportation, the storage and handling conditions, and the customer expectations and preferences. Generally, thicker cardboard provides more strength, cushioning, and protection for your product, but it also adds more cost, weight, and bulk to your packaging. Thinner cardboard, on the other hand, is more economical, lightweight, and compact, but it may not be suitable for heavy, large, or delicate products. You also need to think about how your packaging will affect the environment, as thicker cardboard consumes more resources and generates more waste than thinner cardboard.

3 Comparing types

There are different types of corrugated cardboard that vary in their thickness, structure, and performance. The most common type is single-wall corrugated cardboard, which consists of one layer of flutes and two layers of liners. This type is suitable for most standard products that require moderate protection and strength. Another type is double-wall corrugated cardboard, which consists of two layers of flutes and three layers of liners. This type is suitable for heavier or more fragile products that require extra protection and strength. A third type is triple-wall corrugated cardboard, which consists of three layers of flutes and four layers of liners. This type is suitable for very heavy or bulky products that require maximum protection and strength. You can compare the thickness of different types of corrugated cardboard by looking at their edge crush test (ECT) ratings, which measure how much force they can withstand before collapsing.

4 Here’s what else to consider

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