What Are Corrugated Shipping Boxes?
Before discussing custom corrugated shipping boxes, let’s first understand the basics of this fundamental product. Corrugated shipping boxes are constructed from three layers: two flat outer sheets—known as linerboards—sandwiching a wavy inner layer called the corrugated medium. This structure provides strength, cushioning, and stackability. Unlike regular cardboard (the material used for cereal boxes), corrugated boxes are designed to withstand bumps, drops, and crushing during shipping. That’s why they are the top choice for product protection.
Different flute sizes offer varying performance characteristics. The following are some commonly used flute types in box manufacturing:
● A-flute | 4.5–5.0 mm | Provides maximum cushioning – suitable for fragile items, glass bottles.
● B-flute | 2.5–3.0 mm | Good puncture resistance and stiffness – suitable for canned food, small appliances.
● C-flute | 3.5–4.0 mm | All-rounder – suitable for most e-commerce parcels.
● E-flute | 1.5–1.8 mm | Thin and strong, excellent printability – suitable for cosmetic boxes, pizza boxes.
● F-flute | 0.8–1.0 mm | Texture similar to regular cardboard – suitable for high-end small gift boxes, fast food containers.
In addition, you can choose 3-ply (one layer of corrugated core), 5-ply (two layers, suitable for heavy or fragile items), or even 7-ply (industrial-grade freight) depending on your needs. Choosing the right board type ensures your products arrive safely and avoids paying extra for unnecessary materials.
Simply put, a corrugated shipping box is like a hot dog sandwich—except that it consists of two outer sheets of paper and a layer of fluted paper. And when you order custom designs, you get to choose the size, flute, print, and style that perfectly match your product.