Flute, wall and strength in plain words
The flute is the wave inside the board. Smaller flutes (E and F) give a thin, smooth board that prints beautifully and folds tight, which is why mailer boxes use them. Bigger flutes (B and C) give more cushioning and stacking strength for shipping. Double wall board stacks two flutes, usually B and C together, for heavy loads.
Strength is usually rated by ECT, the edge crush test. 32 ECT single wall covers most shipping boxes. 44 ECT and 48 ECT double wall are for heavier contents or tall pallet stacks. If that is more detail than you wanted, just tell us what goes in the box and how it ships, and we will pick the board.
Printing on corrugated
For plain shipping boxes, a one or two colour flexo print is the cheapest way to add a logo or handling marks. For full colour graphics we print digitally (no plates, great for short runs and several designs) or laminate a litho printed sheet onto the board for the richest colour on big runs. We will quote the method that gives you the lowest total cost for your quantity, plates and dies included.
Why corrugated packaging boxes are a smart default
Corrugated is made largely from recycled fibre and goes back into the curbside bin when you are done. It protects better than its weight suggests, it prints well, and it ships flat until you need it. For most products it is the cheapest packaging that still does the job properly.
| Flutes | F, E, B, C and BC double wall |
|---|---|
| Strength | 32 ECT, 44 ECT, 48 ECT and higher; burst rated board on request |
| Liners | Kraft, white top or mottled white |
| Styles | RSC, half slotted, full overlap, mailer, tray, telescope, die cut |
| Printing | One to four colour flexo, full colour digital, litho laminated |
| Minimums | From 2,000 units; ask about smaller runs |
Want a price on corrugated boxes? Send your size and quantity and we will reply with options and a production date.
