How to choose the right type of corrugated cardboard packaging

How to choose the right type of corrugated cardboard packaging

An important step when ordering a corrugated cardboard box is to choose the right type of cardboard.

The box must fulfil its main function of protecting the product during transport and storage. The wrong type of carton can cause the box to warp, break (especially when sending boxes by courier) and damage of the product. On the other hand, highly durable cardboard is expensive and can lead to overpaying for packaging. Boxes play an important role not only in protecting products, but also in building a company’s brand identity. A wrinkled and torn box will give a negative impression of your company.

Professionals from our company will help to choose the most suitable cardboard packaging option

In Latvia, corrugated cardboard packaging manufacturers use around 35 different types of corrugated cardboard, and each manufacturer has its own classification, so it is often difficult to choose the most suitable option when ordering packaging for the first time.

Corrugated cardboard sheets (packaging raw materials) are classified according to the layers of cardboard paper (2-ply, 3-ply, 5-ply), the type of paper: proportion of waste paper added and proportion of virgin wood fibre (kraft paper). The more recycled content, the less the packaging is protected against moisture and static loads. Packaging made from recovered paper is cheaper and is also considered to be more environmentally friendly as it is produced from recycled materials.

C-thick (profile) cardboard is the most common option for standard transport boxes. C-profile offers decent printability as well as good crush resistance and stacking strength. B and E are ideal for boxes of various folding box constructions and gift packaging. It is less durable than BC, BE or C profiles, but is ideal for printing and special box designs. BE, BC profiles (5-ply) are most commonly used for large format boxes, transport packaging for heavy, bulky items (furniture, moving boxes, fruit, vegetables, household appliances, etc.).

The shape (design) of the box, the size of the box, the logistics chain and the product itself are also very important factors when designing a box concept. The cheapest transport boxes (design 0201 in the FEFCO catalogue) have the best alternative: double-sided lockable boxes (FEFCO 0427 or 0427), which are mostly made from 3 mm thick cardboard. More standard packaging designs can be found in the FEFCO CATALOGUE section.