The Ultimate Guide To Corrugated Boxes

09 Dec.,2024

 

The Ultimate Guide To Corrugated Boxes

  • Adhesive: The substance used to hold plies of solid fiberboard together, to hold Linerboard to the tips of flutes of corrugated Medium, or to hold overlapping flaps together to form the joint or to close a box.
  • Bale:

    A shaped unit of materials, enclosed in a fiberboard container or other wrapping, bound by strapping, rope, or wire.

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  • Basis Weight:

    An attribute of containerboard, but the values may be determined from the combined corrugated board. When determining the basis weight from the combined board, the take-up factor of the corrugated Medium, which varies with flute size, and the weight of the adhesive must be considered.

  • Bending:

    The ability of containerboard or combined board to be folded along scorelines without rupture of the surface fibers to the point of seriously weakening the structure.

  • Blank or Box Blank:

    A flat sheet of corrugated board that has been cut, scored, and slotted, but not yet glued together.

  • Box Manufacturer:

    An establishment that has equipment to score, slot, print, and join corrugated or solid fiberboard sheets into boxes, and that regularly uses that equipment in the production of fiberboard boxes in commercial quantities.

  • Box Manufacturer&#;s Certificate (BMC):

    A statement printed in a round or rectangular design on a corrugated box flap that certifies the box conforms to all applicable standards, and identifies its manufacturer. Sometimes referred to as a class stamp or cert stamp.

  • Box Style:

    Distinctive configuration of a box design, without regard to size. A name or number identifies styles in common use.

  • Boxboard:

    The types of paperboard used to manufacture folding cartons and set up (rigid) boxes.

  • Built-up:

    Multiple layers of corrugated board glued together to form a pad of desired thickness, normally used for interior packing.

  • Bulk:

    Unpackaged goods within a shipping container. Also, a large box is used to contain a volume of product (e.g., &#;bulk box&#;).

  • Bundle:

    A shipping unit of two or more articles or boxes wrapped or fastened together by suitable means.

  • Caliper:

    Usually expressed in thousandths of an inch (mils) or sometimes referred to as &#;points.&#; Caliper measurements are also used as an indirect measure of manufacturing quality.

  • Cardboard:

    A thin, stiff pasteboard used in the creation of playing cards, signs, etc. The term is often misused to refer to Boxboard (folding cartons) and Containerboard (corrugated boxes).

  • Carton:

    A folding box made from boxboard, used for consumer quantities of product. A carton is not recognized as a shipping container.

  • Case:

    As used by the packaging industry, a corrugated or solid fiberboard box.

  • Chipboard:

    A paperboard generally made from recycled paper stock. Uses include backing sheets for padded writing paper, partitions within boxes, and the center ply or plies of solid fiberboard.

  • Combined Board:

    A fabricated sheet assembled from several components, such as corrugated or solid fiberboard.

  • Compression Strength:

    A corrugated box&#;s resistance to uniformly applied external forces. Top-to-bottom compression strength is related to the load a container may encounter when stacked. End-to-end or side-to-side compression may also be of interest for particular applications.

  • Containerboard:

    The paperboard components (Linerboard, corrugating material, and chipboard) used to manufacture corrugated and solid fiberboard. The raw materials used to make containerboard may be virgin cellulose fiber, recycled fiber, or a combination.

  • Corrugated Board, Corrugated Fiberboard:

    The structure formed by gluing one or more sheets of fluted corrugating Medium to one or more flat facings of Linerboard. There are four common types:

    • Single Face: Combination of one fluted corrugating Medium glued to one flat facing of Linerboard.
    • Single Wall: Two flat facings of Linerboard, one glued to each side of a corrugated Medium. Also known as Double Face.
    • Double Wall: Three flat facings of Linerboard, one glued to each side of two corrugated Mediums.
    • Triple Wall: Four flat facings of Linerboard, one glued to each side of three corrugated Mediums.
  • Corrugator:

    The machine that unwinds two or more continuous sheets of containerboard from rolls, presses flutes into the sheet(s) of corrugating Medium, applies adhesive to the tips of the flutes, and affixes the sheet(s) of Linerboard to form corrugated board. The continuous sheet of board may be slit to desired widths, cut off to desired lengths, and scored in one direction.

  • Design Style:

    A style of fiberboard trays or caps having flaps scored, folded, and secured at flange side walls forming the depth, as opposed to a slotted style having a set of major and minor closing flaps.

  • Die Cut:

    The act of cutting raw material (such as combined board) to a desired shape (such as a box blank) by using a die.

  • Dimensions:

    The three measurements of a box: length, width, and depth. Inside dimensions are used to assure proper fit around a product. Outside dimensions are used in the carrier classifications and in determining pallet patterns.

  • Double Wall:

    A corrugated board construction where two layers of Medium are glued between three layers of flat Linerboard facing.

  • Edge Crush Resistance/Short Column Compression (ECT):

    The amount of force needed to crush on-edge combined board is a primary factor in predicting the compression strength of the completed box. When using certain specifications in the carrier classifications, minimum edge crush values must be certified.

  • Facings:

    Sheets of Linerboard used as the flat outer members of combined corrugated board. Sometimes called inside and outside liners.

  • Fiberboard:

    A general term describing combined paperboard (corrugated or solid) used to manufacture containers.

  • Flaps:

    Extension of the side wall panels that, when sealed, close the remaining openings of a box. Usually defined by one scoreline and three edges.

  • Flexo Folder Gluer:

    A machine, usually capable or running at high speed that prints, folds, cuts, and glues sheets of corrugated board, converting them into shipping boxes.

  • Flute:

    The wavy layer of corrugated Medium that is glued between the flat inner and outer sheets of Linerboard to create corrugated board. Fluting generally runs parallel to the height of a shipping box.

  • Joint:

    The opposite edges of the blank glued, stapled, wire stitched, or taped together to form a box.

  • Kraft:

    German word meaning &#;strength&#;; designating pulp, paper, or paperboard produced from wood fibers.

  • Liner:

    A creased fiberboard sheet inserted as a sleeve in a container and covering all side walls. Used to provide extra stacking strength or cushioning.

  • Linerboard:

    The flat sheets of paper that comprise the outer surfaces of a sheet of corrugated board.

  • Medium:

    The paperboard used to make the fluted layer of corrugated board.

  • Mullen (or Burst) Test:

    The Mullen Test is a standard industry measure of the bursting strength of corrugated board.

  • Overlap:

    A design feature wherein the top and/or bottom flaps of a box do not butt, but extend one over the other. The amount of overlap is measured from flap edge to flap edge.

  • Pad:

    A corrugated or solid fiberboard sheet, or sheet of other authorized material, used for extra protection or for separating tiers or layers of articles when packed for shipment.

  • Palletizing:

    Securing and loading containers on pallets for shipment as a single unit load, typically for handling by mechanical equipment.

  • Panel:

    A &#;face&#; or &#;side&#; of a box.

  • Paperboard:

    One of the two major product categories of the paper industry. Includes the broad classification of materials made of cellulose fibers, primarily wood pulp and recycled paper stock, on board machines. The major types are containerboard and boxboard. (The other major product group of the paper industry is paper, including printing and writing papers, packaging papers, newsprint, and tissue.)

  • Partition:

    A set of corrugated, solid fiberboard or chipboard pieces that interlock when assembled to form a number of cells into which articles may be placed for shipment.

  • Ply:

    Any of the several layers of Linerboard or solid fiberboard.

  • Point:

    Term used to describe the thickness or caliper of paperboard, where one point equals one-thousandth of an inch.

  • Puncture Resistance:

    The puncture resistance of the combined board indicates the ability of the finished container to withstand external and internal point pressure forces and to protect the product during rough handling. This method is used on heavy double wall and triple wall as an alternative to burst.

  • Regular Slotted Container (RSC):

    A box style created from a single sheet of corrugated board. The sheet is scored and slotted to permit folding. Flaps extending from the side and end panels form the top and bottom of the box. The two outer flaps are one-half the container&#;s width to meet at the center of the box when folded. Flute direction may be perpendicular to the length of the sheet (usually for top-opening RSCs) or parallel to the length of the sheet (usually for end-opening RSCs).

  • Score or Scoreline:

    An impression or crease in corrugated or solid fiberboard, made to position and facilitate folds.

  • Scored and Slotted Sheet:

    A sheet of corrugated fiberboard with one or more scorelines, slots, or slits. May be further defined as a box blank, a box part, a tray or wrap, a partition piece, or an inner packing piece.

  • Seam:

    The junction created by any free edge of a container flap or panel where it abuts or rests on another portion of the container and to which it may be fastened by tape, stitches, or adhesive in the process of closing the container.

  • Set-up Boxes:

    Boxes that have been squared, with one set of end flaps sealed, ready to be filled with product. An article that is packed for shipment in a fully assembled or erected form.

  • Sheet:

    A rectangle of combined board, untrimmed or trimmed, and sometimes scored across the corrugations when that operation is done on the corrugator. Also, a rectangle of any of the component layers of containerboard, or of paper, or a web of paperboard as it is being unwound from the roll.

  • Slit:

    A cut made in a fiberboard sheet without removal of material.

  • Slit Score:

    Shallow knife cuts made in a box blank to allow its flaps and sides to be folded into a shipping box.

  • Slip Sheet:

    A flat sheet of material used as a base upon which goods and materials may be assembled, stored, and transported.

  • Slot:

    A wide cut, or pair of closely spaced parallel cuts including removal of a narrow strip of material made in a fiberboard sheet, usually to form flaps and permit folding without bulges caused by the thickness of the material. Common widths are 1/4 in. (6 mm) and 3/8 in. (9 mm).

  • Stacking Strength:

    The maximum compressive load a container can bear over a given length of time, under given environmental/distribution conditions, without failing.

  • Tensile Strength:

    Indicates the containerboard&#;s resistance to breaking when it is pulled into or through equipment during the converting and printing processes.

  • Tube:

    A sheet of combined boards, scored and folded to a multi-sided form with open ends. It may be an element of a box style or a unit of interior packing that provides protection and compression strength.

  • Unit:

    A large group of bundled or unbundled boxes, banded and/or stretch filmed together for shipment.

  • Unitized Load:

    A load of a number of articles or containers, bound together by means of tension strapping, plastic shrink or stretch films.

  • Web:

    A continuous sheet of paperboard or paper.

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  • Wrap-around Blank:

    A scored and slotted sheet of corrugated fiberboard that is formed into a box by folding it around its contents. The user makes both the flap and joint closures.

4 Popular Types of Paperboard Grades For Packaging

Packaging is essential for many industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and retail. It serves the crucial function of protecting products, and the durability of packaging materials is vital to ensure that a package fulfills this role. One critical factor that affects packaging quality and durability is the paper grading.

Different paper grading types have varying characteristics that affect packaging strength, durability, and cost. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option in the paper industry is crucial for businesses to choose the right type of packaging for their products.

This article will explore four types of popular paper grades for packaging: kraft paper, corrugated board, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and coated paper. We will also discuss the advantages of each paper grade and compare their strength, durability, and cost to help businesses make informed decisions when selecting packaging materials.

Source: PakFactory

But before we delve into the different types of paper grade for packaging, it&#;s important to note that choosing the right packaging material can significantly impact a company&#;s environmental footprint. Sustainable packaging materials like paper can help reduce carbon emissions, waste, and energy consumption compared to plastic or other non-renewable materials.

As such, many companies are increasingly adopting plant-based packaging solutions as part of their sustainability initiatives. So, with this in mind, let&#;s take a closer look at the most popular paperboard types!

What is Paperboard?

Paperboard is a versatile and durable type of paper-based packaging material made by compressing layers of paper pulp fibers to create a dense and rigid board. Paperboard can be customized to suit various packaging needs, such as food, cosmetics, retail packaging, and more.

Paperboard is eco-friendly and recyclable, making it ideal for sustainable packaging solutions. It comes in different grades, thicknesses, and finishes, ranging from uncoated to coated and matte to glossy.

Paperboard vs Cardboard

Paperboard Cardboard

Paperboard and cardboard are two types of packaging materials commonly used in various industries. While they may appear similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Paperboard is a thick, lightweight, and durable material made of compressed paper fibers. It is commonly used for food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Cardboard, on the other hand, is a thicker and stiffer material made of multiple layers of paper and sometimes includes additional materials like plastics. The multiple layers commonly will feature 2 liner boards and one corrugated board,

Paperboard and cardboard are two packaging materials commonly used in various industries. While they may appear similar, the two have some key differences.

As explained earlier, paperboard is a thick, lightweight, and durable material made of compressed paper fibers. 

On the other hand, Cardboard is a thicker and stiffer material made of multiple layers of paper and sometimes includes additional materials like plastics. The multiple layers commonly feature two liner boards and one corrugated board, which makes cardboard more suitable for applications requiring greater structural strength.

While paperboard and cardboard offer their own set of specific benefits, businesses need to consider factors such as product weight, shipping distance, and durability when choosing between them. Ultimately, the choice of packaging material will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

The Popular Paperboard Grades

Now that you know what paperboard is and how it differs from cardboard, we can explore the four popular types of paper grades for packaging. Each type of paper grade offers unique advantages regarding strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for different packaging applications.

Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each type of paper grade is crucial for businesses to choose the most suitable packaging material for their products.

Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB)

Source: PakFactory

Clay Coated News Backboard (CCNB) is a paperboard made from a blend of recycled newsprint, mixed secondary paper, and old corrugated containers. Due to its lower tensile strength and printing output, CCNB is commonly used for low-cost folding carton packaging for products such as dry food, pet food, laundry detergent, and other non-food items.

However, when exposed to wet conditions, CCNB paperboard boxes absorb large amounts of water, making them unsuitable for products requiring higher moisture resistance or weight capacity. But despite this disadvantage, CCNB remains a cost-effective option and is frequently used by budget cereal brands for cereal boxes.

CCNB is also eco-friendly for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. Since it consists of recycled materials, CCNB minimizes the need for new virgin paperboard production, which can lead to deforestation and other environmental issues. Additionally, using recycled materials in CCNB reduces the amount of waste in landfills, contributing to a more circular economy.

Still, it is important to note that while CCNB is a recycled material, the clay coating can make recycling difficult. Some recycling facilities may not have the capability to separate the clay from the paperboard, leading to the contamination of other recycled materials.

Nevertheless, businesses can still positively impact the environment by using CCNB and other recycled paperboard grades while exploring alternative sustainable packaging materials and practices.

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)

Source: PakFactory

Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) is a high-quality paperboard grade widely used in the packaging industry. According to Statista, 71% of the world&#;s supply of SBS comes from North America and is used for packaging retail products. 

Making SBS involves chemically pulping fibers and then bleaching them to achieve a pure white color. The bleached wood pulp is then refined and formed into boxes.

SBS is the best for product packaging thanks to its superior strength, durability, and white surfaces on both the inside and outside of the box, making it optimal for printing since SBS can be coated on one side (C1S) or both sides (C2S), offering businesses flexibility in terms of their packaging design and printing needs. The quality of SBS also allows for special processes such as embossing and debossing, hot foil stamping, or spot UV printing.

SBS boxes are particularly trendy for cosmetics and personal care items due to their elegant and high-end appearance. Still, these boxes are also popular in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, confectionery, baked items, tobacco, and more.

However, one major disadvantage of SBS is that it is not an eco-friendly option. The production of SBS involves a significant amount of bleaching, which can release harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, SBS is typically made from virgin fibers, meaning this type of paperboard grade contributes to the significant environmental issue of deforestation.

Another disadvantage of SBS is its relatively high cost compared to other paperboard grades, making it less accessible to small businesses or those on a tight budget. 

SBS is also unsuitable for packaging products exposed to moisture or wet conditions, as it has poor water resistance. And though SBS is high-quality, it might not be suitable for products requiring heavy-duty protection. Other grades, like a corrugated board, are a better choice in such cases.

Folding Box Board (FBB)

Source: PakFactory

Folding Box Board (FBB) is a high-quality paperboard grade chemically and mechanically manufactured using multi-ply paper pulp materials, making it strong and durable. 

Unlike SBS, the mechanical pulp composition of FBB provides a stiffer composition, making FBB a popular choice for businesses that require packaging that can withstand wear and tear during transportation and storage. Additionally, the smooth surface of multi-ply FBB also provides optimal opportunities for high-quality printing using offset technology. 

FBB boxes are versatile and excellent for a wide range of industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, and are widely used in India as the primary packaging substrate by businesses. 

But while the Folding Box Board is an excellent choice for product packaging due to its durability and smooth printing surface, it does come with a few disadvantages. Firstly, FBB is more expensive than other paper grades due to its high-quality production process.

Additionally, due to the use of virgin fibers, FBB is not as environmentally friendly as other paper grades, such as recycled paper. But though FBB requires virgin fibers, many FBB manufacturers are beginning to use sustainable forest management practices and offer recycled paper content options, lessening this environmental impact.

Another environmental disadvantage of FBB is that it can be challenging to recycle due to its multi-layered composition. While many recycling facilities can handle FBB, recycling may require more energy compared to other paper grades, which can impact its overall environmental footprint. 

But despite these disadvantages, many businesses continue to use FBB for their product packaging due to its strength, durability, and high-quality printing capabilities for custom-printed paper.

Natural Kraft (SUS) and Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)

Source: PakFactory

Natural Kraft (SUS) and Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) paperboard are becoming increasingly popular in the packaging industry as eco-friendly paperboard grades that offer a more natural look and feel.

These paperboard grades are manufactured from recyclable materials, such as unbleached wood pulp. Using unbleached pulp and recycled materials makes SUS and CUK an ideal choice for companies looking for sustainable packaging solutions, as the uncoated papers also make this material very convenient to recycle.

One of the key features of these paperboard grades is their natural brown color, which gives a distinct aesthetic appeal. However, the natural color can also be a limitation, as it may not be suitable for products that require more vibrant colors.

Despite this, SUS and CUK offer many advantages, making them the preferred choice for many packaging applications.

SUS is often coated with a naturally occurring clay coating that provides a smooth surface ideal for printing. This coating also offers some degree of water resistance, which makes it an ideal choice for packaging products that may be exposed to moisture.

Alternatively, CUK is usually coated with a layer of polyethylene (PE) resin, which offers the paperboard some tear resistance, durability, and water/grease resistance.

But while these paperboard grades offer some tear resistance, they are less durable than other grades like SBS or FBB. Additionally, these paperboard grades&#; more natural and textured appearance may not be suitable for special processes such as embossing, debossing, or foil stamping.However, even with these disadvantages, SUS and CUK are still great choices for companies that require food-safe packaging or those looking to promote a more natural look and feel.

Source: PakFactory

Regarding paperboard packaging, finishes play an equally essential role as the chosen paper grade. Below are some of the popular finishes used in paper packaging:

Matte Finish: Matte finish paper packaging has a non-glossy and soft appearance, providing a sophisticated and premium look. It is often used in luxury packaging, including cosmetics, perfumes, and high-end food products.

Gloss Finish: Gloss finish paper packaging has a shiny and reflective surface, providing a sleek and modern appearance. It is commonly used in advertising, magazine covers, and retail packaging.

Embossed Finish: Embossed finish paper packaging features a raised or recessed texture, creating a three-dimensional effect. It adds depth and texture to packaging, making it more eye-catching and memorable.

Foil Stamping: Foil stamping involves applying metallic or colored foil to paper packaging, creating a luxurious and elegant look. It is often used in premium packaging for chocolates, wines, and other high-end products.

Spot UV Coating: Spot UV coating involves applying a high-gloss finish to specific areas of the paper packaging, creating a contrast between the glossy and matte finish. It highlights particular packaging areas, such as logos, text, or images.

It Doesn&#;t End There&#;

To further understand the ideal paper grade for your packaging, it is crucial to understand the material&#;s durability, strength, and thickness. Understanding these specs will help create a suitable box based on the product&#;s weight and the structural design of the packaging.

Measuring the thickness of the paperboard is done by determining the PT/GSM of the material. Essentially, the higher the GSM/PT Unit, the thicker the material and the more weight it can carry.

Need help determining what material best fits your packaging and product? Contact one of PakFactory&#;s product specialists. We are more than happy to provide the help you need!

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