CORRUGATED BOX

Types and Sizes of Corrugated

Boxes
Many years ago in England, corrugated paper, the ridged and grooved part of shipping and packaging
boxes, was used as a liner for English top hats. However it wasn’t until 1871 that it was patented by
Albert Jones of New York City for packaging purposes. Since then, corrugated paper has evolved
from top hat liners into various cardboard box types, like pizza, bakery, and take-out boxes.
Cardboard fluting is also used in some eco-friendly disposables, deli trays, paper plates,
and disposable bakeware.

What are the benefits of corrugated

boxes?

Corrugated Flutes
Credit: dusobox.com

Sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard, the ridged flutes of these products are designed to
support a great deal of weight. Not only is this beneficial for shipping purposes, but it also plays an
important part in supporting the weight of food in the corrugated disposables mentioned above. This
cardboard fluting construction also plays an integral role in protecting items during transportation.
The curved arches created by these flutes make boards durable and resist pressure applied from any
angle. The empty space located between the flutes and under the arches even provides cushioning, as
well as insulation in the event of extreme temperature changes.

What do the flute letter designations

mean?
Different types of corrugated boxes are designated by the letters A, B, C, E, or F, with flutes A – E
being the most common types. C flute corrugation is the most frequently used, with 80% of boards
and boxes making up this designation. However, the alphabetical designations of the flutes don't
correspond to the sizes of corrugated boxes, but rather to the order in which the flutes were invented.
Type A
Type A cardboard has excellent compression and cushioning as well as good stacking strength. It is
great for packaging fragile items and is commonly used for structural strength.

 # of Flutes / Linear Foot: 36

 Flute Height: 1/4”

Type B
Type B cardboard has excellent crush and puncture resistance and is a great printing surface. This
cardboard is commonly used for inner packaging components such as pads and partitions.

 # of Flutes / Linear Foot: 49

 Flute Height: 1/8”

Type C
Type C cardboard makes a good printing surface. It also has compression properties and offers crush
resistance. It is most commonly used for shipping boxes and to secure glass, furniture, food, etc.

 # of Flutes / Linear Foot: 41

 Flute Height: 11/64”

Type E
Type E cardboard’s thin construction helps to reduce storage space. It has excellent crush resistance
and an exceptional printing surface. It is commonly used for displays, pizza boxes, ballot boxes, and
packaging of consumer goods such as glass, ceramics, and cosmetics.

 # of Flutes / Linear Foot: 90

 Flute Height: 1/16”

Type F
Type F cardboard has an outstanding printing surface and excellent crush resistance. Its thin
construction allows for stiffer boxes with less fiber. It is commonly used in fast food clamshells and
packaging for consumer goods such as cosmetics, jewelry, and shoes.

 # of Flutes / Linear Foot: 128

 Flute Height: 1/32”

Note: These measurements are approximations. Manufacturers produce corrugated flutes which may vary slightly in size.