← Back to Journal
Related articles
How to choose the right corrugated board for shipping
Flute size, wall count and liner grade all change how a carton behaves. Here is a simple way to choose.
Guide
Corrugated board looks simple, but the choice of flute, wall and liner decides whether a parcel survives the courier. Start with what you ship, not with the board.
Start with the product
Weigh the packed product, note whether it is fragile, and decide how many parcels are stacked on a pallet. These three facts point to a board grade.
Know your flutes
- E-flute is thin and prints crisply, ideal for mailers and retail boxes.
- B-flute is a good all-round choice for parcels up to about 10 kg.
- C-flute cushions better and stacks stronger, ideal for heavier items.
The cheapest box is the one that arrives intact the first time.
When to go double-wall
Heavy, dense or long-distance shipments benefit from double-wall board, which adds crush and puncture resistance. Ask for a compression test if your cartons are stacked high.