Corrugated & Shipping Boxes: Strength, Flutes and Uses

Corrugated board has a wavy, fluted layer sandwiched between flat liners – that flute is what makes it strong, protective, and the standard for shipping. This article goes deeper on corrugated than our box styles overview.

What is corrugated board?

Corrugated is made of one or more fluted layers glued between linerboards. The air channels in the flute absorb impact and resist crushing, which is why corrugated protects heavier and fragile goods far better than flat paperboard. It is also highly recyclable. Most everyday “cardboard” shipping boxes are actually corrugated – see cardboard boxes.

Flute types, briefly

Flutes come in grades – larger flutes give more cushioning and stacking strength, finer flutes give a smoother surface for printing. The right flute depends on whether you are prioritizing protection or print quality; we will recommend one for your product.

Corrugated vs. folding carton

Choose corrugated for weight, shipping, and protection; choose a lighter folding carton for light retail products that do not ship alone. Many brands use both – a retail carton inside a corrugated shipper.

Custom shapes and die-cutting

Corrugated can be die-cut into custom shapes, mailers, and displays. See corrugated boxes and die-cut boxes.

Get custom corrugated boxes

Tell us your product, weight, and how it ships, and we will recommend a board and build a free dieline. See the full box styles guide, then request your free quote or contact our team.