CORRUGATED PACKAGING FAQS

Corrugated packaging is a versatile and reliable solution widely used across various industries for shipping, storage, and retail displays. It’s made from a combination of fluted sheets and linerboards. This type of packaging offers exceptional strength, durability, and customization options, making it an ideal choice for protecting and presenting products.

You might have several questions about the retail applications of corrugated packaging. We’ll address the most common queries among business owners and retailers to help you understand how corrugated packaging can meet your specific needs.

1. What is corrugated packaging?

Corrugated packaging refers to boxes and containers made of corrugated board. It consists of fluted corrugated sheets between two flat linerboards. This multi-layer construction holds well in shipping and storage and offers the following features:

• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of packaging needs, from lightweight items to heavy-duty goods.

• Durability: Linerboards add structural strength, making boards resistant to crushing and punctures.

• Design: Customizable to meet specific product requirements and branding needs.

At York Container, our team guarantees top-quality packaging materials. We control the quality of our corrugated boards by producing them through our in-house corrugators.

2. What are the different types of corrugated board?

There are several classifications of what’s considered a corrugated box, and each board is designed to meet specific packaging needs. The materials used affect the durability, weight, and strength of these packaging types. Understanding the different examples of corrugated materials will help you choose the most optimal packaging solution for your product.

• Single-wall: One layer of fluting between two linerboards.

• Double-wall: Two layers of fluting and three linerboards, providing extra strength.

• Triple-wall: Three layers of fluting and four linerboards, used for heavy-duty packaging.

3. What are the benefits of using corrugated packaging?

There are several reasons why corrugated cardboard is commonly used for packaging materials:

• Durability and strength: Protection for products during shipping.

• Lightweight: Lower shipping costs relative to other options.

• Recyclable and sustainable: Made predominantly from recycled materials and recyclable after use. York Container provides 100% recycled paper as an option.

• Customizable: Easily produced to specific product needs and brand marketing requirements.

4. How do I choose the right corrugated packaging for my product?

York Container will work with you to develop the right choice for your packaging while considering the following factors:

• Product size and weight: Heavier products may require double or triple-wall boxes.

• Shipping conditions: Fragile items may need additional padding or inserts.

• Environmental impact: Choose recyclable or recycled materials.

• Cost: Balance durability and brand marketing objectives with cost-effectiveness.

5. Can corrugated packaging be customized?

Yes. You can customize corrugated packaging in terms of size, custom designs, material combinations, printing, plus additional features like dividers, inserts, and handles. Corrugated packaging can be designed for a specific purpose such as e-commerce or retail-ready application. Corrugated boards can be produced with specific paper combinations to suit your needs.

Beyond the standard brown box, York Container can provide graphic corrugated packaging with branding, product information, and other graphics using various printing techniques like direct and pre-print flexography, digital printing, and lithography.

6. What are the common uses of corrugated packaging?

You can use corrugated boards in many packaging applications.

• Shipping boxes: For transporting products.

• Retail packaging: Attractive boxes for retail display.

• E-commerce packaging: Durable packaging for online orders.

• Storage boxes: For organizing and storing goods.

7. Is corrugated packaging environmentally friendly?

Yes. Corrugated packaging is an environmentally friendly option that’s typically made from recycled materials. Modern manufacturers also use sustainable practices in production.

8. How is corrugated cardboard made?

Manufacturers create corrugated cardboard by bonding fluted sheets of paper with flat outer linerboards. This process ensures that the final product’s strength and durability can support various packaging needs.

• Corrugating the paper: A flat sheet of paper passes through a corrugating machine, forming it into a series of arches called flutes.

• Applying adhesive: A strong adhesive is applied to the peaks of the fluted sheet.

• Bonding linerboards: Flat outer linerboards are pressed onto the glued fluted sheet to create a single-wall corrugated board.

• Additional layers (if needed): Additional fluted sheets and linerboards are bonded in a similar manner to create double-wall or triple-wall corrugated boards. 

• Final cutting and shaping: The corrugated board is then cut and shaped into boxes or other packaging forms according to specific requirements.

9. Can corrugated packaging withstand moisture and humidity?

Standard corrugated packaging can be sensitive to moisture, although specialized treatment and coating can enhance resistance to environmental conditions.

10. How can I ensure my corrugated packaging meets shipping standards?

Work with a modern corrugated packaging producer such as York Container to ensure your packaging is up to par with shipping standards. We deliver solutions that provide your products the protection they need and meet the compliance requirements of different carriers (e.g., UPS, USPS, and FedEx). As part of the process, all our packaging boards undergo simulations of expected shipping conditions and stresses for quality control, such as:

• Use adequate padding and void fill.

• Conduct drop tests and stress tests.

• Consult with packaging suppliers for recommendations.

11. What are the cost factors for corrugated packaging?

There are several factors that affect the cost of corrugated packaging, including:

• Material type and thickness: Single, double, vs triple-wall. Kraft vs bleached linerboard.

• Customization: Size, shape, and printing can increase costs.

• Order volume: Larger orders often reduce per-unit costs.

• Shipping distance: Affects delivery costs for the packaging itself.

12. How do I order corrugated packaging?

Reach out to packaging solutions providers like York Container to order your corrugated packaging. Call us at  717-757-7611, visit our website at www.yorkcontainer.com, or send us an email at contact@yorkcontainer.com. Just provide us with the details about your product and requirements.

13. Are there any regulations or standards for corrugated packaging?

Corrugated packaging solutions must abide by industry standards such as those from the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). Meanwhile, guidelines from shipping carriers dictate packaging requirements to ensure safety and durability during transit. Experts at York Container will work with you to ensure your corrugated packaging meets those requirements.

14. What are some tips for reducing corrugated packaging costs?

You can enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout your supply chain by carefully selecting the right size and type of packaging. Consider ordering in bulk to reduce corrugated packaging costs since larger purchase quantities typically result in lower unit prices. Minimizing box sizes can significantly cut down on material waste and decrease shipping expenses.

15. Which tool is designed to cut open corrugated packaging?

You can use a utility knife or box cutter to cut open corrugated packaging. Use a sharp, high-quality blade that can easily and safely slice through different types of boards to reduce the risk of injury.

16. What is the difference between cardboard and corrugated boxes?

Cardboard and corrugated boxes primarily differ in structure and strength. Cardboard is a single-layer, heavy-duty paper often used for lightweight applications like cereal boxes. In contrast, corrugated boxes consist of fluted corrugated sheets sandwiched between two linerboards. This extra strength and support makes them suited for shipping and storage.