What Is a Corrugated Box? A Simple Guide for Small Businesses
- sukritiairi
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
If you ship, store, or sell products, you’ve almost certainly used a corrugated box.But many business owners don’t actually know what makes corrugated boxes different, why some boxes fail, or how to choose the right one.
This guide explains what a corrugated box is, how it’s made, and why choosing the right type matters for your business.
What Is a Corrugated Box?
A corrugated box is a packaging box made from corrugated fiberboard, a material designed to provide strength, protection, and durability while remaining lightweight.
Corrugated fiberboard is not just “cardboard.”It is engineered using multiple paper layers bonded together to handle shipping stress, stacking weight, and impact.
How a Corrugated Box Is Made
A corrugated box is made of three main components:
1. Linerboard (Flat Layers)
These are the smooth outer and inner sheets of paper.They provide:
Surface strength
Protection from punctures
A printable area for branding and labels
2. Fluted Medium (Wavy Layer)
The fluting is the wavy paper layer sandwiched between linerboards.
This layer:
Absorbs shock and vibration
Provides stacking and compression strength
Keeps the box rigid without adding excessive weight
3. Adhesive Bonding
The fluted medium is glued to the linerboards using industrial adhesives, creating a strong yet flexible structure.
This design is what makes corrugated boxes stronger than regular paperboard boxes.
Why Corrugated Boxes Are Used for Shipping
Corrugated boxes are the standard choice for shipping because they are:
Strong but lightweight
Cost-effective compared to plastic or wood packaging
Easy to stack and store
Protective during transport
Recyclable and environmentally friendly
This combination makes them ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small e-commerce stores to large industrial operations.
Types of Corrugated Boxes (Wall Types)
Corrugated boxes come in different wall constructions depending on how much strength is needed.
Single-Wall Corrugated Boxes
One fluted layer between two linerboards
Best for light to medium-weight products
Commonly used for retail and e-commerce shipping
Double-Wall Corrugated Boxes
Two fluted layers with three linerboards
Higher stacking and compression strength
Ideal for heavier or fragile items
Triple-Wall Corrugated Boxes
Three fluted layers with four linerboards
Used for very heavy or industrial shipments
Often replaces wooden crates in some applications
Choosing the wrong wall type can lead to product damage, returns, and extra costs.
Corrugated Box vs Cardboard: What’s the Difference?
Many people use the term “cardboard” loosely, but there is a difference.
Cardboard (paperboard) is usually a single flat layer and is not designed for shipping heavy items.
Corrugated boxes have fluting that provides strength and impact resistance.
If your products are being shipped, stacked, or transported long distances, corrugated packaging is the correct choice.
Why Box Quality Matters for Small Businesses
Using the wrong corrugated box can cause:
Crushed boxes during shipping
Damaged products
Higher return rates
Increased replacement and shipping costs
The right corrugated box:
Protects your products
Improves customer satisfaction
Reduces long-term packaging costs
How to Choose the Right Corrugated Box
When selecting a corrugated box, consider:
Product weight
Fragility
Shipping distance
Stacking requirements
Storage conditions
If you’re unsure, working with a local packaging supplier can help you choose the correct box without overpaying for unnecessary strength.
Need Help Choosing Corrugated Boxes?
If your business operates in Saskatchewan or Alberta and you need reliable corrugated packaging, working with a local supplier can save time, money, and shipping delays.
Prairie Packaging provides corrugated boxes designed for real shipping conditions, including single-wall, double-wall, and specialty box styles.
Contact us to discuss your packaging needs and get the right solution for your business.
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