What are the types of flap boxes and what are they used for?
Contents:
The folding carton is one of the most commonly used solutions in packaging and transporting goods. Thanks to its various forms and sizes, it is a universal package that can be adapted to the needs of many industries. In this article, we present the main types of folding cartons and their specific properties that make them an ideal solution in various fields and situations.
Key Points
- Folding cartons come in different versions, and each type meets specific packaging and transport requirements.
- Folding cartons differ in durability, capacity, and adaptability.
- Folding cartons are widely used across various sectors – from logistics and retail to warehousing.
- The choice of the appropriate folding carton depends on the type of goods as well as the requirements related to its transport, storage, or protection against damage.
Folding Carton – What Does It Look Like and What Are Its Characteristics?
The folding carton is distinguished primarily by its simple construction, great versatility, and durability, which is why it is commonly used in various industries.
Folding cartons are characterized by four flaps on the top and bottom, which can easily be secured with adhesive tape when closed. They are available in different sizes and variants, allowing for a perfect fit for various types of products – from small, light, and delicate items to heavier and larger goods. Moreover, most folding cartons are produced from recycled materials and are recyclable, making them an ecological alternative in packaging. More about their environmental advantages is presented in the article: Ecological advantages of folding cartons – recycling and sustainable solutions.
What Are Folding Cartons Made Of?
A folding carton can be made of corrugated cardboard or solid cardboard, and these two materials differ in terms of construction, properties, and applications.
Corrugated cardboard is ideal for transporting and storing products that require high shock resistance, protection against damage, and insulation. It is a flexible and lightweight material, perfect for packaging goods during transport. The vast majority of classic folding cartons are manufactured from corrugated cardboard.>
Solid cardboard (so-called smooth board) is characterized by its smooth surface and aesthetics, making it ideal for packaging products that do not require high mechanical protection but need to be presented in an elegant manner. It is used in the production of packaging such as gift boxes, packaging for luxury products, book boxes, and other items that require an aesthetically finished box for packaging.
The Potential of Corrugated Cardboard
Because Boxmarket specializes in providing the highest quality packaging and cartons – designed for the safe transport and storage of items – it uses durable corrugated cardboard for the production of folding cartons. This cardboard is available in various variants, which can be divided into several types differing in thickness, number of layers, and type of flute. Below is the key characteristic of each.
Overview table presenting the type of corrugated cardboard.
| Flute Type | Flute Height | Basis Weight (example) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flute A | 4.5 - 5.0 mm | 120 - 150 g/m² | Very good cushioning and stiffness, ideal for impact protection. |
| Flute B | 2.5 - 3.0 mm | 100 - 130 g/m² | Better crush resistance, suitable for lower-profile packaging. |
| Flute C | 3.5 - 4.0 mm | 110 - 140 g/m² | A universal flute combining the advantages of flutes A and B, often used in transport packaging. |
| Flute E | 1.1 - 1.8 mm | 80 - 100 g/m² | A very thin flute, used for lightweight packaging and product boxes. |
| Flute F | 0.6 - 1.0 mm | 60 - 90 g/m² | The thinnest flute, used for luxury and retail packaging, offering precise prints. |
Additionally, the flute types can be modified and adjusted to provide optimal durability and flexibility suitable for specific products. The following table presents the most common modifications of the flutes:
Overview table presenting the modifications of the flutes.
| Flute Combination | Layer Composition | Characteristics | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Flute B + Flute C | High stiffness and crush resistance; provides good cushioning. | Transport packaging, heavier products, industrial shipping cartons. |
| AB | Flute A + Flute B | Very good crush and shock resistance, ensuring a high level of protection. | Packaging for transporting delicate products, e.g. electronic equipment. |
| AC | Flute A + Flute C | A combination of cushioning and durability; additionally thicker and more resistant. | Cartons for large and delicate items, furniture, household appliances. |
| EB | Flute E + Flute B | Less thickness while maintaining stiffness; well suited for products requiring less protection. | Retail and product packaging, lighter shipments. |
| EC | Flute E + Flute C | A thin yet stiff structure; good protection at a lower weight. | Lightweight shipping cartons, packaging for small and medium products. |
| AAC | Flute A + Flute A + Flute C | A very thick and durable construction; ideal for protecting heavy items. | Industrial packaging, high-mass products, delicate equipment. |
Boxmarket offers both 3-layer and 5-layer folding cartons, which provide excellent protection and durability tailored to various transport or warehousing needs. The 3-layer cartons, thanks to their lightness and sufficient durability, are an ideal solution for packaging products of moderate weight. In contrast, the 5-layer cartons, in which corrugated cardboard with a BC flute predominates, are perfect for transport when a slightly higher stiffness and durability is required than with Flute B alone.
Types of Folding Cartons
Folding cartons can be classified according to various parameters. One of these is the construction of the carton, whereby we primarily distinguish between two types:
- Standard Cartons (RSC)
The standard folding carton, often referred to as an RSC (Regular Slotted Container), is the most common type of packaging. The flaps on both sides of the carton are of equal length, which ensures easy folding and sealing with tape. It is a versatile carton used in many industries, especially in transport. - Half-Slotted Cartons (HSC)
Half-slotted cartons, known as HSC (Half Slotted Container), have flaps only on one side. This solution works well for storage or display of products when constant access to the contents is needed without the necessity of opening and resealing.
Additionally, some folding cartons are equipped with hand holes, in the form of openings on opposite sides. Such an addition improves user comfort, especially when carrying larger and heavier packages. These handles provide a practical solution that simplifies the transport and handling of the packaging, reducing physical effort and the risk of damaging the carton’s contents.
Applications of Folding Cartons
Folding cartons are a versatile solution that is used in many industries. Here are a few areas where they are particularly useful:
- Logistics and Transport
Folding cartons are an ideal solution in logistics and transport. Thanks to their lightness and durability, they ensure the safe transport of goods over long distances. Additionally, the ability to stack cartons on pallets facilitates space organization and improves transport efficiency. - Retail
Stores and retailers frequently use folding cartons as bulk packaging. Products stored in such cartons are safe and well displayed on shelves. Once the goods are removed, the carton can be easily folded and reused, which is both economical and ecological. - Warehousing
Folding cartons work excellently in warehouses as protective packaging. With various sizes available, they can be easily adapted to the available space. The sturdy construction protects the stored items from dust and mechanical damage, ensuring their safety, and warehousing of cartons becomes simple and organized. - Moving
Folding cartons are indispensable during relocations. They allow you to safely pack all items, from clothes to delicate objects such as glass or porcelain. Their durability ensures that items will arrive at their new location in good condition. - E-commerce
In the e-commerce sector, folding cartons are used to ship ordered goods. They are lightweight, easy to fold, and provide a cost-effective way to package products that can be safely delivered to customers.
Why Choose a Folding Carton?
Folding boxes are characterized by excellent durability, which contributes to their popularity and wide range of applications. Equally important when choosing a carton is its size – a carton that is too large leads to wasted space and the need for additional fillers, while one that is too small may not accommodate the contents. Additionally, folding cartons can be adapted to the needs of product protection by applying reinforcements or cushioning, which ensures the safety of the goods and minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
Boxmarket offers a wide selection of cartons in various colors, such as gray, white, and brown, which allows the packaging to be tailored to individual needs and preferences. In addition, there is the possibility of carton personalization through the addition of printing, e.g. a company logo, a promotional slogan, or other information. Such personalization not only makes the packaging more visually attractive, but also helps build brand recognition.
Summary
Folding cartons are lightweight yet exceptionally durable, making them an ideal solution for the transport and storage of various products.
Folding packaging, thanks to its versatility and variety, is used in many industries. The choice of the appropriate type depends on specific needs, such as durability, protection of the contents, or ease of access to the products. They are very popular in transport, warehousing, as well as in storing items in offices and homes. Their properties make them an excellent tool for protecting and organizing goods.
FAQs, or Frequently Asked Questions
- Are folding cartons suitable for storage in humid places?
A folding carton without special protection is not resistant to moisture. To store cartons in humid places, it is advisable to choose those with a waterproof coating or apply additional protection. - Which folding cartons are best for shipping heavy items?
For shipping heavy items, it is best to choose cartons with a higher basis weight and double walls, which provide greater durability and better protection of the contents. It is also important to pay attention to the type of flute that meets transport requirements by providing proper cushioning and safety for the goods. In case of any doubts, our team will be happy to help you choose the most appropriate type of carton. - What sizes of folding cartons are available?
Folding cartons are available in various sizes, which allows them to be adapted to different needs. Depending on the type of goods, you can choose from small, medium, and large cartons. This makes it easier to select the right carton for the dimensions of the products, ensuring better protection and more efficient use of space. - Are folding cartons suitable for long-term storage?
Folding cartons can be used for long-term storage, especially when stored in a dry and cool place. For better protection of the contents, it is advisable to use additional safeguards, such as protective films, which will increase their durability.
