The cardboard flute of a box is an important consideration when packing and shipping your products, so it is necessary to take your time and not overlook the choice you have between the different flutes. Below we offer an overview of all the different flutes and explain when and how to make the best use of them.
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A suitable cardboard flute for each shipment
When we talk about packaging, we usually talk about two types of protection: primary and secondary. Primary protection is the ‘outer layer’.It is often the cardboard box itself that takes care of providing this protection.It is this outer layer that suffers the most and has to withstand rain, moisture, dust, etc. Secondary protection is the cushioning and protective material inside your box.This includes, for example, the air cushions or paper cushions with which you pack your goods or fill in the voids.
The fluting of cardboard is mainly determined by the number of layers and the thickness of the box.The more corrugated layers, the stronger the box will be.You can choose between single, double or triple fluted boxes; each with its own characteristics and uses.The inside of a single layer of cardboard is corrugated, as you can see below.Basically, such a layer consists of three parts
- The outer layer (covered with a strong kraft paper for better protection against breakage, moisture and temperature variations);
- The corrugated layer;
- The inner layer.

► When to opt for a single flute box?
A single-flute crate consists of a single corrugated layer. The corrugated thickness of such a layer is indicated by a letter (E = 1.5 mm / B = 3 mm / C = 4 mm). This crate offers sufficient protection if you are shipping lightweight products up to 30 kg. In order to optimise the strength of the crate, we recommend that you fill the entire interior space and stack your products as high as possible.
►when to opt for a double fluted case?
A double flute crate is made up of two corrugated layers. These crates offer you perfect protection when sending heavier or fragile products.
The
total weight of your crate should preferably not exceed 70kg. They are resistant to vertical pressure and are ideal for packing loose or unpackaged products.
► When to choose a triple flute case?
A triple flute case offers you the greatest protection: your products are protected by three layers of cardboard. This layer is 14mm thick and is both impact and puncture resistant. You can use this type of case for very heavy or fragile goods, with a maximum weight of 500kg. These cases are often used for harsh transport conditions, export shipments and long-term storage.
Suitable for : | 1 X flute± 1.5 to 4 mm thick | 2 X flute± 7 mm thick | 3 X flute± 14 mm thick |
Crates up to 30 kg | X | ||
Boxes up to 70 kg | X | ||
Boxes up to 500 kg | X | ||
Fragile products | X | X | |
Bulk products | X | X | |
Single shipments | X | X | |
Shipments on pallets | X | X | |
Export shipments | X | ||
Long-term storage | X |
Customised cardboard boxes for your products
In addition to standard crates, there are also crates with sizes and dimensions adapted to specific products. A custom-packed product is also a well (or even better) protected product. Below, we give you an overview of some popular solutions
- For long products: used to pack profiles, rolled documents, etc.
- For flat products : used to pack frames, flat screens, etc.
- For wine bottles : used for packaging bottles of wine, champagne, beer or other beverages
- For books : used for flat products such as books, or even CDs.
- For clothes : this case includes a locking bar to hold the hangers, so your clothes are sent safely.
- Isothermal crates: used to pack products that are sensitive to temperature variations (such as fresh food or medicines).

Who would have thought that there are so many variations for a product as simple as a cardboard box? Would you like to find the right box for the dimensions of your product quickly? Then take a look at our search engine. This tool contains more than 1,250 different formats. You will probably find THE right cardboard box for your product!
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