[PT] HOW THICK ARE THE CARDBOARD BOXES?

Above all, the thickness of a cardboard box depends on the type of corrugation from which it is made. In this sense, the thickness of the box can be between 2 and 15 mm, in general.

As a result, each type of corrugation has a particular thickness, which makes it possible to classify the boxes according to three specific types:

• Microcorrugated. These are, therefore, simpler boxes, whose approximate thickness is 2 mm;
• Simple corrugated. These are more universal boxes, composed of a single corrugated board, with an approximate thickness of 5 mm*;
• Double corrugated. These are more universal boxes, composed by a single corrugated board, with an approximate thickness of 7mm*;
• Triple fluting. Undeniably, these are the most resistant boxes. As they have three corrugations with a thickness of approximately 15 mm*, they offer exceptional and optimal protection.

Of course, it is important to know that corrugated cardboard is the basis of the vast majority of cardboard packaging. It consists of an outer sheet, a corrugated sheet and an inner sheet. If the board has two or more corrugations, there are at least two sheets of paper (inner sheet + outer sheet) joined by an intermediate layer.

If you want to see in more detail, here you can see what the basic structure of the single fluted board is, for example:

The outer and inner sheet, of the cardboard, are usually subject to various requirements. Mainly because it is a material that is resistant to any external action, to possible damage and, in addition, it must allow the stacking of boxes and printing on top.

Among the benefits and properties of using corrugated cardboard we have:

• It is easy to work with,
• It is not heavy;
• It uses less materials;
• Good resistance;
• Provides optimum protection against wear and tear due to its cushioning effect;
• Good air permeability;
• Retains moisture;
• Fully customisable as it can be printed;
• It is recyclable.

Which box do I need for my product?

If you are now thinking about the ideal cardboard box, taking into account the type of corrugation and its thickness, you need to know what you want to package. It is not just a question of knowing what the object is, but of considering the following aspects:

1. Fragility of the product;
2. If the product is heavy or light;
3. For example, if you are going to use the box to send or store something;
4. If you will have to stack several boxes.

Each type of box offers a particular advantage taking into account weight, transport and stacking. After all packing clothes, books and other lighter products is not the same as wanting to store china vase or your wine bottles.

Imagine you need to send your products to the other side of the world: you need to consider whether the transport is by land, sea or air. For example, if the loads are stacked, if they will need to be stored for days, weeks or even months, if they are palletised or not, if there is a lot of humidity or climate changes, among others.

As a result, all this can influence the decision of the thickness of a carton.

In conclusion

Our single corrugated cardboard boxes are ideal for lightweight products or up to 20 kg load, due to their vertical compression. In addition they offer perfect adhesion to the packaging tape. So they can also be used to ship smaller and less fragile products, such as documents and pre-packaged products.

If, on the other hand, you need a box to pack or protect heavier, more fragile products with a load of up to 70 kg, your best option is to opt for double corrugated cardboard boxes and thus guarantee that all the products you intend to send or store are inside a box with more resistant properties.

However, if you are looking for solidity and firmness in a box, it is best to opt for a triple corrugated cardboard box. This type of box is therefore ideal for supporting heavier loads of up to 350 kg, as it has a triple protection to pack/protect heavy, fragile and bulky products. In addition, they are exceptional in that they adapt to the most severe transport conditions and allow for long-term storage of products.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a light, resistant and space-saving box, your best option is micro-corrugated cardboard boxes.

At RAJA we are packaging specialists!

If you need advice, contact our experts on 707 788 008 or email contacto@rajapack.pt. They will be happy to help you choose which solutions best suit your business.