Top 5 Corrugated Packaging Flute Types You Should Know About

In the packaging industry, choosing the right materials can make all the difference in protecting and presenting your products on shelves. 

A corrugated box includes liner and medium while a liner is a flat material normally found on a box’s outside surface and medium can be found between liners and comes with arch shapes or flutes. 

The flute preserves overall cardboard strength and can affect its performance like weight, cost, and performance. You can determine the flute type with the help of the material type and the product weight you want to ship. 

In this blog post, we are going to share with you 5 different corrugated packaging flute types to help you decide which cardboard thickness would be suitable for your custom cardboard box packaging. 

What is a Corrugated Packaging Flute?

Corrugated box packaging is available in different wall thicknesses, known as flute sizes. From improved printability, and minimising storage space to shipping strength, each flute size comes with different functionality.

While it may be difficult for you to find flute sizes on custom corrugated boxes it plays an important role in making your corrugated box packaging sound and safe during shipping. 

5 Different Corrugated Flutes

5 different types of corrugated flutes range from 5mm thick to 0.8mm thick. It may seem that flutes are named in order according to size variations with A being the first flute invented and F being the last flute. Let’s discuss these one by one in detail: 

1. A Flute 

A flute is considered one of the original and thickest flutes with a measurement of 5 mm or ¼ inch in thickness. It is one of the best options for packaging those products that require extra protection and cushioning during shipping. 

Also, you can go for this flute size when you want to ship heavier items that require a strong and sturdy packaging structure. However, because of having extra spaces between various flutes, it is not suitable for intricate packaging designs. 

2. B Flute 

B flute is versatile and crush-resistant with a measurement of 3 to 3.2mm thickness. B flute offers a good surface for printing vivid graphics, logos, and stylish texts. It is ideal for inner packaging components just because of its puncture-proof features. 

If you want a combination of strength and printability on corrugated box packaging, look no further than the B flute option. On most custom-printed mailer boxes, you might see B flutes. 

3. C Flute

The c flute is considered as second thickest flute with a measurement of 3.2mm thickness. It is best suitable for shipping boxes and regular slotted containers as it cannot be easily compressed during shipping.

Just like the B flute, it also provides a good surface for printing various branding and marketing elements. You can use B flute for packaging glass products, dairy products, and furniture items. 

4. E-Flute

E flute is the second thinnest option and not recommended for the packaging of heavy objects or products. It measures about 1.6 mm in thickness and reduces storage space with minimum cost feasibility.

This flute is best suitable for the shipping of consumer goods like delicate instruments, fragile items, ceramic products, and cosmetics. Also, it comes with a flat surface on which you can easily print packaging elements of your own choice. 

5. F-Flute

The f-flute is half the E-flute in thickness with 0.8 mm measurement and ideal option for stiff goods packaging. Also, it is developed for retail goods packaging, jewelry packaging, cosmetic goods packaging, and point-of-purchase displays. F-flue makes packaging with low fiber content and with reduced fiber in packaging, rigid box is created with less solid waste. 

What to Consider When Selecting the Right Flute Type? 

Before going for the appropriate corrugated packaging flute type, you need to consider some essential factors like product weight, printing requirements, and fragility. The following are some essential things to keep in mind: 

• In retail packaging where you want exceptional print quality and crush-resistant features, go for B flute and E flute corrugated packaging. 
• For fragile products/ items, consider using A flute. 
• For packaging that requires additional support and fragility, consider using the A flute and the C flute. 
• For luxury product packaging with high-end printing capability, F-flute is the best option. 

Final Ideas!

The world of corrugated packaging may seem complex, but understanding the different flute types is essential. By considering factors like product weight, desired protection level, and budget, you can choose the ideal flute for your needs. 

From the ultra-thin F flute for lightweight items to the robust A & B flutes for heavy-duty applications, you need to go for the perfect corrugated packaging solution. With the right knowledge, you can ensure your products are safe, secure, and ready to impress your customers.