Corrugated cardboard explained – get to know the material and its variants
Corrugated cardboard explained – get to know the material and its variants
Corrugated cardboard is one of the most widely used packaging materials in business – from small webshops to large logistics centres. It is lightweight, strong and environmentally friendly, and can be adapted to almost any form of product protection. In this article, you’ll get an overview of how corrugated cardboard is constructed, the types available, and what you should consider when choosing the right material for your company’s needs.
The article presents a selection of corrugated cardboard products representing different qualities, thicknesses and areas of application. The aim is to provide an overview of the most common variants and their properties, so you can easily assess which type best suits your packaging and logistics needs. The information is based on publicly available product descriptions from manufacturers and retailers and is summarised to provide a clear and practical overview.
Factors to consider when buying corrugated cardboard
When choosing corrugated cardboard, it’s important to consider strength, weight, environmental impact and intended use. Here are some of the key factors you should keep in mind.
1. Quality and flute type
Corrugated cardboard comes in several grades, typically indicated by letters such as E, B, C or BC flute. These designations describe the flute height and thus the material’s strength and shock absorption. A fine flute (E) provides a smooth surface and is suitable for smaller packages, while a coarser flute (C or BC) offers extra protection for heavier or more fragile goods.
2. Layers and construction
Corrugated cardboard can be single-, double- or triple-walled. Single-walled types are often used for lighter products, while double- and triple-walled variants provide increased stability and protection during transport. The more layers, the better the resistance to pressure and moisture.
3. Environment and recyclability
Most types of corrugated cardboard are made from recycled paper and can be recycled again after use. If sustainability is a priority, you can choose FSC-certified corrugated cardboard, which ensures responsible forestry and environmentally friendly production.
4. Customisation and formats
Corrugated cardboard is available as sheets, rolls and ready-made boxes. Rolls offer flexibility for protecting products of various sizes, while sheets and boxes are ideal for standardised packing processes. Consider how the material will be used in your packing process and choose the format accordingly.
5. Price and volume
The price depends on quality, thickness and quantity. Larger purchases often result in a lower unit price, so it pays to plan your needs in advance. Also remember to consider storage space – especially when buying large rolls or pallets of sheets.
Products in focus
This roll of brown corrugated cardboard is made as a single-layer material that combines corrugated and liner paper to achieve strength and flexibility. With a width of 150 cm and a length of 70 metres, it provides good coverage for larger items or longer series of packing tasks.
The corrugated cardboard is suitable for protecting products against shocks, pressure, and scratches during transport and storage. It can be used as wrapping material, as an interlayer between products, or as a protective layer in boxes and pallets.
The material is developed with a focus on durability and resistance to perforation. It is also produced under quality management according to ISO 9001 and with environmental and energy management according to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, supporting sustainable production.
The manufacturer behind the product is Antalis, known for packaging and paper products for commercial use.
- Large roll width: 150 cm allows for wrapping of larger items.
- Long roll length: 70 metres per roll ensures efficient use in production and packing.
- Single-layer construction: Combination of corrugated and liner paper provides strength and flexibility.
- Brown colour: Classic appearance that suits most packaging purposes.
- Certified production: Manufactured under ISO 9001, 14001, and 50001 standards.
Pros and cons
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Pros and cons
Pros
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
Cons
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Pros
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
Cons
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Specifications
- Item number: 202.0150
- Colour: Brown
- Type: Single-layer corrugated cardboard
- Width: 150 cm
- Length: 70 m
- Manufacturer: Antalis
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001
- Packaging tax: 21.12 DKK
This corrugated cardboard comes as a roll with a width of 70 cm and a length of 70 metres. The material has a characteristic wavy structure that provides natural cushioning and protects fragile items from shocks and pressure during transport or storage.
The paper is made in a grey-brown shade and can easily be cut to the desired sizes, making it flexible for many types of applications – from wrapping goods to protecting surfaces.
Corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly choice as it is biodegradable and recyclable. This makes it a sustainable alternative to plastic-based packaging materials.
The material is robust and suitable for most common packaging tasks but should be kept dry as moisture can weaken the cardboard structure.
- Width: 70 cm
- Length: 70 metres per roll
- Material: Grey-brown corrugated cardboard
- Function: Protection and wrapping of items
- Environmentally friendly choice: Biodegradable and recyclable
Pros and cons
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros and cons
Pros
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
Cons
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
Cons
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Specifications
- Product name: Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
- Item number: 8-21964
- Manufacturer: Various
- Width: 70 cm
- Length: 70 metres
- Quantity: 1 roll
- Colour: Grey-brown
- EAN: 7350010440413
Product descriptions
This roll of brown corrugated cardboard is made as a single-layer material that combines corrugated and liner paper to achieve strength and flexibility. With a width of 150 cm and a length of 70 metres, it provides good coverage for larger items or longer series of packing tasks.
The corrugated cardboard is suitable for protecting products against shocks, pressure, and scratches during transport and storage. It can be used as wrapping material, as an interlayer between products, or as a protective layer in boxes and pallets.
The material is developed with a focus on durability and resistance to perforation. It is also produced under quality management according to ISO 9001 and with environmental and energy management according to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, supporting sustainable production.
The manufacturer behind the product is Antalis, known for packaging and paper products for commercial use.
- Large roll width: 150 cm allows for wrapping of larger items.
- Long roll length: 70 metres per roll ensures efficient use in production and packing.
- Single-layer construction: Combination of corrugated and liner paper provides strength and flexibility.
- Brown colour: Classic appearance that suits most packaging purposes.
- Certified production: Manufactured under ISO 9001, 14001, and 50001 standards.
Pros and cons
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Pros and cons
Pros
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
Cons
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Pros
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Large roll width and length provide flexibility
- Produced under certified quality and environmental standards
- Can be recycled as cardboard material
Cons
- Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants
- Requires storage space due to the size of the roll
Specifications
- Item number: 202.0150
- Colour: Brown
- Type: Single-layer corrugated cardboard
- Width: 150 cm
- Length: 70 m
- Manufacturer: Antalis
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001
- Packaging tax: 21.12 DKK
This corrugated cardboard comes as a roll with a width of 70 cm and a length of 70 metres. The material has a characteristic wavy structure that provides natural cushioning and protects fragile items from shocks and pressure during transport or storage.
The paper is made in a grey-brown shade and can easily be cut to the desired sizes, making it flexible for many types of applications – from wrapping goods to protecting surfaces.
Corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly choice as it is biodegradable and recyclable. This makes it a sustainable alternative to plastic-based packaging materials.
The material is robust and suitable for most common packaging tasks but should be kept dry as moisture can weaken the cardboard structure.
- Width: 70 cm
- Length: 70 metres per roll
- Material: Grey-brown corrugated cardboard
- Function: Protection and wrapping of items
- Environmentally friendly choice: Biodegradable and recyclable
Pros and cons
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros and cons
Pros
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
Cons
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros
- Effective protection against shocks and pressure
- Can be adjusted in size as needed
- Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
- Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
Cons
- Should be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
- Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Specifications
- Product name: Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
- Item number: 8-21964
- Manufacturer: Various
- Width: 70 cm
- Length: 70 metres
- Quantity: 1 roll
- Colour: Grey-brown
- EAN: 7350010440413
Different types of corrugated cardboard
Corrugated cardboard comes in many variants, each with specific properties and areas of use. The choice depends on what type of products you need to protect and how they will be transported or stored.
1. Single-wall corrugated cardboard
The most common type, consisting of one fluted layer and two flat paper layers. It is flexible, lightweight and suitable for general shipping of moderately weighted goods. Single-wall corrugated cardboard is often used for boxes, wrapping and interlayers.
2. Double-wall corrugated cardboard
Double-wall corrugated cardboard has two fluted layers and three flat layers, providing extra strength and shock absorption. It is typically used for heavier goods, export packaging and products that need to be stacked on pallets.
3. Triple-wall variants
This type consists of three fluted layers and four flat layers and is used when maximum protection is required – for example, for machine parts, furniture or fragile products. It is a robust solution that can replace wooden packaging in some cases.
4. Microflute corrugated cardboard
Microflute corrugated cardboard has very small flutes and a smooth surface, making it ideal for printing and presentation packaging. It is often used for retail packaging where both strength and aesthetics are important.
5. Corrugated cardboard on a roll
Rolled corrugated cardboard is flexible and can be used to protect irregularly shaped products. It is a practical solution for packing individual parts, furniture and products with varying dimensions.
Different brands of corrugated cardboard
The corrugated cardboard market is dominated by a number of manufacturers, each specialising in different qualities, formats and sustainability profiles.
DS Smith
DS Smith is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of corrugated cardboard and packaging solutions. They offer a wide range of standard and custom-designed products with a focus on recyclability and the circular economy.
Smurfit Kappa
Smurfit Kappa is known for innovative packaging solutions and a strong focus on sustainability. Their corrugated cardboard is available in many variants and can be customised in print, shape and strength according to customer needs.
Stora Enso
Stora Enso produces environmentally friendly corrugated cardboard based on renewable materials. The brand is popular among companies looking to reduce their CO₂ footprint without compromising on quality and strength.
Ranpak
Ranpak specialises in paper-based packaging solutions for protection and void filling. Their products are 100% recyclable and are often used as an alternative to plastic-based solutions in the e-commerce sector.
Antalis
Antalis offers a wide range of packaging materials, including corrugated cardboard in various thicknesses, formats and qualities. They focus on flexible solutions for both small and large businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is corrugated cardboard made of?
Corrugated cardboard consists of several layers of paper – one or more fluted layers (fluting) and flat layers (liner). The combination gives the material strength, flexibility and shock-absorbing properties.
What is the difference between single- and double-wall corrugated cardboard?
Single-wall corrugated cardboard has one fluted layer and is used for lighter products, while double-wall has two fluted layers and provides increased strength and protection for heavier goods or longer transports.
Can corrugated cardboard be recycled?
Yes, corrugated cardboard is one of the most recyclable packaging materials. It can be recycled many times, and most types are made from recycled paper. Just make sure it is clean and dry before sending it for recycling.
How should corrugated cardboard be stored?
Corrugated cardboard should be stored dry and flat to avoid moisture damage and deformation. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity, as this can weaken the cardboard’s structure.
Which type of corrugated cardboard is best for heavy goods?
For heavy or fragile goods, double- or triple-walled types are recommended, as they provide maximum strength and protection against pressure and impact during transport.
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