Corrugated cardboard: what it is, types, application

Corrugated cardboard - this is the most popular material for packaging goods, things, household appliances and confectionery products. It is made from coarse raw materials and waste paper using the same technology as paper. At least one of the inner layers is corrugated. This gives the material cushioning and shock-proof properties. Layers of smooth and corrugated cardboard are glued together. The packaging is strong and retains its shape well.

Types of corrugated cardboard by the number of layers

Corrugated board consists of several layers, in which alternate smooth sheets - mat board and corrugated cloth - fluting board. In gift boxes or branded packages there is a board topliner - the top layer of smooth board, on which the prints and texts. Types of corrugated board by the number of layers and their application:

• Two-layer corrugated cardboard consists of smooth and corrugated cardboard. The stiffness of the sheet is not high, so it is often used as a cushion between fragile items or placed at the bottom of boxes.
• Three-layer corrugated cardboard is most often used for packaging. It has smooth sheets on the outside and a corrugated layer on the inside. The boxes are strong, well-shaped and lightweight.
• Five-layer corrugated cardboard consists of alternating smooth and corrugated layers. The box is rigid, can withstand the weight of household appliances.
• Seven-layer corrugated cardboard is made of four smooth and three corrugated layers. It is used to make packaging for oversized goods.

Types of mat board for corrugated cardboard

If the composition of the material is 80% pulp and few impurities - it is a strong cardboard with an aesthetically attractive surface. It is called Kraft-liner. Also smooth cardboard materials are bleached.

Test linerboard is cardboard made from recycled raw materials and waste paper. It absorbs glue and moisture resistant impregnations well. Its strength is lower than kraft linerboard because of its low cellulose content.

Smooth cardboard has this marking depending on what color the material:

• K - kraft cardboard beige color.
• BW - topliner for the exterior of the box in white.
• MK - the material consists of a mixture of bleached and unbleached cellulose fibers.
• WT - a smooth layer with a chalk coating.
• C - cardboard made from waste paper.

Types of corrugated

Corrugated board differs in the height of the wave, as indicated by the marking:

• A - fluting board with a high wave. It has the highest cushioning properties.
• B - fluting board with a below average wave is used for packaging of goods which do not have high shock absorption requirements - household goods, household chemicals, sewing accessories, etc.
• C - fluting board with a medium wave is the most popular, since it is suitable for most goods.
• E - micro corrugated board, used for packaging under fragile items. This material is used to create boxes of complex shapes.

Corrugated cardboard is chosen in accordance with what items you need packaging for. If important are attractive decorative properties, use kraft cardboard or cardboard with topliner. The strength is determined by the number of layers, cushioning properties by the type of wave fluting board.