Weight Matters: Choosing Cardboard for Heavy Goods

Packaging goes beyond size and shape. When it comes to the logistics of delivery, you also need to consider how you can successfully deliver goods free from damage. With heavy goods such as machinery, electronics or furniture, selecting the correct type of cardboard and fluting can significantly affect the efficiency and safety of the delivery process.

Before choosing the right cardboard packaging for your goods, you’ll need to understand more about the different grades and fluting types of manufactured cardboard boxes and how these can affect your goods in transit.

Understanding Cardboard Box Grades

You might think cardboard boxes are all the same, but they actually can vary significantly. The reason why cardboard is often the material of choice for packaging is because it’s so durable; there’s a cardboard box out there to suit all manner of products. Whether you’re shipping cosmetics or car parts, cardboard boxes are effective, sustainable and often affordable to ship.

Cardboard, also known as corrugated cardboard, comes in various grades that determine its strength, durability and overall quality. These grades are typically categorised as single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall, each offering a different level of protection for the enclosed goods.

Single-Wall

This grade consists of a single layer of corrugated material sandwiched between two flat layers. It's commonly used for lighter items and offers basic protection. While it might suffice for small and lightweight goods, it's not the best choice for heavy items that require extra support.

Double-Wall

According to Beyond The Box, ‘this type of cardboard is created by gluing two single-faced corrugated webs together and laminating them to a liner web’. Heavy goods benefit from the added protection, making double-wall cardboard a preferred choice for items that need extra support during transit.

Triple-Wall

This is the highest-grade cardboard, offering three layers of corrugated material and four flat layers. Triple-wall cardboard is designed to withstand substantial weight and provide maximum protection. It's suitable for extremely heavy goods or items that are highly sensitive to impact and compression.

Alongside this grading system, corrugated cardboard boxes also contain fluting. Fluting is the wavy layer that’s placed between the flat layers of cardboard. Believe it or not, this can also vary, with each wave bringing a different level of protection to the goods inside. These directly influence the packaging's ability to withstand the rigours of the delivery process.

A-Flute

This fluting type has larger waves and provides excellent cushioning, making it suitable for delicate items that need to be protected from sudden movements. Its cushioning effect makes it a good choice for heavy goods that are prone to impacts.

B-Flute

B-Flute has smaller waves and offers better compression strength compared to A-Flute. It strikes a balance between cushioning and strength, making it suitable for a wide range of heavy goods. This fluting type is commonly used for packaging electronics, appliances, and furniture.

C-Flute

With even smaller waves than B-Flute, C-Flute provides the highest compression strength among the common fluting types. It's capable of withstanding heavy weights and is ideal for bulky items susceptible to pressure. This fluting type is often chosen for industrial equipment and machinery.

The above are just a few examples of fluting used in cardboard. It’s also common to combine flutes for extra support and protection. Due to the variety of options available, you must speak with an experienced cardboard box manufacturer to ensure you invest in the right packaging for your items.

Delivery of Heavy Goods

Proper packaging not only ensures the safety of the goods during transit but also affects the efficiency of logistics operations. Choosing the right cardboard grade and fluting type will have a direct impact on the delivery process. This is because the right combination ensures adequate protection from external forces such as impacts, vibrations and compression which reduces the likelihood of damage during transit. When items are damaged, your bottom line is directly impacted through costly returns and replacements. Not to mention the damage done to the environment with unwanted, faulty and damaged goods that often end up in landfill.

Of course, cost-efficiency also has to be considered when choosing the right materials for your packaging. It’s essential to strike a balance between protection and cost. Choosing the right cardboard grade and fluting type tailored to the specific weight and fragility of the goods can help optimise the packaging process and minimise expenses. Making informed decisions about packaging ultimately leads to a smoother delivery process, satisfied customers and a more streamlined supply chain.

If you need some assistance in choosing the right packaging for your goods, get in touch with one of our team today. 

James Palfrey-Smith is the Commercial Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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