Board Specifications: Understanding Your Foundation
The Essential Guide to Selecting the Right Packaging Materials
The right material choice is the most critical decision in packaging design, directly influencing product protection, supply chain efficiency, and brand perception. This section provides a comprehensive overview of board grades and structures, offering detailed specifications to help you make informed decisions. Delve into the core properties that define your packaging's potential.
The Components of Corrugated Board
Corrugated board is a layered composite material. Its performance is a function of the quality and combination of its three primary parts: Liners (the flat sheets) and the Fluting (the wavy centre).
Board Liners: Weight, Finish, and Composition
Liners form the interior and exterior faces of the board, governing strength, print quality, and aesthetics. Liner weights are measured in GSM (grams per square meter), indicating material density.
| Basic Finish | Composition | Characteristics & Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Kraft (K) | Virgin wood fibers (softwood pulp). | Highest strength and moisture resistance. Natural brown color. Ideal for high-performance transit packaging and outer liners for superior printability. |
| Recycled Test (T/T2/T3) | Primarily recycled fibres | More cost-effective and sustainable option. Generally used for inner liners or packaging where high-end graphics are not the priority. |
| White Option (W) | White Top (WT) or Fully Bleached (BW) | Provides a clean, bright white surface for high-quality, vivid graphics and retail presentation. Available in recycled or virgin compositions. |
Structural Fluting: Strength and Cushioning
The flute is the corrugated medium between the liners. Its size (height and number of waves) dictates the balance between cushioning, stacking strength, and print surface.
| Wall Type | Flute Profiles | Approx. Thickness | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Wall (Liner-Flute-Liner) | R, B, C, E, F | 1 mm to 4 mm. | General shipping, medium weight goods, internal fitments, and retail packaging (E & F flutes). |
| Double Wall (Liner-Flute-Liner-Flute-Liner) | EB, BC, AC | 4 mm to 9 mm | Heavy-duty shipping, high stacking requirements, and industrial components. Offers superior crush and puncture resistance. |
| Heavyweight | AC/BC | Often the strongest combinations. | Extreme protection for fragile, heavy, or high-value industrial goods; high stacking in long-term warehousing. |
Performance Metrics and Grades
Strength & Stacking Performance
| Property | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Crush Test (ECT) | Measures the edgewise compressive strength of the board. | Predicts stacking strength and maximum load capacity for palletised goods (e.g., ECT-32). |
| Bursting Strength | Measures the force required to puncture the face of the board. | Indicates the material’s ability to withstand rough handling and internal pressures. |
Cartonboard Grades (Folding Cartons)
Used where precise folding and high print quality are paramount, such as retail and primary packaging.
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FBB (Folding Boxboard): Excellent printability, high stiffness, and light weight.
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SBS (Solid Bleached Sulphate): Highest whiteness and cleanliness, premium choice for luxury and sensitive products.
From Technical Insight to Practical Performance
Our Advice Hub is designed to empower your decision-making with data-driven insights and industry expertise. Whether you are refining a new product launch or optimizing a global supply chain, our team is here to help you bridge the gap between technical theory and operational excellence. Explore our resources below or engage with our specialists to take the next step in your packaging journey.
Book a call with a PackMentor consultant to discuss your specific operational challenges.
Access our library of technical guides, blueprints, and checklists to help you benchmark your current operations.
Address component integrity, transit safety standards, and e-commerce/postal audit requirements specific to your kit type (e.g., small parts, delicate tools, liquid mediums).
Get fast, accurate pricing now. Submit specs for immediate quotes on JIT/SLA delivery and stock & serve options tailored for your initial order size.