What is the difference between a single wall box and a double wall box?
Corrugated cardboard is made up of a fluted paper sheet which is placed between two sheets of liner paper; an inner and an outer layer. It is the size of the ‘flute’ and the weight of the paper that determine the strength and performance of the board, and therefore the box. Corrugated cardboard is sold in a variety of manners; single facing, single-wall, double-wall and triple-wall. In this article, we’ll be concentrating on the commonly sold stock box constructions of single and double-wall.
Single Wall Cardboard Boxes are most commonly used for packaging lightweight products and are perfect for sending through the postal system.
Contrary to common belief, single wall boxes can vary considerably in quality. If you were to compare several single wall boxes that are of the same dimensional size, you’ll discover that there are some surprising differences in their strength.
A single wall box is constructed using three layers of paper that are glued using starch into one single, sturdy sheet. The interior layer, called flutes or waves (the squiggly bit), play the biggest role in determining the box’s strength.
When determining which flute would be suitable for your requirements, there are many factors to be taken into consideration. Each flute has properties that may be better suited to certain packaging requirements over another.
Flutes are available in a variety of thicknesses and are identified by the use of alphabetic letters. For example, shorter flutes such as Z-flute can withstand crushing much better than the taller fluted boxes (such as C-flute). However, it’s also important to understand that the shorter flutes don’t absorb shock as well as the taller flutes. To gain further understanding of fluting and paperweights, you can check out our previous post on Understanding Corrugated Cardboard or our new blog Are Corrugated Cardboard Boxes Recyclable?
Single-wall is the most commonly used type of corrugated shipping case for online merchants, as they’re a cheaper alternative to double-wall versions, yet still, provide enough rigidity and shock absorption to protect the contents of the goods inside
Double Walled Cardboard Boxes are constructed using two layers of corrugated cardboard (flutes), with a liner board facing between them. This 5-ply construction provides added strength and stability.
Corrugated cases constructed in double-wall are better suited for heavier weighted or higher value items, which demand a greater strength from the board. The double fluting also adds greater protection, by providing a strong cushioning effect, absorbing any shock which may occur during transit.
The greater rigidity provided by heavy duty cardboard boxes makes them the ideal choice for items that require longer-term stacking storage and are perfect for house moving or archiving.
