Corrugated cardboard – see the differences between the various types

Find the right packaging solution for your business
Businesses
Businesses
6 min
Corrugated cardboard is used in everything from e-commerce to industrial packaging. In this article, you get an overview of the different types, qualities and brands, so that you can choose the solution that best suits your company’s needs.
James Martinez
James
Martinez

Corrugated cardboard – see the differences between the various types

Find the right packaging solution for your business
Businesses
Businesses
6 min
Corrugated cardboard is used in everything from e-commerce to industrial packaging. In this article, you get an overview of the different types, qualities and brands, so that you can choose the solution that best suits your company’s needs.
James Martinez
James
Martinez

Corrugated cardboard is one of the most widely used packaging materials in business – from small online shop shipments to large industrial packages. The material is lightweight, strong and recyclable, making it a logical choice for companies seeking both practical and sustainable packaging. But not all corrugated cardboard is the same. Thickness, flute type and quality vary, and this has a major impact on how the material protects the contents.

In this article, you’ll get an overview of the key differences between types of corrugated cardboard, what to look for when choosing, and which manufacturers dominate the market.

The article presents a wide range of corrugated cardboard products representing different qualities, flute types and areas of use. The goal is to provide an informative overview of the options on the market – from light shipments to heavier goods. The information about the products is based on publicly available descriptions from manufacturers and suppliers and is summarised to give a clear picture of the most important characteristics.

Factors to consider when buying corrugated cardboard

When choosing corrugated cardboard, it’s not just about price, but also about functionality, strength and environmental considerations. Here are some of the most important factors to take into account.

1. Flute type and strength

Corrugated cardboard comes in different flute types – for example E, B, C and double flute (BC). The higher the flute height, the better the cushioning, but also the higher the weight. For light products, single flute may be sufficient, while heavier goods require double wall corrugated cardboard for optimal protection.

2. Paper quality and grammage

The quality of the paper used for corrugated cardboard varies. A higher grammage provides more strength, but also higher price and weight. Consider how much load the packaging must withstand, and then choose an appropriate quality.

3. Environment and recyclability

Most types of corrugated cardboard are made from recycled paper and can be recycled again. If your company is active in sustainability, you can choose FSC-certified cardboard or products with a high proportion of recycled material.

4. Format and customisation

Corrugated cardboard can be supplied as sheets, rolls or ready-made boxes. Sheets and rolls provide flexibility for customised packaging, while ready-made boxes save time in the packing process. Consider what best suits your production and logistics.

5. Price and delivery reliability

The price depends on both paper quality, flute type and supplier. For companies with high consumption, it may be worth entering into fixed agreements to ensure stable prices and fast delivery.

Products in focus

1
Strong protection
Corrugated cardboard 150cmx70m brown
A robust roll of brown corrugated cardboard with a width of 150 cm and a length of 70 metres, suitable for wrapping, protection, and separation of goods during transport and storage.
Why it was chosen: The product represents a standard solution in packaging for protection and wrapping. It was chosen to illustrate a classic example of single-layer corrugated cardboard with large width and length, used in many types of businesses.

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 packaging work.

The corrugated cardboard is suitable for protecting products against shocks, pressure, and scratches during transport and storage. It can be used as packaging 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, to support sustainable production.

The manufacturer behind the product is Antalis, known for packaging and paper products for commercial use.

  • Large roll width: 150 cm makes it possible to wrap larger items.
  • Long roll length: 70 metres per roll ensures efficient use in production and packaging.
  • Single-layer construction: Combination of corrugated and liner paper provides strength and flexibility.
  • Brown colour: Classic appearance that suits most packaging purposes.
  • Certified production: Produced under ISO 9001, 14001 and 50001 standards.

Pros and cons

  • Suitable for many types of packaging work
  • 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 work
  • 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 work
  • 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: The material is suitable for many types of packaging work, as the large roll width and length provide flexibility, it is produced under certified quality and environmental standards, and can also be recycled as cardboard material.
Cons: Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants and also requires extra storage space due to the size of the roll.
Pros: The material is suitable for many types of packaging work, as the large roll width and length provide flexibility, it is produced under certified quality and environmental standards, and can also be recycled as cardboard material.
Cons: Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants and also requires extra storage space due to the size of the roll.

Specifications

  • Article 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 fee: 21.12 DKK
2
Flexible packaging solution
Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
A grey-brown corrugated cardboard in roll format with a width of 70 cm and a length of 70 metres, suitable for wrapping and protecting items during transport or storage.
Why it was chosen: The product was selected as an example of classic corrugated cardboard that combines robustness, flexibility, and environmental friendliness. It represents a standard solution in packaging for both private and commercial purposes.

This corrugated cardboard is supplied 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 size, making it flexible for many types of use – from wrapping goods to protecting surfaces.

Corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly choice because 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 must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
  • Must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks

Cons

  • Must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks

Cons

  • Must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
  • Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros: The material provides effective protection against shocks and pressure, can be adapted as needed, is environmentally friendly and recyclable, and suitable for many types of packaging tasks.
Cons: It must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material and is not suitable for damp or wet environments.
Pros: The material provides effective protection against shocks and pressure, can be adapted as needed, is environmentally friendly and recyclable, and suitable for many types of packaging tasks.
Cons: It must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material and is not suitable for damp or wet environments.

Specifications

  • Product name: Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
  • Article number: 8-21964
  • Manufacturer: Various
  • Width: 70 cm
  • Length: 70 metres
  • Quantity: 1 roll
  • Colour: Grey-brown
  • EAN: 7350010440413

Product descriptions

1
Strong protection
Corrugated cardboard 150cmx70m brown
A robust roll of brown corrugated cardboard with a width of 150 cm and a length of 70 metres, suitable for wrapping, protection, and separation of goods during transport and storage.
Why it was chosen: The product represents a standard solution in packaging for protection and wrapping. It was chosen to illustrate a classic example of single-layer corrugated cardboard with large width and length, used in many types of businesses.

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 packaging work.

The corrugated cardboard is suitable for protecting products against shocks, pressure, and scratches during transport and storage. It can be used as packaging 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, to support sustainable production.

The manufacturer behind the product is Antalis, known for packaging and paper products for commercial use.

  • Large roll width: 150 cm makes it possible to wrap larger items.
  • Long roll length: 70 metres per roll ensures efficient use in production and packaging.
  • Single-layer construction: Combination of corrugated and liner paper provides strength and flexibility.
  • Brown colour: Classic appearance that suits most packaging purposes.
  • Certified production: Produced under ISO 9001, 14001 and 50001 standards.

Pros and cons

  • Suitable for many types of packaging work
  • 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 work
  • 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 work
  • 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: The material is suitable for many types of packaging work, as the large roll width and length provide flexibility, it is produced under certified quality and environmental standards, and can also be recycled as cardboard material.
Cons: Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants and also requires extra storage space due to the size of the roll.
Pros: The material is suitable for many types of packaging work, as the large roll width and length provide flexibility, it is produced under certified quality and environmental standards, and can also be recycled as cardboard material.
Cons: Single-layer corrugated cardboard provides less shock absorption than multi-layer variants and also requires extra storage space due to the size of the roll.

Specifications

  • Article 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 fee: 21.12 DKK
2
Flexible packaging solution
Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
A grey-brown corrugated cardboard in roll format with a width of 70 cm and a length of 70 metres, suitable for wrapping and protecting items during transport or storage.
Why it was chosen: The product was selected as an example of classic corrugated cardboard that combines robustness, flexibility, and environmental friendliness. It represents a standard solution in packaging for both private and commercial purposes.

This corrugated cardboard is supplied 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 size, making it flexible for many types of use – from wrapping goods to protecting surfaces.

Corrugated cardboard is an environmentally friendly choice because 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 must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks
  • Must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks

Cons

  • Must 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 adapted as needed
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable material
  • Suitable for many types of packaging tasks

Cons

  • Must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material
  • Not suitable for damp or wet environments
Pros: The material provides effective protection against shocks and pressure, can be adapted as needed, is environmentally friendly and recyclable, and suitable for many types of packaging tasks.
Cons: It must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material and is not suitable for damp or wet environments.
Pros: The material provides effective protection against shocks and pressure, can be adapted as needed, is environmentally friendly and recyclable, and suitable for many types of packaging tasks.
Cons: It must be stored dry to avoid weakening of the material and is not suitable for damp or wet environments.

Specifications

  • Product name: Corrugated cardboard, W: 70 cm, 70 m/ 1 roll.
  • Article 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 varieties, each with its own advantages depending on the area of use.

1. Single wall corrugated cardboard

Single wall corrugated cardboard consists of two layers of flat paper with a fluted layer in between. It is light and flexible, making it ideal for smaller shipments and products that do not require heavy protection.

2. Double wall corrugated cardboard

Double wall corrugated cardboard has two fluted layers and three flat layers. It provides extra strength and shock absorption and is usually used for heavier goods or transport over longer distances.

3. Microflute corrugated cardboard

Microflute corrugated cardboard (E-flute) has very small flutes and a smooth surface, making it well suited for printing and presentation packaging. It is often used for retail packaging where appearance is important.

4. Kraftliner and testliner

The outer layer of corrugated cardboard can be made of kraftliner (new fibres) or testliner (recycled paper). Kraftliner provides higher strength and better moisture resistance, while testliner is a more economical and environmentally friendly choice.

Different brands of corrugated cardboard

The market for corrugated cardboard is dominated by both international groups and local manufacturers, each with their own areas of focus.

Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa is one of the world’s largest producers of corrugated cardboard packaging solutions. They offer a wide range, from standard boxes to customised solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

DS Smith

DS Smith is known for combining functionality with environmental considerations. Their products are often made from recycled paper and developed with a focus on efficient logistics and reduced material consumption.

Stora Enso

Stora Enso produces corrugated cardboard with a focus on circular economy and sustainable raw materials. They offer both standard products and customised packaging for industry.

Ranpak

Ranpak specialises in environmentally friendly packaging solutions and offers corrugated cardboard and paper-based alternatives to plastic void fill. Their products are often used as protective fill in shipments.

Antalis

Antalis is a major distributor of packaging materials, including corrugated cardboard in many formats and qualities. They supply both small and large companies with a focus on flexibility and fast delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between single and double wall corrugated cardboard?

Single wall corrugated cardboard is lighter and more flexible, while double wall corrugated cardboard provides more strength and better protection against impact. The choice depends on how heavy and fragile your product is.

Can corrugated cardboard be recycled?

Yes, corrugated cardboard is 100% recyclable and can be used in the production of new cardboard. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for companies that want to reduce waste and CO₂ footprint.

Which flute type is best for shipments?

For standard shipments, B- or C-flute corrugated cardboard is often sufficient. For heavier goods or export, double wall corrugated cardboard (BC) is recommended, as it provides extra strength and stability.

How should corrugated cardboard be stored?

Corrugated cardboard should be stored dry and at room temperature to avoid moisture damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity, as this can weaken the material.

Is corrugated cardboard suitable for food packaging?

Yes, certain types of corrugated cardboard are approved for contact with food. However, it is important to choose products that meet current food standards and certifications.