Corrugated Boxes
The backbone of shipping and logistics. Request a free, no-obligation quote for used corrugated boxes from partner suppliers.
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Why Used Corrugated Boxes?
Corrugated boxes are among the most widely used packaging materials in the world, and many are discarded after a single trip. Partner suppliers collect boxes like these, sort them by size and condition, and offer them for reuse.
A used box has lost some of its original strength, but a clean, dry box that has made one trip is often plenty for B2B shipping, internal transfers, and storage.
Reusing a box avoids making a new one, and corrugated is widely recycled where local programs accept it. Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers.
Common Size Ranges
Understanding Corrugated Construction
Corrugated board consists of one or more layers of wavy paper (fluting) sandwiched between flat liner sheets. The flute profile, liner weight, and number of walls determine the box's strength, cushioning, and cost.
Flute Types Explained
The "flute" is the wavy middle layer that gives corrugated board its strength. Different flute profiles offer different trade-offs between cushioning, crush resistance, thickness, and printability. Here are the five standard flute types used in the industry.
| Flute | Thickness | Flutes/Foot | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Flute | ~3/16" | 33-36 | Best cushioning, good stacking strength. Ideal for fragile items. |
| B-Flute | ~1/8" | 47-52 | Good crush resistance, smooth surface. Great for printing and die-cutting. |
| C-Flute | ~5/32" | 39-43 | Most versatile. Balance of cushioning, strength, and printability. |
| E-Flute | ~1/16" | 90-98 | Excellent print surface. Retail packaging, point-of-purchase displays. |
| F-Flute | ~1/32" | 125+ | Ultra-thin. Fine print quality. Small retail packaging. |
Liner Types & Board Grades
The flat outer layers of corrugated board are called liners. Liner quality directly impacts the box's burst strength, printability, and moisture resistance.
Kraft Liner
Made from virgin wood fibers. The strongest liner type with excellent burst and tear resistance. Identified by its brown color. Used for heavy-duty applications.
Test Liner
Made partly or fully from recycled fibers. Slightly lower strength than kraft but more economical. Most common for standard shipping boxes.
White Top Liner
Kraft or test liner with a white coating or layer on one side. Provides a clean surface for high-quality printing. Used for retail-facing and branded packaging.
Coated Liner
Liner with a wax, polyethylene, or other coating for moisture and grease resistance. Used in produce boxes, refrigerated shipping, and outdoor storage applications.
Wall Types & Strength
Understanding corrugated board construction
Single Wall (C-Flute)
Standard corrugated board with one layer of fluting between two liners. C-flute is the most common flute size, with a thickness of about 5/32 inch. It offers a good balance of cushioning, stacking strength, and printability.
Single Wall (B-Flute)
Thinner fluting for a smoother printing surface and good crush resistance. Common in retail and display packaging. B-flute measures about 1/8 inch thick. It has more flutes per foot than C-flute, providing a flatter surface for die-cutting and printing.
Single Wall (E-Flute)
Micro-flute construction at about 1/16 inch thick. A strong printing surface with minimal flute shadowing. Used for retail-ready packaging, pizza boxes, and point-of-purchase displays where appearance matters.
Single Wall (F-Flute)
Ultra-thin micro-flute at approximately 1/32 inch. The thinnest common flute, offering fine print quality with very little board thickness. Used for small retail boxes and cosmetic packaging.
Double Wall (BC-Flute)
Two layers of fluting for increased strength and stackability. Combines B-flute and C-flute for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. A good fit for heavier items and warehouse stacking. The most common double-wall construction.
Double Wall (EB-Flute)
Combines E-flute and B-flute layers into a thinner double wall than BC-flute. Offers more strength than single wall with a smooth surface for printing, in a slimmer board.
ECT vs. Mullen Test
Two standard tests measure corrugated box strength. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right box for your application.
ECT (Edge Crush Test)
Measures the compressive strength of corrugated board by applying force to the edge of the board until it crushes. The result is reported in pounds per linear inch (lbs/in). ECT is the primary indicator of a box's stacking strength — how much weight can be placed on top of a loaded box without it collapsing.
32 ECT: Common single-wall rating, general shipping up to 65 lbs
44 ECT: Heavy single-wall, for heavier contents
48 ECT: Common double-wall rating, up to 120 lbs
82 ECT: Triple-wall, for industrial loads
Best for: Warehouse stacking, pallet loads, consistent heavy weight on top.
Mullen Test (Burst Strength)
Measures the pressure needed to puncture or rupture the face of corrugated board. The result is reported in pounds per square inch (PSI). The Mullen test indicates how well a box resists punctures from internal or external forces — important when contents are sharp, heavy, or may shift during transit.
200 PSI: Common single-wall rating, general shipping up to 65 lbs
275 PSI: Heavy single-wall, for heavier contents
400 PSI: Double-wall, heavy or sharp contents
900 PSI: Triple-wall, for industrial loads
Best for: Sharp or irregular contents, rough handling, puncture-prone environments.
Which test should you use? If your primary concern is stacking strength (palletized loads in a warehouse), focus on ECT ratings. If your concern is puncture resistance (sharp or heavy individual items), focus on Mullen (burst) strength. These ratings describe a box when new, so allow for wear on used boxes. Look for the box maker's stamp on a bottom flap, and ask the partner supplier if you need a specific rating.
Choosing the Right Box
Consider these four factors to select the perfect corrugated box for your shipment.
Weight of Contents
This is the most critical factor. Lighter items do fine in single-wall E or B-flute. General shipments up to about 65 lbs usually go in single-wall C-flute. Heavier items call for double-wall, and the heaviest loads demand triple-wall or specialty construction. Always check the box's rating against your actual load weight.
Fragility of Contents
Fragile items need extra cushioning. Thicker flute profiles (A-flute, C-flute) provide better shock absorption. Combine with internal padding — bubble wrap, foam inserts, or kraft paper — for optimal protection. Double-wall provides an extra layer of protection for high-value fragile items.
Stacking Requirements
If boxes will be palletized and stacked in a warehouse, ECT rating is paramount. Higher ECT means more stacking capacity. Full-overlap (FOL) style boxes offer better stacking strength than standard RSC. Double-wall construction significantly increases stacking capacity for the same footprint.
Transit Time & Conditions
Longer transit times and rougher handling conditions demand stronger boxes. Ground shipping across the country with multiple transfers needs more protection than a local delivery. Consider humidity and temperature exposure too — if boxes will be exposed to moisture, use treated or coated corrugated or add a liner.
Custom Printing & Branding
Boxes through our network are mainly used, but some partner suppliers also offer custom-printed new corrugated boxes for businesses that need branded packaging. Your packaging is often the first physical touchpoint with your customer, so it is worth getting right.
Single-color flexographic printing works well for simple logos and text, while lithographic printing handles higher-quality graphics and branding. Minimums and lead times are set by each supplier.
For used boxes, branded labels and stickers can be applied over existing printing, giving you a branded look without custom-printed boxes.
Printing Options
Flexographic (Flexo)
Often 1-3 colors. Suits simple logos and longer runs.
Lithographic (Litho)
Full color. Suits photo-quality graphics.
Digital Printing
Full color. No plates needed. Suits shorter runs.
Branded Labels / Stickers
Apply to used boxes for a branded look.
Corrugated Box FAQ
Common questions about corrugated boxes, answered.
What is the difference between RSC and FOL box styles?
RSC (Regular Slotted Container) is the most common box style where all flaps are the same length and the outer flaps meet at the center. FOL (Full Overlap) has outer flaps that completely overlap each other, providing greater stacking strength and protection. FOL boxes are preferred for heavy items or long-distance shipping.
How much weight can a used corrugated box hold?
Weight capacity depends on the wall type, board rating, and condition. A common 32 ECT single-wall box is typically rated for up to 65 lbs when new, and a 48 ECT double-wall box for up to 120 lbs. Used boxes may hold less than their original rating, depending on how many trips they have made and how they were stored, so size conservatively.
Can used corrugated boxes be used for food products?
Used corrugated boxes are not suited to direct food contact, since you usually cannot know what they held before. They are more often used as outer shipping cartons for items that are already packaged. Check current regulations for your product before choosing packaging.
Can I get used boxes with custom printing?
Used boxes will typically have some existing printing from their previous use. If you need clean boxes with no print, say so in your quote request and a partner supplier can tell you what is available. Some partner suppliers also offer new corrugated boxes with custom printing, with minimums and lead times set by the supplier.
What does "multi-depth" mean for corrugated boxes?
Multi-depth boxes have pre-scored lines at multiple heights on all four sides, allowing you to fold down and cut the box to a shorter height. This is especially useful for e-commerce and fulfillment operations where you ship products of varying heights and want to minimize void space and dimensional weight charges.
How should I store used corrugated boxes?
Store boxes flat in a dry, indoor location. Keep them off the ground on pallets to prevent moisture wicking. Avoid storing near heat sources or in direct sunlight, which can dry out and weaken the corrugated material.
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