Corrugated board and honeycomb board are widely used in shipping, protective packaging, and industrial applications. Choosing the right material depends on factors such as board thickness, cushioning, compression strength, and the weight of the packaged product.
This guide explains the most common corrugated flute types and honeycomb board thicknesses, along with their typical packaging applications, to help you choose the right material for your packaging needs.
What Is Corrugated Board?
Different corrugated flute types vary in thickness and performance, making them suitable for different packaging applications.
Common Corrugated Flute Types
| Flute Type | Thickness (mm) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| E Flute | 1.5–2 mm | Mailer boxes, retail packaging, small products |
| B-Flute | 2.5 – 3.0 | Shipping cartons, mailer boxes, retail packaging |
| C-Flute | 3.5 – 4.0 | General shipping cartons and protective packaging |
| A Flute | 4.5–5 mm | Cushioning and protective packaging |
| EB-Flute | 4.0 – 4.5 | Strong mailer boxes and protective packaging |
| BC-Flute | 6.0 – 7.0 | Heavy-duty shipping cartons and larger products |
| BCB-Flute | 9.0+ | Industrial and heavy-duty export packaging |
Honeycomb Board
It is commonly used for large, heavy, or fragile products that require additional structural support and impact protection.
Common Honeycomb Board Thicknesses
| Type | Typical Thickness (mm) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-thin Type | 5mm – 10mm | Lightweight packaging, display panels, inner liners, cushioning layers |
| Standard Type | 15mm – 30mm | Regular shipping boxes, buffer boards, pallet tops |
| Thickened Type | 40mm – 60mm | Furniture panels, door cores, machinery protection packaging |
| Heavy-duty Structural Type | 70mm – 100mm (customizable up to 150mm) | Large pallets, appliance shells, replacements for wood or foam boards |
Common Applications of Honeycomb Board
Honeycomb board is commonly used in packaging applications that require higher compression strength, impact protection, or structural support. Its lightweight construction also makes it a practical alternative to some heavier packaging materials.
Typical applications include protective panels, furniture and appliance packaging, pallet systems, product separators, edge protection, and protective inserts for large or heavy products.
Choosing the Right Material
Choose corrugated board when you need lightweight, economical, and printable packaging for regular shipping, e-commerce, or retail products. The appropriate flute type depends on the required strength, cushioning, box structure, and product weight.
Choose honeycomb board when greater compression strength, structural support, or impact protection is required, especially for furniture, appliances, machinery, pallets, and other large or heavy products.
For some packaging projects, corrugated and honeycomb materials can also be combined. For example, a corrugated outer carton can be used together with honeycomb panels or inserts to provide additional protection during transportation.
Need Help Choosing the Right Packaging Material?
If you are unsure which corrugated flute or honeycomb board thickness is suitable for your product, send us your product dimensions, weight, and shipping requirements. We can help recommend a suitable packaging structure and material for your application.