Understanding Cardboard Box Grades: Single Wall vs. Double Wall

When it comes to cartons, not all are created equal. Choosing the right cardboard grade is crucial to ensure your carton performs as required. At Imperial Cartons, we’re here to guide you through the process, helping you select the best option for your specific needs.

The two most important factors in the successful performance of a corrugated carton are its structural design and the grade of cardboard used. When working with Imperial Cartons, we guide you through both of these critical factors to ensure your product is protected, presented, and maintained in the condition you expect.

Board grade refers to the thickness (known as flute) and strength (known as grammage) of the paper used to create the combined board grade. There are various flute types (thicknesses) and multiple grammages within each flute.

Different flutes have unique applications. Some are designed for stacking strength, others for burst capability, and some are determined by the size of the carton you need. We will advise you on the best flute for your application.

Within each flute type, you can also have varying grammages of paper, which can make the same sheet of cardboard feel stronger or weaker depending on the grammage used.

Single Wall

The most common construction in the cardboard industry is the Single Wall board. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, known as flutes, and within each flute size, there are different strengths. Whether you're packing lightweight items or need a simple shipping box, Single Wall boards are often the go-to solution.

Single Wall refers to a sheet of board made up using 3 separate liners, those being:

Double Wall

Double Wall refers to a sheet of board made up of five layers of paper, including two corrugated mediums, as shown in the illustration below. Essentially, it is a Single Wall construction doubled—hence the name Double Wall.

Selecting Grade and Flute

Choosing the appropriate grade and flute for your packaging needs can be a complex decision, but we’re here to simplify it for you. Several factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance, including:

• Product Characteristics: What is being packed?

• Storage Conditions: How and where will the product be stored?

• Transportation Methods: How will the product be transported?

• Required Protection: What level of protection is necessary?

• Climatic Conditions: Will the product be exposed to specific conditions, such as freezer storage or moisture?

Each flute type offers unique benefits, such as stacking strength or burst capability. Within each flute, there are also various paper strengths (grammages) to choose from.

Let’s start a conversation

At Imperial Cartons, we take the time to understand your unique requirements to recommend the ideal combination for your proposed solution. This ensures your packaging not only meets your needs but performs reliably under the conditions it will face.

Get in touch with us today so we can guide you through the process.