Corrugated boxes are one of the most popular forms of packaging. Many businesses use them primarily for shipping or storage. This packaging contains multiple corrugated sheets, including an inner layer between two outer layers. The inner layer uses a fluted design to reinforce the strength and rigidity of the packaging. The sturdy construction can protect the contents stored inside the corrugated box.
Known for their versatility, you can customize corrugated boxes based on their shapes, sizes, and designs. The four common corrugated box styles include:
- Regular Slotted Container (RSC Box)
- Half Slotted Container (HSC Box)
- Full Overlap Container (FOL Box)
- Short Flap Container (SFC Box)
Each corrugated box style has its unique advantages. Most products often use a Regular Slotted Container, a simple and practical choice that suits many purposes. Depending on the degree of protection needed, you may benefit from another specialized corrugated container.
Let’s learn about the four popular corrugated box styles and their characteristics.
1. Regular Slotted Container (RSC Box)
A Regular Slotted Container, or RSC Box, is the most common type of box you will find. It is a standard shipping box used across many industries. There are flaps on the top and bottom of the container, which have the same length. These flaps fold and meet in the middle. You can use shipping tape to secure the flaps to keep them in place.
An RSC box is what most manufacturers and shippers are accustomed to using. It is the industry standard. While the design may be simple, this corrugated box style is popular because it protects the contents reliably. The boxes are also easy to assemble. Most businesses prefer regular slotted containers for their practicality, convenience, and ease of use.
2. Half Slotted Container (HSC Box)
A Half-Slotted Container, or HSC Box, is similar to a regular slotted container. The primary difference is that it has no flaps on top. Instead, this box is left entirely open. You may sometimes see an HSC box paired with a lid. This corrugated cardboard lid is a slightly larger tray that fits over the top and edges of the container.
Since the HSC box isn’t enclosed, you would not typically use it for general consumer shipping. However, this packaging is ideal for products shipped on pallets. Similarly, it is excellent for items that will be stacked. A stackable box is crucial in storage as it saves on space. It is also valuable in transportation, allowing companies to ship their maximum quantity of products.
The HSC box is convenient because it allows for easy retrieval of items. You can quickly grab the contents without the additional step of opening the container. This corrugated box style is popular for products that don’t require significant protection, such as shipping and storing fruits.
3. Full Overlap Container (FOL Box)
A Full Overlap Container, or FOL Box, is the strongest type of corrugated box. The top and bottom flaps overlap instead of meeting in the middle. An RSC box only has one layer of corrugated cardboard sheet on the top and bottom. In contrast, the FOL box has two layers overlapping, which means double the strength and protection. To secure the flaps, you can seal FOL boxes with staples instead of glue or tape.
A FOL box requires more cardboard material to manufacture. Typically, you wouldn’t use this corrugated box style for light objects. This packaging is suitable for heavier products. Since there are more layers, the FOL box provides better security when stacking items. The Full Overlap Container is especially useful when you need protection underneath the box.
FOL boxes are common with international shipping. The containers are more durable than other corrugated box styles, making them ideal for long-distance transportation. It is also excellent when transporting fragile objects like computers or high-cost electronics.
4. Short Flap Container (SFC Box)
A Short Flap Container, or SFC Box, has flaps on the top and bottom of the container. However, the short flaps only cover the area partially. It leaves a rectangular opening on both vertical sides. The flaps do not come together close enough for taping. If necessary, you can glue them in place.
The SFC box is one of the more affordable packaging options. The construction uses fewer materials than other corrugated box styles. Also, it has an easy assembly process and takes little time to put together. The SFC box is rare in general consumer shipping. However, businesses can use the SFC box to store long items that won’t slip out of the container.
Corrugated boxes are excellent packaging solutions for shipping, storage, and many versatile uses. You can customize them to build the exact style, size, or shape. For more information, contact Mitchel Lincoln to learn about our packaging products.
