A-Flute Corrugated: What it is and When to Use It

Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the different flute sizes in corrugated with a closer look at A-flute corrugated material (you can check out our deep-dive on C-flute and E-flute, too!) But first, why does flute size matter? That’s a good question. Flute size determines a lot about your packaging solution, including strength, durability, and performance. In other words, the size and type of flute can significantly impact the functionality and suitability of the packaging for different applications. While C-flute is a good all-around option and E-flute is ideal for packaging that is more aesthetically pleasing, A-flute has its own advantages.

What is A-Flute Corrugated Packaging?

A-flute corrugated is the original flute design. Characterized by its larger size, it has a thickness of 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) and features 33-39 flutes per linear foot. For reference, the smallest size, E-flute, has a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) and features 90-98 flutes per linear foot.

A-flute provides excellent cushioning and stacking strength due to its larger flute size, making it one of the most robust options available. It’s a common packaging solution for heavy-duty shipping, industrial packaging, long distance shipping, and storage containers.

The Benefits of A-Flute Corrugated

A-flute corrugated packaging offers a number of key benefits that make it an ideal option for a number of demanding applications. Some of these benefits include:

Superior cushioning—The large flute size of A-flute provides ample space for air pockets, which act as shock absorbers. As a result, A-flute is excellent at protecting products from vibrations and impacts during transit.

Strength and durability—The robust construction of A-flute corrugated material allows boxes to withstand heavy loads and rough handling without compromising structural integrity.

Eco-friendliness—A-flute, like all corrugated material, is one of the most eco-friendly packaging materials available. Typically made from recycled materials, it is itself fully recyclable and a great way for businesses to adhere to sustainability standards.

Stackability—Due to its strength and sturdy structure, A-flute corrugated is extremely stackable. This stackability is crucial for optimizing storage space in warehouses and during transportation, ensuring that boxes can be efficiently organized and transported.

Impact Resistance—The thick, large flutes in A-flute corrugated offer excellent impact resistance. This makes it ideal for packaging items that may be subjected to rough handling or impacts during shipping.

Where Does A-Flute Corrugated Packaging Work Best?

Agriculture

A-flute corrugated is a very common packaging material used in agriculture. These boxes are ideal for packing and shipping fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to the superior cushioning that protects produce from bruising and other damage during transit.

A-flute is also used for transporting large quantities of agricultural products such as grains, nuts, and other bulk items, ensuring they remain secure and undamaged.

Distribution Centers

A-flute corrugated boxes are perfect for storing heavy or bulky items in distribution centers due to their strength and durability. Their excellent stackability also maximizes storage space, allowing distribution centers to organize and manage inventory more effectively.

eCommerce

Many eCommerce businesses use A-flute corrugated boxes to ship delicate or high-value items, such as electronics or glassware, to ensure they arrive intact. The impact resistance of A-flute boxes provides an extra layer of security for sensitive products during the shipping process, reducing the risk of returns due to damage.

Manufacturing

In manufacturing, A-flute corrugated is frequently used to ship heavy and delicate components and machinery parts, providing the cushioning and protection these parts require to maintain functional integrity. Finished products are often packed in A-flute boxes to ensure they reach customers in perfect condition, whether for direct sale or further distribution.

Retail

Many retailers use A-flute corrugated for in-store displays and packaging that needs to support heavy products while remaining visually appealing. For heavier seasonal or promotional products, A-flute boxes provide the required durability and stackability to achieve an attractive in-store display.

Wholesale

A-flute corrugated boxes are ideal for shipping large quantities of products in bulk, providing the necessary strength and cushioning for heavy loads in wholesale. In wholesale warehouses, A-flute boxes are used to store and handle products efficiently, leveraging their stackability and durability to optimize space and ensure product safety.

Axis Corrugated Supplies A-Flute Custom Corrugated Packaging

For almost 40 years, we’ve been providing customized corrugated packaging solutions at Axis Corrugated Container. With our headquarters in the Research Triangle, we’re proud to partner with businesses in North Carolina and the surrounding states to deliver durable, reliable corrugated packaging that meets specific requirements. Whether you’re looking for a robust solution that can handle a warehouse environment, or something more aesthetic and consumer-facing, we have a team of experienced engineers who can help you design the right packaging option for your products.

We also offer additional services like custom graphics, JIT shipping, and vendor managed inventory programs to be sure you receive the best and you receive it on time.

Looking for the right packaging solutions for your business? Contact us today to get started.