Choose the right carton for your shipping needs

Types of cartons

 Regular Slotted Cartons are industry standard. They're ideal for storage and shipping, and the most economic size is a 2:1:2 Ratio (L:W:H).

 Full Overlap Flap Slotted Case (FOLF)

This durable option is ideal for holding heavier items that may require extra protection and/or stacking. Similar to the RSC model, the only difference is the fully overlapping flaps for extra cushioning.

 Five Panel Folder (FPF)

This five panel, single-cut option is convenient for packaging either large, flat items, or long and slim items. The fifth panel acts as an extra piece of protection, overlapping the first panel, or the two ends can even meet in the middle.

 Tray with Self-Locking Ends

This flexible option can work in conjunction with other containers for transporting small or delicate parts (not for shipping by itself) and could be used for displaying items. This tray features a single board, unbroken bottom and corrugated board in the end panels.

 Half-Slotted Case (HSC)

This dynamic option allows for holding items that need to be accessed regularly and vary in height and size. Similar to the RSC model with the only difference being no top flaps at the opening.

 Snap or 1-2-3 Bottom Case

This self-assembling option allows for easy set up – simply fold the bottom panel, followed by the two end panels. The last panel folds and slides into place, creating a case that is light in weight and suitable for smaller product volumes.

How to measure a carton

A shipper/carton should always be opened and laid flat to measure the true internal dimensions. Measure crease to crease. When measuring an RSC it is very important to use the internal measurements, as the internal and external measurements of the cartons can vary depending on the thickness of the board.

For an RSC carton, measure the appropriate panels crease to crease as per the diagram above and take off the following measurement:

NOTE: Do not measure the last panel of the carton as this in generally 3mm shorter than the other panels.

*See below for Flute Thickness Definitions

 Did you know? The most economic size of RSC is a 2:1:2 Ratio (L:W:H)

Internal Dimensions: Usable space inside shipper (volume). We work to these dimensions.

External Dimensions: Outside cubic dimension of shipper used for shipping purposes, e.g. for pallets and containers. When quoting a size write as: Length x Width x Height.

Choosing the right corrugated board

Corrugated board is made up of a corrugated medium sandwiched between two liners. This medium is called fluting:

C Flute	B Flute	I Flute	Twin Cushion (BC Flute)	E Flute
4mm thick: Good stacking strength Good crushing resistance	3mm thick: Good puncture resistance Less space consumed in warehouse	2.3mm thick: Better print presentation Less space consumed in warehouse Superseding B flute soon	7mm thick A combination of B and C flute Very good crushing resistance	3mm thick: Mostly used in meat boxes or small die cuts Stronger alternative to carton board

Liners

There are a large variation of paper grammages available in the market. Here's a guide to the paper grams per square metre used by OfficeMax:

Custom cartons

Can't find the right size carton to package your goods? We can custom make cartons to meet your needs.

Choose from different board grades to provide the level of protection your goods require. We can optimise the design to meet your protection, space, product and transportation needs.

Printed cartons

Advertise your company name, brand or product by using printed cartons. A simple but effective personalised tool for your business.

Choose from a range of corrugated print options from a simple one-colour print to six colour printing, litho-laminate or flexography.

Other options available include UV and moisture barrier coatings.