What are the E Flute and B Flute? Which Suits Your Packaging Needs?

What are flutes? Flutes, also called corrugation, are the wavy layer inside cardboard that adds strength to your packaging. These wavy layers are glued between flat sheets of paperboard; this makes corrugated board. Flutes help boxes maintain their shape and protect the contents by adding padding. How do flutes help in packaging? They add strength and support, allowing the box to hold lightweight to heavy items. These also give structure and protection, making your custom boxes more resistant to crushing and puncturing. What about the type of flutes? There are different types of flutes, including A, B, C, E, and F. Each of these is different in appearance and characteristics. As there are different types, it is easy to choose any type according to your needs, but before making a final decision, read this blog in detail.

In this blog, we will walk through the E flute and B flute, their comparison, and which one can be perfect for your business needs. Before going to explore them in detail, first, we will discuss the importance of flute structure. Start learning with me!

The Importance of Flute Structure in Custom Packaging

The flute structure in corrugated cardboard boxes plays a key role in determining the durability and protection of the inside contents. Therefore, you must have clarity about the products so that you can choose the flutes accordingly. Whether you pack skincare, apparel, and food, your decision should be wise. The flute’s size and material affect the box’s strength and cushioning. If you have a well-designed flute structure box, what impact can it create? A well-designed flute structure can absorb shocks, reduce damage and returns, and ensure safe transportation. It also has a positive impact on the brand’s reputation, sales, and customer satisfaction.

By choosing the right flute structure, businesses can increase their product protection and improve customer satisfaction. Keep in mind, friends, that effective flute design is essential for reliable and efficient custom packaging that will last longer. You can see these flutes in different thickness levels because they are prepared according to the product type. You can get an idea of how important these are. So be wise in that matter. Now, we will learn about E and B flutes.

What is the E Flute?

Ready to know about the E flute? It is thin, about 1/16 inch (1.2 to 2.0 mm) thick. It has around 90 small flutes per foot. It makes the surface of the box smooth and is a great choice for high-quality printing. Explore some key characteristics and uses with me.

Key Features

• Excellent choice for printing & graphics
• Perfect pic for custom die-cut designs
• Gives an attractive appearance

Common Uses

• Retail packaging
• Cosmetic and pharmaceutical packing needs
• Good choice for gift packaging

What Is the B Flute?

This is the second type of flute. It is thicker than the E flute. It has a height of about 1/8 inch (2.4 to 3.0 mm) and around 49 flutes per foot. It is stronger and provides excellent cushioning, making it a good choice for packing heavier or more fragile items. For example, if you are running a brand like jewelry, you can choose such a type of flute. Below are the key core features and uses:  

Notable Features

• Stronger type than E flute
• Good print surface
• High stacking strength
• Perfect choice for shipping needs
• Good crushing resistance
• Perfect to display items on the shelf or counters
• Lightweight and space-saving

Popular Uses

• Use for long distances or transportation
• Ideal for packing sensitive items
• Point-of-sale displays
• Cost-efficient
• Optimized for shipping needs

Do you want to know a fact about these flutes? E and B flutes are both single wall board types. At the same time, the E/F flute and the E/B flute are double wall board types.

Single, Double, and Triple Wall: How Do They Differ?

• ‍Single Wall Board

It is lightweight and cost-effective, consisting of one fluted layer and two liners. It is suitable for retail settings and shipping lightweight items.

• ‍Double Wall Board

It is durable and consists of two fluted layers and three liners. This is frequently chosen for heavier items, ideal for longer distances.

• Triple Wall Board

This is the strongest type, consisting of three fluted layers and four liners. It is specially used in industrial packaging.

Quick Comparison: E Flute vs B Flute

Flute is classified based on the thickness of the fluted (corrugated) paper layer. Below is a quick comparison for your ease:

How to Choose the Right Flute Type for Your Business? What You Need to Know?

As numerous businesses are operating in the industry, it is essential to craft custom packaging accordingly by selecting the right and exact flute type. When you are in the process of choosing the flutes, what should you consider, and which should you pick? You need to do proper research. Here are some specific factors that you should keep in mind. Now, I am going to share some factors that will help you to pick the right one. Tie up your seatbelt and explore it with me:

• Nature of the Product

For fragile items, choose stronger corrugated combinations such as B/C or E/C flute. These are good to provide better cushioning and protection during transportation, reducing the risk of breakage. Moreover, it will also decrease the return rate. Their thickness and durability make them ideal for enclosing delicate products that need more support and shock absorption.

• Weight of Your Product

As we know, some items are lightweight, and some are heavy. According to their weight, the box should be customized because the weight influences your flute selection. Let’s categorise the product’s weight into three categories: lightweight, medium, and heavy.

Heavier products require thicker, stronger flute types like B flute. Why? These flutes offer better stacking strength and protection and are capable of withstanding the weight of heavy items without the fear of damage.

Next to the lightweight items, a thinner flute, such as an E flute, is a more suitable choice. This is a cost-effective choice ideal for businesses that are selling lighter products. Don’t worry; it also provides adequate protection and reaches the customer’s doorstep easily.

If you have a medium-weight item, then the B/C flute is a go-to choice. This flute type also ensures safety over long distances.

This makes you understand how important the weight of the item is.

What do you need to do? 

You need to contact the right suppliers and customize the jewelry boxes, printed apparel packaging, and wholesale cosmetic boxes accordingly.

• Size of the Box Packaging

Do you know that the size of the packaging can also create a significant impact on your choice of flute type? Okay, let’s explore that fact. Larger custom boxes require a sturdier and stronger flute type. What’s the reason behind it? It is mandatory to maintain the structural integrity.

On the other hand, smaller containers can usually use a thinner flute, like an E flute. It’s compact but still provides enough protection.

Therefore, keep in mind the size of your packaging so that protection remains well and end-consumers become happy while seeing that.

• Environmental Considerations

In this fast-paced environment, sustainability has become an important factor. Most of the businesses are accepting it and moving towards it. Therefore, choosing an eco-friendly flute type can help reduce your environmental impact. So, what are you thinking right now? Go with the right kind of flutes. Moreover, if you are in a business that emphasizes eco-friendly practices and wants to be a part of the eco-conscious world, using recycled materials and selecting the proper flute for recyclability will resonate well with your customers. It also enhances your brand image and helps your brand achieve early success.

• Printing Needs for Your Brands

If your custom printed packaging requires high-quality printing or branding, the smoothness of the flute surface is crucial. E flute is particularly suitable for high-quality printing because it provides a smoother surface compared to thicker flutes. This allows your logo, brand name, designs, and text to appear sharp and vibrant. On the other hand, a B flute may not provide the same level of print clarity, but they are ideal for heavy-duty protection.

• Cost-Effectiveness

Every brand owner always considers the costs. They look for ways how they can cut costs. Remember, flute selection can significantly impact your packaging budget. Every flute varies in cost according to its thickness and sturdy nature. It’s up to you to decide which type you consider, according to your budget. If you work with the right partner, you can make your printed packaging wholesale cost-effective.  

Thinner flutes, like E flutes, are typically more affordable and are often used for lightweight products or retail display packaging. However, if you are shipping or storing heavy or fragile items, you should invest in a sturdier flute type, like the B flute. These are more durable stocks and can reduce the risk of damage. It helps you prevent costly returns. This is the ultimate advantage for business.

Always balance the cost of packaging with the level of protection needed for your product.

• Product’s Presentation & Customer Experience

The image of the brand plays a key role. Same as the customer experience also matters the most. As a brand owner, you should focus on the presentation because it is the key or heart of the packaging. If you are going to especially craft it for retail or high-end products, you might want to go for thinner, sleeker E flutes. These give a refined and elegant feel that customers will appreciate. Moreover, for a more sturdy appearance, the B flute is better suited for larger boxes that require both protection and a stylish look.

• Sensitivity of the Item

Do you have sensitive items? When selling and shipping heavier and delicate items, the B flute is the better choice. It provides better cushioning and stacking strength.

• Strong Retail Fit

Want a perfect fit for your retail setting? Both B-flute and E-flute packaging are ideal choices for a retail setting when you need both good print quality and strong protection.

• Storage Space

Ready to know the perfect storage space solution? The E flute is thinner, making it a great choice when you need to save space, especially for small retail packages.

Carefully review the above factors and select those that best suit your business needs and effectively showcase your products.  

Choosing the Wrong Flute Type: What to Look For?

Picking the wrong flute type for your packaging can lead to several problems that affect both presentation and performance. Now, I am sharing a list that indicates that you have chosen the wrong type:

• The box is too big because the board is too thick.
• Printing looks bad because the flute surface is too rough.
• The custom boxes get crushed because the flutes are facing the wrong way.

If you choose the right flute type, what can you experience?

• Saves costs
• Decrease the shipping costs
• Your product safety increases
• Decrease the environmental waste

“Make a Big Difference by Selecting the Right Flute and Earn Good!”

It is a smart business move that contributes to the brand’s success.

Where to Customize E Flute & B Flute Packaging? You Should Know

Customizing E flute and B flute packaging is easier than ever. There is a wide range of packaging suppliers and manufacturers that offer custom solutions to meet your needs. But, I will recommend you join hands with BoxLark, a custom printed packaging manufacturer that specializes in corrugated boxes and custom cardboard boxes. Here, you can get full customization options, including size, shape, styles, design, finishing, and printing. You can request mockups and instant quotes. If you are a new business owner or a startup, come and visit today. Here, you will be entertained with small and large orders starting from 100 units to no end limit. BoxLark also facilitates rush orders. Order now!

Pen Off!

To cut it short, the selection between the E flute and the B flute depends on what matters most for your products and the image of the brand. Selecting the right type is essential to ensure the product’s safety, cost-effectiveness, and presentation. It also depends on the weight and sensitivity of your product. E-flute is excellent for lighter items, so customize printed packaging by picking E-flute, while B flute is a good choice for stronger and more protective packaging. Both are eco-friendly choices for eco-conscious brands. Choose wisely the type of flutes.

Contact BoxLark (BL LLC), which offers both E-flute and B-flute packaging solutions specially designed according to your product’s needs to provide it with a secure shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions