The Evolution of Corrugated Box Flutes Is Important, and Here’s Why

Corrugated box flutes: we use them for everything from pizza boxes, various take-out containers and bakery boxes. The evolution of these flutes isn’t done, either. There are new classes of flutes emerging often for specialized needs in newer items like disposable bakeware and other eco-friendly disposables.

Corrugations have evolved from their 1856 inception in England, where corrugated paper was used in liners for those signature hats Englishmen wore way back when. In 1871, the flutes were patented for packaging needs by New Yorker, Albert Jones, and the rest is history. Although the large variety of corrugated flutes are categorized as A, B, C, E, and F flutes, they correspond to the chronological order they were created in instead of by size.

Flutes A-E are the most common – with C being the most common at 80% of the market – but now there are hybrid flutes being created that contain a mixture of the classes of flutes.

The construction of corrugated flutes is integral in the packaging process, considering its role making sure it survives transportation. Flutes that are placed inside cardboard boxes can withstand heavy weights and extreme temperatures, with the empty space located between them and under the curved arches also lending a cushion that serves as insulation as well. The curved arches are what makes them durable enough to resist any kind of pressure.

Corrugated box flutes are used in the transportation of an assortment of items today and they continue to evolve to meet the functionality needs of the shipping industry. The flutes are responsible for creating frequently used items such as pizza boxes, bakery boxes, take-out boxes, and eco-friendly disposables.