What is Carton Packaging? 4 most popular types today

Nowadays, the use of environmentally friendly packaging is more important than ever, especially as global warming becomes increasingly severe. To reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging, businesses and manufacturers are now switching to carton packaging. Carton packaging not only provides excellent product protection but is also environmentally friendly as it is made from recyclable paper. So, what is carton packaging? What are its characteristics, and how is it produced?

An Quang will help you gain more knowledge about carton packaging in the following article.

What is carton packaging?

Carton packaging is a type of packaging made from carton board, typically consisting of multiple layers to enhance durability and product protection. With advancements in production technology and the growing demand for environmental protection, carton packaging has become increasingly popular for packaging and transporting goods. In addition to these functions, carton packaging can also be printed with brand logos and slogans, helping businesses promote their brands.

Carton paper is primarily produced from natural wood pulp or through the recycling of other types of paper. Ordinary carton paper contains components such as paper, polyethylene, and aluminum, depending on the intended use, the ratio of these components may vary. The paper used for carton board must be thoroughly processed to avoid impurities that could affect the quality of the carton packaging.

How many types of carton packaging are there?

Carton packaging is a preferred packaging solution due to its sustainability and effective product protection. It includes various types, each suitable for different packaging requirements, from light to heavy. Below are some common types of carton packaging:

• • 3-layer corrugated carton: This type consists of 2 surface layers and 1 corrugated layer in between. It is a popular solution for light to medium-weight products, providing necessary protection during transportation and storage.
  • 5-layer corrugated carton: This type includes 3 surface layers alternating with 2 corrugated layers. It offers greater thickness and stronger impact resistance compared to 3-layer cartons, making it suitable for medium to large products.
  • 7-layer corrugated carton: This type consists of 4 surface layers combined with 3 corrugated layers, providing robust protection for heavy and high-value goods. It is commonly used in industries such as electronics and manufacturing.
  • 9-layer corrugated carton: This is the most premium type, comprising 5 surface layers and 4 corrugated layers. It is rarely used in Vietnam and is typically reserved for valuable products requiring extreme protection and long-term storage.

In addition to the above types, corrugated layers such as E-flute (smallest and thinnest), B-flute, C-flute, and A-flute (largest and strongest) also offer different protective characteristics depending on the product’s specific requirements. Furthermore, depending on the purpose, the outer layers can be printed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the carton packaging and help businesses promote their brands.

Advantages of carton packaging

• • Product protection: Thanks to its multi-layer structure, carton packaging effectively resists impacts and shocks, protecting the products inside.
  • Environmentally friendly: Carton packaging is made from paper, which is recyclable and biodegradable, helping to reduce plastic waste.
  • Design flexibility: Carton packaging can be easily cut, folded, and printed to suit various products. Offset or flexo printing techniques create eye-catching and professional designs.
  • Cost-effective: Compared to other packaging materials like plastic or metal, carton packaging has lower production and transportation costs, helping businesses save money.
  • Lightweight: Carton packaging is lightweight, making it easy to fold, store, and transport.

How is carton packaging produced?

The production process of carton packaging involves several meticulous steps to ensure quality, durability, and product protection. Below are the basic steps in the production process:

1. Material preparation

• • Kraft paper: This is the main material, carefully selected based on thickness, durability, and strength.
  • Corrugated layer: Corrugated paper is used to create fluted layers that enhance stiffness and impact resistance.

2. Creating the corrugated layer

• • Corrugating machine: The corrugated paper is passed through a corrugating machine to shape the flutes (typically E, B, C, or A-flute). This process creates fluted layers with different heights and densities, enhancing the packaging’s strength.

3. Combining the corrugated layer and surface paper

• • Gluing: The corrugated layers and surface paper are glued together using specialized adhesive. The laminating machine ensures tight and even bonding, preventing peeling during use.
  • Forming carton sheets: After the layers are combined, they form carton sheets with the required thickness and stiffness.

4. Adding a printed surface layer

• • Automatic laminating machine: After the carton sheets are formed, a printed layer is added to enhance the product’s aesthetic appeal.

Learn more: Automatic laminating machine

5. Cutting and shaping

• • Cutting and shaping to size: Large carton sheets are cut and shaped according to customer requirements using an automatic die-cutting machine.

Learn more: Carton die-cutting machine

6. Finishing and packaging

After quality inspection to ensure no technical defects, the finished products are neatly stacked and packaged, ready for delivery to customers.