
Carton Box (Corrugated Cartons)
Material: corrugated board | Types: 3 ply, 5 ply | Style: regular slotted container (RSC) and others | Sizes: standard and custom | Supply: bundles of flat boxes
Corrugated carton boxes in 3 ply and 5 ply for packing, storage and shipping. Size and strength guide, supplied from Sharjah. Request a quote.
Key Features
Applications
A carton box is a box made from corrugated cardboard, used to pack, store and ship goods. Single-wall (3 ply) boxes suit light items and double-wall (5 ply) boxes suit heavier loads. Falcon Link TR supplies carton boxes from Sharjah for warehouses, movers, shops and export packing.
What is a corrugated carton box?
Corrugated board has a fluted sheet sandwiched between flat liners. The flutes act like tiny arches that resist crushing, which is why a thin board can carry a load. The more layers and the bigger the flute, the stronger the box.
3 ply or 5 ply carton box?
| Type | Layers | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ply (single wall) | Two liners and one flute | Light and medium goods, shipping, retail packing |
| 5 ply (double wall) | Three liners and two flutes | Heavy items, export packing, stacking |
Choose 5 ply when the box will be stacked high, shipped far, or carry heavy contents.
Common carton box styles
| Style | Description | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Regular slotted container (RSC) | Top and bottom flaps meet in the centre | General purpose shipping and storage |
| Full overlap | Flaps overlap fully for extra strength | Heavier goods |
| Die-cut mailer | One piece with a tuck lid | Retail and e-commerce |
| Telescopic box | Separate lid and base | Fragile or bulky items |
How to choose the right carton box
- Weigh the heaviest item you will pack.
- Measure length, width and height of the contents, then add space for padding.
- Pick 3 ply or 5 ply based on weight and stacking.
- Decide whether you need printing or a custom size.
- Order a few more than you need for testing.
Packing tips for UAE shipping
- Heat and humidity soften cardboard, so store flat boxes off the floor and away from damp walls.
- Seal with tape across the seam and along both edges. See BOPP packaging tape.
- Protect corners of heavy goods with edge board.
- Wrap pallets with stretch film to keep boxes together.
Common mistakes
- Overfilling the box so the flaps do not close.
- Using single wall for heavy items that will be stacked.
- Leaving empty space inside so contents move.
- Storing boxes upright in damp areas.
- Skipping tape on the bottom seam.
Flute types and what they mean
| Flute | Thickness | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|
| A flute | Thickest | Cushioning and stacking strength for fragile goods |
| B flute | Thin | Stiff, good for printing and crush resistance |
| C flute | In between | The usual general purpose choice |
| E flute | Very thin | Retail boxes and small packaging |
How to give box dimensions
Box sizes are quoted as inner length, width and height, in that order, in millimetres or centimetres. Length is the longer side of the opening. Always measure the inside, because the board thickness reduces the space.
Recycling
Corrugated cardboard is recyclable. Keep boxes dry and free of tape, plastic and food waste, and they can be reused or collected for recycling.
Choosing between standard and custom sizes
Standard sizes are quick to supply and suit general packing. A custom size cuts empty space, reduces shipping cost and holds goods more securely, but it needs a larger order and more lead time. If you ship the same product every week, a custom size usually pays for itself.
What to send us for a quote
- Inner dimensions in millimetres: length, width, height.
- Ply: 3 ply or 5 ply.
- Quantity and whether printing is needed.
- The weight of the heaviest item to be packed.
- The delivery area.
If you are not sure between 3 ply and 5 ply, send us the weight and the way the boxes will be stored or shipped, and we will suggest which to test first.
Tell us the product, the box size you use now and how many you ship each month, and we will suggest a sensible starting quantity.
What to buy with carton boxes
Boxes usually go with tape, film and strapping. Browse the complete packaging material range.
Request a quote
Send the inner dimensions, ply (3 or 5), quantity and delivery area through our contact page. Tell us if you need printing.
Use Cases
Moving and relocation
Strong 5 ply boxes carry books and kitchenware without collapsing.
E-commerce
Right-sized boxes cut void fill and shipping cost.
Export
Double-wall cartons stack on pallets and survive handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 3 ply and 5 ply carton boxes?
3 ply has one fluted layer between two liners and suits light and medium goods. 5 ply has two fluted layers and three liners, so it is stronger for heavy or stacked loads.
What size carton box do I need?
Measure the item length, width and height and add room for padding. Send us the inner size you want and we will confirm whether a standard size or a custom size fits.
Can you supply printed carton boxes?
Printing and custom sizes depend on quantity and lead time. Send us your artwork or logo, size and quantity so we can confirm what is possible.
What does RSC mean for a carton box?
RSC stands for regular slotted container, the most common box style. The top and bottom flaps fold in and meet at the centre, and the box ships flat before it is folded and taped on the packing line.
How do I stop cartons going soft in humid weather?
Store boxes flat, off the floor and away from damp walls. Seal them properly and keep stacked cartons under cover. Double-wall board resists humidity better than single wall.
How many boxes can I stack?
It depends on board strength, box size and how long they stay stacked. Heavy loads and long storage need 5 ply. Test a stack before relying on it.
More from Packaging Material

Stretch Film
Material: LLDPE (typical) | Types: hand (manual) grade, machine grade, baby roll, black | Common width: 450 mm or 500 mm | Common thickness: 17 to 30 micron | Core: 76 mm (3 in) typical | Colour: clear or black | Supply: by roll or carton

Baby Roll Hand Stretch Film
Material: LLDPE (typical) | Format: baby (mini) roll and full hand roll | Baby roll width: about 65 mm or 100 mm (typical) | Hand roll width: 450 or 500 mm | Colour: clear or black | Use: manual wrapping, no machine

Machine Grade Stretch Film
Material: LLDPE (typical) | Width: 500 mm (typical) | Thickness: 20, 25 or 30 micron (typical) | Roll weight: about 15 to 20 kg (typical) | Core: 76 mm (typical) | Types: standard, pre-stretch, black | Use: pallet wrapping machines

BOPP Packaging Tape
Material: BOPP film with acrylic or hot-melt adhesive | Colours: clear, brown | Common widths: 48 mm (2 in), 72 mm (3 in) | Common lengths: about 50 m to 100 m | Total thickness: about 40 to 55 micron by grade | Core: 76 mm typical | Supply: sold by roll or carton
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