Resource Hub / Beyond the Box

Basic Box Styles

Here are some of the most common styles of corrugated boxes.

If you don’t see what you need, don’t worry. Whatever you can imagine, we can create.

*Source: Fibre Box Association

RSC Animation

Regular Slotted Container (RSC)

The most common box style. Highly efficient design for many applications. All flaps are the same length, and the two outer flaps (normally the lengthwise flaps) are one-half the container’s width, so that they meet at the center of the box when closed.

HSC Animation

Half Slotted Container (HSC)

Similar to the regular slotted container but without one set of flaps.

POL Animation

Overlap Slotted Container (OSC)

All flaps have the same length and the outer flaps overlap by one inch or more. The box is easily closed, either with adhesives or frequently with staples driven through the overlap area. This style is commonly used when the length of the box is considerably greater than the width, resulting in a long gap between the inner flaps. The sealed overlap helps to keep the outer flaps from pulling apart.

FOL Animation

Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL)

All flaps are the same length (approximately the width of the box). When closed, the outer flaps come within one inch of complete overlap. The style is especially resistant to rough handling. Stacked on its bottom panel, the overlapping flaps provide added cushioning and protection. Stacked on its side, the extra thickness provides added stacking strength.

AFM Animation

Center Special Slotted Container (CSSC)

Inner and outer flaps are cut to different lengths. Both pairs of flaps meet at the center of the box. The style is especially strong because both the top and bottom have double the thickness of corrugated board. The inner flaps, with no gap, provide a level base for the product.

ALB Animation

1-2-3-Bottom or Auto-Lock Bottom Container (ALB)

The four flaps that form the bottom panel are die cut. Easy to set up, the user folds the largest bottom panel first, then the two end panels. When the remaining bottom panel is folded and pressure is applied near the center, the flap “snaps” into the slot created by the other panels. The style is convenient for small-volume shippers who do not have automatic setup equipment. Because the bottom is not fully sealed, it may not be suitable for heavy products or concentrated loads.

The top enclosure for this style can be manufactured with “tuck-top” flaps, RSC style or other configurations.

Telescoping Trays Animation

Telescoping Boxes (Design Style Trays, Infold Trays and Outfold Trays)

Telescoping boxes consist of a separate top, or top and bottom that fit over each other or a separate body. They can be produced in a number of unjoined or preglued styles and configurations.

OPF Animation

Folders

One or more pieces of combined board provide an unbroken surface and are scored to fold around the product. The most common is a one-piece folder, where one piece of board is cut so that it provides a flat bottom, flaps that form the sides and ends, and extensions of the side flaps that meet to form the top.

This style is also available as a five-panel folder, which is a single cut and scored piece with a fifth panel used as a closing flap, completely covering a side panel.

5PF Animation

Wraparound Blank

An unjoined wraparound blank is formed into a box by folding it tightly around a rigid product. The positioning of the product, folding and sealing are performed by automatic equipment. The finished box is essentially an RSC turned on its side so that the bottom and top are unbroken. The joint, however, is not formed until final closure.