When you’re trying to ship, store, or display your product, the carton you choose isn’t just a box—it’s a critical piece of your operations. It protects what’s inside, supports your supply chain, and influences how your brand is perceived.

 

With over a dozen corrugated styles manufactured at President Container Group, our goal is to make sure each customer gets a solution that fits their product, workflow, and budget. Whether you need something simple and strong or custom-fit for automation, understanding the core box styles can help you make the right call.

 

Different Types of Corrugated Boxes

1. Regular Slotted Carton (RSC)

Best For: General shipping, e-commerce, and storage
Features: All flaps are the same length. Top and bottom flaps meet in the center when folded.
Why Choose It: Cost-effective, minimal waste, ideal for standard items.

 

2. Full Overlap Carton (FOL)

Best For: Heavy or fragile items
Features: Outer flaps fully overlap when closed, doubling thickness on the top and bottom.
Why Choose It: Extra strength and stacking durability during transit.

 

3. Half Slotted Carton (HSC)

Best For: Products requiring a display-ready bottom
Features: Like an RSC but without top flaps.
Why Choose It: Easy-to-access contents and popular for shelving or picking lines.

 

4. Telescoping Cartons

Best For: Tall or fragile items
Features: Two pieces (a top and a bottom) slide together to form a tight fit.
Why Choose It: Adjustable height and added protection—think telescopes or framed art.

 

5. Five Panel Folder (FPF)

Best For: Flat, long items like golf clubs or blinds
Features: Wrap-around design with a fifth panel for added security
Why Choose It: Excellent for narrow or elongated products.

 

6. One-Piece Folder (OPF)

Best For: Books, picture frames, and slim electronics
Features: Wraps around the item with minimal gluing
Why Choose It: Custom-fit security with efficient material use.

 

7. Partial Overlap

Best For: Medium-duty contents
Features: Flaps only partially overlap—stronger than RSC but lighter than FOL
Why Choose It: A nice middle ground between strength and cost.

 

8.  Full Overlap Center Seam (FOCS)

Best For: Heavy, dense shipments
Features: Full overlapping flaps with a center seam
Why Choose It: Maximum strength and great for stacking.

 

9.  Slotted Partition

Best For: Bottles, jars, fragile sets
Features:  Grid-style dividers that separate contents
Why Choose It: Prevents breakage and keeps items upright.

 

10.  Scored Sheet

Best For: Padding, layering, or separating items
Features:  Flat sheet with fold lines
Why Choose It: Simple, low-cost interior protection.

 

11.  Slotted Tray

Best For: Storage or in-plant handling
Features:  Open top with reinforced sides
Why Choose It: Easy access with solid base support.

 

12. Flange Liner

Best For: Display packaging or internal support
Features:  Custom insert with folded flanges
Why Choose It: Clean fit and added structure.

 

Specialty Styles with Specific Advantages

• Scored Sheets & Flange Liners: Great for creating internal dividers or layering between items.
• Slotted Partitions & Trays: Useful for multi-product shipments or compartmentalization—popular in food and beverage.

Sizing It Up: What’s Best for You?

At PCG, our FFG machines produce boxes ranging from 9″ x 22″ to 99″ x 188″. While machines can push those limits, our team advises clients to stay within optimal operating ranges to ensure machine performance, avoid downtime, and guarantee the square, sturdy boxes required for downstream automation.

 

For projects that fall outside these standard sizes, our die cutters step in to handle what our FFGs can’t. Whether you need non-standard dimensions, unique designs, or specialty cuts, we offer fully customizable solutions tailored to your specific packaging needs. No matter the challenge, we can create a box that fits.

 

Here’s what to consider when choosing your style:

 

Product weight and fragility

 

Shipping method and stacking

 

Branding and unboxing experience

 

Automation compatibility

 

Sustainability goals

 

A Note on Sustainability

All PCG boxes are made using water-based inks and are 99% recyclable. In fact, unless otherwise requested (e.g., for premium print coverage), our board is made from recycled content—meeting corporate sustainability targets and reducing carbon footprint.

 

Need Help Choosing?

Don’t sweat the specs—our team can guide you to the right style, board grade, and finish for your product and your brand. Whether you’re shipping 500 units or 5 million, we’ve got the machines, the people, and the capacity to deliver.

 

Connect with our box experts to get started.