Comparing F, E, and B Flute in Corrugated Packaging

Choosing the right corrugated flute size for your packaging can make all the difference in product protection, presentation, and cost-efficiency. At Fantastapack, we offer three popular flute sizes—F, E, and B—each with unique strengths suited to different needs. In this post, we’ll break down the characteristics of F, E, and B flute corrugated packaging to help you select the best option for your business.

Understanding Corrugated Flute Sizes

Corrugated packaging gets its strength and versatility from the fluted layer sandwiched between linerboards. The flute size—determined by the height and frequency of the waves in this layer—affects the material’s thickness, durability, and print quality. Fantastapack’s F, E, and B flutes cater to a range of applications, from delicate retail boxes to sturdy shipping solutions. Let’s compare them to see which fits your needs.

F Flute: Lightweight and Premium

Best for: Retail packaging, luxury unboxing, small or lightweight products

F flute is the thinnest of our offerings, measuring about 0.8–1.2 mm thick with approximately 125 flutes per linear foot. It's fine, tightly packed waves create a smooth surface ideal for high-quality printing, making it perfect for vibrant, branded designs. F flute’s slim profile offers a premium look and feel, often used for custom retail boxes or influencer PR kits.

• •    Strengths: Excellent printability, lightweight, space-saving for storage and shipping.
• •    Use Case: A Seattle-based skincare brand used Fantastapack’s F flute boxes to create compact, logo-printed packaging that wowed customers while keeping shipping costs low.
• •    Considerations: Less cushioning than thicker flutes, best for lightweight or non-fragile items.

F flute is a great choice if you want to prioritize aesthetics and cost-effective shipping without sacrificing a professional presentation.

E Flute: Balanced and Versatile

Best for: E-commerce, small to medium products, custom inserts

E flute strikes a middle ground, with a thickness of about 1.5–2 mm and roughly 90 flutes per linear foot. It offers more strength and cushioning than F flute while maintaining a relatively smooth surface for clear, colorful printing. Its versatility makes it a go-to for businesses needing both protection and branding.

• •    Strengths: Good balance of strength and print quality, lightweight yet durable, ideal for custom die-cut designs.
• •    Use Case: A California candle company chose Fantastapack’s E flute boxes with custom inserts to securely ship glass jars, reducing breakage rates by 30% compared to generic packaging.
• •    Considerations: Not as strong as B flute for heavy items but more robust than F flute.

E flute is ideal for e-commerce businesses looking for a cost-effective, customizable option that protects products and enhances the unboxing experience.

B Flute: Strong and Reliable 

Best for: Shipping, heavy or fragile products, industrial use

B flute is the thickest option we offer, at about 3–3.5 mm with approximately 50 flutes per linear foot. Its larger waves provide superior cushioning and strength, making it perfect for heavier or fragile items that need extra protection during shipping. While its printing surface is slightly less smooth, it still supports bold branding.

• •    Strengths: High crush resistance, excellent for stacking, cost-effective for larger boxes.
• •    Use Case: A Texas-based electronics retailer used Fantastapack’s B flute boxes to ship delicate gadgets, cutting damage claims by 25% thanks to the flute’s robust structure.
• •    Considerations: Thicker profile increases shipping weight slightly; best for durability over premium aesthetics.

B flute is the go-to for businesses prioritizing product safety and reliability, especially for long-distance or high-volume shipping.

Choosing the Right Flute for Your Needs

Selecting the best flute size depends on your product, budget, and brand goals. Here’s a quick guide:

• •    Choose F Flute for lightweight, high-end retail packaging where aesthetics and print quality are key.
• •    Choose E Flute for a versatile balance of protection and branding, perfect for e-commerce or custom designs.
• •    Choose B Flute for heavy or fragile items that need maximum durability during shipping.

At Fantastapack, we make it easy to customize any flute size to your specifications, with low minimum order quantities for small businesses and high-speed U.S. manufacturing for fast turnarounds.

Not sure which flute is right for you? Our team can help you test samples or design a solution tailored to your needs.