Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Barcode Types & Symbologies vs. Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Barcode Types & Symbologies
Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles
Machine-readable barcodes encode data in optical patterns regulated by GS1 and ISO/IEC into linear 1D barcodes (UPC-A, EAN-13, ITF-14, Code 128) and 2D matrix symbologies (QR Code, Data Matrix) for automated point-of-sale checkout and warehouse inventory tracking.
Corrugated fiberboard packaging is engineered by sandwiching a wave-shaped arched paper medium ('fluting') between flat linerboards. Standardized into letter designations (A, B, C, E, F), flute profiles define the physical caliper thickness, flutes per linear foot, and the balance between stacking crush strength and high-resolution printability.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
GS1 Global Standards / ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC) / ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) / ISO/IEC 18004 (QR) | FEPA (European Corrugated Federation) / TAPPI / ASTM D4727 |
|
UPC-A (North American Retail)
|
12-digit fixed numeric (1 digit prefix + 5 digit company + 5 digit item + 1 check digit) | — |
|
EAN-13 (International Retail)
|
13-digit fixed numeric (3 digit country code + company/item + check digit) | Superset of UPC-A | — |
|
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
|
14-digit master carton shipping barcode printed with thick protective bearer bars | — |
|
Code 128 (High-Density Logistics)
|
Variable-length high-density alphanumeric (encodes all 128 ASCII characters) | Used in GS1-128 shipping labels | — |
|
QR Code (ISO/IEC 18004)
|
2D matrix (up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters) with 4 Reed-Solomon error correction levels | — |
|
Data Matrix (ISO/IEC 16022)
|
2D matrix ideal for tiny direct-part marking (DPM) on electronics, PCB traces, and pharmaceuticals | — |
|
Quiet Zone Requirement
|
Minimum 10× X-dimension (narrowest bar width) white space buffer on left and right borders | — |
|
A-Flute (Original)
|
— | Thickness: 4.8 mm (3/16") | 33 ± 3 flutes/ft | Maximum vertical cushioning and top-to-bottom compression |
|
B-Flute (Puncture Resistant)
|
— | Thickness: 3.2 mm (1/8") | 47 ± 3 flutes/ft | Superior puncture resistance and die-cut foldability (canned goods) |
|
C-Flute (Universal Standard)
|
— | Thickness: 4.0 mm (5/32") | 39 ± 3 flutes/ft | Dominates ~80% of all standard RSC shipping boxes |
|
E-Flute (Micro-Flute / Retail)
|
— | Thickness: 1.6 mm (1/16") | 90 ± 4 flutes/ft | Excellent smooth crush-resistant printing surface for retail cartons |
|
F-Flute (Ultra-Thin / Folding)
|
— | Thickness: 0.8 mm (1/32") | 125 ± 5 flutes/ft | High-end cosmetics, fast-food clamshells, direct litho printing |
|
BC-Flute (Double-Wall Heavy)
|
— | Thickness: 6.8 mm (1/4") | Combination B + C flute for heavy appliances, furniture, and master shippers |
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