Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles vs. ISO Standard Pallet Sizes
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles
ISO Standard Pallet Sizes
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.
Standard shipping pallets are globally regulated under ISO 6780 into six standardized dimension footprints. The European EUR-1 pallet (800 × 1200 mm) and North American GMA pallet (48 × 40 inches / 1016 × 1219 mm) dominate over 80% of global automated warehousing and intermodal freight transport.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
FEPA (European Corrugated Federation) / TAPPI / ASTM D4727 | ISO 6780 / EPAL (European Pallet Association) / GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Assoc) |
|
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 | — |
|
North American Standard (GMA)
|
— | 48.0 × 40.0 in (1219 × 1016 mm) | Height: ~4.75 in (121 mm) | Dynamic Load: 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
|
EUR-1 / EPAL 1 (Europe)
|
— | 800 × 1200 × 144 mm (31.5 × 47.2 × 5.7 in) | Dynamic Load: 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) | Tare: ~25 kg |
|
EUR-2 / Industrial (UK/Europe)
|
— | 1200 × 1000 × 144 mm (47.2 × 39.4 in) | Compatible with ISO 48×40 racking |
|
EUR-3 / Half-Pallet
|
— | 1000 × 1200 × 144 mm (39.4 × 47.2 in) | Chemical and heavy industrial storage |
|
Australian Standard (AS 4068)
|
— | 1165 × 1165 mm (45.9 × 45.9 in) | Engineered to fit Australian railway wagons |
|
Asian Standard (Japan/Korea)
|
— | 1100 × 1100 mm (43.3 × 43.3 in) | Optimized for 20ft/40ft ISO ocean container widths |
|
Phytosanitary Standard
|
— | ISPM 15 Heat Treated (HT) to 56°C for 30 min / Debarked (DB) |
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