window.uetq = window.uetq || []; window.uetq.push(‘event’, ‘submit_lead_form’,{ event_label:‘SUBMIT MESSAGE’ }); window.lintrk('track', { conversion_id: 10271009 }); window.lintrk('track', { conversion_id: 10271017 });

Different Types of Sealing and Closures for Corrugated Boxes

Printed Corrugated RETT box with dusk flaps

In the world of packaging, the way a corrugated box is sealed and closed is as important as the box itself. The right type of sealing and closure not only ensures the safety and security of the contents but also can enhance ease of use, storage, and even branding. This blog post explores the different types of sealing and closure methods available for corrugated boxes, helping businesses choose the best option for their specific needs.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Sealing and Closure

Before delving into the types, it’s crucial to understand why sealing and closure matter. The right closure method can protect the contents from damage, theft, or contamination, while also providing an additional layer of branding through custom tapes or seals.

Tape Closure

One of the most common methods of sealing corrugated boxes is using tape. This method is versatile and cost-effective, suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • Pressure-Sensitive Tape: Easy to apply, available in various widths and strengths, and ideal for lightweight to medium-weight boxes.
  • Water-Activated Tape (WAT): Forms a strong bond with the corrugated box, offering superior security, and is excellent for heavier packages.
  • Reinforced Water-Activated Tape: Best for heavy-duty applications, providing extra strength and security.
7 Most Commonly Used Packaging Tapes: Which Should You Use?

Staple Closure

Stapling is a traditional method of closing corrugated boxes, often used for heavy or industrial items.

  • Manual Stapling: Suitable for small-scale operations or where additional security is needed.
  • Pneumatic Stapling: Used in larger operations for efficiency and consistency in sealing.
Staple Closure corrugated box

Glue Closure

Adhesive or glue is another popular method, especially in automated packaging lines.

  • Hot Melt Adhesive: Quick to apply and set, providing a strong and durable seal.
  • Cold Glue Adhesive: Requires more time to set but offers a strong bond and is suitable for boxes that require refrigeration.
Full Overlap FOL Box

Self-Locking Tabs and Slots

For consumer-facing products, self-locking tabs and slots offer an appealing and tool-free option.

  • Tab Lock: Simple to use, providing a secure closure without additional materials.
  • Slot Lock: Offers added security as tabs lock into slots, making the box more tamper-resistant.
Custom corrugated mailer box for wine subscription

Velcro or Hook-and-Loop Closures

For reusable box designs, Velcro or hook-and-loop closures are ideal.

  • Easy Open and Close: Allows for multiple uses, ideal for sample kits or storage boxes.
  • Customizable: Can be designed in various shapes and sizes to suit specific packaging needs.

Strapping or Banding

Strapping or banding is used for heavy-duty applications or for bundling multiple boxes together.

  • Metal Strapping: Offers the highest strength, ideal for heavy industrial goods.
  • Polyester or Polypropylene Strapping: More flexible than metal, suitable for a wide range of applications.
Strapping Protectors

Sealing with Labels or Stickers

Custom labels or stickers can double as a sealing method, particularly for light packages or as an additional security seal.

  • Branding Opportunity: Custom labels provide a platform for branding and product information.
  • Tamper-Evident Seals: Enhance security by indicating if the box has been opened.

Conclusion

The choice of sealing and closure method for corrugated boxes depends on several factors, including the weight and nature of the contents, the shipping and handling process, the need for security, and the desired customer experience. By selecting the appropriate sealing and closure method, businesses can ensure their products are well-protected and arrive at their destination in the best possible condition. Moreover, creative and practical sealing solutions can enhance brand recognition and provide an additional touchpoint for customer engagement.

Most Recent Posts:
Retail Packaging Trends for 2026

Retail packaging continues to evolve as brands balance sustainability, supply chain performance, and consumer experience. In 2026, buyers face new challenges shaped by material innovation, compliance requirements, and rising consumer

Read More »
Meeting 2026 Packaging Compliance Standards

Packaging compliance is no longer optional—it’s a requirement for accessing retail shelves, shipping networks, and international markets. In 2026, buyers must navigate evolving regulations around sustainability, labeling, and testing to

Read More »
Categories:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Corrugated Mailer
Custom Corrugated Boxes
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Relevant Posts
Strategies to Protect Packaging Against Oxygen and Air Exposure
Protection
brownpackaging
Strategies to Protect Packaging against Oxygen and Air Exposure

Oxygen and air exposure can adversely affect the quality, shelf life, and safety of your products. To ensure the integrity of your products and packaging, it’s essential to implement effective measures to protect against oxygen and air infiltration. In this blog, we will explore various strategies and best practices to help you safeguard your packaging against these environmental factors effectively. Understanding the Threat Before we delve into protective measures, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with oxygen and air exposure: Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen can lead to oxidation, which can cause changes in color, flavor, and texture of food products, as well as the degradation of certain chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Spoilage: Oxygen can promote the growth of spoilage organisms and pathogens in perishable products, leading to product spoilage and safety concerns. Product Degradation: In some cases, oxygen exposure can trigger chemical reactions in products, causing them to deteriorate or lose efficacy. Protective Measures To safeguard your packaging against oxygen and air exposure, consider implementing the following protective measures: Oxygen Barrier Packaging Materials: Choose packaging materials with oxygen barrier properties. These materials prevent oxygen from permeating the package and coming into contact with the product. Common oxygen barrier materials include metallized films, aluminum foil, and certain plastics. Vacuum-Sealed Packaging: Utilize vacuum-sealing methods to remove air from the package before sealing it. Vacuum-sealed packaging creates an airtight environment that minimizes oxygen exposure. Nitrogen Flushing: Implement nitrogen flushing or gas flushing during the packaging process. This involves replacing the air inside the package with nitrogen or an inert gas to displace oxygen. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): Consider modified atmosphere packaging, where the atmosphere inside the package is modified to contain lower oxygen levels. This is common in the packaging of fresh produce and meats. Seal Integrity: Ensure that packaging seals are strong and airtight. Regular quality control checks should verify that no gaps or defects exist in the sealing process, preventing oxygen infiltration. Desiccants and Oxygen Absorbers: Include desiccants or oxygen absorbers inside the packaging. Desiccants remove moisture, which can contribute to oxidation, while oxygen absorbers remove oxygen, extending shelf life. Quality Control Checks: Conduct quality control checks to verify the effectiveness of oxygen protection measures. Use oxygen permeability testing to assess packaging materials. Barrier Films and Coatings: Apply oxygen barrier films or coatings to packaging materials. These films and coatings create an additional layer of protection against oxygen infiltration. Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to industry-specific and regulatory standards for products that require protection against oxygen exposure. Compliance ensures that your products meet safety and quality requirements. Vigilance and Continuous Improvement Protecting your packaging against oxygen and air exposure is an ongoing effort. Continuously assess your packaging solutions and gather feedback from consumers, retailers, and quality control personnel to identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Stay vigilant and proactive in addressing potential risks related to oxygen and air exposure. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to packaging protection, you can significantly reduce the risk of oxygen-related damage to your products, enhance their overall quality and safety, and ensure that your packaging maintains the highest standards of protection against these environmental factors. If you are interested in protection against oxygen and air exposure for your packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Read More »
Corrugated Boxes in Food Packaging: A Safer Choice
Corrugated
brownpackaging
Corrugated Boxes in Food Packaging: A Safer Choice

As the global food industry continues to expand and evolve, one factor remains constant: the importance of effective, efficient, and safe packaging. At the intersection of practicality and sustainability, we find an age-old player that has proven its worth over time—corrugated boxes. Today, we’ll explore why these seemingly ordinary boxes are, in fact, a safer choice for food packaging. Understanding Corrugated Boxes Before diving into the benefits of corrugated boxes in the food industry, let’s first define what these boxes are. Unlike traditional cardboard, corrugated boxes are made from three layers of paper: an inside liner, an outside liner, and a fluting that runs in between to provide extra strength and protection. This simple but effective design has rendered them a staple in various industries, including food packaging. The Benefits of Corrugated Boxes in Food Packaging Corrugated boxes bring multiple advantages to the table—literally and metaphorically—when it comes to food packaging. High Durability and Protection The construction of corrugated boxes lends itself to a significant degree of durability and protective capacity. The fluted middle layer acts as a cushion, guarding the food items inside from damage during transportation or storage. This feature is particularly useful for fragile food items like eggs or bakery goods. Customizable and Versatile Corrugated boxes offer excellent versatility. They can be custom made to any size or shape, catering to the specific needs of different food products. Moreover, they can be printed with food safety instructions, branding, or other information, which further enhances their functionality. Temperature Control Corrugated boxes offer the often-overlooked benefit of insulation due to their fluted design, creating air pockets that help maintain a stable temperature for the contents. To further enhance temperature control, additional insulated materials can be incorporated. One option is polystyrene foam, known as Styrofoam, which provides excellent thermal insulation and can be shaped to fit the box. Insulating liners or inserts made of materials like reflective foil or bubble wrap can create a barrier against temperature changes. Gel packs or dry ice can also be used to keep products cool during transit. Incorporating these insulated materials ensures that temperature-sensitive items, such as dairy or meat, remain at the desired temperature throughout storage and transportation. Corrugated Boxes and Food Safety While the aforementioned features make corrugated boxes an attractive choice for food packaging, their real value comes to light when we consider their impact on food safety. Hygienic and Contaminant-Free Corrugated boxes are often used only once and then recycled, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Plus, the high heat used in the manufacturing process ensures that they are free from bacteria and other contaminants. They provide a clean, safe environment for food items during transit, storage, and delivery. Approved for Direct Food Contact Another point that emphasizes the safety of corrugated boxes is that they are generally approved for direct contact with food. To further enhance their suitability for food packaging, corrugated boxes can be coated with a food-safe material. One common option for a food-safe coating is a water-based or vegetable-based coating that complies with regulatory standards for direct food contact. This coating acts as a protective layer, preventing any potential migration of substances from the box to the food. It is designed to be non-toxic and resistant to moisture, ensuring that the packaging remains intact and safe for food items. The food-safe coating provides an additional level of assurance when using corrugated boxes for packaging perishable goods. By choosing boxes with a food-safe coating, businesses can adhere to regulatory requirements and demonstrate their commitment to food safety. This coating further ensures that the packaging material does not compromise the quality or safety of the food products being transported or stored. A Sustainable Choice In today’s world, sustainability plays a crucial role in all sectors, including food packaging. Corrugated boxes score highly in this regard. They are made from renewable resources, and most of them are manufactured from recycled materials. After use, they can be easily recycled again, reducing their environmental footprint and supporting circular economies. Conclusion: An Ideal Food Packaging Solution Corrugated boxes, with their sturdy construction, versatility, and safe properties, have secured their place as a preferred choice in food packaging. They not only protect and preserve the food products inside but also ensure their safe transport to consumers. Coupled with their sustainable nature, corrugated boxes are a true win-win solution, benefiting the food industry, consumers, and our planet alike. If you are interested in corrugated boxes for food packaging applications, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Food Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Read More »
RSC vs. Specialty Boxes
Corrugated
brownpackaging
RSC vs. Specialty Boxes

RSC boxes dominate corrugated packaging, but they aren’t always the best fit. Specialty box styles like Full Overlap (FOL), RETT mailers, and die-cut formats offer unique advantages for certain applications. Understanding when to stay with an RSC versus upgrading to a specialty style ensures buyers balance cost, performance, and presentation. When RSC Is Best Bulk Shipping: Strong compression strength makes RSC ideal for palletized loads. Low Cost: Efficient to manufacture with minimal board waste. Versatility: Works across industries from industrial to retail. Automation-Ready: Standardized design runs smoothly on case erectors and palletizers. When Specialty Boxes Are Better Full Overlap (FOL) Flaps overlap fully, reinforcing the top and bottom. Better for heavy products or shipments that need extra stacking strength. RETT Mailers Dust flaps and cherry locks eliminate tape, improving assembly speed. Ideal for e-commerce and branded unboxing experiences. Die-Cut Boxes Custom shapes and closures for product-specific fit. Useful when presentation and consumer experience are top priorities. Key Trade-Offs Feature RSC Box Specialty Box Styles Assembly Speed Slower (tape required) Faster (die-cut, self-locking) Stacking Strength High Variable (higher in FOL, lower in mailers) Branding Potential Basic Premium (better graphics and unboxing) Flexibility Universal Application-specific       Buyer Takeaway Stick with RSC when cost, strength, and scalability matter most. Upgrade to FOL for heavy-duty industrial shipments. Choose RETT or die-cut mailers for e-commerce and premium branding. By evaluating your priorities — strength, speed or presentation — you can decide whether RSC remains the best fit or if specialty box styles deliver added value. References Fibre Box Association. (2023). Corrugated Box Styles and Applications. https://www.fibrebox.org Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC). (2024). Corrugated Design and Performance. https://www.aiccbox.org Soroka, W. (2016). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology (5th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce Display Foam Printing Protection Retail Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts

Read More »