Aaltopahvi

Aaltopahvi, known in English as corrugated cardboard, is a packaging material formed by gluing a fluted corrugated sheet between two linerboards. The combination creates a light yet strong board with good cushioning and stiffness, commonly used for protective packaging and display materials.

Construction and variants: The core is a wave-shaped flute sandwiched between outer liners. Typical configurations are single-wall (one flute layer), double-wall (two fluted layers), and triple-wall. Flute profiles, such as A, B, C and E, differ in thickness and cushioning, allowing a range of strengths, weights and printing surfaces. The boards can be plain or coated for moisture resistance or barrier properties.

Manufacturing: Pulp is processed into paper for liners and the corrugated medium. The flute is formed on a corrugating machine, then glued to the liners with starch- or synthetic-based adhesives. After bonding, the sheets are cut, creased, or printed to create cartons, displays or protective inserts. The board is recyclable and can incorporate recycled fibers.

Properties and uses: Aaltopahvi offers a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, good compressive strength, and cushioning, making it ideal for shipping cartons, retail packaging, and point-of-sale displays. It is versatile for custom shapes and sizes and can be printed with branding. While moisture sensitivity is a consideration, coatings and coatings-plus-foil barriers can enhance performance in damp conditions.

Environmental and industry context: Corrugated cardboard is widely recyclable and commonly produced from recycled content. It plays a central role in modern packaging logistics due to its balance of protection, weight, cost, and recyclability, and is standardized for global use in many industries.