Eflute

E-flute is a designation used in the corrugated packaging industry for a thin flute profile employed in corrugated fiberboard. It is the thinnest of the common flute types and is prized for its smooth surface, which facilitates high-quality printing and detailed graphics.

Manufacture: E-flute boards are produced by corrugating a single layer of paper to create a fine wave, which is then bonded between two linerboards with adhesive. The resulting structure is lighter and flatter than boards built with thicker flutes, while maintaining some cushioning effect.

Properties and performance: The thin flute yields excellent printability and sharp graphics, making E-flute popular for retail packaging and point-of-sale displays. Its stiffness and cushioning are lower than those of heavier flutes, so it is typically used for lighter items or short-distance shipping. The format also adapts well to digital printing and short-run production.

Applications: Common uses include cosmetics and electronics packaging, promotional displays, mailers, and other consumer goods packaging that benefits from clear graphics and compact dimensions.

Considerations: Designers should balance print quality and appearance with protection requirements. For heavier products or harsher handling, thicker flutes or additional internal protection may be required.

See also: corrugated fiberboard, A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, edge crush test.