Flat Box Buying GuideWhat are flat boxes used for?Flat boxes are shallow corrugated shipping cartons, typically 1" to 4" deep, used for apparel, books, catalogs, picture frames, artwork, posters, mirrors, and flat electronics. Also called low-profile or shallow boxes, they give a snug fit that stops product from shifting in transit while cutting the dimensional weight you pay to ship. What size flat box do I need?Measure your product at its flattest packed state, then add 1/8" to 1/4" to the length and width for a comfortable fit. Choose the smallest depth that still clears your item plus any cushioning. Flat box depths commonly run 1" to 4", and box dimensions are always listed length x width x depth (inside measurements). Are flat boxes cheaper to ship?Yes. Because flat boxes remove unused vertical space, they lower the dimensional weight carriers bill you for, which commonly saves 20-40% on shipping cost versus packing the same shallow item in a standard-height box. They also ship and store knocked down flat, so they take up less warehouse space before use. Are flat corrugated boxes recyclable?Yes. Our flat boxes are kraft corrugated, which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, and many are manufactured with recycled content. They can go into standard curbside and commercial cardboard recycling streams once flattened. What is the difference between ECT-32 and 200# test?ECT-32 and 200# test are two different measurements of board strength. ECT-32 is the Edge Crush Test, meaning the board withstands 32 pounds per inch of edge and predicts stacking strength. The 200# burst test measures puncture and rupture resistance. Our flat boxes meet both 200#/ECT-32 kraft standards. Can I get flat boxes in custom sizes or printed?Yes. On high-volume orders Prism Pak manufactures flat boxes in custom dimensions, with custom printing, or with special coatings. Contact our sales team for a custom quote, including minimum order quantities and lead times for your size. Are flat boxes food safe?FDA-compliant, food-safe flat box options are available for direct product contact applications. Not every stock size is rated for direct food contact, so confirm the specific item with our sales team if the box will touch unwrapped food. Fast Shipping on Flat Corrugated BoxesMost flat box orders ship within 1-2 business days from our Pennsylvania warehouse. We offer competitive freight rates and can consolidate orders with other packaging supplies to maximize your savings. Related Packaging SolutionsLooking for other packaging options? Explore our full line of corrugated boxes, poly mailers, bubble mailers, and void fill products. Our packaging experts can help you choose the right solution for your shipping needs.
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