Single Wall vs Double Wall Boxes: Advice from Cardboard Box Manufacturers

Typical Uses

• Single wall boxes are perfect for industries that ship small, lightweight, and non-fragile items. Including: 
• Clothing and textiles - t-shirts, hoodies, scarves, socks.
• Books and stationery - novels, notebooks, calendars.
• Small electronics - headphones, phone cases, cameras.
• Subscription boxes - monthly kits for food, beauty, or lifestyle products.
• Household items - small kitchenware, toys, home décor.
• Retail packaging - point-of-sale packaging, mailer boxes.

Double-Walled Boxes

Double wall cardboard boxes are made up of two layers of corrugated cardboard stacked on top of each other between two sheets of linerboard. Unlike their single wall counterpart, double wall boxes are stronger and more durable.

Benefits of Double Wall Boxes

Double wall boxes offer more strength, durability, and protection for a range of uses, whether you’re shipping, moving, or storing heavy or fragile items. Here are just some of the benefits you can expect with double wall boxes:

• Better protection – the double-layered cardboard provides superior cushioning against impacts, making it the perfect option for shipping fragile items.
• Built for stacking – if you need to store a lot of items, double wall boxes are perfect as their robust construction makes them perfect for stacking on top of each other with a reduced risk of collapse. 
• Heavy-duty capacity – these boxes can securely hold heavier, bulkier items compared to single wall boxes.
• Durability – due to their robustness, they are suitable for multiple uses. For example, once you’ve used them to move house, you can reuse them for long-term storage. 

Typical Uses

Engineered with two layers of corrugated cardboard, double wall boxes provide superior strength, making them perfect for a range of applications, such as: 

• Fragile items - glassware, ceramics, premium electronics, and artwork.
• Heavy products - machinery components, metal parts, automotive accessories.
• Industrial goods - chemicals, large equipment, bulk items.
• Long-distance shipping - international or cross-country shipping.
• High-value products - items requiring extra security during transit.

Which to Use When?

Choosing the right box depends on your specific needs and the types of items you’re packaging. 

Weight & Fragility

If you’re shipping or storing heavier or more fragile items, double wall cardboard boxes provide excellent protection. For smaller, lighter, and less fragile items, single wall cardboard boxes are a great, cost-effective option.

Budget

Understandably, cost will play a part in choosing the right packaging solution for you. For lightweight, non-fragile items, single wall boxes offer an economical and practical choice without compromising on basic protection. On the other hand, for heavier or fragile products, double wall boxes can actually be more cost-effective in the long run, as their extra strength reduces the risk of damage and costly replacements. 

Distance

For long-distance shipping or long-term storage, opting for a stronger, more durable box is a wise choice. Double wall boxes are built to last, and make great options for the rough handling that can occur during international shipping. 

Environmental Impact

Both single and double wall boxes are made from recycled content, and both can be recycled. However, double wall boxes are more durable and can potentially be used more before being recycled, meaning less waste.