May 02, 2025

Corrugated boxes are everywhere—from your Amazon deliveries to the packaging of food, electronics, and appliances. They’re a cornerstone of global logistics, but few people consider what holds these boxes together.

Behind every box is a precise combination of materials, carefully engineered to protect the contents during transport and storage. A failure in any component—especially the adhesives—can lead to costly damage or loss.

Core Components of Corrugated Boxes:
A corrugated box is made up of four key elements:

• Linerboard: The outer and inner paper surfaces.
• Corrugated Medium: The fluted layer between the liners.
• Corrugating Starch: The adhesive bonding the medium to the linerboard.
• Glue Lap Adhesive: The adhesive that seals the box flap or seam.

Each component is available in various grades and specifications, depending on the performance requirements—such as crush resistance, moisture tolerance, or durability during shipping.

Glue Isn’t Just “Glue”:
When it comes to glue lap adhesives, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Key questions must be answered to make the right recommendation:

• Is the linerboard uncoated kraft, coated, or printed?
• Is a litho label mounted on the surface?
• How much “spring” does the fold have?
• What compression is applied to set the adhesive?
• Will the boxes face environmental challenges like humidity or cold?
• Is FDA compliance required for food packaging?

The answers influence the adhesive formulation—ensuring proper bonding without sacrificing production efficiency.

Choosing the Right Adhesive:
Depending on your production setup, there are several adhesive options:

• Hot Melt Adhesives: Ideal for designs needing instant tack.
• Water-Based Adhesives: The most common choice, customizable for variables like run speed, compression time, surface type, and application method (wheel, contact extrusion, or non-contact extrusion).

Mounting lithographic labels on corrugated require even more precision. These applications demand adhesives that prevent warping or curling and allow for proper alignment. Critical properties like wet tack, open time, and lay-flat performance help avoid issues such as peeling, wrinkling, and tunneling and allow for quick transition to die-cutting.

Final Thought:
Choosing the right adhesive supplier can make or break the efficiency of your production line. At BakerTitan Adhesives, we’ve supported corrugated box manufacturers for over 40 years. Whether you need a custom formulation or a reliable off-the-shelf product, we combine technical expertise with personalized service.

BakerTitan Adhesives doesn’t just deliver exceptional adhesive solutions—we deliver peace of mind.
Stick With Us.