5 ply corrugated boxes: double-wall board for heavier loads
A 5 ply corrugated box is double-wall board, about 700 g per square metre in a BC flute combination. It carries heavier and stacked loads further than single wall. You enter your size, quantity and print for a live band, and a human confirms the exact figure usually in minutes, always within 24 hours.
What is a 5 ply corrugated box?
A 5 ply corrugated box has two fluted layers between three liners, which is why it is called double wall. On our board that works out to roughly 700 g per square metre in a BC flute combination, where the coarser B and finer C flutes together give both cushioning and stacking strength. A 3 ply single-wall box has one flute and about 420 g per square metre, so a 5 ply box puts noticeably more board around your product.
- Two flutes, three liners: the double-wall build.
- About 700 g per square metre of board, BC flute combination.
- Higher stacking strength than single wall, so it holds shape under weight.
- The middle step between light 3 ply and heavy-duty 7 ply.
- Available as RSC shipping boxes, printed cartons and die-cut shapes.
5 ply is the middle of the trio: more board than 3 ply single wall, less than 7 ply heavy-duty.
What does a 5 ply box carry, and when should you step up or down?
5 ply suits heavier, denser or stacked goods, and orders that travel longer distances or change hands more times in transit. If your product is light and you ship one unit per parcel, 3 ply single wall usually does the job for less board. If the load is very heavy or dense, or you are palletising for export, heavy-duty 7 ply is the safer call. Match the board to the load rather than paying for board you do not need.
| Load | Typical product | Recommended ply |
|---|---|---|
| Light, single item | apparel, light D2C parcels | 3 ply single wall |
| Medium, some stacking | appliances boxed, glassware, bottled goods | 5 ply double wall |
| Heavy or dense | machinery parts, tiles, bulk hardware | heavy-duty 7 ply |
| Long haul or export pallet | stacked cartons on a pallet | 5 ply or heavy-duty 7 ply |
The step from 3 ply to 5 ply roughly adds board weight, so it costs more per box but protects a heavier load. The step from 5 ply to 7 ply adds more again. Choosing the right rung keeps you from over-paying or under-protecting.
What does a 5 ply corrugated box cost?
Price follows board area, ply and quantity, so a 5 ply box costs more than the same size in 3 ply because it uses more board. These are worked examples for plain boxes, shown as bands, not fixed quotes, because the kraft paper rate moves with the market.
- 12 x 10 x 6 in, 5 ply, 1,000 qty, plain: about Rs 21.29 to Rs 29.44 per box.
- 18 x 14 x 10 in, 5 ply, 1,000 qty, plain: about Rs 44.35 to Rs 61.31 per box.
Enter your own size, quantity and print in the quote engine to see a band for your exact box, then a human confirms the number. Prices attract 5% GST (HSN 4819); a GST invoice is issued with every order.
Can you print and die-cut in 5 ply?
Yes. 5 ply takes single-colour markings and multi-colour brand print, and it can be die-cut into trays, lids and snug-fit shapes as well as standard RSC shipping boxes. The double-wall board gives a firmer surface than single wall, which holds print and structure well on larger cartons.
Frequently asked questions
What weight range does a 5 ply box carry?
5 ply double wall is built for heavier and stacked loads that single wall would struggle with, and for longer transit. Rather than quote a fixed kilo limit, we match the board to your product and stacking on WhatsApp, because the real limit depends on the box size and how it is loaded.
What does a 5 ply corrugated box cost?
It depends on size, quantity and print. As a worked example, a 12 x 10 x 6 in plain 5 ply box at 1,000 units is about Rs 21.29 to Rs 29.44 each. Enter your spec in the quote engine for a band, then a human confirms the exact figure usually in minutes, always within 24 hours.
Is 5 ply printable?
Yes. 5 ply takes single-colour markings and multi-colour brand print, and the firm double-wall face holds print well on larger cartons. Plates are prepared from your artwork file.
Should I order 3 ply or 5 ply?
Choose by load. Light single-item parcels usually ship fine in 3 ply single wall for less board. Heavier, denser or stacked goods, and longer hauls, are safer in 5 ply double wall. Share your product on WhatsApp and we recommend the ply.
When do I need 7 ply instead of 5 ply?
Step up to heavy-duty 7 ply for very heavy or dense loads, or export pallets where cartons stack high. If 5 ply feels marginal for your weight, 7 ply is the safer call. Our heavy-duty page covers those cases.
Get your box priced in 30 seconds.
Enter your spec for a live estimate band, or send it straight to WhatsApp. A human engineer confirms the exact number, usually in minutes, always within 24 hours, 7 days a week.