A Comparison of FOL Vs. RSC Boxes: Which One to Choose for Custom Corrugated Boxes?

Product safety during shipping plays an immersive role in business reputation and success. For packaging and delivery of bulkier items to ensure product safety during transit, corrugated box packaging is one of the best options.

When it comes to custom-printed corrugated boxes, there are various options to choose from. It can often be difficult for you to choose one that best matches your product packaging needs.

That’s why we are going to break down major differences between two major types of corrugated boxes i.e., full overlap boxes and regular slotted cartons.

What are FOL Boxes?

FOL stands for full overlap boxes. Their overlapping flaps provide an extra layer of protection as they come with a sealed lid. You can use these boxes for packaging and shipping fragile products, high-value items, and heavy loads that need additional security.

What are RSC Boxes?

RSC stands for regular slotted cartons or regular slotted containers. This box style is most commonly used in corrugated box packaging and has many applications like shipping, storing, and moving lightweight to heavy items. These boxes have four major panels at the top and bottom of the same length and two outer flaps meet in the middle when closed.

Main Differences Between FOL & RSC Boxes

The following are some major differences in terms of features:

1. Structure of Box: FOL box four flaps at the top and bottom meet and fully overlap when folded. On the contrary, the flaps at the top and bottom meet in the middle without overlapping.
2. Cost: If you want to go for a cost-effective option, RSC is the best option as FOL boxes are more expensive as compared to RSC box packaging.
3. Usage: FOL corrugated boxes are commonly used for heavier or fragile items and RSC boxes provide versatile packaging solutions with less effective for fragile items.
4. Assembly: FOL boxes require more time to assemble and fold but on the other hand, RSC box packaging is fast and easy to assemble.
5. Shipping Efficiency: Full overlap boxes may take up more space when shipped flat as compared to RSC boxes.
6. Strength and Protection: Overleaping flaps on FOL boxes provide more protection and strength to products, while RSC box packaging comes with only one layer of protection from closed flaps.
7. Material Usage: FOL box packaging uses more materials whereas regular slotted carton is made up of fewer packaging materials.

Which One is the Better Option for Promoting Sustainability?

With increased awareness of sustainability issues, various companies are going for eco-friendly or recyclable packaging materials. In the sustainability realm, both types of corrugated boxes (RSC & FOL) can be easily made from eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials.

But if you want to use fewer materials, RSC appears to be an eco-friendlier choice as compared to FOL. The following are the pros and cons of both types of boxes when we talk about sustainability:

FOL Boxes are:

1. Cost-effective option as they require less tape and protection.
2. Not too easy to manufacture as such types of boxes require more materials, energy, and labor.
3. Manufactured with an additional layer of protection that ultimately leads to less waste.

RSC Boxes are:

1. Not as sturdy and efficient as FOL boxes are.
2. Easy and fast to assemble with minimum labor costs.
3. Minimizing transportation costs as it’s space efficient.
4. Material efficient as you don’t have to use more materials.

With these things in mind, FOL is a better option when sustainability and eco-friendliness are necessary for your packaging needs. Also, when you want to reduce waste in the packaging process.

On the other hand, RSC is the best option in these cases:

1. When material efficiency is the significant factor in your sustainability goals.
2. During shipping, you want to minimize overall environmental impact.
3. RSC is eco-friendly in sourcing its raw materials and its disposal.         

How to Know Whether to Use RSC or FOL?

Both types of corrugated packaging materials are best and recommended for use for different types of product packaging needs. RSC is recommended to use:

1. The packaging process needs to be fast and simple.
2. When cost is one of the significant factors in your operations.
3. Storage capabilities are limited, not unlimited.

FOL is recommended to use:

1. When you are conscious about using tape and other adhesives.
2. FOL can be used when goods must endure rough handling.

FOL & RSC box features can vary based on your custom packaging needs and the manufacturer’s industry standards.

If you are still unsure which corrugated box material is best for your product packaging needs, consult a custom packaging supplier like YBY Boxes USA to get a quote for more information about these custom-printed corrugated packaging boxes.

Final Thoughts!

Selecting the right custom-printed corrugated box style requires careful planning. FOL boxes offer superior protection for fragile items or those enduring rough handling. RSC boxes shine in cost-efficiency and ease of assembly. Also, RSC boxes are viable options if your products are sturdy and do not have any vulnerable damage issues. Consider your product's needs and budget to make the right choice for your corrugated boxes.