Not all boxes are created equal.

From the small parcel you order online to the heavy-duty packaging used to ship bulk goods, different boxes serve different purposes. Because a small item in a giant box doesn’t make sense (looking at you, Amazon…)

Choosing the right type of box is vital to ensure you keep costs low, reduce damage in transit, and even help the planet if you choose to reuse.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of boxes and what they’re used for.

Shipping Boxes

When most people picture a cardboard box, they’re thinking of a standard shipping box. These are usually made from single, double, or triple wall corrugated cardboard and come in a huge range of FEFCO styles.

• Single wall boxes are lightweight and ideal for everyday items that don’t need a lot of protection (think textiles)
• Double wall boxes are stronger and better suited for heavier or fragile products.
• Triple wall boxes are the strongest option, built to handle very heavy or industrial products. They’re commonly used for exports, engineering parts, or bulky items that need maximum strength.

Want to know more about how different box styles are categorised? Check out our guide to FEFCO box styles.

If you’re sending products through a courier or stocking items in your warehouse, shipping boxes are your go-to.

Postal Boxes

Postal boxes are designed specifically for mailing smaller items. They’re usually compact, sturdy, and quick to assemble, making them popular with e-commerce businesses.

Unlike standard shipping boxes, postal boxes often feature a tuck-in lid or self-sealing strip, so you don’t always need tape. They’re perfect for sending books, clothing, or subscription products where presentation matters as much as protection.

Most postal boxes also have their own FEFCO code, so you can easily identify the right style for your products.

Pallet Boxes

When you need to move large volumes of goods, pallet boxes are the answer. These are oversized, heavy-duty boxes that sit directly on a pallet for easy handling by forklifts.

There are two common types:

• Standard pallet boxes – Designed to fit UK standard pallets (1200 x 1000mm). Widely used in logistics and distribution across the UK.
• Euro pallet boxes – Slightly smaller, designed to fit Euro pallets (1200 x 800mm). Ideal for businesses trading within Europe, where Euro pallets are the standard.

Explore our full range of used pallet boxes for sustainable bulk packaging.

Octabins

Octabins are exactly what they sound like. They are eight-sided boxes used to store and transport bulk products. They are similar to pallet boxes, but with extra strength and stability thanks to their unique shape.

Industries often use octabins for shipping:

• Plastic granules
• Powders
• Food ingredients
• Loose components

Because of their design, octabins can withstand heavy loads without bulging or collapsing, making them a favourite for bulk exporters.

Other Common Types of Boxes

• Die-cut boxes – Custom-shaped to fit specific products, often used for retail displays. You’ll find many of these explained in our FEFCO guide.
• Archive boxes – With built-in lids and handles, perfect for storing documents.
• Edge protectors – Not a full box, but an essential corrugated tool for protecting pallet corners during transit.

Why Choosing the Right Box Matters

Selecting the correct types of boxes is about more than just size. The right choice:

• Protects your products during storage and shipping
• Saves money on damaged goods and returns
• Improves efficiency in packing and transport
• Reduces waste if you reuse boxes instead of always buying new

At Reuseabox, we specialise in giving boxes a second life. By reusing shipping boxes, pallet boxes and octabins, you can reduce your packaging costs while helping to protect the planet.

That’s because for every tonne of cardboard boxes reused through us, you save 3.5 trees, 1.1 tonnes of carbon, 16,639 kWh of energy and 201,944 litres of water.

That’s a big impact for something as simple as choosing used over new.

Ready to make the switch? Explore our range of used cardboard boxes and be part of the change.