Protective and assembled packaging: partitions, inserts and cushioning for fragile products

Assembled packaging is a system in which the outer box works with multiple inner components to hold the product in place, separate items and absorb impact throughout shipping. In the FEFCO system, these components are classified as series 0900 (interior fitments) and are made from the same corrugated board as the outer box.

Protective Design Protective Design example box structures in this group

Because every component is made from the same corrugated board as the outer box, the entire pack can be disposed of together without sorting and recycled with other paper. This adds no waste-handling burden for your customers, unlike foam and plastic cushioning, which require separate disposal.

Box styles in this group

Partition / Divider by Auto Boxes
Partition

Partition / Divider

Partition

Slotted corrugated strips that interlock to form a grid of cells, preventing items from touching one another. This is the most frequently ordered component in this group, used for glass bottles, cosmetics, ceramics and electronic components.

Pad by Auto Boxes
Pad

Pad

Pad

A flat sheet placed on the bottom of the box, between product layers, or on top before closing. It adds vertical impact protection and helps distribute compression when boxes are stacked.

Liner by Auto Boxes
Liner

Liner

Liner

A corrugated sheet folded into a U or O shape to line the inner walls of the box. It adds a further wall layer and increases the compression strength (BCT) of the existing box. Used when a product becomes heavier but the specification of the outer box is to remain unchanged.

Cushioning / Insert / Fitment by Auto Boxes
Cushioning Fitment

Cushioning / Insert / Fitment

Cushioning Fitment

Components cut and folded to the shape of a specific product, holding it in place away from the box walls so that impact is absorbed by the board rather than the product. Designed around the actual product for every order, and essential to electronics and medical device packaging.

Wrap Sheet / Surround Board by Auto Boxes
Wrap Sheet

Wrap Sheet / Surround Board

Wrap Sheet

A corrugated sheet that surrounds the product on all four sides. The product is placed on a pad or tray, the wrap sheet is placed around it, and a top layer closes the pack. Suited to large, heavy products, and can be made extra thick for high loads. It is also used around the outside of a box for added strength, or around a large product without a box.

Corner Protector / Edge Protector by Auto Boxes
Corner Protector

Corner Protector / Edge Protector

Corner Protector

Corrugated board folded into an L or U profile to cover the corners and edges of a product, protecting them from strapping pressure and impact during handling. Commonly used with pallets and furniture.

Tray and Lid Set by Auto Boxes
Tray & Lid

Tray and Lid Set

Tray & Lid

A rigid base tray with a lid and an inner fitment. Lifting the lid reveals the complete set at once, suited to premium products where the unboxing is part of the brand experience.

Selecting protective packaging

Spec Guideline

Designed around your actual product

This group has no standard designs. Every component is designed to the actual dimensions of the product, as a difference of a few millimeters can significantly affect the level of protection.

1. The product
  • The most fragile areas: corners, edges, surfaces or protruding parts.
  • Weight per item and items per box, which determine the compression the partitions must withstand.
2. Route and storage
  • Distance and number of handling stages. The more often the box is handled, the more cushioning it requires.
  • Number of stacked layers in storage, and how many times the box will be reused.
3. Grades commonly used in this group
  • General partitions and pads: KK grade, B flute.
  • High compression or repeated reuse: KA grade.
To help us assess more quickly, send the actual product or a drawing with dimensions, and state the weight, items per box and stacking method. Our team produces a sample for testing with your product before every production approval.
Tips

💡 When does replacing foam with corrugated board pay off?

Die-cut foam may cost less per piece, but the total cost also includes waste handling at the destination, particularly when your customer applies ESG criteria or charges separately for foam disposal. Corrugated cushioning is recycled together with the box, reducing that burden. Our team can assess the structure and compare the total cost of both options before you decide.

Request a quote directly from our factory

FAQ: protective packaging

A packaging system consisting of an outer box and inner components designed for the product, such as partitions, cushioning, pads and liners, which separate the items and hold them securely throughout shipping.

A partition is a set of interlocking corrugated strips that forms separate cells, preventing items from striking one another. It is well suited to glass bottles, cosmetics, spare parts, ceramics and beverages.

Yes. Auto Boxes manufactures cushioning and partitions to the size and shape specified for each order, designed to fit the actual product closely for precise protection.

Automotive parts, electronics, medical devices, glassware, cosmetics and high-value products that require strong protection against scratches and impact.

Yes. The Auto Boxes Technical Service team can design the cushioning inserts and the complete box structure from your actual product or a 3D file, and produce a prototype for testing with your product before mass production.