What Are Corrugated Partitions and Which Material Should You Use?

Corrugated partitions are interlocking dividers that slot together to create individual cells inside a box, tote or container, so each part ships without touching the next. The right material depends on how many times the partition will be used, how heavy the parts are, and whether the surface finish needs protection. Corrugated fits most one-way shipments, plastic corrugated fits returnable and wet environments, and chipboard or paper fits light parts where cost matters most.

What does a partition actually do?

A partition holds parts in a fixed position so they cannot rub, shift or stack against each other in transit. That prevents scratches, dents and bent features, and it makes counting and picking faster at the receiving dock because every cell holds one part.

Which partition material is right for my parts?

• Corrugated: the most common choice for expendable shipments. Strong, inexpensive, recyclable, and easy to customize by cell size and height.

• Plastic corrugated: rigid, moisture resistant and cleanable. Built for returnable programs and high moisture or heavy duty environments where corrugated would break down.

• Chipboard: thin and economical for light parts that need separation more than structural strength.

• Paper: the lightest option for very small or light components and low cost dividers.

How do partitions protect Class A or painted surfaces?

For painted, plated or cosmetic surfaces, partitions can be made with non-abrasive facings such as Nomar or poly chip laminated to the board. The soft facing contacts the part instead of raw corrugated, which helps prevent scuffing on Class A finishes.

How are custom partitions specified?

A partition quote typically needs the part dimensions and weight, the container inside dimensions, the number of cells and layers, whether the program is expendable or returnable, and annual volume. With that, the cell layout, board grade and slot pattern can be engineered to fit the container and the part.

Who makes custom partitions in Michigan?

All Packaging Solutions (Allpacks), based in Flint, Michigan, designs and supplies custom partitions in corrugated, plastic corrugated, chipboard and paper for automotive and industrial manufacturers, along with the boxes, foam and dunnage that go with them. See our corrugated solutions or request a quote.

Frequently asked questions

What are corrugated partitions?

Corrugated partitions are interlocking dividers that slot together to form individual cells inside a box or container so parts ship separated and protected.

What is the difference between corrugated and plastic corrugated partitions?

Corrugated partitions are economical and recyclable and suit one-way shipments. Plastic corrugated partitions are rigid, moisture resistant and cleanable, which makes them suited to returnable programs and wet or heavy duty environments.

How do you protect Class A surfaces with partitions?

Partitions can be faced with non-abrasive materials such as Nomar or poly chip so the soft facing, not raw corrugated, touches the painted or cosmetic surface.