Protective / Edge & Corner Protection / Edge Boards

 

Product Code	Description
24Z20	35x35x3mm - 200 - Edge Boards
24Z100	35x35x3mm - 1,000 - Edge Boards
24Z200	35x35x3mm - 2,000 - Edge Boards
24Z120	35x35x3mm - 1,200 - Edge Boards
24Y10	50x50x4mm - 1025 - Edge Boards
24Y15	50x50x4mm - 1525 - Edge Boards
24Y20	50x50x4mm - 2025 - Edge Boards
24Y30	50x50x4mm - 3025 - Edge Boards
24Z800	35x35x3mm - 800 - Edge Boards

Edge Boards (Edge & Corner Protection) — Overview

Edge boards (also called edge protectors or angle boards) are rigid L-shaped profiles used to protect the edges and corners of cartons, bundles, and palletised loads. They spread compression forces, reduce scuffing and crushing, and create a stronger “frame” around a load so strapping and stretch wrap can be applied with less risk of cutting into the product. This category includes edge boards in common leg sizes and thicknesses suited to general transit protection and unit-load stabilisation.

On this page you’ll find edge boards in two popular formats: 35x35x3mm and 50x50x4mm, supplied in different pack quantities to suit occasional use through to high-throughput packing operations.

Edge Boards — Helpful Guide

1) Standard paperboard edge boards (L-angle protectors)

Standard edge boards are designed to sit along vertical edges of cartons or along the corners of a pallet load. They help protect vulnerable edges from knocks and abrasion, and they distribute strap tension across a wider area to reduce indentation. Choose the leg size to match the face width you want to protect, and choose thickness based on the compression and strap tension expected.

• 24Z20 — 35x35x3mm edge boards (pack of 200). A compact leg size for smaller cartons, lighter pallet loads, or where you need protection without adding much bulk.
• 24Z100 — 35x35x3mm edge boards (pack of 1,000). Suitable for regular packing lines needing consistent edge reinforcement at higher volume.
• 24Z120 — 35x35x3mm edge boards (pack of 1,200). A higher-quantity option for frequent use where the 35mm leg size is the best fit.
• 24Z200 — 35x35x3mm edge boards (pack of 2,000). Designed for high-throughput operations standardising on 35x35x3mm protection.
• 24Z800 — 35x35x3mm edge boards (pack of 800). A mid-volume option balancing storage space and replenishment frequency.
• 24Y10 — 50x50x4mm edge boards (pack of 1,025). A larger leg size and thicker profile for broader edge coverage and improved resistance to compression and strap pressure.
• 24Y15 — 50x50x4mm edge boards (pack of 1,525). A higher-volume option for consistent protection on larger cartons or heavier pallet loads.
• 24Y20 — 50x50x4mm edge boards (pack of 2,025). Suitable for busy dispatch areas using 50x50x4mm as a standard.
• 24Y30 — 50x50x4mm edge boards (pack of 3,025). A bulk-quantity option for continuous use and reduced changeovers.

What edge boards do (and what they don’t)

They help with:

• Edge and corner impact protection during handling, loading, and transit.
• Load stabilisation by creating straighter vertical edges that wrap and straps can “grab” without deforming cartons.
• Strap and wrap performance by spreading tension and reducing the chance of straps cutting into packaging.
• Stacking strength support by reducing localised crushing at corners where compression is highest.

They don’t replace:

• Appropriate outer cartons or cases for the product weight and distribution environment.
• Correct pallet pattern, top caps, or slip sheets where required for stacking and stability.
• Proper strapping/wrapping technique (edge boards improve results, but poor application can still cause damage).

Common applications

• Palletised cartons — protect vertical edges and reduce corner crush from stacking and wrap tension.
• Bundled products — reinforce edges on flat-packed items, panels, or boxed sets.
• Strapped loads — reduce indentation where plastic or steel strapping contacts the load.
• Export and long-haul shipments — add rigidity to help loads resist vibration and repeated handling.

Case study (example): reducing corner crush on a stretch-wrapped pallet

A warehouse shipping mixed cartons on pallets noticed recurring corner crush and scuffing, especially on the outer cartons. The team introduced edge boards on all four vertical corners before applying stretch wrap. The edge boards created straighter corners, allowing the wrap to be applied firmly for stability without deforming the cartons. Damage rates dropped because impacts and wrap tension were absorbed by the edge boards rather than the carton corners.

Key takeaway: when cartons are close to their compression limit, adding edge boards can reduce localised stress at corners and improve the consistency of wrapping and strapping.

How to choose the correct edge board

Step 1: Choose leg size (35x35 vs 50x50)

Leg size is the width of each side of the L-profile. As a rule, choose a leg size that covers the area most likely to be contacted by straps, wrap, or handling impacts.

• 35x35mm is often used for smaller cartons, lighter pallet loads, or where space is tight and you want minimal added bulk.
• 50x50mm provides broader coverage and is commonly selected for larger cartons, heavier loads, or where straps/wrap are applied with higher tension.

Step 2: Choose thickness (3mm vs 4mm)

Thickness influences stiffness and resistance to crushing. Higher thickness generally improves performance under compression and strap pressure.

• 3mm is a practical choice for general protection and moderate strap/wrap tension.
• 4mm is better suited to heavier loads, higher stacking pressure, or higher strap tension where extra rigidity helps prevent indentation.

Step 3: Decide how many edges to protect

• Four vertical corners is the most common approach for pallet loads.
• All vertical edges (including mid-edges) can be used for very tall loads or where cartons are prone to bowing.
• Top perimeter protection can help when strapping across the top layer or when top cartons are vulnerable to abrasion.

Step 4: Match edge board length to the load

Edge boards are typically selected to run close to the full height of the palletised load so the corners are protected from base to top. If boards are shorter than the load height, prioritise protecting the most damage-prone zones (often the lower half where forklift contact and pallet impacts occur).

Step 5: Consider the strapping/wrapping method

• Stretch wrap: edge boards help maintain sharp corners and reduce film tearing on carton edges.
• Plastic strapping: edge boards spread strap pressure and reduce denting on cartons and product packaging.
• Steel strapping: edge protection is especially important because steel strap can concentrate force and damage edges if unprotected.

Best practices for use

• Place boards before wrapping so the film holds them in position and maintains corner alignment.
• Keep corners square by aligning boards with the pallet edges; misalignment can reduce protection and create snag points.
• Use consistent wrap tension; edge boards allow firm wrapping, but excessive tension can still crush weak cartons.
• Combine with top caps or slip sheets when stacking or strapping across the top layer to distribute load and reduce abrasion.
• Check for overhang; if cartons overhang the pallet, edge boards protect cartons but won’t prevent pallet impacts—adjust pallet pattern where possible.

Troubleshooting: common issues

Edge boards slipping during wrapping

Ensure the first wrap revolutions capture the boards firmly. If the load surface is very smooth, start the wrap lower and overlap upward to lock the boards in place.

Straps still denting cartons

Increase leg size or thickness, or add additional boards under strap lines. Also verify strap tension settings—edge boards distribute force, but they cannot compensate for excessive tension on weak cartons.

Corner crush continues on stacked pallets

Review carton strength and stacking pattern. Edge boards reduce localised damage, but overall compression resistance depends on carton specification, pallet alignment, and whether loads are stacked evenly.

Q&A