Table of Contents
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 43/2026
In English, the paper corner strip is usually called “paper angle board” or “paper edge protector”; other names are “corner board”, “edge board”, “corner protector” and “V-board”. All of these refer to the same thing: a strip of laminated paper board folded into a V shape (a 90-degree angle), placed on the vertical edges of a load to prevent dented corners, spread strap pressure and keep the stack upright.
Every one of these names has its users, so when you send a request to an overseas supplier, state the size of both legs, the thickness and the length instead of giving only a name. The ICD TN01 paper corner strip is this V-shaped type.
English names and when each is used
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Paper angle board, angleboard | The most common name for a V-shaped paper strip; many packaging companies use it in their catalogues |
| Edge protector, edgeboard | A name based on the edge-protection function; in the Chinese standard BB/T 0023-2017 this type comes in L and U shapes |
| Corner board, cornerboard | Used in road freight and warehousing (for example in a US carrier’s LTL packaging guidelines) |
| Corner protector, corner guard | Usually means a short protective piece at each corner, not necessarily running the full height of the load |
| V-board | A name describing the V-shaped cross-section |
Some manufacturers separate the two ideas: angle board protects the vertical corners of a load, while edge protector runs along an edge. In practice most suppliers use the terms interchangeably, so do not treat a name as a technical specification.
Construction, and why it is stiffer than folded carton
Paper corner strip is made of several layers of paper (kraft or recycled) glued on top of each other and shaped into a right angle, as described by manufacturers such as Signode. Many bonded layers bent into an angle let the strip resist vertical compression far better than a hand-folded piece of carton. Size is usually given by three numbers: the length of the first leg, the length of the second leg and the wall thickness, in millimetres.
The sample figures below are taken from Signode’s specification table (Asia-Pacific). Compression force is measured on a 100 mm length; strap force is measured on a 300 mm length. These are figures for one manufacturer and one type, and do not replace the specification of the product you buy.
| Size (mm) | Compression force (N) | Strap force (N) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 x 50 x 3.0 | 1,300 | 575 |
| 50 x 50 x 4.0 | 1,850 | 800 |
| 50 x 50 x 5.0 | 2,500 | 1,000 |
| 60 x 60 x 5.0 | 3,000 | 1,200 |
| 75 x 75 x 5.0 | 3,750 | 1,500 |
| 75 x 75 x 6.0 | 5,400 | 1,800 |
The clear pattern: with the same leg length, increasing the thickness from 3 to 5 mm nearly doubles the compression force of the 50 x 50 type. So for heavy or tall loads, increasing thickness is usually more effective than increasing leg length.
What a corner strip does for a load
ABF Freight’s LTL packaging guidelines list the uses of corner board: it increases the stacking strength of the load, keeps it stable sideways, prevents damage from the force of tightly applied stretch film and prevents strapping damage. The corners and vertical edges of a carton carry about two thirds of its compressive strength, so protecting the corners keeps the strongest part of the carton intact.
| Hazard | How a corner strip handles it |
|---|---|
| Tight strapping cuts into the carton corner | Spreads the strap force over a wider area so the strap does not bite deep into the carton |
| Tightly wound PE film dents the corner | A rigid corner takes the film tension, so the carton is not crushed |
| Stacking in several tiers | Transfers load along the vertical edges, so the lower tiers collapse less |
| Impacts during handling | Keeps the carton corners in shape, so the load shifts less on the pallet |
How much compression strength is lost by misaligned carton corners
ABF Freight cites the loss of carton compression strength caused by misalignment: about 8% when stacked in line, about 12.5% when slightly misaligned, about 32% when offset from the pallet edge, and about 50% when cartons overhang the pallet or are stacked in an interlocked pattern. A corner strip does not replace correct stacking, but it helps keep cartons aligned throughout the journey and prevents gradual drift.
| Carton corner condition | Compression strength lost (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Corners aligned | about 8% |
| Slight corner misalignment | about 12.5% |
| Offset from the pallet edge | about 32% |
| Overhanging the pallet or interlocked stacking | about 50% |
Choosing and using corner strips correctly
According to ABF Freight’s guidance, use a one-piece strip that runs the full height of the load; strips spliced from several short pieces sharply reduce stability. If the load is set back less than 1 inch (about 25 mm) from the pallet edge, pull the strip down to the floor; if it is set back more, place the strip on top of the pallet deck. Choose thickness by three factors: the weight of the load, the stacking height and the strap or film tension. Light, short loads can use a thin strip; heavy, tall loads with tight strapping should use a thicker wall.
| Setback from the pallet edge | Where to place the corner strip |
|---|---|
| Under 1 inch (about 25 mm) | Pull the strip down to the floor |
| Over 1 inch | Place the strip on top of the pallet deck |
- Place a strip at all four vertical corners, keep it vertical and do not let it bend.
- Place the strip under the strap and under the stretch film so they press on the strip, not on the carton.
- Cut the strip to the height of the load; avoid splicing several pieces.
- Keep the strip dry: paper weakens quickly when damp, so avoid rain or wet floors.
Paper corner strips suit cartons, dry packed goods and standard containers. Outdoor loads, loads exposed to water and damp cold stores need another material or moisture-proof wrapping. The size and thickness of the TN01 are cut to order; state the legs, thickness and length when you make contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is a paper corner strip called in English?
Usually paper angle board or paper edge protector; you also see corner board, edge board, corner protector and V-board.
What is a paper corner strip made of?
Several layers of paper glued on top of each other and shaped into a right angle, usually kraft or recycled paper.
What is a paper corner strip used for?
It protects the corners and vertical edges of a load, spreads strap and film force, increases stacking strength and keeps the load upright.
How do I choose the thickness of a corner strip?
By the weight of the load, the stacking height and the strap or film tension. With the same leg length, a thicker wall gives clearly higher compression force (for example the Signode table for 50 x 50 from 3 mm to 5 mm).
Can a paper corner strip be recycled?
Yes. The main material is paper, so it can be recycled with cardboard, as long as the strip has no glue or other coating attached.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - advice on pallets, plastic crates, PE film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo
References
- Signode, Edgeboard technical specifications (APAC) - signode.com
- ABF Freight, General Packaging Recommendations for the LTL Environment (corner boards, loss of compression strength from misalignment) - arcb.com
