V-Shaped Paper Corner Protectors: Structure, Uses and How to Choose a Size
V-shaped paper corner protectors guard edges and stabilise loads under strapping and stacking. This guide explains their structure, how to read a size such as V50x50x5, their uses by industry and how to choose thickness.
V-shaped paper corner protectors (edge boards, V-boards) are multi-ply paper strips glued and formed into a V angle. They sit on the edges or corners of a load to protect them, spread strapping pressure and keep the load stable during stacking, transport and storage.
Structure and how to read the size
Edge boards are made by laminating layers of kraft paper and pressing them into a V. Sizes are written as V A × B × T (mm):
- A, B: the width of the two legs, e.g. 50 × 50 mm.
- T: wall thickness, e.g. 5 mm. Thicker boards are stiffer.
- Length: cut to order, usually the height or edge length of the load.
Example: V50x50x5 has two 50 mm legs and is 5 mm thick. KOVIF produces 13 sizes from V35x35x5 to V80x80x7 and makes custom sizes.
What paper corner protectors do
- Protect edges: reduce dents, scratches and chipped corners from handling impacts.
- Stop straps cutting in: boards spread strap tension so cartons are not torn or products marked.
- Strengthen stacks: vertical boards at the four corners help the load carry the tiers above.
- Keep loads stable: with straps and stretch film, cartons do not shift or topple in transit.
- Cut damage costs: the board is cheap compared with claims and replacements.
- Eco-friendly: recyclable paper that replaces plastic edge protectors.
Applications by industry
- Cartons on pallets: electronics, consumer goods, food and beverage.
- Furniture and doors: protect edges and faces for export.
- Sheet materials: glass, boards, metal sheets.
- Rolls and coils: steel coils, paper rolls, film rolls.
How to choose the right size
| Goods | Suggested legs | Suggested thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Small cartons, light goods | 35–40 mm | 3–5 mm |
| Standard pallet loads | 50 mm | 4–5 mm |
| Tall stacks, heavy goods | 50–60 mm | 6–8 mm |
| Very large goods, coils, metal sheets | 70–80 mm | 7 mm |
These are starting points; the best size also depends on strap tension, stacking height and transport conditions. See all 13 sizes on the Paper Corner Protectors page.
Paper or plastic corner protectors?
| Criteria | Paper | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Moisture | Good in dry storage; take care in humid conditions | Good |
| Reuse | Usually single use | Reusable many times |
| Environment | Easy to recycle, preferred by exporters | Creates plastic waste |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common paper corner protector size?
For pallet loads, 50 mm legs at 4–5 mm thickness are the most used. Heavy goods or tall stacks should use 6–8 mm.
Does KOVIF cut boards to custom lengths?
Yes. Every size is cut to the length you need. You can request a quotation with size, length and quantity.
