Recycled Plastic Plugs That Keep Every Core Round
Single core plugs press into each end of a roll’s core and hold the inside diameter round, so the core arrives at your customer in the same shape it left your plant. We mold every plug from recycled plastic, from 2 to 12 inches in four strength grades, and keep them all in stock.
How Single Core Plugs Protect Your Rolls
Every time a roll is stacked, dropped, or moved, the core takes the load. When they flatten or go out of round, the roll becomes harder to mount on a shaft and unwind, and in some cases, the product may no longer be sellable. A single core plug presses into each end of the core to help protect it from crushing and maintain its shape. Core plugs can also be used for a simpler purpose: securing overwrap at the ends of the roll to keep it in place during storage, handling, and shipping.
When used for core protection, the plug helps support the inside diameter against crushing and keeps the core round so it can properly seat on shafts and chucks. This helps prevent line delays caused by damaged cores and reduces the risk of rejected rolls and costly return freight.
Our plugs are molded from recycled plastic and can be recycled again where accepted by local recycling programs. Unlike wood and fiber plugs, plastic plugs also resist moisture that can cause traditional materials to swell and weaken.
Single Core Plug Sizes and Strength Grades
Your core’s inside diameter (ID), the roll’s weight, and your application tell you which single core plug to use. The core ID sets the plug size, so a 3-inch core takes a 3-inch plug. Cores often measure a few thousandths over their nominal size, so take the ID with calipers before you order. Our core plug size chart covers measuring in more detail.
Exact outer diameter, wall, and flange dimensions are available on request.
If your core falls between sizes, is out of round, or doesn’t match anything listed, we can mold a custom core plug in the size, color, and grade you need, with no order minimum.
Match the grade to how heavy the roll is and how roughly it gets handled.
Standard
Lighter rolls and everyday handling.
Heavy-duty
Thicker walls for heavier rolls or rougher transit.
Crush-resistant and extreme-duty
The heaviest rolls and the highest stacking and impact loads.
Rolls We Protect With Single Core Plugs
Single plugs work for rolls whose outer surface can take light contact, since the roll still rests on its own wraps in a cradle, on a pallet, or on its side.
Paper and Paperboard Rolls
Stacking and truck loading put the full weight of a heavy paper roll on its core. Our heavy-duty and crush-resistant plugs hold those cores round, and a pair of CradlePak roll cradles keeps the roll from shifting.
Plastic Film and Flexible Packaging
Film unwinds evenly only from a round core. Plugs with a center hole leave room for the roll to be put on a shaft.
Textiles and Nonwovens
Fabric and nonwoven rolls are lifted and restacked several times between the mill and the cutting table, and the plugs protect the integrity of the core through all phases of handling.
Building Wrap and Insulation
House wrap and insulation facing come in wide, bulky rolls that get stacked high in warehouses. Use a heavy-duty or crush-resistant plug so the core holds up under the stack.
Industrial Roll Stock
For liners, tapes, and other wound stock that stack on end or horizontally on a pallet,, match the core plug grade to your application.
If a scuff or flat spot on the outer wraps would get a roll rejected, look at our pad plugs or roll suspension plugs instead.
How to Order Single Core Plugs
Request a Sample-
1
Measure your core
Take the inside diameter with calipers and note the roll weight if necessary for your application.
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2
Choose your size and grade
Match the ID to a plug size, the roll weight and your application to a grade in the table above.
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3
Test a sample
We send free samples so you can check fit and strength on your own cores before placing a full order.
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4
Place your order
Send the item code and quantity, and we’ll confirm pricing and a ship date.
Complete Your Roll Packaging
Core plugs protect the core, and CradlePak plastic roll cradles support the outside of the roll so it can’t roll on a pallet or shift in a container. A pair of each protects the roll inside and out.
Other Core Plug Types
The right type depends on how much contact the roll’s outer surface can take, since core plugs, pad plugs, and roll suspension plugs each protect rolls in various ways. All four types are part of our plastic core plug line, molded from recycled plastic.
Double Core Plugs
Join two rolls core-to-core so they stack vertically on a pallet without leaning.
Explore Double Core Plugs→
Pad Plugs
Add a flat pad that holds the roll off the box floor and protects the outer wraps and edges.
Explore Pad Plugs→
Roll Suspension Plugs
Pair with end boards to hold the roll off every surface, for high-value film, foil, and coated stock.
Explore Roll Suspension Plugs→Why Choose Tamarack for Single Core Plugs
We mold our core plugs at our plant in Yakima, Washington, and sell them with no minimum order. Every plug on this page is in stock, and when your core isn’t on the chart, we mold a custom size. You work directly with our team on sizing, samples, and reorders.
U.S.-based manufacturer
No minimum order quantity
Fast turnaround and flexible production
Personalized service
Request Single Core Plug Samples
Send us your core ID, application and roll weight. We’ll match you to a plug and ship samples so you can test them on your line, or you can call us at 509.452.3330.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a single core plug?
A single core plug is a molded plastic plug that presses into one end of a roll's core and caps it. It can be used to simply hold overwrap in place or to support the inside diameter so the cores don’t crush during stacking, handling, and shipping.
What size single core plug do I need?
Match the plug to your core's inside diameter: a 3-inch core takes a 3-inch plug. We stock single plugs from 2 to 12 inches. Calipers give you the most accurate measurement, and if your core falls between sizes, send us the number and we'll confirm the fit.
Which grade should I choose?
Go by roll weight and application. Standard plugs suit lighter rolls or when you’re simply needing to secure overwrap in place. Heavy-duty plugs suit heavier rolls and rougher transit, and crush-resistant and extreme-duty plugs take the highest stacking and impact loads.
When should I use a single plug instead of a double plug?
Use single plugs when a roll ships on its side in a cradle or lies flat. Use double plugs when you stack rolls vertically on a pallet, so the load passes core-to-core.
Do single core plugs work with CradlePak?
Yes. The cradles support the outside of the roll and keep it from rolling, and the plugs keep the core ends from crushing. Rolls that ship with exposed cores benefit from both.
Are single core plugs recyclable?
Yes. We mold them from recycled plastic, and they can be recycled again at most local recycling centers.