Abstract: For the packaging protection of the composite layered structures including corrugated paperboard, honeycomb paperboard, and expandable polyethylene (EPE), the transverse static compression deformation and the cushioning energy absorption of these structures were analyzed experimentally. The results show that: these structures embody the mechanical properties of EPE in the initial and final compression stages, and reflect the mechanical properties of corrugated paperboard or honeycomb paperboard in the middle stage. The elastic modulus, total energy absorption and stroke efficiency of the composite layered structures are higher than those of EPE, while the unit volume deformation energy does not show the identical change rule as the total energy absorption because of the different amplitude of specimen thickness. The specific energy absorption rises with the increase of compression strain, and not affected by the compression speed. The specific energy absorption of composite layered structures with EPE and honeycomb paperboard is greater than those of EPE and corrugated paperboard. The energy absorption efficiency of the EPE and of the corrugated paperboard composite layered structures is larger at the low stress level, yet that of the EPE and of the honeycomb paperboard composite layered structures is greater at the high stress level.