Here is everything you need to know about corrugated boxes.
You will learn:
A corrugated box is a disposable container whose sides are made up of layers of material that include an inside layer, outer layer, and middle layer. The middle layer is fluted, which means it is styled in rigid, wave-shaped arches that provide cushioning and support for weighted materials placed in a corrugated box.
The common cardboard box has been around for over 200 years. The practice of adding flutes for corrugation began in the middle of the first industrial revolution. Over the years since its development, the corrugated box has become the most common form of shipping container and is found in every aspect of material management and transport.
Though the construction of a corrugated box may seem to be a simple and easy process, various elements have to be considered prior to beginning manufacturing. As with all manufacturing and shipping equipment, corrugated boxes are designed and engineered to determine what they can hold, how much, and their strength.
The first step in box manufacturing is to examine the various elements of the box, which are construction, flute size, burst strength, edge crush strength, flat crush strength, the heaviness of the cardboard sheets, weight of the paper, and types of surface treatments.
There are three types of walls for a corrugated box: single, double, or triple.
There are five common types of corrugated flutings, which are A, B, C, E, and F. Though these are standard, manufacturers and designers can create and construct customized versions, which can be combinations of the standard versions or unique, unusual designs.
Aside from the five above flute styles, there are specialty flutes that are combinations of the above flutes or that fall between the regularly used flutes, such as D flutes. Other special flutes include EE, EF, and BC, which are used with double wall flute profiles. Flutes such as N and O are rarely used and are extremely small at less than half a millimeter.
The burst strength of a corrugated box refers to the amount of force that can be applied before the material ruptures, cracks, or falls apart. The Mullen Test, which was developed over 130 years ago, applies force to the face of the corrugated material until it bursts. The results of the test are given in pounds with a rating. For example, a box rated at 200# can withstand 200 pounds (90 kg) of force per square inch. The results of the Mullen test offer data regarding the amount of force per square inch required to burst through the paper on a corrugated box.
The Mullen test is an indicator of how a box will endure its treatment when it is being shipped individually and subjected to the rough handling of assembly operations and mail carriers. As it moves through the multiple distribution channels, the contents of the box are more likely to move inside and possibly cause a puncture.
The flaw with the Mullen test is that the fluted medium doesn't add to the bursting strength of the box. This isn't to say the medium isn't important because 50% of the stacking strength of a box comes from the medium. This is where the Edge Crush Test comes in.
The ECT test measures the vertical compression strength of a box and serves as an indicator as to how well a box will react to being stacked for shipping or placed on a pallet. It is a sensible and reliable test to determine how well a box will hold its form during transit and while being handled. The ECT test is a "performance-based" property test rather than a "material characteristics" test.
The ECT of a box can be influenced by several factors, which include humidity, amount of time a box remains stacked, amount of crush from going through a production machine, and the stacking pattern. A box that tests with an ECT of 55 will be able to withstand 55 lbs (25 kg) of pressure.
The basis weight is a measurement of the weight of cardboard sheets before being made into boxes and is the weight, in pounds, of a ream of paper. Since paper comes in different sizes and widths, the basis weight can vary and must be calculated by measuring and weighing a piece of paper.
The weight of cardboard is dependent on how thick the cardboard paper is. The weight of the paper to make the sheets of corrugation is measured in pounds, which can vary from 26 lbs. to 42 lbs (11.8 to 19 kg).
During the production of corrugated boxes, coatings and finishes are applied to protect the stability of the box and give it a certain appearance. There are two basic types of coatings, which are aqueous and UV.
The machine that produces the corrugated board for corrugated boxes is called a corrugator. The main elements of corrugated board are liners that are the flat facing of the board and come from various grades of paper. This central element is made from the long fibers of softwood trees. The fluted portion is made from shorter fibers found in hardwood trees.
Huge rolls of paper are combined in a single facer that produces the fluted form. To create the flute, the paper is steam heated to 338 ° F (170° C). The fluted paper is attached to a single sheet of the liner by the application of glue at a controlled temperature to the peaks of the flutes and pressed flat by pressure rollers. This produces the single faced web.
The single faced web leaves the single facer and moves on to the double glue unit and double backer. To produce a double wall corrugated paper, two single face webs are fed into the unit as well as the liner. In the double glue unit, the exposed flute tips have glue applied to connect the outside liner. During the process, the liner and fluted single face web are constantly heated at controlled and monitored temperatures to cure the glue and ensure a secure bond.
After leaving the double backer, the corrugated board is pulled through the dryer, scored, and cut to the required lengths.
The various lengths of board are stacked to be fed into the box printing and creation equipment. Depending on the types of boxes, they are printed with logos, designs, and an assortment of colors.
The scored, printed, and cut corrugated boards are fed into a trimmer that perforates the boards to create flaps and handles. This process can complete as many as 90 boxes per minute.
Once the boxes have been sufficiently formed and trimmed, they are sent on to the folding machine that bends the box along the score lines and applies glue to the sections that will be joined together to complete the forming of the box.
The complete process, from the cutting of the corrugated board to the printing, slotting, and shaping of the box, can be seen in the diagram below.
What we consider to be the common shipping box is one of the most used shipping tools available to manufacturers for use in shipping their products. Since corrugated boxes can be designed and produced to fit nearly every shipping need, they are one of the most omnipresent and accessible logistical devices.
Corrugated boxes are famous for their structural rigidity and protective cushioning for shipping fragile and delicate items. There are countless advantages to using corrugated boxes that can be customized to fit any type of shipping need.
An important reason that corrugated boxes are used by industry is the ability of box manufacturers to print on the boxes and place a company‘s logo. A clean image of a company‘s logo goes a long way to promoting its brand and making it recognizable. Boxes are an inexpensive way of making a company‘s image unique and distinct.
In the manufacturing process of corrugated boxes, the glue used to connect the flutes and liners is made from water and starch to avoid contaminating fresh fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits to using corrugated boxes for shipping food. The most important of the benefits is their safety and resistance to bacterial infection. Various research studies have shown that corrugated boxes keep food fresher longer.
The main concern when shipping or storing office supplies, especially paper, is the possibility of supplies being damaged in transit or while sitting on a shelf. The strength and cushioning of corrugated boxes prevent this from happening and remove the worry of having damaged work materials.
In the e-commerce industry, boxes serve multiple purposes, the most important of which is an efficient and highly responsive supply chain, a critical part of e-commerce. Corrugated boxes are the backbone of the e-commerce supply change and have been growing in use over the last two years. A challenge for the e-commerce industry is the shipment of smaller quantities to a growing number of unique and unusual destinations. Corrugated boxes offer the type of security and safety that the e-commerce industry demands.
Online shopping has led to a rapid rise in the use of boxes for the shipment of textiles. Billions of dollars are being invested in shipping materials that will guarantee safe, reliable, and damage-free delivery. Since customer satisfaction is the key to maintaining and keeping customers, corrugated boxes have become a significant part of the planning for meeting customer demands.
It is estimated that over 50% of customers will return to a company if the textiles they receive are packaged properly. Corrugated boxes make it possible for textile manufacturers to personalize boxes to fit the product and the customer, which ensures repeat customers.
Great care has to be taken when choosing boxes for the shipping of electronics and electronic components. These types of items are fragile and can be damaged easily by not being packed correctly. For this reason, corrugated boxes are used and supplemented with packing materials for added protection. The greatest concern is the amount of stress placed on components in the handling of the box. The shock from such stress can damage a circuit or loosen a connection. The cushioning found in a corrugated box alleviates worry and prevents damage, ensuring that an electronic product arrives on time in perfect condition.
Much like the needs of the electronics industry, materials shipped for healthcare needs require the same type of care and concern. Delicate and sensitive medical instruments can be easily damaged by poor packaging and mishandling. In the case of medications, there are several requirements regarding shipping conditions to ensure that they arrive safely. The wide assortment and selection of corrugated boxes make it possible for pharmaceutical companies to ship their products with confidence, knowing that medications are well-protected and safe.
Shipping materials for the battery industry have to meet strict guidelines and regulations for safety and legal compliance. The fiberboard used to produce these specially designed boxes follows the established guidelines of the corrugated box industry. Aside from the use of specially produced liners, each battery shipping container has to be clearly marked regarding the contents with appropriate safety guidelines.
The shipping of auto parts requires careful preparation since they come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The basic rule is to protect the part to be shipped from harm by providing packing material that is sturdy, able to handle weight, and cushioned.
The choice of container is highly dependent on the parts to be shipped, which can vary from lug nuts to carburetors. Large parts need a box that won‘t burst or be destroyed by handling. Box manufacturers and part suppliers have charts that offer guidance regarding what type of box to use for certain parts.
When supplying shipping materials for the military, there are several Mil-Spec regulations that must be followed. Unlike other industrial applications, the military provides a list of requirements and a description of production methods for producing materials for their use. The first and most obvious requirement for military boxes is that they be sturdy.
Aside from being strong and sturdy, corrugated boxes must be designed to withstand a variety of climatic conditions, which include high humidity, extreme temperature changes, and wet environments. The function of military shipping materials is to offer maximum protection for sensitive and technical instruments, as well as meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D5118.
Corrugated and solid fiberboard boxes, sleeves and liners are used to unitize products into packages of size and shape suitable for manual or mechanical handling and to protect the contents against environmental, handling, shipping, and storage conditions.
The main emphasis is on protecting the contents and keeping them safe.
For publishing companies, the shipping of books, documents, magazines, and other printed material has the major problem of weight since a large amount of printed material can be significantly heavy. Once the problem of weight is resolved, the next concern is moisture, which can severely damage printed matter.
Though the exterior of corrugated boxes is coated with protective finishes, it is important to line the interior of the box with plastic or some form of wrapping material as an extra layer of protection from moisture. The most obvious solution is to use boxes that have a triple thickness of fiberboard.
The material used to make corrugated boxes is corrugated fiberboard, which comes in different thicknesses and grades. To produce the highest quality corrugated box, the fiberboard used in the process has to include the best paper and fluting.
Corrugated fiberboard is a packaging material made by gluing fluted corrugated sheets to flat linerboards. The advantages, structure, and eco-friendly nature of corrugated fiberboard have made it an essential part of the supply chain for many industries.
Single wall fiberboard is one row of fluting pressed between two liners. The most popular flute profiles for single wall fiberboard are A, B, C, E, and F, with B and C being the most common.
Basically, double wall corrugated fiberboard is a double version of single wall fiberboard. Instead of one set of fluting, it has two that are positioned between two liners or facings with a medium positioned between the flutes, which are normally AC, BC, and EB.
As the name implies, triple wall fiberboard has three lines of fluting. Though it may be assumed that the three lines are similar to the lines of double and single fiberboard walls, in triple wall fiberboard, the fluting lines can be the same or of different sizes with varying numbers of flutes. The paper on the outside of the flutes is referred to as liners or facings. The paper between the flutes is called the medium.
Though the thickness of fiberboard is important in determining its strength, a key defining feature is the type of paper used for liners and flutes. The types of paper used for the liners of corrugated fiberboard are Kraft, test 2 and 3, chip, bleached white, white top, mottled Kraft, oyster, semi chem, and waste-based.
Kraft paper or paperboard is produced using the Kraft process. It has high tear resistance, is very durable, and is free of lignin, which is a bonding agent in wood that is dissolved in the Kraft process by sodium sulfate. The lack of lignin adds to the strength of the paper. Kraft paper is made from softwood pulp with long fibers that increase the strength of the paper.
For the creation of bleached white paper, Kraft paper is put through a process that involves the use of bleach and assorted chemicals, which whitens and purifies the natural Kraft pulp.
The purpose of this process is to strengthen the paper, which makes it useful for packaging heavier products. Kraft bleached white paper is known for its rigidity, strength, and durability.
Test 2 paper liner is made of partly recycled paper and is very much like Kraft paper exception for its burst strength. Since it does not have sufficient burst strength, it is normally used as an outside liner where puncture and water resistance are not essential.
Test 3 paper is fully recycled paper. It has a double layer and is referred to as duplex. Since it is not virgin stock, it is not as strong as Kraft paper and is normally used as an inside liner.
Test liners are not as strong as Kraft liners because of their high content of recycled materials. It is not possible to have a single description of test liners since they are divided into different classes, which change depending on their country of origin.
Chip liners are made of uncontrolled recycled materials, which means they are of lower quality and do not perform as well as other liners.
Semi-chemical fluting is produced from hardwood that has short fibers. The lignin is only slightly removed from this type of paper pulp, which produces very dense and high compression strength papers.
When the semi-chemical paper passes through a corrugator, the heat in the process creates rigid fibers as the material cools, making it crush-resistant.
Fluting is normally produced using waste-based fluting medium due to its enhanced properties. It is made from 100% waste-based material, which has been chemically enhanced and reinforced with starch. The starch additive in waste-based fluting takes the place of natural lignin found in the pulp from hard and soft woods.
Waste-based fluting medium grew out of environmental concerns and the need to recycle waste materials. The majority of fluting material used in manufacturing of corrugated fiberboard is waste-based.
The grading of fiberboard involves the use of two commonly used methods that are predominant in the corrugated fiberboard industry. A careful study of the grades of fiberboard is essential in choosing the correct fiberboard to fit the application.
The Mullen burst test has set the standard for testing fiberboard and is used by all corrugated fiberboard producers. It is the oldest of the testing methods and produces its standards in pounds.
To test corrugated fiberboard, to determine its Mullen test grade, a sample of the corrugated fiberboard is clamped into the testing device. A hydraulic arm applies force to the flat piece using a rubber diaphragm. In slow increments, force is applied by a crank or electronic mechanism until the diaphragm bursts through the fiberboard sample.
The Mullen grade determines the handling properties of the fiberboard with a grade provided in pounds. If the Mullen test gives a grade of 32#, it means that the fiberboard sample burst after 32 lbs. (14.5 kg) was applied.
As the use of corrugated boxes has expanded and more and more boxes are loaded on a pallet, it has become necessary to determine how much weight from other boxes a corrugated box can withstand. To make that determination, the edge crush test (ECT) was developed to give corrugated fiberboard a Mullen grading and ECT grading.
As with the Mullen test, the ECT test begins with a small sample of corrugated fiberboard. In the case of the ECT test, the force is applied to the fluted edge of the sample to determine the fiberboard's resistance to crushing. The ECT tester produces a number to identify its susceptibility to being crushed, which is defined by the compression rate on the linear edge.
| Mullen and ECT Test Results for Single Walled Corrugated Fiberboard | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mullen Burst Strength | Edge Crush Test (ECT) | Max. Weight Limit/carton |
| 125 # | 23 ECT | 20 lbs. |
| 150 # | 26 ECT | 35 lbs. |
| 175 # | 29 ECT | 50 lbs. |
| 200 # | 32 ECT | 65 lbs. |
| 275 # | 44 ECT | 95 lbs. |
| 350 # | 55 ECT | 120 lbs. |
One of the stipulations of coatings is that they fit into the need to have corrugated boxes recyclable and compostable. The box manufacturing industry works diligently to produce coatings that meet these requirements. Though it may be presumed that coatings are applied to just the facing part of a box, in actuality, liners and paper have coatings applied as well. All of the various types of coatings are in accordance with the mandate to have the board being recyclable and compostable.
Conductive - Conductive coatings are electrostatic discharge (ESD) coatings that provide a shielding layer against ESDs. It is easy to handle and fully recyclable.
Waterproof - Waterproof coating does more than protect boxes against water damage. They also provide resistance to oil, grease, and vapors. Waterproof coatings have a wax-impregnated appearance and are designed to carry greasy, oily industrial components and fish, following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.
Color - Color coatings can be applied in any color and are designed to match the color of the brand being packaged. Once the color coating is applied, branding information can be printed on a box.
Scuff Resistance - Scuff-resistant coatings are sturdy and abrasive resistant. They are designed for packaging products that may damage the facing of the box during shipping. A strong scuff-resistant box eliminates the need for additional packaging material such as bubble wrap or Styrofoam.
Corrosion Protection (VCI) - Volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCI) are additives used in packaging materials to protect against corrosion. It is injected into the corrugated board and provides continuous protection even if the packing is opened. The main purpose of the VCI-protected board is to provide shipping alternatives for ferrous metals.
Ultraviolet (UV) - UV rays can have a negative effect on the chemical bonds of products. However, UV coatings are eco-friendly and have exceptional strength. Several types of coatings can be applied to corrugated boards to protect products from UV rays.
Corrugated boxes are designed to fit any type of shipping need, which can run into thousands of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and designs. This does not include customized boxes ordered to meet specific requirements.
Though there are many thousands of types of boxes, there are basic attributes from which the more complicated designs have grown. Whenever a box is opened, it is expected to have a lid, top, sides, bottom, and inner space. These are a corrugated box‘s basic features and expectations. The manipulation and change of those basic components lead to a wide array of different types.
The first assumption regarding all corrugated boxes is that they are sturdy, durable, and long-lasting and have been shaped, formed, and processed to meet a required need and set of stipulated conditions.
A slotted box is made from corrugated fiberboard that has been scored and slotted so that it can be folded and shaped to form a corrugated box. Of the many types of boxes, the slotted type is the most common and widely used. There is an endless number of products, chemicals, and parts that can be shipped or stored using slotted corrugated boxes.
The term slotted box encompasses and defines an assortment of box designs that are described below.
Telescope boxes get their name from their two sets of foldable sections, body and cover, that make up their design. Once the body and cover are folded, they fit over each other. The cover serves as the lid, while the body in the container receiving the shipped item.
A rigid corrugated box comes in three pieces with two end pieces and the body of the box. The two end pieces or panels are folded into the ends of the box, with the remainder of the box being one piece that folds together. The flaps or joints are the part of the box that make it rigid.
The self-erecting version of a rigid corrugated box is one piece of scored corrugated fiberboard that can fold into a slotted or telescope-style container.
Folder corrugated boxes are like the self-erecting rigid type. They consist of one piece of corrugated fiberboard that has been scored so it can be folded together. The types of folders include one piece, five-panel, and tray.
The one piece has a flat bottom with flaps that form the sides and ends, with the extensions of the side flaps forming the top. The five-panel version folds in one direction, with the second and fourth panels being the top and bottom and the fifth panel being a side. Trays can be five or four-panel. The five-panel version has a top, while the four-panel one does not.
The tucktop corrugated box was designed for quick, efficient, and easy setup. The structure of the box has been completely pre-glued. Initially, the box is flat, with the bottom tucked into the body of the box and the top flaps and top extended. When the sides of the box are separated and opened, the bottom flattens to allow items to be loaded. The assembly of the box takes place in one rapid motion.
A variant of the tucktop auto bottom corrugated box is the tucktop snap lock bottom, where the bottom is not pre-glued, and is formed by four flaps that fold together. The differences between the two are setup time and cost.
The body of a double cover corrugated box is formed by a square or rectangular tube. The top and bottom of the box are interchangeable telescopic covers. The pieces are stored flat. When required, the top and bottom telescopic pieces are slot-assembled and the tube is opened to allow positioning of the telescopic pieces.
A version of the double cover corrugated box is the interlocking type, which is a more secure and tight-fitting version. There are interlocking flanges on the covers and tube to reinforce the structure of the box. The design is for shipping heavy items such as appliances and heavy equipment.
The process of producing corrugated board involves taking wood fibers that are pulped and converted into corrugation. The first time that this happens is referred to as virgin corrugation, where the corrugation does not have any recycled content.
After virgin board has reached the extent of its usefulness, it is repulped as many as five times before it can no longer be used. During repulping, the fibers of the corrugated board become shorter and weaker. The result of the repulping and production of virgin corrugated board is recycled corrugated board.
After careful study of corrugated boxes, it is easy to see how valuable they are as a shipping tool. Their main advantage is their strength and durability, even though they are made of molded paperboard and glue. Each type of box is designed to perform under a wide variety of conditions, from places where it rains constantly to extreme heat. This flexibility is the reason that corrugated boxes are an essential part of world shipping.
The productive strength of corrugated boxes includes their ability to keep moisture and bacteria out. They serve as a stable cushion and come in sizes that can vary according to the items to be shipped.
Corrugated boxes keep products safe during long-distance transportation, shipping, and handling. The type of corrugated protection can be adjusted for fragile and delicate items using varied thicknesses and sizes.
The wavy fluted medium provides a lightweight layer of protection. Corrugated fiberboard offers excellent protection against the elements as well as the wear and tear of shipping. The lightweight of corrugated fiberboard makes it a better shipping material than wood or plastic. It's also far less expensive and easier to recycle, making it better for the environment and pocketbook.
Though there are standard shapes and sizes of corrugated boxes, they can easily be manufactured to fit any type of circumstances and demands. An additional part of their customization is the ability to have their sides or top and bottom printed with company logos and designs.
Coatings, treatments, different adhesives, and flame-resistant can all be applied. Corrugated boxes come in all sizes to be easily folded into different shapes to make a perfect fit.
High-quality custom designs make a product recognizable. Good quality shipping materials reinforce the values of a company‘s operation and the power of its brand. By having a well-engineered and creative display on a corrugated box, a company creates a stronger, lasting brand identity.
The main reason that corrugated boxes have become so widely used is their cost compared to other forms of containers. Their use does not require increased labor, expensive tooling, or specialized equipment. Once they have met their usefulness, the corrugated fiberboard can be returned for recycling and remanufacturing.
Every company is constantly devising methods to make their image and name known. One of the least expensive methods for achieving this goal is by placing the name and brand on a corrugated box, which can have any form, color, design, or configuration. The smallest company can appear to be a major competitor by creating a sophisticated and quality design to put on their shipping boxes. Custom branding impresses customers and presents a professional appearance.
The most important feature of corrugated boxes is their ability to be recycled and repurposed. In this age of environmental awareness, every company is striving to develop a way to protect and sustain the environment. Since over 70% of the material used to produce corrugated boxes is recyclable, corrugated boxes are an essential part of a company‘s efforts in proving it is environmentally wise. According to governmental regulations, corrugated boxes are assembled using glues and materials that are non-pollutant and ecologically friendly according to governmental regulations.
A major factor in any shipping operation is the control of cost, which can be increased by shipping heaving materials in heavy boxes. Since corrugated boxes are lightweight but strong, they are the perfect solution to weight shipping problems. Regardless of their weight, corrugated boxes still have the strength to ensure the safety of any product.
One of the advantages of corrugated fiberboard is its many types, including single, double, and triple walled, which can be produced from a variety of paper types depending on shipping needs. Any product that a manufacturer can produce can be shipped using a corrugated box.
Corrugated fiberboard is an inexpensive material for printing company graphics, logos, brand names, and graphics. Included in the production of most fiberboard is a customizable printing process for the application of designs. Custom printing is a vital part of the branding process and is one of the least expensive since it does not require additional advertising cost or an advertising agency. The layer of flute protection and flat surface for printing make corrugated boxes the bridge between marketing and logistics.
The use of corrugated boxes provides companies with the opportunity to creatively developing their professional, personalized logistic tool. A well-designed and engineered box can be tailored to fit the culture and personality of a business. The extra effort to create a company corrugated box will differentiate a business from its competitors and place a professional image in its market.
A corrugated box is an insurance policy for products that have to travel long distances through various conditions to make it to market. The flutes and walls of a corrugated box may be the only defense a product has against the environment and the ill treatment it may receive during shipping. The extra cushioning is protection against shocks, abrasions, vibrations, and being tossed about on a plane, truck, or train.
Aside from preventing damage from abuse, corrugated boxes can protect the most fragile products, such as perfume, colon, and chemicals, from exposure to dirt, grim, dust, and bacteria. The fiberboard of a corrugated box serves as a shell casing that ensures the safe delivery of products.
A major dynamic in modern business is sustainability, where only as much is used as needed to match what is being resupplied. Corrugated boxes fit easily into the sustainability model since they can be repurposed at the end of their usefulness and put back into the supply chain. This factor removes the concept of diminishing returns since a company can never run out of corrugated material or boxes.
The GRS is owned by the Textile Exchange, an organization with several industry partners that support joint climate and biodiversity initiatives. The range of products covered by the GRS under the Textile Exchange goes beyond the limitations of the textile industry to include a wide range of products that have recyclable content.
Included in the certification standards for the GRS are social, environmental, and chemical criteria to verify responsible practices.
The GRS certifies organizations using various parameters, which include:
The regulation of box manufacturing falls under the dictates of the Federal Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security. Aside from governmental regulations, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Global Recycle Standards (GRS), and The Joint Commission (TJC) have a set of recommendations regarding corrugated fiberboard. A final aspect of box standards is a box maker‘s certification.
A Box Maker‘s Certificate is stamped or printed on a box to tell the user or freight carrier what requirements that box meets. It identifies the manufacturer, box specifications, and compliance. The main purpose of the certificate is to indicate the stress a box can endure, which is determined by the types of materials used to make it.
The Box Maker‘s Certificate identifies the quality and capability of a box and is a good indicator of the ability of the box to protect a product. It includes information about the strength, weight, and box size.
The standards for fiberboard boxes are found in 49 CFR § 178.516, which outlines various requirements for corrugated fiberboard.
Identification code UN 4G, which is an indication of a double walled box designed to ship dangerous materials.
Construction requirements
Each of the above factors is further identified with specific descriptions of each.
The purpose of the ASTM is to develop and publish standards for any industry to provide technical guidelines for the development of products. The goal is to ensure proper performance and safety.
Listed below are a few of the ASTM standards for corrugated fiberboard from the ASTM website:
The main focus of the TJC is on health and medical supplies. Part of their mission is to manage cardboard and corrugated boxes and shipping containers using regulations from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The specific regulation is:
AAMI ST 79 5.2.1 states that clean and sterile items should be immediately removed from shipping containers once delivered, which is further stipulated in TJC observation IC.02.02.01 EP 4 in regard to the storage of clean and sterile items.
As is indicated, the TJC emphasizes safe, clean, and unobstructed handling of medical instruments when they are packaged.
The GRS is a voluntary international organization that sets standards for the third-party certification of recycled content as well as social and environmental practices and certain chemical restrictions. The standards from the GRS apply to all aspects of the supply chain and addresses traceability.
The purpose of the GRS is to help companies verify the recycled content of their products and their social, environmental, and chemical practices regarding their production methods. The goal of the GRS is to clearly define requirements to ensure that content claims are accurate, good working conditions exist, and that harmful conditions and chemical impact are minimized.
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