Is a Corrugated Box Good for Shipping?
Yes, a corrugated box is an excellent choice for shipping due to its strong, durable nature and its ability to protect contents from damage during transit. Its structural integrity, coupled with its lightweight design, makes it ideal for a wide range of shipping needs, from delicate items to heavy goods.
Strength and Durability
The key to the corrugated box’s suitability for shipping lies in its unique construction. Composed of a fluted corrugated sheet sandwiched between two linerboards, this design creates a sturdy, yet cushioned, environment for items being shipped. The corrugation provides resistance against impacts, vibrations, and compression, significantly reducing the risk of damage. This structural strength is scalable; by adjusting the thickness of the board and the size of the flutes, corrugated boxes can be customized to handle various weight capacities and protection levels.
Versatility
Corrugated boxes offer unparalleled versatility. They can be customized in size, shape, and strength to suit specific shipping needs, whether for small, fragile items or large, bulky products. This customization extends to the printing and branding of the boxes, enabling businesses to use their packaging as a marketing tool. Moreover, additional features like handles, die-cut inserts, or reinforced corners can be added to enhance functionality and protection.
Sustainability
In an era where environmental concerns are increasingly important, corrugated boxes stand out for their eco-friendliness. Made from renewable resources, primarily recycled paper, corrugated boxes are recyclable and biodegradable. Their production and recycling processes are energy efficient and contribute to a reduction in carbon footprint, making corrugated boxes a responsible choice for businesses committed to sustainability.
Protective Features
Corrugated boxes can also be equipped with various protective features to enhance their shipping capabilities. These include water-resistant coatings or liners, which protect against moisture and humidity, and barrier coatings that guard against oil, grease, or other contaminants. For items requiring temperature control, insulated corrugated boxes are available to maintain a stable environment during transit.
Ease of Use
The simplicity and ease of use of corrugated boxes are significant benefits. They can be quickly assembled, filled, sealed, and labeled, making the packing process efficient and straightforward. At the destination, they are easy to open and, if undamaged, can be reused or recycled, contributing to waste reduction.
Conclusion
Corrugated boxes are indeed an excellent choice for shipping, offering a combination of strength, durability, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Their adaptability to various shipping requirements, coupled with protective and customizable features, makes them a reliable packaging solution for businesses and individuals worldwide. Whether you’re shipping locally or internationally, corrugated boxes ensure that your products arrive safely, securely, and in style.
If you are interested in corrugated boxes, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started.
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When choosing corrugated board for packaging, print quality is often a critical consideration. Two common board types—ECT (Edge Crush Test) board and Bursting Test board, also called Mullen Test board—have distinct surface characteristics that impact the final print results, especially when using flexographic (flexo) printing. While both boards serve their structural purposes, their composition affects ink absorption, print clarity, and overall aesthetics. Why Does ECT Board Struggle With Print Quality? ECT board is designed primarily for stacking strength rather than printing quality. It is rougher and more porous compared to Test board, which results in the following print challenges: Ink Absorption Issues: The more porous nature of ECT board allows ink to spread unevenly, leading to a muddy, less defined print. Uneven Surface Texture: Rough fibers on ECT board prevent fine details and crisp lines from transferring properly, resulting in a blurry or inconsistent appearance. Reduced Ink Holdout: Because the ink penetrates deeper into the material, colors may appear duller and less vibrant compared to smoother boards. Can You Improve Print Quality on ECT Board? For brands requiring higher-quality graphics on an ECT board, one option is to order virgin kraft liners instead of standard recycled liners. Virgin kraft liners: Have a smoother, more uniform surface, allowing for better ink adhesion and sharper details. Reduce ink absorption, leading to brighter, more vibrant prints. Are stronger and cleaner-looking, improving the overall aesthetic of the packaging. When to Use Bursting Test Board Instead Test board, made from a mix of virgin and recycled fibers, tends to be smoother than ECT board, allowing for better ink retention and detail clarity. If print quality is a priority, a Test board with a higher-quality white or coated liner can significantly improve the final result. Final Considerations If your primary concern is cost and stacking strength, ECT board is a solid choice, but expect compromises in print quality when using flexo. For higher-quality branding and graphics, consider upgrading to a Test board or requesting virgin kraft liners to enhance your print results. Need help selecting the right corrugated board for your packaging? Contact Brown Packaging today to find the best option for your needs! (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
When it comes to packaging solutions, corrugated boxes offer versatility and protection. Among the common corrugated box styles are the Regular Slotted Container (RSC) box and the Full-Overlap (FOL) box. Each style caters to specific packaging needs, making them suitable for various applications. In this comparative analysis, we will explore the characteristics, use cases, advantages, and considerations of Corrugated RSC Boxes and Full-Overlap (FOL) Boxes to help you determine which is the right choice for your packaging requirements. What is a (RSC) Box? Regular Slotted Container (RSC) boxes are known for their simplicity and efficiency in design and production. They feature four flaps—two on the top and two on the bottom—that meet in the center when closed. RSC boxes are cost-effective and widely used across industries. What is a Full-Overlap (FOL) Box? Full-Overlap (FOL) boxes, in contrast, are designed with flaps that fully overlap when closed, providing added protection and structural integrity. These boxes excel in safeguarding products during transit, making them ideal for items that require extra strength and stability. A Comparative Analysis Design and Closure: Corrugated (RSC) Box: RSC boxes offer a straightforward design, making them easy to assemble and close with tape or adhesive. Closure involves folding the flaps on the top and bottom, taping or gluing to a secure seal. Full-Overlap (FOL) Box: FOL boxes feature overlapping flaps, enhancing structural integrity and security. The flaps provide additional protection and resistance to crushing, making FOL boxes ideal for fragile or heavy items. Protection and Strength: Corrugated (RSC) Box: RSC boxes offer standard protection and are suitable for a wide range of products. While they provide adequate strength, they may not be the best choice for heavy or delicate items. Full-Overlap (FOL) Box: FOL boxes excel in providing enhanced protection and structural integrity. They are ideal for shipping heavy, fragile or valuable items, including electronics, glassware, and machinery. Regular Slotted Container (RSC) Full Overlap (FOL) Versatility: Corrugated (RSC) Box: RSC boxes are versatile and can be used for various products and industries. They are cost-effective and readily available in standard sizes. Full-Overlap (FOL) Box: FOL boxes are versatile as well but are often chosen for specific applications requiring superior protection. They may be slightly more expensive than RSC boxes due to their specialized design. Customization: Corrugated (RSC) Box: RSC boxes can be customized with printed graphics and branding, enhancing their visual appeal. Full-Overlap (FOL) Box: FOL boxes can also be customized with branding and graphics and are often used for premium or high-end products. Cost-Efficiency: Corrugated (RSC) Box: RSC boxes are generally more cost-effective due to their simpler design and ease of production. Full-Overlap (FOL) Box: FOL boxes may come at a slightly higher cost, primarily due to their enhanced protective features. Choosing the Right Box for Your Needs The choice between Corrugated RSC Boxes and Full-Overlap (FOL) Boxes hinges on your specific packaging requirements. Here are some considerations: If you need a cost-effective and versatile solution for standard products, Corrugated RSC Boxes are a practical choice. If you’re shipping fragile or valuable items, heavy machinery, or electronics, Full-Overlap (FOL) Boxes offer superior protection and structural integrity. Customization and branding are possible with both box styles, allowing you to create a unique packaging experience for your customers. If you are interested corrugated boxes like RSC, FOL and other styles, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Corrugated Boxes Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Incorporating recycled fiber into corrugated board is essential for sustainability goals, but it directly affects the mechanical properties of packaging. Understanding how fiber composition influences durability allows packaging engineers to strike the right balance between performance and environmental impact. Fiber Strength and Recycling Cycles Virgin Fiber: Longer, more intact cellulose fibers that offer superior tensile and compression strength. Recycled Fiber: Shorter fibers due to repeated processing; reduced bonding potential and stiffness. Fiber Degradation: Each recycling cycle shortens fibers, leading to diminished ECT and burst resistance. Mechanical Trade-Offs High Recycled Content: Lower material cost and improved sustainability metrics, but reduced edge crush strength and puncture resistance. Mixed Fiber Blends: Commonly used to maintain performance while increasing recycled content. Moisture Sensitivity Recycled fibers tend to absorb and retain more moisture, accelerating loss of stacking strength in humid environments. Sizing agents and moisture-resistant coatings can partially offset this effect. Testing Protocols ASTM D685: Standard practice for conditioning paper and paper products before testing. TAPPI T410: Grammage testing to verify consistency in basis weight. Long-Term Compression Testing: To monitor creep and compression loss over storage periods. Application Guidelines Use higher recycled content in light-duty e-commerce boxes where high stacking strength isn’t required. Retain virgin outer liners for high-performance applications like industrial goods or long-distance freight. References ASTM International. (2014). ASTM D685-14: Standard practice for conditioning paper and paper products for testing. ASTM International. https://www.astm.org/d0685-14.htmlTechnical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. (2013). TAPPI T410 om-13: Grammage of paper and paperboard. TAPPI. https://www.tappi.org/content/store/shared/T410.htmlFibre Box Association. (2023). Corrugated recycling and performance considerations. Fibre Box Association. https://www.fibrebox.org (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Sustainable Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts