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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
Score cracking—visible fiber breakage along a fold—can ruin a carton’s appearance, weaken its structure, and cause failures on automated lines. Understanding the causes and engineering solutions is critical for producing folding cartons that maintain both strength and visual quality. What Causes Score Cracking Score cracking occurs when fibers along the fold line break instead of bending cleanly. Low Moisture Content: Dry board becomes brittle and less pliable (ASTM D685-22). Improper Score Depth: Shallow scores increase folding resistance; deep scores can cut fibers. Incorrect Grain Direction: Folding parallel to the grain increases cracking risk. Surface Coating Rigidity: Gloss varnish, films, and metallic layers reduce fiber flexibility. Material Selection SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate): Generally folds cleanly but can crack with heavy coatings or low EMC. CUK (Coated Unbleached Kraft): Higher tear resistance; better for humid conditions. FBB (Folding Boxboard): Softer surface layers reduce cracking risk in coated applications. Tip: Match fiber composition and surface finish to the intended folding radius and production environment. Moisture and Conditioning Pre-Production Conditioning: Allow board to reach equilibrium moisture content (TAPPI T402). Humidity Control: Maintain 40–60% RH in converting and packing areas. Target EMC: Typically 5–8% for most paperboard grades. Coating and Lamination Adjustments Scoring After Coating: Where possible, score post-coating to reduce fiber breakage. Film Selection: Thinner, more flexible films reduce cracking risk. Relief Scoring: Adding micro-perfs in the coating layer only can relieve stress without affecting the substrate. Testing and Quality Control Bend Tests: Assess crack formation on sample folds before full production. High-Speed Trials: Score cracking can be magnified at higher folding speeds. Visual Standards: Establish acceptable limits for cosmetic cracking based on brand requirements. References ASTM International. (2022). ASTM D685-22: Standard practice for conditioning paper and paper products for testing. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D0685-22Soroka, W. (2014). Fundamentals of packaging technology (5th ed.). Institute of Packaging Professionals. ISBN: 978-1-930268-37-2TAPPI. (2019). T 402: Standard conditioning and testing atmospheres for paper, board, pulp handsheets, and related products. TAPPI Press.Twede, D., & Goddard, R. (2021). Cartons, crates and corrugated board: Handbook of paper and wood packaging technology (2nd ed.). DEStech Publications. ISBN: 978-1-60595-120-5 (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 Folding Cartons Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
E-commerce packaging for pet products must endure far more stress than traditional retail packaging. Shipments face repeated drops, vibration, compression, and environmental fluctuations. Structural design, material selection, and protective features must work together to ensure the product arrives in perfect condition. Key Hazards in E-Commerce Distribution Drop Impact: Packages may be dropped from heights of up to 1.2 m (4 ft) during sortation or delivery. Vibration: Continuous shaking in transit can cause product settling or material fatigue. Compression: Stacking in transit or warehouses can deform or crush underfilled packages. Moisture and Temperature Extremes: Exposure to rain, snow, and heat during delivery. Structural Design Considerations Reinforced Corrugated Shippers: Double-wall or heavy-duty C-flute for bulk pet food and accessories. Internal Bracing or Partitioning: Keeps products from shifting during transit. Right-Sizing: Minimizes void space to reduce product movement and dimensional weight charges. Material Selection Moisture-Resistant Coatings: For corrugated and paperboard used in outer shipping containers. Puncture-Resistant Films: Prevent tearing from sharp pet accessories like toys or grooming tools. Impact-Absorbing Cushioning: Paper-based or foam inserts to protect fragile items such as glass supplement jars. Protective Features Tamper-Evident Seals: Maintain consumer trust and ensure product integrity. Overwraps or Polybags: Provide secondary protection against moisture and dirt. Label Durability: Smudge- and water-resistant labels for scannability. Performance Testing for E-Commerce Drop Testing: ISTA 3A or ASTM D5276 to simulate parcel handling. Vibration Testing: ASTM D999 to evaluate performance under prolonged vibration. Compression Testing: ASTM D642 to determine stacking strength. Environmental Conditioning: ASTM D4332 to simulate humidity and temperature changes. E-Commerce Packaging Guidelines Amazon ISTA 6 Standards: Requires packaging to pass drop and vibration tests without damage. Right-Weighting: Balancing durability with material reduction to lower shipping costs. Consumer Experience: Easy-open designs and branding that reinforce product quality. References ASTM International. (2015). ASTM D5276-15: Standard test method for drop test of loaded containers by free fall. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D5276-15ASTM International. (2015). ASTM D642-15: Standard test method for determining compressive resistance of shipping containers. ASTM International. https://doi.org/10.1520/D0642-15International Safe Transit Association. (2022). ISTA test procedures. https://ista.org (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 Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts