acceptable moisture content in corrugated boxes

That doesnt automatically mean that a company needs to go an energy-intensive route via ambient-control devices. The corrugated paper, the properties of the base material of the base paper directly to the final quality of the fine in a package is assembled. Corrugated boxes were the largest single product category of MSW in 2018 at 33.3 million tons generated, or 11.4 percent of total generation. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of containers and packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. The corrugated industry produces the N1 transport packaging in the world. The amount of wood pallet recycling (usually by chipping for uses such as mulch or bedding material, but excluding wood combusted as fuel) in 2018 was 3.1 million tons. This is why dew forms when the temperature drops. In 2018, approximately 32.1 million tons of corrugated boxes were recycled out of 33.9 million tons of total paper and paperboard recycling. OW8lF0Bd9n?DL0C S\E vmi]L'E`f ur4Z{.+};pf K@i%LEwpX9hH With the landscape of product damage defined, the path toward improvement must start with a robust system that helps pinpoint where efforts need to be focused. Pepsi and Fantas respective new visual identities are optimized for both analog, physical spaceslike packagingand for the online and digital worlds. Entire unit loads rejected at distribution centers can cost well over a thousand dollars each and create significant delays. In 2018, the estimated amount of generated wood pallets and other wood packaging was 11.5 million tons, totaling 3.9 percent of total MSW generation. According to industry numbers, corrugated is utilized for 95% of packaged goods, with boxes (i.e. One effective strategy is pinwheeling, in which the direction of every other pallet is altered. Overall, paper and paperboard containers and packaging totaled 41.9 million tons of MSW generation in 2018, or 14.3 percent of total generation. Its important to monitor whether the recommended pre-stretchage is being adhered to in the process. Recycling data for other aluminum packaging categories were not available for 2018. We know, boxes are not rocket science. Nondurable goods made of paper, excluding newspapers, had a recycling rate of 43.1 percent, while newspapers had a recycling rate of 64.8 percent. Moisture Resistant Adhesives (MRA) of 0.5%-1.0% liquid resin (assuming 50% solids content) shall be used in the converting process for boxes manufactured in Europe, North America, and Australia. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. FEFCO Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelines - design for circularity. Each component of the supply chainpackage design, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing/distribution, retail support, retail operationsas well as Mother Nature herself can be a source of damage. Moisture produces unsightly staining. Container and packaging products, especially corrugated boxes, are among frequently recycled products. Additionally, about five percent of the steel containers and packaging waste generated was combusted with energy recovery, while the remainder (21.2 percent) was landfilled. The result is known as moisture resistant adhesive (MRA). Easy Way to Analyze Moisture Content of Corrugated Boxes During production of corrugated boards, manufacturers often face a unique problem caused by inaccurate control of moisture; if the moisture content of the corrugated box is higher, it may leads to collapsing of the box. Gene Bodenheimer, senior vice president, retail logistics damage research at Genco,leads the companys team responsible for investigating solutions for unsaleable products as well assupply chain solutions within Genco's retail vertical. Pallets should be of quality construction; otherwise, splinters, protruding nails, and other defects can inflict damage. Virtually eliminates load crushing by distributing the force of the film over the entire load, without the use of corner boards, Can take a shock or vibration and still maintain the load in its original unitized configuration, Material cost per pallet is less than shrink wrapping or strapping, Equipment is less expensive than shrink wrapping, bagging or automatic strapping equipment, Provides lower operating and maintenance costs, Provides a large energy saving over shrink wrapping, May be produced tinted or opaque for product identification or pilferage prevention, Provides less resistance to moisture than shrink wrap, Cannot be used to (vertically) compress a pallet load because its primary holding force is in the horizontal direction. Additionally, the combustion of containers and packaging was 7.4 million tons (21.5 percent of total combustion with energy recovery) and landfills received 30.5 million tons (20.9 percent of total landfilling) in 2018. The ideal temperature and humidity are 72 F, 50% RH1. Both cases can lead to failure. Get more information about cookies and how you can refuse them by clicking on the learn more button below. Throughout its time in storage and up to the time its erected into a box, corrugated should remain flat and never stored on its edge. This article will use the word corrugated to refer to boxes in the KD (knocked-down) position, in contrast to the erected box. Get a Free Quote. Over his 25-year career Bodenheimer has spoken on a wide variety of topics includingreverse logistics, health and beauty accessories and damage research. Its fair to say that billions of productsall types, all sizes, all purposesmake the trip from the manufacturing plant to a distribution center to a retail store. Incidentally, superimposed weight should be like-on-like, meaning, weights other than corrugated should not be superimposed on unit loads of corrugated. Less-than-ideal or fluctuating conditions reduce their effectiveness and shorten their useful life. Evidence of damage is heavy creasing to the corrugate, a punctured case or other tell-tale signs, such as tears and rips. A simple, effective solution can be to choose an area within the facility that is least susceptible to high-humidity conditions; for example, rather than an area close to the loading docks, with their routine raising of doors and the ingress of humidity, a better area is one that is farther into the interior of the facility. The boxes are usable, and dont end up ready for recycling before they can fulfill their purpose; The boxes will run smoothly on automatic setup, filling and closing equipment, avoiding costly jam-ups, repacking and lost time; The boxes will stack squarely, avoiding costly accidents during palletization, storage and shipment; and. It is estimated that recycling of HDPE natural bottles (e.g., milk and water bottles) was 220,000 tons, or 29.3 percent of generation. SRI also provided recycling data for steel containers and packaging. *dzg&;RIhi? As much as can be said about the benefits of using mechanical means to get corrugated in and out of storage, there are times when corrugated is handled manually, for example, a worker carrying a bundle (perhaps held together by plastic straps). Access Packaging World's free educational content library! NEW: Auditors need to renew certification documents every 5 years. In the end, supply chains suffer, manufacturer-retailer relationships are jeopardized, and consumers wind up paying. Because products must be brought securely to market, some form of packaging will always be needed. However, once the corrugated is manufactured, moisture regulation is critical, so the corrugated board is dried to achieve a moisture content of 10-12% to optimize it for strength and prevent box manufacturing issues, such as: Maintaining the moisture content of the corrugated box plays a critical role in its performance. Pallets should be of quality construction; otherwise, splinters, protruding nails, and other defects can inflict damage. Learn about the priorities that drive us and how we are helping propel health care forward. 2)XxN=.26^k )B7/-:vb aZ-NQ@4M Read our latest Playbook to discover how to ensure efficient product handling, best practices Data on the production of wood packaging are derived from purchased market research and research from the Center for Forest Products at Virginia Tech and the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service Southern Research Station. Other paper and paperboard packaging in MSW includes milk and juice cartons and other products packaged in gable top cartons and liquid food aseptic cartons, folding cartons (e.g., cereal boxes, frozen food boxes, some department store boxes), bags and sacks, wrapping papers, and other paper and paperboard packaging (primarily set-up boxes such as shoe, cosmetic and candy boxes). The boxes provide the intended protection against damage, leakage or other loss. Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling, Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures Report page, Paper and Paperboard Containers and Packaging. Before putting together a plan, lets examine how product damage occurs and some questions to ponder. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS However, a troubling trend has emerged. the moisture content of box board paper is (12 4)% moisture content is the moisture content in the paperboard, expressed in percentage, and the calculation formula is: moisture content = (original weight of sample - weight of sample after drying) 100% /original weight of sample A very small percentagetypically less than 1%of the products within the cartons are damaged. After all, they must need the product (they ordered it, right?). Furthermore, such a transparent standard, adapted to the material, also respects all its specific qualities . Once a box is formed, both before and after it is filled with product, maintaining its moisture content is critical to maintaining the boxs compression strength. But are they cognizant of the tremendous cost and waste that result from this practice? stream Please click here to see any active alerts. Typical analog range is 0-10% moisture and up to as much as 40%, subject to . In general it is observed in paper, corrugated sheet board and boxes that have optimum combined properties are obtained at moisture content level at 7-8% and hence moisture content of 7-8% may be the ideal value for corrugated sheet paper used in corrugated packaging industry. Returning to the 95% statistic that opened this article, its division among the versions of corrugated might vary; however, corrugated, as an overall category, will retain its dominance. Please be aware that cardboard boxes and or cardboard shelving units should not be allowed or found in areas such as: OR storerooms Central Supply Clinical areas Also, do not use cardboard boxes to store items in a dirty utility room. Loading decisions must seek to balance productivity, safety, transportation and equipment costs, and product protection. After the manufacturing process, the corrugated board is cut into sheets and stored in a stack until optimum moisture content has been reached in order to Extreme cold also affects moisture content, making the boxes more fragile. Fluctuations in humidity can impact it even further. All rights reserved. This was 11.8percent of MSW landfilled in 2018. He can be reached at[emailprotected]. The porosity of wood fibers, which is what corrugated boxes are made of, allows it to absorb and release moisture, a phenomenon that isknown as hygroscopy. Solid fiber Offering versatility and durability, solid fiber is designed to be stronger and more moisture resistant than corrugated packaging. This Standards FAQ was first published on this date. Keep learning with our Hospital Breakfast Briefings Webinar Series. As much as 11% of unit loads arriving at a distribution center have some level of case damage. Excessive moisture or water can soften or dissolve the corrugating adhesive, causing delamination; a box that literally falls apart won't offer much protection. Storage and transportation can expose corrugated boxes to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. In other words, this cannot be a needle in a haystack approach. Those unit loads can be unstable and therefore hazardous, since they can collapse on their own and more probably under a superimposed load. Get a deep dive into our standards, chapter-by-chapter, individually or as a team. Despite its repetitive nature, this exercise presupposes a certain level of risk for product damage. The FEFCO GMP standard was launched at the end of 2003, renewed in 2006, to ensure that corrugated boxes meet all the requirements of quality, safety and hygiene. You may also want to look at reconfiguring the box dimensions to fit the pallet. If corrugated cardboard becomes wet, it becomes a source for bacterial growth. Source: Paper and Paperboard information is from the American Forest & Paper Association. Less-than-ideal or fluctuating climate conditions reduce corrugate effectiveness and shorten its useful life. Learn more about the communities and organizations we serve. Corrugate is 71% weaker at 95% humidity vs. 50% humidity. 0k2d% u:EN0xIueRf/#:{TM,IVV Uf=x(O'*X* %il _3DF=QF w(&TzSy%*ty{v9b Odt~lcgAUV\? This can negatively impact the corrugated materials moisture content and the effectiveness of the glue used in manufacturing. Heat can also reduce the moisture content of corrugated boxes, making them brittle. To put it another way, dont treat damage research like an Easter egg hunt. So, although eliminating damages completely from supply chains is unrealistic, companies can approach the issue pragmatically and establish a system to measure and monitor the process so improvements can be made more efficiently. EPA based its generation estimates on data supplied by the Steel Recycling Institute (SRI). Many suppliers have paper or cardboard distribution boxes that are designed for use in laboratory, pharmacy, patient care areas or sterile storage areas. We have the experience to ask the right questions to ensure the boxes we provide you will meet your products needs and will remain structurally sound. Most of the damage on an inbound load is compression based, with the lowest tier of a unit load being the most vulnerable, and the second tier the next most vulnerable. Still have a question about the data? Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Shock and vibration can affect stiff trailers with no cushion load. Storage and transportation of corrugated boxes can expose them to varying and often fluctuating environmental conditions. The main purpose of packaging is to provide protection for products. Also, corrugated boxes are constructed from paper, which is affected by ambient moisture in the atmosphere. The amount of moisture in a board has a significant effect in the material's properties such as printability, shrinkage, dimensional stability, and physical strength. The converting machines play a major role in obtaining the required quality level of the finished products. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Gather the data you need to create insights that will help you reduce risk, increase efficiency, and improve performance across your organization. Recycling of aluminum beverage cans was 670,000 tons, or 50.4 percent of generation in 2018. Even stretching the limits of extreme accountability, its virtually impossible for an inanimate objectsay, a case of twenty-four 18oz cans of cornto heed a common warning: Travel at your own risk., Or even the caution Items may shift during loading.. All-in-one pharma carton printer streamlines production process, Improve line with portable high-speed cameras, Pepsi, Fanta Consider Digital Space in Spate of Soda Facelifts. In addition to any aforementioned approaches that can be modified for low humidity, inventory control can be effective, utilizing FIFO (first-in-first-out). Containers that are contaminated should be removed based upon the cleanliness requirements of the storage area. Ensure that pallets are free of nails, large splinters, and other sharp objects that can damage corrugated boxes. There are three main causes of compression-loss when palletizing boxes: Pallet Overhang, Wooden Pallets, and Interlocked Stacking Patterns. Heat can reduce the moisture content of corrugated boxes, making them brittle. endobj In 2018, landfills received 17.2million tons of MSW paper and paperboard. Moisture Content testing measures the moisture content currently contained in corrugated board. Through leading practices, unmatched knowledge and expertise, we help organizations across the continuum of care lead the way to zero harm. Other unitization techniques commonly used include shrink wrapping, bagging and strapping. These latter quantities are not well documented, but the Agency estimated that amount of generation was 340,000 tons in 2018, none of which moved on to recycling or composting. Learn about the "gold standard" in quality. Humidity varies by region and season, a fact intuitively grasped by all. Types of changes and an explanation of change type: It combines loading pallets straight and turned. Thats bad under all circumstances but worse when the corrugated serves as a retail unit, sold from shelves or from pallets. Kiln dried pallets have a much lower moisture content (~19%), and they will not release moisture when shipped because this MC is below the EMC in sea containers. Mechanical measuring device: Bobst,BW PapersystemsandTechnology Coaching Additionally, 16.9 percent of the plastic containers and packaging waste generated was combusted with energy recovery, while the remainder (over 69 percent) was landfilled. And unfortunately, humidity is one factor that cannot always be controlled. This tier is susceptible to impact-related damage caused by unit loads leaning or being out of vertical alignment. 1. Continue your learning with a deeper dive into our standards, chapter by-chapter, individually or as a team. An excel testing template is available as a tool to support the statistical evaluation of the test results and communication with suppliers/customers. Higher humidity levels can drastically affect corrugate strength. Excessive moisture or water can soften or dissolve the corrugating adhesive, causing delamination; a box that literally falls apart wont offer much protection. Damage to. Corrugated boxes are relatively inexpensive and used extensively to contain and protect consumer products as they move through the distribution system, providing a much-needed function in today's economy. Were all familiar with how easily paper can soak up liquids. endobj Excessive moisture or water can soften or even dissolve the corrugating adhesive, causing delamination; a box that literally falls apart won't offer much protection. it can produce a certificate at the customer's request, it can offer better product quality through better control and. The stacking of unit loads saves space; however, some type of flat cover should be placed on the top of a unit load in order to evenly distribute the superimposed weight. Beginning in 2009, the Glass Packaging Institute provided production data. It is useful and instructive for box design considerations to quantify the expected strength loss as a function of the equilibrated moisture content of corrugated board and so minimize box failure in high humidity . Check out our self-paced learning resources and tools including books, accreditation manuals and newsletters. In this free ebook, learn how to leverage the strengths of each generation in your packaging department. Those variables aside, if high humidity is harmful, water is ruinous; therefore, under no circumstances should corrugated be stored outdoors, no matter the overhead protection. The document was updated in 2019, the major change wasthe new TS 702 on Fishtailing & Gap variation. Acceptance Conditions and Procedure for Certifying Bodies, World standards - Comparison testing methods FEFCO / EN / ISO / TAPPI, FEFCO Technical Specifications for Converting Equipment_V1.2, The updated document is now available here, this plant can guarantee that the product delivered to the customer fulfils all. Looking for other information? EPA estimated that the generation of these glass containers was 9.8 million tons in 2018, or 3.3percent of MSW generation. In fact, when boxes are stacked on a pallet with as little as inch hanging-over, as much as 30% of their strength is lost! Indianapolis, IN 46278 No changes to content. Restated: what can compromise virgin corrugated can compromise recycled-content corrugated more easily. But is there an optimal balance between overpackaging and underpackaging? In 2018, the recycling rate of generated packaging and containers was 53.9 percent. EPA estimated 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in 2018, approximately 5.0 percent of MSW generation. Optical/ Laser measuring device: Bahmller Therefore, any discussion about improving the sustainability of production and consumption must always address packaging as an essential part of the supply chain. The updated document is now available here. <> Learn about the development and implementation of standardized performance measures. Furthermore, such a transparent standard, adapted to the material, also respects all its specific qualities (versatility, lightness, strength, recyclability). The corrugated medium is often 0.026 pounds per square foot (0.13 kg/m) basis weight in the U.S.; in the UK, a 90 grams per square metre (0.018 lb/sq ft) fluting paper is common. EPA used data on resin sales from the American Chemistry Council to estimate the generation of plastic containers and packaging in 2018. In establishing practices meant to assure that corrugated is fit for its intended purposes, the guidelines are, Keep out of reach of hazardous conditions, and, Handle with care., _____________________________________________________________________________________________, Sterling Anthony is a consultant, specializing in the strategic use of marketing, logistics, and packaging. We remember those who have lost their liv From their unique branding depicting the legend of the '@BlastedChurch' to their award-winning wines & strong commu On the one hand, the story of Okanagan Falls, BC, winery Blasted Church Vineyards is similar to many others in the region. The logical question one would ask, then, Is all the packaging thats being used necessary? In many cases, the answer is no. Common sense dictates that old inventory be used before starting on the new. (Plastic packaging as a category in this analysis does not include single-service plates and cups, and trash bags, both of which are classified as nondurable goods). In 2018, paper and paperboard (cardboard) materials comprised the largest component of municipal solid waste (MSW). The FEFCO GMP standard was launched at the end of 2003, renewed in 2006, to ensure that corrugated boxes meet all the requirements of quality, safety and hygiene. Better yet is to select a location close to where the corrugated is set up and filled. In cool and dry areas, consider using lamination as a finish. The total amount of paper and paperboard combusted in 2018was 4.2million tons. We develop and implement measures for accountability and quality improvement. Store boxes flat from the time they are received until they are ready for use. That way, the oldest inventory is used rather than remaining around and becoming more compromised. 1 0 obj Additionally, the combustion of containers and packaging was 7.4 million tons (21.5 percent of total combustion with energy recovery) and landfills received 30 . Packaging Digest is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. Relative humidity regularly varies between 30 to 90 percent depending on location . This situation can be much like a double-edged sword. Copyright 2023. Another area to examine is the force-to-load measurement, or the amount (in lbs.) The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of other miscellaneous packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. The multipliers can be used to calculate compression loss for specific situations. Take a look at the products and at the other materials we studied. The corrugated industry produces the N1 transport packaging in the world. Official websites use .gov Some regions are arid year-round but those that arent still can experience periods of low humidity, either from wintry cold or summer heat. You need to be laser focused on specific targets, so you know exactly where to make improvements. Surprisingly, the top tier is third on the vulnerability scale. EPA measures the generation, recycling, composting, combustion with energy recovery and landfilling of paper and paperboard products. The estimated amount of glass containers recycled in 2018 was 3.1 million tons, or 31.3 percent of generation. If other suppliers could provide measurement devices, please inform FEFCO. Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. They also provide sales and marketing benefits. Therefore, it is worth protecting your inventory of empty corrugated boxes to ensure that: Guidelines for proper handling and storage of empty boxes, developed by theFibre Box Association and the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, have been summarized and presented below. The corrugated industry is acting in an environment where the requirements of customers are getting more and more strict and demanding. Reactions . endobj Corrugated boxes can protect even the most fragile items, including glass and chemical liquids. Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory. During the day, the warmer air picks up moisture, and as the air cools in the evening, it releases it as dew. Consequently, if a few boxes are unusable, the loss involved is relatively insignificant, right? It reduces the chance of moisture damage as well as cracks and creases due to dryness. Packaging is the product used to wrap or protect goods, including food, beverages, medications and cosmetic products. In honour of #EarthDay, our amazing team shared 'One Thing I Do For Earth Day'. At 85% RH, a box has 50% of its potential stacking strength. <> If you work in the seafood industry, you know exactly how delicate the process of transporting the latest catch to its point of sale can On April 28, we join the rest of Canada in observing the Day of Mourning. The net import of unfilled aluminum cans is estimated from data collected by the Department of Commerce. The recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1 percent in 2018 (910,000 tons). At FlexPAC, we have tools and experience to help determine the right corrugated board grade for a given situation. Mitigating packaging damage in the supply chain, Loop Industries, Garnier Recycle PET into rPET Bottles via Repolymerization, Street Art Designs Energize Jolly Rancher Gummies Packaging, Regulatory Agencies Medical Packaging Pros Should Know, Breaking News in Flexible Packaging April 2023, Looking Through the Recycling Lens for Sustainable Packaging, Packaging Operations Can Make Practical Use of Industry 4.0. The tear-resistant qualities of corrugated cardboard are hard to beat and they have the added advantage of guarding against moisture, so food items are kept fresh. Use good materials handling procedures; dont drop or throw bundles or pallet. Stay up to date with all the latest Joint Commission news, blog posts, webinars, and communications. Phone: 317-872-0097 Some easy-to-overlook culprits are storage and handling practices. Although it would be difficult to calculate the reduction of strength under fluctuating conditions over time, the chart below (Protective Packaging for Distribution, 2010) is used to determine the compression strength loss over time under various environmental conditions. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of paper and paperboard generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled.
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