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Understanding Box Thickness and Strength Ratings

Understanding Box Thickness and Strength Ratings

The Bursting (Mullen) Test

What It Measures:

This test determines the force required to rupture or puncture the face of corrugated board. It's a traditional measure of the durability and rough handling resistance of corrugated material.

Rating System:

Boxes are rated in pounds, such as 200# or 275#. The higher the number, the stronger the box.

Implications:

Boxes with a high Bursting Test rating are more suitable for shipments that may encounter rough handling. They have a minimum board basis weight requirement, meaning they are made with heavier paper, which provides greater protection but at a higher cost.

Applications:

Ideal for shipping heavy or sensitive items that require extra protection against external forces.

The Edge Crush Test (ECT)

What It Measures:

This newer standard tests the edgewise compressive strength of corrugated board, directly related to a box's stacking strength.

Rating System:

ECT ratings are given in pounds per lineal inch (lb/in) but usually reported as an ECT value, like 32 ECT or 44 ECT.

Implications:

ECT-rated boxes can use lighter weight materials while maintaining high performance. They are generally more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, using less material and energy in production.

Applications:

Suitable for most general-purpose shipping, especially when stacking strength is a priority.

The Edge Crush VS The Bursting

Weight and Cost:

Boxes meeting the Bursting Test standards (like 200# or 275#) tend to be heavier and more expensive than their ECT counterparts (32 ECT, 44 ECT).

Strength and Durability:

While 200# test boxes may offer greater bursting strength, ECT boxes are favored for their stacking strength, making them a popular choice for many shipping scenarios.

Environmental Impact:

ECT-rated boxes typically use less material, resulting in reduced raw material use, lower energy requirements, and decreased pollution throughout the package's life cycle.

Selecting the Right Box

Weight of Contents

For items weighing between 25-40 pounds, a 32 ECT single-wall carton is usually sufficient. For heavier or more delicate items, a higher Bursting Test rating (like 200#) might be preferable.

Handling conditions

If your shipment is likely to experience severe handling, consider a higher Bursting Test rated box.

Stacking requirements

For shipments that will be stacked, ECT rated boxes are more appropriate due to their superior stacking strength.

At Discount Plastic Bags, we understand the importance of selecting the right packaging for your needs. Whether you require boxes with higher bursting strength for rough handling or prefer the lightweight and cost-effective solutions offered by ECT-rated boxes, our range caters to all your packaging requirements.

Remember to check the manufacturer's certification stamp on the bottom flaps of your boxes to identify their conformity to these standards. Your choice between Bursting Test and ECT-rated boxes will depend on your specific shipping needs, balancing factors like cost, protection, and environmental impact.

Understanding Box Thickness and Strength Ratings

The Bursting (Mullen) Test

What It Measures:

Rating System:

Implications:

Applications:

The Edge Crush Test (ECT)

What It Measures:

Rating System:

Implications:

Applications:

The Edge Crush VS The Bursting

Selecting the Right Box

Weight of Contents

Handling conditions

Stacking requirements

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