Everything you need to know about cardboard strength

E-commerce has experienced exponential growth in recent years, and with it, the need to package and transport products safely and efficiently. In this context, cartonboard strength becomes a critical factor affecting both customer satisfaction and business profitability. In this article, we will explain in detail the importance of cardboard strength in e-commerce and logistics, and how to select strong cardboard boxes to protect the products we ship. Since it’s all about what’s on the inside, we want to help you protect it on the outside! 🙂

Characteristics and technical aspects of board strength

Strength in paperboard refers to the ability of paperboard to withstand loads, forces or stresses without excessive deformation or breakage. This strength is crucial in many applications, such as packaging, packaging, furniture manufacturing and construction, among others. Below, we describe some of the most important characteristics and technical aspects related to strength in paperboard:

• Type of thickness: What is thickness? It is one of the key factors affecting its strength. The thicker the board, the higher the load capacity will generally be. Paperboard is classified into different thicknesses, which are expressed in mm or grams (e.g. 1.5 mm microflute, like our flagship material!)
• Type of board: There are several types of board, such as corrugated board, folding boxboard and solid board. Each type has different strength properties. For example, corrugated board, which is commonly used in shipping cartons, is known for its excellent shock absorption capacity due to its corrugated layer structure.
• Load-bearing capacity: The strength of the paperboard is measured by load tests that determine how much weight or pressure it can withstand before it deforms or breaks. The load carrying capacity of the paperboard is specified in terms of its compressive, tensile, flexural or crushing strength, depending on the type of force it must withstand.
• Coatings and reinforcements: To improve the strength of the board, coatings or reinforcements are often applied in the form of laminates or additional materials such as kraft paper or plastics. These reinforcements can increase tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
• Moisture: Paperboard is sensitive to moisture, which can significantly reduce its strength. Water absorption weakens the fibres of the paperboard and can lead to deformation or deterioration. It is therefore essential to protect paperboard from moisture in applications where strength is critical.
• Fibre quality: The quality of the paper fibres used in the manufacture of paperboard also influences its strength. Long, strong fibres, such as those from pine wood, tend to produce stronger paperboard than shorter, weaker fibres.
• Structural design: The design of a piece of board, such as a box, can influence its strength. Flaps, folds and the way the carton is assembled can affect its load carrying capacity. At Selfpackaging we have the best group of experts who innovate every day to achieve practicality and a resistant result, without losing that touch of design that characterises us.
• Laboratory tests: To evaluate the strength of the cardboard accurately, laboratory tests are carried out, such as compressive strength tests, tensile tests and bending tests. These tests allow us to determine the strength specifications required for specific applications.

In short, choosing a strong carton depends on a variety of factors, including thickness, type of carton, load capacity, moisture, reinforcements and fibre quality. The choice of board type and its appropriate design are essential to ensure that it meets the strength requirements needed for your particular and commercial use. As we continue to explore the importance of paperboard strength, it is essential to understand these fundamental aspects in order to make informed decisions in the world of e-commerce and logistics in general.

The importance of paper resistance in E-commerce

Cartonboard strength plays a crucial role in E-commerce for several fundamental reasons. Cardboard is widely used in the manufacture of boxes and packaging used to transport products from the seller to the customer. Therefore, one of the most important functions of paperboard in E-commerce is to protect the products during shipping. Adequate cardboard strength ensures that products arrive at their destination in optimal conditions, avoiding damage, breakage or deformation during the transport process.

On the other hand, the strength of the carton also influences the customer experience in e-commerce. Products that arrive in good condition thanks to the use of strong cardboard generate a positive customer experience, which can lead to customer loyalty and positive reviews! And all brands love that! In addition, using a strong carton board can help reduce costs related to returns and replacements of damaged products. Good strong packaging decreases the likelihood of products being damaged in transit, which can lead to significant savings in terms of lost inventory and shipping costs.

Another very important point regarding adequate carton strength is related to and contributes to sustainability in e-commerce. If the packaging is strong and protects the products effectively, it will reduce the need for additional or excessive packaging to protect fragile products. This, in turn, can reduce material use and packaging waste. Strong cartons can be effectively reused or recycled, which helps to reduce packaging waste and environmental impact. Let’s try to help our planet in every way possible!

Depending on the type of products being sold in E-commerce, there may be specific regulations and requirements regarding the packaging and the strength of the cardboard. This is very important to keep in mind! Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal sanctions and to ensure the safety of the products.

How to choose the right sturdy cardboard box

Choosing the right strong cardboard box depends on a detailed understanding of your products, shipping method and specific needs. You should not skimp on the strength of the carton, as it can make all the difference to product protection and customer satisfaction in your e-commerce.

In addition to the characteristics of the product, it is essential to consider the shipping method: how will the products be shipped, domestic mail, conventional parcels, what means of transport will be used?  The answers to these questions influence the choice of board strength, as longer and more complicated shipments require stronger boards.

There are two very common tests used to assess the strength of the paperboard. They are the ECT (Edge Crush Test) and the Mullen test.

• Edge Crush Test (ECT): The ECT test focuses on the ability of the board to resist compression at the edges or corners. In this test, pressure is applied along the edges of a corrugated board sample until it deforms. Strength is measured in units of force per inch and is used to determine the ability of a carton to resist vertical compression. A higher ECT score indicates a higher compressive strength, which means that the carton is suitable for heavy products or shipments that may be subject to significant loads during transport. 

• Mullen test: The Mullen test, on the other hand, focuses on resistance to puncture and direct pressure. In this test, a machine is used to gradually apply pressure to a cardboard sample until it is punctured. The resistance is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The Mullen test is particularly relevant in situations where shipments may be exposed to direct blows or impacts, such as in handling packages in warehouses or during transport in trucks. A higher Mullen score indicates greater puncture resistance, which can be essential for protecting products in scenarios where they may be exposed to more adverse conditions.

In addition, at Selfpackaging we offer a variety of accessories to pack and protect shipments. From kraft packaging tape to paper shavings… you can see them all in this post!