acceptable moisture content in corrugated boxes

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The result is known as moisture resistant adhesive (MRA). Set expectations for your organization's performance that are reasonable, achievable and survey-able. On the surface this number might seem small, but the ramifications can be quite large. Packaging Digest is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. FEFCO GMP standard is developed for the manufacturing of packaging made of corrugated board in order to support companies to fulfilthe legal requirements according to EU Regulations 1935/2004/EG for food contact materials and EU Regulation 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practices (See document below). Ideally, there should be no gaps between cases that are stacked on top of each other. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of plastic containers and packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of aluminum containers and packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. With the space between deckboards on a wooden pallet averaging 1-4 inches, it is common that the bottom of the box is not being entirely supported. In 2018, the recycling rate of generated packaging and containers was 53.9 percent. 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. Learn about the priorities that drive us and how we are helping propel health care forward. Using an interlocked pattern, which rotates each layer on the load, can destroy up to 50% of the compression strength. The Joint Commission, (April 2019) Clarifying Infection Control Policy Requirements, This page was last updated on November 30, 2021. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Both cases can lead to failure. No changes to content. In addition to any aforementioned approaches that can be modified for low humidity, inventory control can be effective, utilizing FIFO (first-in-first-out). Introduction Furthermore, such a transparent standard, adapted to the material, also respects all its specific qualities (versatility, lightness, strength, recyclability). The multipliers can be used to calculate compression loss for specific situations. Corrugated boxes also represent the largest single product of recycled paper and paperboard containers and packaging. Carton box moisture control. 3 0 obj And the resulting higher cost is passed on to the consumer. EPA estimated 14.5 million tons of plastic containers and packaging were generated in 2018, approximately 5.0 percent of MSW generation. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of paper and paperboard containers and packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. 1 0 obj Engineering, however, does not solve every problem that can be encountered with corrugated. Box 43176; Detroit, MI 48243; 313-531-1875 office; 313-531-1972 fax; [email protected]; www.pkgconsultant. In 2018, paper and paperboard (cardboard) materials comprised the largest component of municipal solid waste (MSW). On the other hand, there is the potential for a significant amount of undamaged product being rejected. Cardboard too much water, will affect its normal use. Palletizing boxes so that they are columnar, or vertically stacked (stacking one box directly on top of the other) is the preferred method. Optical/ Laser measuring device: Bahmller 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. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.32 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Entire unit loads rejected at distribution centers can cost well over a thousand dollars each and create significant delays. Much as it would be convenient to attribute dents, rips, and punctures to the products themselves, the inconvenient truth is the supply chain is an imperfect mover. Wood packaging includes mostly wood pallets, as well as wood crates. Humidity varies by region and season, a fact intuitively grasped by all. If other suppliers could provide measurement devices, please inform FEFCO. Relative humidity regularly varies between 30 to 90 percent depending on location . Boxes and containers may have been exposed to unknown and potentially high microbial contamination. producers, packers or suppliers) are responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and hygiene not only of food, but also of packaging. This is why dew forms when the temperature drops. Still have a question about the data? Seas the day with our quick guide to corrugated seafood shippers! 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. 2013-01-05 09:18:09. . Overall, the amount of recycled plastic containers and packaging in 2018 was almost 2 million tons or 13.6 percent of plastic containers and packaging generated. We also collaborate with our supply chain partners to develop the optimal packaging materials for your specific needs. Additionally, about 13.4 percent of the glass containers and packaging waste generated was combusted with energy recovery, while the remainder (55.4 percent) was landfilled. 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. This can negatively impact the corrugated materials moisture content and the effectiveness of the glue used in manufacturing. A dash in the table means that data is not available. Stretch film, also known as stretch wrap or pallet wrap, is one of the most popular unitization materials on the market. Corrugated boxes can protect even the most fragile items, including glass and chemical liquids. The new national standard "corrugated board" GB/T6544-2008 stipulates that the moisture content of paperboard should be no more than 14%, that is, an upper limit for the moisture content of cardboard. Please see the EPA Methodology Document for further information on estimating the generation and management of paper and paperboard. Common sense dictates that old inventory be used before starting on the new. Phone: 317-872-0097 Learn about the development and implementation of standardized performance measures. 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. What about column or interlocking stacking? 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. FEFCO has updated the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) document in March 2020. Better yet is to select a location close to where the corrugated is set up and filled. Heat can also reduce the moisture content of corrugated boxes, making them brittle. Therefore, any discussion about improving the sustainability of production and consumption must always address packaging as an essential part of the supply chain. Containers that are contaminated should be removed based upon the cleanliness requirements of the storage area. 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! This may require storage away from doorways that are opened frequently. Heat can reduce the moisture content of corrugated boxes, making them brittle. Indianapolis, IN 46278 Moisture produces unsightly staining. <> Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements. Train your staff with a tool to quickly and efficiently assess standards compliance with our Hospital Compliance Assessment Workbook. He can be reached at[emailprotected]. By unitization, we simply mean the process of bundling and securing several individual packages together, often on a pallet. 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. There are three main causes of compression-loss when palletizing boxes: Pallet Overhang, Wooden Pallets, and Interlocked Stacking Patterns. Official websites use .gov rAbuZrVI4*S~BA/9xd)0u Containers and packaging include products such as corrugated boxes, milk cartons, and bags and sacks (See the definitions of nondurable goods and containers and packaging for more information). This was 12.2 percent of all MSW combusted that year. Moisture Content Takes a Leading Role. According to industry numbers, corrugated is utilized for 95% of packaged goods, with boxes (i.e. 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. Stretch Wrapper + Film Cost and ROI Calculator, 6075 Lakeside Blvd FEFCO has updated the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) document in March 2020. for specifying conveyor and container handling equipment, and top tips for a successful pack In very humid environments, such as a warehouse with an uncontrolled climate in the summertime, stacking strength is greatly reduced. This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation, providing feedback, analyzing your use of our products and services, assisting with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling. They can pull the pallet and put it in a re-coup area and submit a claim to the manufacturer. Mechanical measuring device: Bobst,BW PapersystemsandTechnology Coaching Still have a question about the data? Because corrugated is hygroscopic, the relative humidity of the storage area should be maintained within favorable tolerances. it meets the requirements of EU Regulation 1935/2004/EG and EU Regulation 2023/2006 concerning the GMP implementation during the manufacturing of packaging intended for food from corrugated board. You could also 'mist' your boxes with a spray to keep them slightly moist when folding them. In this table below published in the Handbook of Package Engineering (c.1992), you can see that the greater the humidity the less stacking strength a box has. Read our latest Playbook to discover how to ensure efficient product handling, best practices The document was updated in 2019, the major change wasthe new TS 702 on Fishtailing & Gap variation. The data below are from 1960 to 2018, relating to the total number of tons of wood packaging generated, recycled, composted, combusted with energy recovery and landfilled. EPA used data on resin sales from the American Chemistry Council to estimate the generation of plastic containers and packaging in 2018. Take a look at our two other product categories and at our materials. In 2018, the recycling rate of generated packaging and containers was 53.9 percent. Get a Free Quote. Consider that while shifting to more eco-friendly materials meets consumers increasing demand for more-sustainable packaging, the likelihood for damage rises. 2023 PMMI Media Group. They also provide sales and marketing benefits. Measurement devices could be obtained from the suppliers: Recycling of aluminum beverage cans was 670,000 tons, or 50.4 percent of generation in 2018. Excessive moisture or water can soften or dissolve the corrugating adhesive, causing delamination; a box that literally falls apart won't offer much protection. The results clearly indicated that 8-12% moisture content is most suitable for corrugated board need to taken into consideration by manufacturers as well as printers. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS This web page is a brief summary of paper and paperboard material-specific data. 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. Check out our Frequent Questions page. In its most basic formula, corn starch adhesive has very little moisture resistance, which would cause the composite layers of corrugated board to separate in high humidity conditions. Check out our Frequent Questions page. Were all familiar with how easily paper can soak up liquids. The total generation of paper and paperboard in MSW was 67.4 million tons in 2018, which was 23.1percent of total MSW generation that year. Thats bad under all circumstances but worse when the corrugated serves as a retail unit, sold from shelves or from pallets. Following these simple guidelines will maximize the performance and prolong the useful life of your corrugated boxes: The preceding information and illustrations on how to store and handle corrugated boxes are from the Fibre Box Handbook (Fibre Box Association, Rolling Meadows, IL, 1992), Do you have a project GLBC can help out with? of strength/force applied to hold the product together. FEFCO Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelines - design for circularity. Access Packaging World's free educational content library! 1. To put it another way, dont treat damage research like an Easter egg hunt. We develop and implement measures for accountability and quality improvement. Improper and fluctuations in relative humidity can be seen in: These can result in the box structure breaking down, leading to a reduction in strength and, eventually, failure. OW8lF0Bd9n?DL0C S\E vmi]L'E`f ur4Z{.+};pf K@i%LEwpX9hH Berry et al., 2019; Peleg, 1993), and thus the value of EMC (equilibrium moisture content, kg/m 3 ) is estimated by using the PFP model as shown in Equation (15 Extreme cold also affects moisture content, making the boxes more fragile. Stay up to date with all the latest Joint Commission news, blog posts, webinars, and communications. Shock and vibration can affect stiff trailers with no cushion load. x=Fr?n[A]8)J$e;C`Dr6+W].yz}uw\|n=o+1WLyVY)Ww|n{_|zhz endobj By not making a selection you will be agreeing to the use of our cookies. Containers and packaging products in MSW are made of several materials: paper and paperboard, glass, steel, aluminum, plastics, wood, and small amounts of other materials. And unfortunately, humidity is one factor that cannot always be controlled. All rights reserved. Pinwheeling helps to more fully utilize the space in a trailer or container when there is inadequate width to permit loading two turned pallets side by side. Corrugated cardboard boxes are no exception. Avoid stacking boxes too high, whether loose or banded, because of slight instability. <> Alternate bundle direction, or alternate loose boxes at intervals for greater stability. After recycling, the combustion of corrugated boxes was 230,000 tons, and landfills received 940,000 tons in 2018. A very small percentagetypically less than 1%of the products within the cartons are damaged. We should do our best to keep boxes relatively dry because humidity can have a huge impact on their performance. Many important moisture processes within corrugated packaging during optimal shipping conditions were investigated and these provide useful base-line information for . In general, the less moisture there is residing in the board, the stronger the board will be and the longer it will hold its . This web page contains product-specific information and data on Containers and Packaging. Find evidence-based sources on preventing infections in clinical settings. endobj Looking for other information? Offering Packaging & Display Solutions for Over 50 Years, How Environmental Conditions Impact Corrugated Boxes, Marketing Secrets for Stand-Out Custom Retail Displays, Captivate Customers with the Best Design for Custom Counter Display Boxes, Customized eCommerce Packaging Supplies Foster Brand Loyalty and Reduce Total Cost, 3 Tips For Creating Effective Custom Point of Purchase Displays, Custom Countertop Displays Capitalize on Impulse Buying, [email protected], [email protected], Relative humidity, under load (cyclical RH variation further increases compressive loss). )3$q:z]==V/_WwOw~cogf8{<>E5ep8\3^G}`*Y Our sensor calibrations, measurement wavelengths, algorithms and sensor optical requirements are pre-set at the factory. 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.. SRI also provided recycling data for steel containers and packaging. Overall, paper and paperboard containers and packaging totaled 41.9 million tons of MSW generation in 2018, or 14.3 percent of total generation. Water is used in the corrugated board production and aids in creating the liner board, forming the flute structure, and as part of the starch adhesive that combines them. Restated: what can compromise virgin corrugated can compromise recycled-content corrugated more easily. 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. Another option would be to use corrugated pallet liners to cover the bottom of the pallet (pallet deck) to make it a solid surface. In 2018, landfills received 17.2million tons of MSW paper and paperboard. Faced with the manufacturing-industry standard of a two-hour unload window or risk hefty detention charges, retailers frequently reject entire unit loads at the dockeven if only one or two cartons are damaged. Cardboard in storage quantities (recommend consultation with your Fire Marshal) should be placed in hazardous areas protected per LS.02.01.30 and cannot obstruct the means of egress in accordance with standard LS.02.01.20. CORRUGATED BOXES CS19.0.5 Issued: 2017AUG10 CORPORATE STANDARD File No. That worker should be trained to never toss, drag, or drop that bundle. Source: Paper and Paperboard information is from the American Forest & Paper Association. If your boxes are crushing while stacked in your facility, or if you are planning to send product to areas where high humidity is prevalent, please contact us and allow FlexPAC to help you find the right solutions to your problems. %PDF-1.5 A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. If no, please comment on how we could improve this response. 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. The heartbreak of gaposis frequently threatens case integrity. Its important to monitor whether the recommended pre-stretchage is being adhered to in the process. 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. Incidentally, superimposed weight should be like-on-like, meaning, weights other than corrugated should not be superimposed on unit loads of corrugated. #_$ZD+Ebi25_uAK|b\F5C:Ts:~Zo32>^\TN-K;xOd&.2,O{u*xK o pN$[ l@% .@=gu. 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. When building pallet loads of flat boxes, use deck boards to distribute weight evenly. 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). View them by specific areas by clicking here. Too dry, and the corrugated and glue can crack. Corrugated boxes stored under ideal conditions will remain usable for a long period of time. And just where do you start? The construction of a box can become even more complicated for dangerous goods. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Aluminum recycling represents aluminum cans only. Workers have a couple options. EPA estimated that the generation of these glass containers was 9.8 million tons in 2018, or 3.3percent of MSW generation. | Contact us to get started on your next project. Boxes under stress from a load, such as stacked on a pallet, are even further impacted by increased humidity. Obtain useful information in regards to patient safety, suicide prevention, infection control and many more. Higher humidity levels can drastically affect corrugate strength. A property of corrugated is flat-crush resistance; even so, that property should not be exceeded by superimposed weights. 4 0 obj The new national standard states that the moisture content of the paper should not be above 14%, which means that the paperboard has an . 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. EPA also estimated the recycling of plastic products based on data published annually by the American Chemistry Council, as well as additional industry data. 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. 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. 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. 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. Leave the strapping, bundling or other unitizing device in place until boxes are ready for use. The moisture content of corrugated materials prefers a state of equilibrium with atmospheric humidity. For this analysis, EPA classified products made of paper and paperboard materials as either nondurable goods or as containers and packaging. Fax: 317-872-7872. % Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. Another way to stabilize, secure and protect loads in a trailer is by using dunnage, such as air bags, partitions, braces and load locks. At FlexPAC, we take a customer-first approach through creative insights and data collection to create turnkey solutions in the areas of packaging products, package design, facility equipment & products, safety equipment, and training. Take a look at the products and at the other materials we studied. Implementing this GMP means having a total control system in place in each manufacturing plant. The converting machines play a major role in obtaining the required quality level of the finished products. This may be avoided by choosing pallets with deckboards that are strategically positioned so all of the vertical edges of the box (corners) are being supported. Gaposis that originates at the palletizer dramatically increases the potential for damage. Too much moisture can lead to weakened cellulose fibers, delamination, and weakened glue bonds. But are they cognizant of the tremendous cost and waste that result from this practice? This tier is susceptible to impact-related damage caused by unit loads leaning or being out of vertical alignment. 2)XxN=.26^k )B7/-:vb aZ-NQ@4M The purpose is to ensure that from the purchase of raw material through the delivery of the finished product to the customers' premises, all parameters of quality, hygiene and traceability are monitored. Regardless of the percent of recycled content, the resulting corrugated is not as strong as its counterpart comprised of virgin material. Higher humidity levels can drastically affect corrugate strength. One effective strategy is pinwheeling, in which the direction of every other pallet is altered. In this free ebook, learn how to leverage the strengths of each generation in your packaging department. Store boxes flat from the time they are received until they are ready for use. This situation can be much like a double-edged sword. Despite its repetitive nature, this exercise presupposes a certain level of risk for product damage. Pepsi and Fantas respective new visual identities are optimized for both analog, physical spaceslike packagingand for the online and digital worlds. All of these cause problems as the corrugated is erected into boxes, whether the operation is manual or automated. FEFCO members can download the document here OR please contact FEFCO at [email protected] Yet other factors outside the transportation and handling of these products contribute to damages. Not only do you need to provide strong, durable corrugated boxes that can withstand drops and movement during transportation, but they must also be able to withstand various weather conditions including snow and rain. His contact information is: 100 Renaissance Center- P.O. Learn more about the communities and organizations we serve. 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. But is there an optimal balance between overpackaging and underpackaging? Corrugated cardboard boxes are susceptible to moisture, water, vermin and bacteria during warehouse or storeroom storage, as well as transportation environments. The type of dunnage selected depends on the type of shipment and the other packaging materials being used, as well as convenience and price. Given the economic and environmental costs vs. benefits of different materials, designs, applications and logistical operations, whats the best way to effectively manage these variables to make the most appropriate packaging decisions? Corrugate is 71% weaker at 95% humidity vs. 50% humidity. Damage to. Corrugated never should be stored in direct contact with the floor as that invites contamination and damage from a variety of sources. Aluminum containers and packaging include beer and soft drink cans (including all carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, tea, tonic, waters and juice beverages), other cans, and foil and closures (including semi-rigid foil containers, caps, closures and flexible packaging). Ensure that pallets are free of nails, large splinters, and other sharp objects that can damage corrugated boxes. With the aim to contribute to the sustainability of packaging, the FEFCO Corrugated Packaging Recyclability Guidelinesprovide the industry with a practical set of tools to implement in the recycling of paper and board to ensure the optimal use of natural resources and minimise their environmental impact. Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. The logical question one would ask, then, Is all the packaging thats being used necessary? In many cases, the answer is no. 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. Avoid temperature and humidity extremes and fluctuations in storage areas. The updated document is now available here. Another set of problems relate to unitizing. Is the product appropriately stabilized? All rights reserved. Moisture Content testing measures the moisture content currently contained in corrugated board. Workers should never toss, drop, or drag shipping boxes. Remember, without the lowly corrugated box, the product cannot be shipped! Glass containers include beer and soft drink bottles, wine and liquor bottles, as well as bottles and jars for food and juices, cosmetics, and other products. Paper containers and packaging, excluding corrugated boxes, had a recycling rate of 20.8percent, while corrugated boxes had a recycling rate of 96.5percent in 2018. Learn about the "gold standard" in quality. Official websites use .gov The estimated amount of glass containers recycled in 2018 was 3.1 million tons, or 31.3 percent of generation. 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.

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