How to Increase the Strength of Corrugated Boxes without an increase in GSM or Costing

Usually, if a Packaging Technologist wants to increase the strength of the box in terms of compression, they increase in GSM (Grammage) of the corrugated fiber box with a simple change in burst factor. Apparently, this is the correct way; the thickness will perform directly proportionate to the strength. Whatever we see in a higher number, assuming that it shows better with the lesser number. But what about the cost. 

If we increase in thickness or GSM, will it always give the same strength with a minor deviation?

Question: Strength performance is lying thickness or GSM of paper?

So, many factors causing in defining the strength of corrugated fiber boxes. But as of now, we compare the thickness or GSM parameter with the inherent nature of paper. How can we overcome the strength issue without an increase in thickness, GSM, or Cost?

Generally, the Kraft paper manufacturer uses recycled paper for making paper. And also, there is no such control over there to the usage of recycled paper quality. All the companies use some mixing of recycled paper with virgin pulp without intimating the content percentage. But few known companies have their ethics to use recycled paper with the minimum quality standard. Here, it’s a role of the strength of paper where the fiber strength is given to the paper. If the paper’s fiber length is higher, the paper strength will automatically increase. The content and quality standard of recycled paper make the variation in strength. 

The virgin pulp has guidelines for usage and extraction. After that, mixing the Virgin pulp and recycled pulp makes the variation.

So, next time, ask the supplier regarding the fiber length and usage of recycled content and their standard and freeze the specification.

The whole truth is to hide in the name of thickness and GSM. 

Standards

• AS 2582.4 – Complete, filled transport packages – Methods of test Vertical impact test by dropping
• ISO 2248 Method A – Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages — Vertical impact test by dropping
• ASTM D5276 – Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall