Article

Unique evaluation process for boxes used in demanding value chains can help save up to 40% in material

Fluting and liners for corrugated boxes are often chosen without enough thought given to how their specific characteristics impact costs and sustainability. Billerud’s new and more scientific True Performance methodology helps its customers evaluate different materials for applications such as fruit & vegetable transport boxes, where demanding, long-distance value chains require high strength over time in high humidity conditions. The findings can be used to generate unique customer benefits such as less packaging material use, less product damages and waste, and lower packaging carbon footprint.

The issue: insufficient data

For decades, the Box Compression Test (BCT) has been the industry standard for measuring the maximum load a corrugated packaging can withstand. But this method fails to assess a box’s ability to cope with loads over time – or its performance in the different temperature and humidity conditions that it experiences. It is not uncommon that relative humidity (RH) in demanding value chains reaches 90%, but the standard BCT test only measures peak load in 50% RH. In other words: a material which looks adequately strong in a laboratory setting, often fails when faced with reality. This can be especially problematic when boxes intended for demanding long-distance value chains are not optimized for their purpose. Insufficient test data can also result in misleading safety factors that lead to either over-specification (unnecessary use of resources leads to higher material costs and CO2 footprint) or under-specification (poor packaging leads to product damage, waste, and loss of brand equity).

The solution: better science

Billerud’s True Performance Testing process is based on modern, scientific algorithms and calculates the exact material and construction needs of your packaging. It combines measurements in standard laboratory conditions at 23˚C, 50% RH with measurements at higher relative humidity (up to 90%), which results in much more comprehensive data that can be used to better understand how the box copes with the surrounding conditions during its journey. This is also why True Performance Testing helps you optimize your packaging solution for its real-world demands.

The opportunity: become more resource efficient

Billerud’s liners and fluting are made from 100% high-quality, pure and strong wood fibers. When tested over time and in more realistic conditions than in the standard test, they outperform less suitable “standard” materials. This “True Performance” advantage opens up new opportunities for you to opt for stronger, lighter boxes, and at the same time:

Save up to 40% in material
Reduce damage and waste of your products and packaging
Reduce CO2 emissions and water consumption
Reduce total costs