Let’s think about box strength for a minute. Aside from the undeniable importance of choosing the right type of corrugated box, and the custom print, we use boxes to protect the product inside, so box strength matters. Customers care whether their packaging arrives looking pristine or like it’s been dragged backward through a tornado. The box your customer receives — not the one you send — frames how your customers see your company in the future.
Your boxes must withstand the shipping process, where they may get bumped around or stacked underneath heavier objects. Understanding the different box strengths is essential to ensure your customers see your product and shipping processes positively and that you don’t have to shoulder the costs of returns. Customers often return undamaged goods because the boxes don’t meet the rigors of shipping, and it costs you money to replace and reship these items.
Using the incorrect box strength can also damage your product, which means more extra costs to you, both in replacing and reshipping your products and in the long term, as clients choose different suppliers in the future. Something as simple as selecting the right box strength can minimize the risks to your product and reputation.
Your box’s strength varies depending on the paper combination used in the corrugated material. Box strengths are commonly measured in the edge crush test (ECT), which refers to the compressive strength of the corrugated board often used in packaging. The following corrugated sheet strengths will give you an idea of what you’re looking for:
Although corrugated board strength depends on many factors, there are standard tests to measure box strength. The two most popular options are the edge crush and mullen tests. The edge crush test uses the McKee formula to calculate the vertical compression strength and elasticity along cardboard box edges. It helps manufacturers determine the quality and strength of their boxes.
The Mullen test — also known as the Mullen Burst Box Strength Test — measures the bursting strength of boxes after applied pressure. It measures how much pressure a box will withstand before breaking or bursting, promoting safe handling and shipping and reducing the chance of damage and expensive returns.
At Custom Boxes Now, we offer various strength options, including burst strength measurements. Some of our most popular box strengths to carry your product to its destination and ensure it arrives in one piece:
Although these are some our most common box strengths used, we do offer many other strengths. Just contact one of our box experts and we can help you decide which strenght is ideal for your application.
Protecting your products is a critical business concern. Custom Boxes Now is here to help you choose the right box strength for your products, so you can ship your items safely and keep your clients satisfied. Get an idea of your box’s size, strength and appearance with our Build a Box tool to see what works best with your product.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to learn more about which of our boxing options is right for you, and start your journey with Custom Boxes Now!
