Tag Archives: corrugated cardboard

Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics

Although we tend to think of cardboard as a simple material, its versatility and strength have made it the basis for many advanced industrial packaging solutions.

Known as the ‘beige gold’, cardboard stands out for being lightweight, strong, customizable and environmentally friendly. These qualities have positioned it as a key material in industrial logistics, where high-performance packaging is required for land, air and sea transport.

To understand how cardboard is changing the logistics of companies, we must begin by explaining what corrugated cardboard is, what its quality depends on, and most importantly, how to choose the most suitable cardboard packaging for our shipments.

What is Corrugated Cardboard?

To begin with, corrugated cardboard is composed of several layers of paper on top of each other. Generally, it has a three-layer structure: two flat outer layers (liner) and a corrugated middle layer (flute).

This arrangement gives the cardboard its capacity for shock absorption and weight distribution. It is therefore ideal for protecting products and optimizing space in the transport of goods.

This structure has been perfected over the years, adapting to different industry needs. Today, there are cardboard solutions that can support significant weights, withstand shocks and protect even sensitive products. From the traditional American box, to boxes for dangerous goods or cardboard pallets, with exceptional density and that do not require ISPM15 phytosanitary certification.

Types of Industrial Cardboard

We can classify industrial cardboard according to the number of paper sheets that make it up. Bearing in mind that the outer smooth sheets are called faces or covers; the intermediate sheets, smooth faces; and finally, the corrugated sheets that form the carcasses; corrugated, gut or “medium”; would result:

The simple-face (single face – SF)

The simplest, consisting of a smooth sheet (one face) and a corrugated sheet, joined together with glue. It is used, for example, as reinforcement in packaging.

Why industrial cardboard is changing company Logistics

The double-sided (SW – Simple Wall)

Consists of two sides and a corrugated board. This type of cardboard is ideal for industrial packaging of medium-sized products, as well as for long transport times.

Why industrial cardboard is changing company Logistics

If a second single-side module is added to the double-side, it constitutes the so-called double-double (DD).

Similarly, a triple corrugated results from a double-double with a third single-side. This type of cardboard is ideal in industrial packaging for heavy equipment and for long transport times. It is therefore preferred by companies shipping internationally by sea or air, where the risks of movement and compression are high.

On the other hand, we can classify corrugated cardboard according to its thickness, with different letters. The most common are:

Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics
Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics

The greater the thickness, the greater the cushioning capacity. This makes the board easier to stack.

Industrial board properties

The thickness and number of layers of industrial cardboard determine its level of strength and flexibility, adapting to the different packaging needs demanded by industry:

Compression Resistance

One of the most important properties of industrial cardboard is its ability to withstand vertical compression. This is because the corrugated structure distributes the force across the layers, preventing them from being crushed by the weight of other products. This property is critical for shipping in containers, where goods are often stacked.

Absorbs shock and vibration

Similarly, the board structure itself acts as a cushion, reducing the impact of drops and absorbing jolts during transit.

Lightweight and economical

Despite its strength, industrial paperboard is very light. This gives it an added advantage as it does not add significant weight to the final packaging or additional transportation costs.

Which box solution is best for my goods?

In summary, the most commonly used parameters to determine the type of board to use are:

  • Consistency (ECT – Edge Crush Test).
  • Vertical compression resistance (BCT – Box Compression Test).

As we have seen, this is the most important parameter, since it indicates the weight that a box will be able to support when subjected to a stacking load.

Taking both into account, it is possible to design cardboard packaging solutions for different industries and in a wide range of sizes. The most common are:

Cardboard pallets

The cardboard pallet has a stacking strength similar to that of a wooden pallet and can carry loads of more than 1,200 kilograms. It is also much lighter than wood or plastic pallets. It is primarily used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Pallet Box

When the nature of the load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet box, the cardboard box is reinforced with wooden slats on the bottom and sides to facilitate storage and picking.

Its main advantage, however, is its compatibility with standardized European and American palletizing systems, and since it is certified with the ISPM-15 phytosanitary seal, it is ideal for export.

 

At 360 Eco Packaging, we believe that cardboard will continue to be a fundamental pillar in the supply chain. We dedicate all our experience and know-how to develop new customized industrial packaging solutions, guaranteeing quality and safety. Contact us today!

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Types of folding packaging II: Foldable Plastic Packaging

Foldable plastic packaging helps to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the logistics process.

Foldable plastic packaging has qualities that are highly valued in today’s production lines. They are made of stable, lightweight material and are very easy to clean. They are therefore the ideal solution when extreme hygiene is required, as in the case of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products or foodstuffs.

Moreover, they do not require any treatment. They offer a barrier effect against humidity, temperature changes and microorganisms and are suitable for export.

Qualities of foldable plastic packaging

If we add to these properties their ability to fold, we obtain a product that will also help us to optimize warehouse space when not in use.

We cannot ignore the fact that Law 7/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy (LRSC) penalizes single-use plastic containers and packaging. Returnable and foldable plastic packaging solutions benefit all links in the supply network – producer, distributor and point of sale.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

Most commonly used plastic packaging

Plastic boxes

At 360 Eco Packaging we are constantly innovating. We have spent years developing solutions that meet the changing needs of the market.

In our product portfolio, we have a range of plastic foldable container boxes that are specifically developed for reuse, stacking and returnability. This type of box is as robust and stable as any other rigid box, but much more versatile, handy and lightweight.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

It is made of high-quality recycled plastic and can be recycled again. Its three parts  <base, ring and sliding lid> become a plastic container box valid for storage on shelves and / or transport of goods, being suitable for all kinds of roller and chain conveyors.

It is provided with a Velcro system that facilitates its opening and closing. It folds quickly and easily, in just 4 seconds without the use of tools.

Each box can be customized with the company’s corporate colors, bar code labels or RFID elements.

 

Plastic pallets

Weight is a determining factor in the logistics of any business. The plastic pallet offers optimal stacking resistance. And because of its lightness and durability, it is another foldable packaging with an excellent price/performance ratio.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

Advantages of foldable plastic pallets

  • They are lightweight.
  • They are reusable.
  • They have nestable skids.
  • Easy to clean.

Check our foldable packaging solutions, and if you have any questions, please contact our team.

We will find the most suitable packaging for your logistic process.

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Types of folding packaging I: Cardboard Folding Packages

Supply chain security, inflation and sustainability are some of the major challenges that companies face. Among other things, we will discuss the advantages of folding carton packaging.

In the packaging industry, we find ourselves in a market where the demand for sustainable products is growing, the trend is to reduce single-use packaging and to optimize transport and storage costs.

Folding packaging meets all these requirements perfectly. With this post, we begin a series of articles to explain which ones are going to be the most frequently used and what benefits they bring to companies.

Advantages of Foldable Packaging

Quality folding packaging meets all the conditions for use in logistical operations with full guarantees. Their efficiency is proven every day in the storage and transport of goods in any industry.

In addition to strength and safety, they provide a series of advantages that have a direct impact on logistics cost savings:

  • Greater space utilization. When not in use, folding packaging takes up less space in the warehouse, which allows for better management.
  • Ease of handling. It is ergonomic and facilitates assembly/disassembly, with little need for tools. This cuts work times and minimizes possible damage caused by handling.

In addition, they can be made of cardboard, metal or plastic. In this post we will focus on cardboard folding packaging.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard Folding Packaging

By its nature, cardboard packaging is considered one of the most efficient on the market. Its popularity is increasing, due to the rise of ecommerce and the ongoing debate on sustainability and ecopackaging.

Cardboard is a natural, resistant and recyclable material, whose versatility makes it the best alternative for creating sustainable and original packaging solutions. Most are also reusable, so they can be used efficiently until the end of their useful life.

Types of folding packaging I_ Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard boxes and pallet boxes

In industrial packaging we use corrugated cardboard, which, unlike other types of cardboard, is the strongest and most durable. Corrugated cardboard boxes in standard sizes or large-volume cardboard boxes can be used for packing and palletizing light and heavy goods, either alone or in combination with protective and cushioning solutions.

When the type of load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet-box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet-box, the cardboard box is reinforced at the base and sides with wooden slats to facilitate storage and picking.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

In 360 Eco Packaging we develop efficient packaging solutions that provide savings along the entire supply chain. Contact us.

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Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging plays a fundamental role in the protection of medicines during storage and transport. Tablets, syrups, ampoules, vaccines… Everything must be packaged in compliance with strict safety requirements so that they reach the patient in optimum conditions.

In addition, the way in which medicines are administered determines the design of the packaging, which must facilitate opening and dosing.

 

Pharmaceutical packaging regulations

Pharmaceutical packaging is regulated by different regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines, as well as the protection of people and the environment.

In Europe, Directive 2001/83/EC determines the information, packaging and labeling that medicinal products must carry. There are also specific rules governing other aspects, such as protection against counterfeit medicines (Directive 2011/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council) and waste management (Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council).

Types of pharmaceutical packaging

The most common types of packaging in the pharmaceutical sector are:

Blister:

Consists of a plastic or aluminum foil containing the drug, allowing its administration in doses such as tablets, individual capsules, dragees, etc.

Bottle:

Made of glass or plastic, used for the storage of liquids and solids.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Which packaging is the most suitable for the pharmaceutical sector?

Pharmaceutical products are a delicate type of goods, which require special control conditions during the whole packaging process. Therefore, a pharmaceutical packaging must be able to keep the medicines intact throughout the entire supply chain.

For example, using opaque materials that protect it from light, that act as a barrier to water vapor and oxygen, and with a correct sealing and immobilization that prevents degradation or overturning of the product.

In this sense, corrugated cardboard boxes on wooden or cardboard pallets are an interesting option, because they are suitable for both storage and transport of this type of merchandise.

They are also compatible with the standardized European and American palletizing systems and, as they are certified with the ISPM -15 phytosanitary seal, they are suitable for export.

In addition, auxiliary fastening systems such as strapping help to keep the goods securely fastened. Likewise, desiccant salts absorb the humidity inside the packaging during transit.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging is constantly evolving. Innovation, sustainability and safety set the trends in the sector.

Environmental impact is another of the challenges facing the industry. In the area of primary packaging, the first steps are being taken in the manufacture of recyclable paper blister packs.

Regarding secondary and tertiary packaging, 360 Eco Packaging has been developing sustainable packaging for years, using reusable and recyclable materials. All this together with an optimization service aimed at helping companies implement more efficient logistics, with lower energy consumption and less impact on nature.

Contact us.

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Main packaging certifications

Certifications are key indicators in any activity. Through these accreditations, packaging manufacturers can demonstrate that their products or services comply with the regulations required by transport agreements, and at the same time meet high standards of safety, quality or environmental responsibility. They are, therefore, a guarantee of how we do things.

ISO 9001 certification is one of the most widely implemented standards among companies. In our case, this seal accredits the quality of our processes for the design and manufacture of industrial packaging.

In the packaging field there are other valuable rules and certifications that we highlight below:

Phytosanitary-certified wood packaging material

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15 was created by FAO to regulate wood packaging in international trade in order to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of pests.

The ISPM 15 seal is based on a heat treatment that consists of the wood reaching 56 ºC in its core for at least 30 continuous minutes.

       Once the wood has been treated, the mark must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the wood.

The ISPM-15 standard affects packaging made wholly or partially from raw wood, such as pallets, crates, crates, crates, crates, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and reels. Plywood is excluded.

To obtain the ISPM-15 label, it is necessary to be registered in the national system and to pass the required annual audits, through the control of the traceability of the manufactured elements.

The issuance of a certificate will only be necessary if required by the phytosanitary protection agencies of the destination countries.

ISPM15

Certified Dangerous Goods Packaging

Dangerous goods are considered to be solid, liquid or powdered products that represent a risk to the safety and health of people or the environment.

The transport of dangerous goods requires specific approved packaging, with its corresponding certificate in accordance with the regulations of each mode of transport. The regulation par excellence in the transport of dangerous goods by road is the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).

Compliance is also mandatory:

  • Rail RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).
  • Air transport IATA (International Air Transport Association).
  • Maritime transport IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

The UN has established a universal system of classification, packaging, marking and labeling of the different dangerous goods valid for all modes of transport.

Dangerous goods packaging can be made of plastic, cardboard or metal, but must always be properly labeled. In addition to the labeling required for each type of goods, according to its classification in the ADR, each package must show a UN number, among other data such as the manufacturer’s code, type of box, password, country and year of manufacture.

The ADR defines packing instructions for each UN number, according to which the physical-chemical specifications that the packaging must meet for a given good will be detailed.

Packaging with PEFC / FSC® certification

Nowadays, it is impossible to talk about quality without taking environmental criteria into account. PEFC and FSC® chain-of-custody certification guarantees good practices along the entire wood value chain.

PEFC-certified pallets, wooden crates and cardboard boxes use raw material from sustainable logging, recycled material or both. Choosing PEFC / FSC® certified packaging means promoting a responsible supply chain, contributing to sustainable forest management and the well-being of forest communities.

PEFC
FSC

These seals are also a competitive advantage in markets that require the supply of environmentally responsible materials.

Use certified packaging suppliers that add value to your logistics.

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Packing for moving

Nobody is aware of what they have until they have to move, that is why in this post we will talk about packing for moving. Moving our belongings from one place to another requires good planning, starting with choosing the optimal packaging so that the move is resolved quickly and smoothly.

Like any other type of shipment, each move will require different packaging, depending on the contents to be transported and the mode of transport.

Packing for moving

What is the most suitable packing for a move?

The packaging systems for the moving or furniture storage sector share the following characteristics:

Packing for moving

Types of packaging for moving

No two moves are the same. Moving a house is not the same as moving an office where electronic equipment and components are moved, much less a transoceanic move in a container.

Depending on the volume of material to be transported, wooden, cardboard or cardboard combined with wood packaging solutions can be used.

The most common are:

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packaging used in removals. As is logical, boxes of different sizes are used, depending on the needs. From a weight of 8 kilos upwards, it is advisable to use two-channel cardboard boxes, which offer greater resistance and protection.

Large-volume cardboard boxes, available with flaps or lids, are used to move large furniture and belongings.

Packing for moving

Folding wooden boxes

Plywood transport crates with lids are the most commonly used for transoceanic moves. This type of box is made of ISPM15 certified wood, so it is suitable for international shipments.

It is a reusable, stackable and collapsible box. It consists of a lid, a base with support and a very consistent central body. The anchorage of the pieces is by means of metallic tabs, which gives it great resistance.

Packing for moving

Fillings to protect the inside of the boxes

Just as important as choosing the most suitable box for a move is to have protection and padding aids to protect the contents inside.

Packing padding products immobilize objects to prevent them from suffering any impact during transportation and protect them from humidity or vibrations so that they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

An economical solution to protect ceramic pieces, glassware or fragile products, as well as to fill the gaps left in boxes, is cardboard netting.

Cardboard corner protectors and foam profiles are essential to protect the edges on the inside and outside of the boxes.

In international moves, and especially in sea transport, inflatable bags or airbags are used as a complementary system in cargo lashing to fill the gaps in containers and prevent them from moving.

Packing for moving

At 360 Eco Packaging we can’t move your things, but we can provide you with the necessary packing material to make your move as safe as possible. Contact us.

Packing for moving

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7 milestones in the history of packaging

Since ancient times man has had the need to protect his belongings, hence the following post on the history of packaging and its evolution.

Over the years the evolution of the history of packaging has been parallel to the economic and social development of the time. As manufacturers of industrial packaging, these are for us the 7 most important milestones in the history of packaging.

1. From clay to wood for transporting wine

In ancient Rome, large clay containers were already used to store and transport wine. The clay amphorae and jars were airtight and protected the wine from oxidation. Upon conquering French lands, the Roman Empire discovered the wooden barrel; an easy-to-handle container, lighter and more consistent than clay for transporting wine from Greece, Gaul and Hispania.

This was the way it was done for centuries until glass arrived. In the 17th century the use of the bottle became widespread. However, wood continued to be a highly valued packaging in the logistics of the wine sector.

7 milestones in the history of packaging

 2. The emergence of corrugated cardboard

The Chinese are considered to be the first to use corrugated cardboard in the 16th century. However, it was the pleats of Victorian fashion in the mid-19th century that led to the development of corrugated cardboard.

In 1856 Healy and Allen patented in England the use of pleated paper as an inner reinforcement for stiff top hats. Years later, the American pharmacist A. Jones came up with the idea of wrapping fries in corrugated cardboard. Jones came up with the idea of wrapping perfume bottles in corrugated paper to protect them from knocks.

In 1874, Oliver Long improved Jones’ patent by adhering the corrugated paper to a flat sheet of paper and then to two flat sheets of paper. Liners were born, the structure of corrugated cardboard that provides the compression and strength of the cardboard boxes we use today.

In 1890 Robert Gair invented the corrugated box and the American Thompson and Norris Co. began manufacturing the first boxes.

Today the cardboard box is the preferred packaging for ecommerce due to its lightness, strength and low cost.

Corrugated cardboard

3. The arrival of the europallet

It was not until World War II that the use of pallets became popular for moving military equipment. Until then, wooden crates, skids or barrels were used to move the goods.

At the end of the war, the first American pallet patents were registered. However, train wagons in Europe had dimensions in which they did not fit well, so it was necessary to reduce them and regulate their manufacture so that they all had the same dimensions and could make better use of space. In the 60’s the Euro pallet was born.

Since 1991 the European Pallet Association (EPAL) issues licenses to manufacturers and under the EPAL seal certifies the quality of the pallet and identifies reliable suppliers.

European Pallets EPAL

4. The collapsible wooden box, a step towards packaging engineering

During World War II, the Allied side had to make a great logistical effort to get weapons, equipment and medical supplies by ship and plane to the places in conflict. One of the biggest challenges was shipping war vehicles.

The Jeep automobile company had designed the “Willys,” an agile and rugged all-terrain vehicle, the forerunner of the 4×4 we know today. For domestic shipments, vehicles were stacked on top of each other on pallets. But shipping them across the ocean required special packaging. And an innovative solution was found: the disassemblable wooden crate.

The “Willys” was stored in pieces and once at destination the crate was disassembled, allowing access to the vehicle and assembly in a matter of minutes.

Today, packaging engineering continues to successfully meet the challenges of the automotive sector.

7 milestones in the history of packaging
7 milestones in the history of packaging

5. The expansion of plastic

The origin of plastic is related to the game of billiards. An American company decided to award 10,000 dollars to whoever could create a material to replace ivory, which was scarce at the time, to manufacture billiard balls. In 1870, the Hyatt brothers chemically modified cellulose to produce celluloid, winning the contest and obtaining the first plastic in history.

In 1907, Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic commercial plastic, described as thermosetting, insulating and resistant to water, acids and moderate heat. In the following decades, new plastics derived from the processing of fossil fuels, such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were investigated.

At present, the applications of plastic are infinite, and it is a very common material in the manufacture of returnable containers and packaging for industrial use.

Plastic collapsible crate

6. The box that revolutionized the transport of goods: the sea container.

Since they made the first transatlantic crossing in the mid-twentieth century, sea containers have revolutionized the transport of goods. Before their appearance, ships were loaded manually, which meant long waits in port.

The businessman Malcolm McClean came up with a system whereby cargo could be stacked inside a large metal box and transported by ship or truck. Thus was born the container, which made its first trip in 1956, from New Jersey to Houston.

A decade after its first trip, the ISO (International Standard Organization) developed standards for its international use. Containerization led to a reduction in the cost and time of freight transport, giving way to intermodality.

7 milestones in the history of packaging

7. Ecopackaging and sustainable packaging

In the mid-twentieth century the packaging industry began its development and today continues to evolve.

With self-service, marketing, the computer and the internet, packaging began to spread, becoming a competitive advantage for companies and a lure for the consumer.

 

Foldable wooden crate

Today, the Circular Economy model and the preferences of an increasingly eco-conscious consumer force the industry to look for sustainable packaging solutions, designed from the source to reduce the use of resources and revalue their waste, without forgetting their original purpose: to protect the goods.

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What is the Best Packing Material

We begin by showing you a list of some of the most common packaging materials and their main advantages.

The choice of the best packaging material depends on the type of product to be transported or stored, as well as the conditions to which it will be exposed.

 

Cardboard:

It is a versatile and economical packaging material that is commonly used for boxes and packaging. It is durable and easy to recycle.

What is the Best Packing Material

Plastic:

It is a durable and durable packaging material, making it ideal for products that require protection against water or moisture. However, it can sometimes be difficult to recycle.

What is the Best Packing Material

Wood:

It is used for the manufacture of packaging that requires greater resistance to shocks and impacts, such as drawers or industrial pallets.

What is the Best Packing Material

Taking into account everything seen above, we conclude that there is no material that is best for all situations, but it is important to carefully assess the needs of each product and the conditions to which it will be exposed in order to determine the most suitable packaging material.

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Main Types Of Cardboard

Cardboard is a material formed by the superposition of paper, which gives it greater strength and hardness than paper. It is one of the most widely used elements in the packaging sector, both in the construction of boxes and in the design of molds that fit inside them to hold goods.

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