Edge Crush vs. Mullen: Differences for Corrugated Boxes

When it comes to custom packaging for corrugated boxes, no matter what you are shipping, strength and durability should be a top priority.  To say that every box is the same is a big mistake – but what is the difference, and how is strength tested?

Firstly, the strength of a corrugated box starts with the material used. A corrugated sheet has three main components, the inside and outside paper liner (the linerboard), and the interior, ‘fluted,’ portion (the medium). When a sheet of corrugated board is created, and the wavy interior (the medium) is attached to the liner with a starch-based adhesive, this works to resist bending and pressure and when placed vertically can sustain significant amounts of weight.

So how is that strength tested and how can you be sure it meets industry standards? The Edge Crush Test and the Mullen Test are the two industry-recognized methods that measure weight. When checking that a box meets industry standards, make sure that a Manufacturer’s Certification Stamp is visible. This stamp will also certify the type of test done, and the results (Mullen – most common is 200 lbs/sq. inch or Edge Crush – most common is ECT 32 lbs/inch).

There is some confusion regarding the difference between these two tests, so in an effort to clear up the confusion, here is a brief breakdown:

The Mullen Test – measures the bursting strength of corrugated board by testing how much pressure it takes for a box to rupture. To conform to the Mullen Test standard, a box needs to reach a certain number (200#, 275#), and the higher the number, the stronger the box.

The Edge Crush Test – measures the stacking strength of corrugated board by testing how much pressure a box can stand before being crushed. Like the Mullen Test, to conform to the Edge Crush Test, corrugated boxes need to reach a certain number (32ECT, 44ECT), and the higher the number, the stronger the box. The Edge Crush Test is best suited for stacking requirements because it provides lighter weight cartons with good stacking characteristics.

With Edge Crush you can change the weight of each of the papers but still maintain the same weight whereas with the Mullen Test the construction of the linerboard can’t be altered.

There are benefits to both of these tests, so discussing each one with your manufacturer is always a smart idea. That being said, it never hurts to be informed before that meeting!

For more about testing the strength of corrugated boxes please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883.

Upcoming Event: PTI at the 2014 Brew Expo America

Packaging Technologies Inc. is excited to be exhibiting at the 2014 Brew Expo America in Denver, Colorado, from April 8-11. This premier trade show for Craft Brewers is an amazing annual event that brings together hundreds of vendors offering products and services from all across the international brewing arena. Once again, we will be there taking it all in and getting involved.

PTI has had earned an excellent reputation in this industry, winning many awards for innovative designs and amazing quality graphic packaging. Working with a variety of breweries small and large, PTI has assisted in creating dynamic launches and innovative redesigns cost effectively. With an extensive list of in house stocked designs in all shapes and sizes PTI can offer top notch high graphic packaging and displays in both small and large volumes, economically. Customized packaging is our specialty with an award winning talented team of designers who have a proven track record of producing packaging that produces results! With years of industry experience and knowledge we continue to seek out the newest innovations in the beer packaging world to bring to our clients. Where better to share these than the Brew Expo!

Looking for high-impact corrugated boxes or original point of purchase displays for your craft brew? We have years of experience with structural design, and know what you need to make a lasting impression.

The place to be is Denver the weekend of the 8th-11th, come and visit us at this amazing event!

For more about packaging solutions for your brew business, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883 or visit www.ptibox.com.












 

Glow in the Dark Custom Packaging: Fun and Fabulous!

We always like to stay on top of the latest and greatest developments in the packaging industry, and this means keeping up with the latest trends. One of the newest trends in custom packaging is glow in the dark ink – and for good reason. Whether you use it for creating eye-catching holiday packaging or use it to hide a hidden message, glow in the dark can give your custom packaging that extra step up to get customers talking – and buying!

How does this type of printing work? Glow in the dark inks work through the use of phosphorescent pigments applied to certain graphics which then emit a green glow in darker environments. The ink, usually cream coloured, can be applied on top of other inks so that it does not denigrate the overall look of your design, but when the lights go out – your packaging lights up!

Why light up your packaging? Why not! This fun, creative marketing strategy can equal big gains – and several companies have taken this new medium as a way to create quite a buzz. For example, last Halloween, a popular cheese snack company set about creating glow in the dark packaging for their product – and the feedback was amazing! Various drink companies have also taken advantage, using glow in the dark inks on their packaging to appeal to customers looking for that extra bit if fun and excitement. 

Glow in the dark packaging may be the future of printing, but we’ll admit it doesn’t work for every marketing strategy – some are clearly a better fit for this than others. That being said, if you are thinking that glow in the dark custom packaging can draw in the sales you want, it might be time to step it up. Add that extra flare to get some extra attention!

When it comes to custom packaging, as with any marketing/advertising, your methods need to differentiate you from your competition. With so many different companies out there offering competing products, you need to be able to get a customer’s attention, first, and leave a lasting impression. Your packaging should be creative, bold, inspiring, and different – otherwise you are just going to blend in with every other product on the shelf.

Glow in the dark ink isn’t just for those one-off t-shirts anymore! For more about glow in the dark custom corrugated packaging, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883.

POPAI – Latest Innovations & Trends in Packaging

Keeping up with industry trends and developments is a huge part of any retail marketing strategy. Knowing what other companies are doing, and how you can take this knowledge and use it to compete, is an integral part of staying at the top. 

POPAI, The Global Association for Marketing at Retail, is taking part in a huge marketing and retail week in Las Vegas this year from March 17^th to 19^th. We know this is a bit last minute, but if you can find the time to attend these events it is well worth your time!

Events:

-        GlobalShop - the largest annual event for retail design and shopper marketing in the world. This show offers you the chance to find the largest, most comprehensive array of store fixture companies and more in-store solutions anywhere in the world. As part of the event, POPAI sponsors a number of very important presentations and sessions, including information on best practices, customer experience and expectations, and the latest and great trends from the packaging world.  

-        Las Vegas Strip Retail Tour: What better way is there to learn about the latest innovations, designs, displays and marketing tactics than seeing them for yourself? POPAI’s Retail Tours are theme-based guided tours that take you around to various shops along the strip to give you the chance to understand what is working and what isn’t and to network with fellow retailers, marketers, and designers.  

-        OMA Celebration: The final event of the week is the OMA Celebration gala, a night when industry professionals come together to recognize achievement and innovation in retail marketing. Awards are given in a range of categories, judged by a panel of producers, marketers and retailers. This closing event is a great time to check out what the last year ushered in retail-wise, as well as the perfect chance to network and discuss with others in the industry.

When you are in the retail industry, carving out a niche can be difficult, but when you have the right tools success is far easier. Learning about the newest developments, latest innovations, and the most effective trends in packaging is the best way to stay competitive. Custom packaging that takes into account all of these things is a great way to do this – and we are always maintaining a strong hold on what the industry is doing.

For more about POPAI, or to find out about how you can implement the latest trends in packaging into your marketing strategy, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. by calling 1-800-303-5883.