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.

No Boring Boxes! Custom Packaging for Internet Business

When you are an online retailer without a stationary storefront, your storefront is your website. However, even though online shopping has increased in popularity over the last few years, this doesn’t mean that marketing is made any easier. Nowadays online retailers have to think outside the box when it comes to marketing, and custom packaging is becoming increasingly popular for online retailers, so why are you still lagging behind? 

Think about it this way: when walking through the mall it is easy to catch yourself checking out the shopping bags of those passing by – especially if they are eye-catching. In the online marketplace, you don’t really have the chance to do this. Things go directly from you to the distributor to the post to the customer. This is where custom packaging comes into play.  

Want an example? Okay, no problem.

Scenario #1: Sandra is a regular online shopper. Her favourite guilty pleasure? Shoes. When Sandra buys shoes online they come in a generic brown box, the only notable addition to the packaging a label with her name and address. No one ever takes notice of this box, and therefore no one is enticed to visit that store online or make a purchase. Marketing done here – zero! 

Scenario #2: Elaine is also a regular online purchaser, and yet another shoe fanatic. However, Elaine buys from a company that takes advantage of the opportunity custom packaging presents. Instead of a plain brown box, her shoes come in a well-designed, colourful package that is branded. When the package is delivered to the post office, the box gets noticed. When Elaine picks the package up, the box gets noticed. When Elaine brings it home and shows off the shoes to her girlfriends, the box gets noticed.  

What to look for with a packaging supplier:

o   Reputation for quality and service

o   Commitment to sustainability which saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint

o   Innovative production process that results in high quality design and a strong finished product 

Your packaging should be a direct reflection of your brand image, so why would you want that image to be plain and boring? Instead, think about how direct mail marketing with custom packaging can work to boost your brand reputation.  

When it comes to custom packaging, Packaging Technologies Inc. has you covered. Contact us today to find out more. Please call 1-800-303-5883 or visit us online at www.ptibox.com.

The Freight Fiasco: Challenges with Shipping Packages

We’ve all heard the horror stories in relation to shipping packages: costs, damages, disruptions, etc. Sometimes these freight fiascos are a fact of business and little can be done to avoid them. That being said, there may be a way to mitigate some of those costs. There are a lot of things that impact shipping costs and efficiency. And yes, there is a major link between packaging and shipping. Have you considered how much a simple change can impact your bottom line? We can help you out. 

When you think about shipping packages, there are a number of considerations to be taken into account. On your end, one of the most important is getting those products on the truck (and hoping that they stay there until they reach their intended destination).  Perhaps it is time to rethink that shipping strategy; take a step back and focus on your packaging. 

3 things to think about: size, weight and strength. 

1.     Size. This should be a no-brainer. The smaller the package, the more that can be fit on a pallet, and therefore the larger the number that can be put into a container for shipping. This is coupled with the fact that a smaller package means less material and therefore a reduced production cost.  

2.     Weight. If the cost of shipping depends on weight, why add weight with packaging? A smaller box will usually be lighter (unless for some reason you choose to go with something heavier), and therefore cost less to ship.  

3.     Strength. Sure, you can make a package smaller and lighter – just make sure that when you do you are not sacrificing strength. Smarter packaging shouldn’t be unstable – if it is, you’ll likely have more damages come delivery day. A high quality product should be designed with your exact specifications in mind – don’t skimp here. 

When you decide to make the change to improve your costs for shipping packages, you may be surprised that even a small change can make a big difference. For example, one change to a product’s package can subsequently lead to the ability to fit more products in a smaller case, and therefore more cases on a pallet. This means greater trailer capacity utilization, as well as a decrease in the number of shipments you ultimately send out. Seeing the dollar value now? 

When it finally comes time to rethink your shipping approach, start at the beginning – look at how the structure, size and weight of your product packaging impacts cost and efficiency. When it comes to shipping packages, a little change can go a long way.  

For more challenges with shipping packages or to revamp your shipping strategy, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. at 1-800-303-5883.

The Freight Fiasco: Challenges with Shipping Packages

We’ve all heard the horror stories in relation to shipping packages: costs, damages, disruptions, etc. Sometimes these freight fiascos are a fact of business and little can be done to avoid them. That being said, there may be a way to mitigate some of those costs. There are a lot of things that impact shipping costs and efficiency. And yes, there is a major link between packaging and shipping. Have you considered how much a simple change can impact your bottom line? We can help you out. 

When you think about shipping packages, there are a number of considerations to be taken into account. On your end, one of the most important is getting those products on the truck (and hoping that they stay there until they reach their intended destination).  Perhaps it is time to rethink that shipping strategy; take a step back and focus on your packaging. 

3 things to think about: size, weight and strength. 

1.     Size. This should be a no-brainer. The smaller the package, the more that can be fit on a pallet, and therefore the larger the number that can be put into a container for shipping. This is coupled with the fact that a smaller package means less material and therefore a reduced production cost.  

2.     Weight. If the cost of shipping depends on weight, why add weight with packaging? A smaller box will usually be lighter (unless for some reason you choose to go with something heavier), and therefore cost less to ship.  

3.     Strength. Sure, you can make a package smaller and lighter – just make sure that when you do you are not sacrificing strength. Smarter packaging shouldn’t be unstable – if it is, you’ll likely have more damages come delivery day. A high quality product should be designed with your exact specifications in mind – don’t skimp here. 

When you decide to make the change to improve your costs for shipping packages, you may be surprised that even a small change can make a big difference. For example, one change to a product’s package can subsequently lead to the ability to fit more products in a smaller case, and therefore more cases on a pallet. This means greater trailer capacity utilization, as well as a decrease in the number of shipments you ultimately send out. Seeing the dollar value now? 

When it finally comes time to rethink your shipping approach, start at the beginning – look at how the structure, size and weight of your product packaging impacts cost and efficiency. When it comes to shipping packages, a little change can go a long way.  

For more challenges with shipping packages or to revamp your shipping strategy, please contact Packaging Technologies Inc. at 1-800-303-5883.