Thousands of cardboard cartons serve a variety of purposes all the time in sectors like online business, shipping, and the retail industry. They provide economical, flexible, and eco-friendly packaging options. However, a cardboard box’s lifespan may vary depending on internal and external factors. People often question the lifespan of corrugated packaging since any resources may break down, separate, or lose their efficacy over time. Corrugated boxes share the same concept just like any resources do, proper handling is essential since rough or negligent handling can potentially result in damage that could cause problems with strength and stability. It shows the significant consequences of how well it performs and lasts. Hence, it is crucial to have a clear picture of the factors that might affect the shelf life of the corrugated boxes and the best practices to handle them.
The formation of a corrugated board is the composition of layers of liner-board with the medium. The flute, or middle section, supports corrugated sheets in terms of their durability, compression strength, and barrier support. Its compression strength and shock absorption ability may change if its strength core is damaged. Edges that are ripped, shredded, or crushed may weaken a whole structure. Any little external forces or pressure on the box may cause it to collapse, which could harm the product stored within.
However, the potential risks of using a broken corrugated box might cause a domino effect before the box is delivered to the end user. Corrugated boxes that are damaged or deformed might block or stop functioning in automated machinery, causing production to halt or perhaps losing merchandise. Hence, one should value handling and care for better packaging performance. Handling with care could help to save extra expenses and improve the usage frequency in multipurpose ways.
Why was the Durability and Usability of Corrugated Boxes Shortened?
Corrugated Board Layers Matter
Corrugated boxes with more layers or so-called “walls” have a longer lifespan. The durability of paperboard is greatly influenced by its thickness and type. Use boxes with double or triple walls for heavy-duty applications. The basic protection is provided by single wall boards, which are appropriate for delivering non-fragile, lightweight, or smaller items. When packaging electronics, appliances, auto components, or delicate items that need extra support, double walls are frequently utilized. Triple wall boards are the ideal option for objects that require maximum protection from shock, vibration, and impact. This is especially true for large or heavy things. They are frequently utilised in sectors including manufacturing, logistics, and the aerospace sector where products need extra safeguarding while being transported or stored. The weight, vulnerability, and particular needs of your items should all be noted when selecting the corrugated box structure.
Warehousing
It is crucial to use appropriate handling and storage procedures. Rough management and storage can shorten lifespan by causing rips and damage. Before utilising the boxes, people tend to store them on their edges, which over time may damage the edge and interfere with the automatic machinery’s ability to operate smoothly. Apart from that, it can affect its products within and closure.
Stack extra heavy items on top of the packed corrugated boxes that are not as designed, or sit, climb, or stand on them. The flutes of the corrugated boxes may be crushed or distorted as a result, lessening their compression strength and protection value. Any unequal force applied to the flutes may result in perforating or fracturing.
Usage Frequency
Some corrugated boxes for several voyages are not specifically made for double-staking but have been misused for that purpose, and may deteriorate more quickly.
Extreme Temperature
Additionally, temperature is one of the causes that affect storage practices. Prolonged exposure to heat or cold temperatures can induce deformation, delamination, and harm coatings on the surfaces. On the other hand, dampness can erode the boxes’ rigidity and durability. Extreme dryness can potentially draw the water out of the box, and it may lead to brittleness. Inconsistent temperature for optimum corrugated box storage results in poor packaging performance.
Best Practices
Storage and Handling
- Train skilled staff to be cautious when handling corrugated packages to avoid damaging the edges. Before making use of it, check the boxes frequently for corrosion.
- Keep corrugated on a thoroughly cleaned stack that has been properly stored. Ventilation is necessary for cartons to avoid the spread of mildew and mold species. To encourage airflow, leave little spaces between stacks when stored. Unless the boxes are prepared for shipping, do not thoroughly seal them.
- Stored boxes are particularly vulnerable to damage by pests, notably rats. They bite at the material, making the boxes useless. Make sure there are no pests in your storage space. Double-check for infestations regularly, and prepare to set catchers or any preventative measures that should be implemented earlier.
- To further secure the stack and preserve the boxes from dust, pests, or mold buildup, consider using stretch film wrap or pallet covers.
- For load protection and stability, corrugated should be packed flat using the right materials before use as soon as the boxes are received.
- Since the best-use-before period is suggested for 12 months, to shorten the storage time, practicing a first-in, first-out inventory approach could make sure the optimum condition of the corrugated box is achieved.
Unit Load Design
- Don’t overstack your boxes; modify the unit load structure. Make sure to precisely match the edges of the boxes when stacking them. The load should be distributed equally while stacking boxes to prevent the first layer of the boxes from being overly compressed. Structural box arrangement imbalance and an elevated danger of collapse can result from overcrowding or excessively layered boxes.
- Heavier cartons should be put at the bottom and more lightweight ones at the top. Heavy-duty pallets are recommended to offer support and rigidity to the weight.
Storage Environment
- Consider keeping the corrugated cartons in a controlled environment with an average temperature of 15–28°C and a humidity level of 40–60% to ensure the optimal conditions for storage. The usefulness of cardboard boxes can be somewhat increased by storing them correctly.
- Corrugated boxes should be kept away from direct exposure to sunlight, and stored in cool, dry places.
- The underlying structure of a corrugated board can be rapidly degraded by excessive humidity or atmospheric dampness. Therefore, consider to move to a better environment or invest in dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbent items can be an effective approach for extending the longevity of your boxes.
You can safeguard corrugated boxes’ ideal state and keep them prepared for future usage or the preservation of high-end, delicate products according to these storage recommendations. Keep in mind that maintaining the effectiveness and durability of these crucial packaging solutions requires the right storage conditions. Reach us if you’re keen to switch to recyclable cardboard carton packaging that offers an exclusive, environmentally friendly approach to market and protect your merchandise!
