ESPOO, Finland,
Nov. 29, 2010
(Press Release) -
Independent tests carried out recently on behalf of M-real Consumer Packaging have confirmed that lighter weight primary fiber-based kraftliners provide better corrugated box compression strength than heavier weight white lined chipboard (WLC) or liners containing recycled fibers. Both cost savings and sustainability benefits can be gained by using stronger and lighter weight kraftliners in corrugated packaging.
The tests, undertaken by an external research institute, compared corrugated trays in which only the white top liner varied. The trays using the coated white top kraftliner produced by M-real's Kemiart were tested in comparison with trays using WLC or coated white top recycled liner. The basis weights of the boards varied from 33# to 43#.
The results found that corrugated trays made of primary fiber-based kraftliners exhibited higher box compression strength than trays made of recycled liners of the same basis weight. Trays using an 11-12% lighter weight kraftliner provided 18-32% higher box compression strength values compared with those made of recycled materials.
Further box compression tests compared the stacking strength of primary folding cartons with that of folding cartons with a corrugated tray and of folding cartons with both a corrugated tray and lid. Results showed that use of a tray increased the strength of the stack by 10%, and use of both tray and lid provided an additional 10% higher box compression strength. This means savings can be realized if a lower weight material is specified for primary cartons. Corrugated trays can also improve the stability of the load during transportation and handling.
Risto Auero, M-real's VP Sales, Linerboards & Speciality papers, says: "Improved compression resistance ensures better protection for the saleable product, and minimizes product spoilage and cleaning costs in the retail chain. The use of trays or other shelf-ready transportation packages made of corrugated materials also provides substantial cost savings due to more efficient logistic handling and shelving of the product. Better brand recognition during transportation, warehousing and on shop shelves is a further benefit."
M-real in brief: M-real is Europe's leading primary fiber paperboard producer and a major paper supplier. The company's customers include brand owners, carton printers, converters, publishers, printing houses, merchants and office suppliers. M-real supports its customers' businesses by providing high-performance paperboards and quality papers for consumer packaging, communications and advertising end-uses. Together with its customers and partners, M-real develops products and services for demanding end-uses. The company's paperboard is mainly used for the packaging of beautycare and healthcare products, foods, cigarettes, and consumer durable,s as well as graphics. Paper is mainly used for office papers as well as wallcoverings and other speciality end-uses. M-real's business areas are Consumer Packaging, Office Papers, Speciality Papers and Market Pulp and Energy. M-real is headquartered in Finland. In 2009, the company's sales totaled EUR 2.4 billion (USD 3.2 billion), and it has approximately 4,900 employees. M-real, part of Metsäliitto Group, is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. www.m-real.com
