Plastic Container Blog

Today’s material handling automation solutions have evolved to become quite sophisticated.  You can read more about the specifics of these solutions here.

Dematic Releases Latest Version of Director IT Software Suite

Software Suite works to optimize material flow and operational performance within a distribution facility

Grand Rapids, Mich., Thursday, June 12, 2008 - Dematic, a leader in logistics automation solutions, systems and service, has released the latest version of the company’s Director® IT suite of software, designed to optimize a company’s use of Dematic’s material handling equipment and related operations.

Director IT is an integrated, modular, and scalable suite of software and controls for managing and optimizing material and information flow in the warehouse, production, or distribution center. Seamless integration to upper-level WMS and ERP systems provides strategic control over the entire warehouse.

“Today’s material handling automation solutions involve much more than just nuts and bolts and steel and aluminum,” said Rick Nichols, product manager with Dematic. “They are becoming increasingly sophisticated and contain multiple components that need to work together in harmony. Dematic’s Director IT suite brings all these elements together under a single screen and pairs the software components required for today’s sophisticated material handling solutions with our conveying, sorting, automatic storage and retrieval, as well as voice and lights-based picking products. The result is maximized throughput and efficiency of a facility.”

The Dematic Director IT suite consists of:

Sort Director - Optimizes carton routing and sorting for strategic control of routing and sortation conveyor from merge and induct through the sorter for package handling applications.

Pick Director - The engine behind Dematic’s voice and light picking order fulfillment. In facilities that use both lights/voice picking in conjunction with material handling automation, PickDirector coordinates order fulfillment needs with SortDirector to improve order efficiency and accuracy.

Staging Director - Controls and optimizes the material flow across unit load transport and storage technologies in an automated material handling system based software solutions for control of staging and storage functions.

System Manager - Graphical representation showing an entire material handling system for central access to real time system status and monitoring information. Color coded conveyor and equipment layouts show the real-time running status of all equipment and related control cabinets and IT systems. With integrated web cameras, product manuals, bill of materials and trouble shooting guides, System Manager makes it easier to maintain your system.

Performance Manager - Business Intelligence tool to record and report on operational KPIs and displays them in a user configurable graphical dashboard allowing managers to make strategic operational decisions. Aggregates performance data and Key performance indicators (KPIs) are stored and used for optimizing warehouse and DC operations. This information can be used at the corporate level across all of your DCs.

The entire Director suite is integrated using shared common components and accessible using a web-based browser and a single login.

The Director IT suite was developed based on Dematic’s many years of material handling experience and based on the knowledge of thousands of systems worldwide.

About Dematic Corp. - Based on a rich tradition of over 70 years of worldwide industry expertise in creating logistics results and more than 10,000 systems installed worldwide, Dematic Corp is the world’s leading supplier of logistics automation solutions, systems and service.

Beginning with Rapistan’s rich history from gravity conveyors to automated, modular conveyor and sortation solutions, Dematic now offers a full range of engineered and highly configurable system solutions that optimize warehousing and distribution operations. With Dematic, companies can reduce distribution costs, maximize overall logistics efficiencies, and increase the operating speed of their supply chain.

Dematic is a global company with operations in 22 countries around the world. Its North American headquarters is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For genuine Rapistan conveyor system parts, or more Dematic information, visit www.dematic.us.

This new washer is able to treat plastic pallets while maintaining hygiene controls.  Read more about this
here.

19-Jun-2008 - Increased equipment capacity enables faster crate washing and drying service for returnable transit packaging (RTP) users, claims PHS Teacrate.

The UK crate rental company said that it has installed a new washer and dryer with 24/7 operational capacity at its facility in the Midlands to streamline RTP crate washing and to cater to the growing demand from large food processors.

“Our new washer is able to treat plastic pallets, trays and crates,” Caroline Williams from PHS Teacrate told FoodProductionDaily.com.  “All RTP items are passed through a new drying section, which cuts down on turnaround time and prevents water damage to products.”
 
Hygiene controls

She said that UK food processors are increasingly outsourcing their pallet and crate equipment washing due to the strict hygiene measures and protocols that the large multiples insist on.

The crate rental company said that it offers a complete quality control programme as part of its cleaning procedure, including random microbial swab testing.
Environmental impact

According to Williams, RTP is fast replacing cardboard as the preferred carrier for transporting food products such as meat, poultry, baked goods and fresh produce, as it offers an easy-to-manage solution with controlled, predictable costs, and allows processors to meet seasonal peaks.

She said that RTP packaging also has minimal environmental impact:

“The life span of RTP equipment typically is five to ten years, which enables multiple trips through the supply chain. Cardboard products can only be used two to three times before the waste has to go to landfill, resulting in expensive waste disposal costs for the customer,” said Williams.

“RTP also allows more efficient loads on vehicles, providing better space utilisation than cardboard and better protection in transit, which results in less damage to stock,” added Williams.

Williams said that its new washer will help processors using RTP packaging cope with the increased summer demand for barbecue goods.

PHS Teacrate’s services include crate sale and rental as well as assets tracking.
 
 

Many companies are following a new trend and going fork lift free and replacing these fork lifts with material handling products that are not only safer to use, but are also less expensive. You can read more about this here. 

Products to Help Your Business Go Forklift-Free
June 16, 2008 By: CartPro Category: Future Trends, Material Handling, Products, Safety and Ergonomics, Warehousing, logistics

There’s a growing trend, particularly in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics environments to go forklift-free (see our June 11 & 13 posts). An increasing number of businesses are choosing to replace forklift trucks with safer, ergonomic material handling products that are cheaper to own and operate. As we noted, going forklift-free can result in considerable savings in production and maintenance costs while significantly decreasing worker accidents and injuries and their associated medical, insurance, workman’s compensation and lost man-hour expenses. DJ Products can help your business transition to a safer forklift-free work environment.

At DJ Products we manufacture a full line of electric cart pullers and motorized cart pushers and tugs. Our products are ergonomically designed to eliminate the pain and strain of manually pushing and pulling heavy carts and wheeled equipment. Smaller and more maneuverable than traditional equipment like forklift trucks, walkies and riding tugs, you’ll also find our products to be less costly to purchase and maintain. Implementing forklift-free solutions with DJ Products equipment offers multiple benefits, including:

Decreased operating costs, particularly equipment purchase and maintenance costs,
Decreased floor space needed to maneuver equipment,
Decreased worker injuries and attendant medical, insurance, workman’s compensation and lost man-hour costs,
Decreased liability,
Increased plant safety, 
Increased worker morale, and
Increased efficiency and productivity. 
DJ Products can help you plan your transition to a forklift-free environment. We specialize in solving ergonomic material handling applications with battery-powered, walk-behind tug and tugger solutions. Many of our motorized cart products can be custom configured for adaptation to almost every heavy cart pushing or pulling application. Click here to request a free brochure or video about DJ Products’ ergonomic solutions. We also offer a free demo trial program so you can try out a CartCaddy cart pusher at your facility before purchase. Our expert Sales Engineers can discuss the details of your particular application and suggest ergonomic products that will provide the appropriate solution. Click here to contact a DJ Products Sales Engineer and begin your transition to a safe, cost effective, forklift-free work environment today.

Pre-configured bin shelving and bin cabinets help comapnies save time.  Read more about this here.

LYNN, MA — 06/17/08 — Warehouses and companies can now save time and effort with pre-configured bin shelving and bin cabinets from A Plus Warehouse, a leading national material handling dealer.

A Plus Warehouse sells tip-out bins in strips ranging from one bin up to ten bins per strip. These plastic bins can be as small as two inches and as big as over ten inches. Plastic bin systems from A Plus Warehouse are pre-configured for ease in ordering and to eliminate the worry of ordering the correct amount of nuts and bolts, the optimum amount of strips and strip mounting hardware.

“Bin cabinets are just what you need if you are storing many small or medium size parts and want a bit more organization or security,” said Ed Stairman, president of A Plus Warehouse. “Ordering the proper amount of shelf bins to maximize storage space on shelving can be confusing however, so we started offering our systems pre-designed. Order our bin shelving systems and you won’t worry about having too few bins.”

Many companies dealing with large quantities of small and medium sized objects also turn to A Plus Warehouse for tilt trucks, which allow the user to collect and move large quantities of materials.

“When you have bulk product that needs to be transported then dumped, tilt trucks are your best choice,” said Stairman. “These eliminate the lifting, carrying and hand emptying of buckets or barrels, and just save you a lot of overall time and effort.”

A Plus Warehouse is a national dealer of material handling equipment including bin cabinets, tilt trucks, work benches, metal cabinets, industrial conveyors, plastic bins of all types, strip doors, loading dock equipment, anti fatigue matting, packaging supplies and platform trucks. For more information on ordering, call 800-209-8798 or visit www.apluswhs.com.

About A Plus Warehouse:

A Plus Warehouse is an online business-to-business distributor of quality industrial equipment including storage lockers, industrial cabinets, safety storage cabinets, matting, warehouse racks, conveyors, work benches, steel shelving, and dock equipment. With an extensive selection of brand name manufacturers, hard-to-find products and exclusive offerings, A Plus Warehouse has everything a business needs to maintain a high level of efficiency and productivity at one convenient online destination.

Miller Brewing increased their order of plastic pallets by 8% this year with Greystone Logistics.  Miller Brewing has been using 100% recycled plastic shipping pallets for the eighth consecutive year. You can read more about this here.   

Greystone Logistics Announces Purchase Order With Miller Brewing
 
June 11, 2008: 06:00 AM EST

Greystone Logistics (OTCBB: GLGI) recently received an annual purchase order from Miller Brewing for 100% recycled plastic pallets for the eighth consecutive year. The order volume is an 8% increase over the previous year.

“We are proud to provide Miller Brewing all their case goods pallets,” said Warren Kruger, CEO of Greystone Logistics. “Miller was an early adaptor of recycled plastic pallets and is a leader in promoting sustainability across the world. Other efforts are being made to reduce wood usage. We are now focusing our efforts on the previously announced 100% recycled plastic keg pallet which has tested extremely well in their breweries and will be ready for production soon.”

Greystone Logistics is a rapidly growing manufacturing and leasing company that designs, manufactures, sells and leases high quality pallets made from recycled plastic that provide logistical solutions needed by a wide range of industries such as the food and beverage, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and consumer product industries. Greystone’s technology, including that used in its injection molding equipment, proprietary blend of recycled petrochemical resins and patented pallet designs allow production of high quality pallets at a lower cost than competitors. Greystone utilizes post industrial and consumer scrap such as plastic barrels, milk jugs, plastic shavings, flowerpots and car bumpers. The recycled plastic for its pallets helps control material costs while reducing environmental waste. Using recycled plastic instead of wood helps prevent deforestation and provides cost advantages over users of virgin plastic resin.

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the potential sales of pallets or other possible business developments are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the ability of the company to continue as a going concern. Actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. For a list of certain material risks relating to Greystone and its products, see Greystone’s Form 10-KSB for the period ended May 31, 2007. For additional information in relation to Greystone and its products see Form 10-QSB for period ended February 29, 2008.

One possible option that is being discussed to get the business community started in the recycling program is to offer
“toters,” or large plastic bins, to the businesses.  Read more about other options being discussed here.

Recycling coming soon to a business near you
By Rob Barry/rbarry@cnc.com
Tue Jun 10, 2008, 04:42 PM EDT
Medford -
While most residents are used to the idea of recycling, the business community is far behind — through not fault of its own. But that’s about to change.

A public hearing was held last Wednesday by the Trash and Recycling Commission to discuss possible changes in the way the city approaches commercial trash and recycling pickup.

 “Most of the audience seemed to be from Medford Square,” said commission Chairman Tom Lincoln, of the June 4 meeting. “Many put this in the context of revitalization. With good recycling and good trash management, it helps spiff things up.”

As there is no commercial recycling program in Medford, businesses must physically bring their recyclables to the Department of Public Works yard to keep the green spirit. Many don’t.

The Medford Chamber of Commerce is behind the effort to bring commercial recycling to the city. Dr. Reza Pourshadi, the chamber’s representative on the commission, said it is a matter of interest to many businesses.

“I get a sense that the business community is very much for it,” said Pourshadi. “I think the businesses will be positively impacted because right now businesses do not participate in recycling at all.”

The commission’s recommendation will most likely be that recycling is free. What could change is the method through which pickup occurs. At present, different areas of the city have trash pickup with varying degrees of frequency.

“One idea is to give everybody twice a week pickup,” said Lincoln, “and within that, once a week would be for recycling.”

Another possible option being discussed is to issue “toters,” or large plastic bins, to businesses — one for trash and one for recyclables. This could help prevent those unsightly piles of trash in the business areas that regularly announce trash day to pedestrians.

“One of the big themes of the evening was preventing the trash from blowing around,” said Lincoln. “One of the potential advantages of the toters were that things are kept nice and neat.”

Paying for the additional efforts is another matter of concern. No recommendation is set at the moment, but there are a number of possibilities. There could be a “pay as you throw” program instituted that would create a fee for trash disposal. This fee could be based on weight, bags, or the number of toters issued.

A fee on trash disposal, of course, would be meant to place an incentive on recycling.

“There’s going to be some give and take,” said Pourshadi. “Medford is one of the only cities that does not charge for trash or recycling pickup.”

Pourshadi said the commission has looked into how a number of other cities and towns approach trash and recycling collection. Pourshadi said Boston has a 40 percent recycling rate, Stoneham is at 35 percent and Arlington is around 30 percent. Medford, on the other hand, only has an 11.3 percent recycling rate.

Cheryl White, the chamber’s executive director, said bringing business recycling to the city is a good idea. But she is uncertain how suddenly being charged for trash pickup will sit with business owners.

“I think business recycling is going to be evident,” said White. “Naturally, the chamber is concerned that we don’t want to see our businesses begin to be charged for trash pickup now when the economy is so poor and many of our businesses are struggling to hang on.”

The commission is expected to have its recommendations for both the commercial and residential sides by early next month.

“I just hope that everybody gets on board and realizes the importance of recycling in our society,” said Pourshadi. “This is something we have not dealt with for a long time in Medford. When you look at the cities and towns around us, we are far behind.”

Click here to read about the different kinds of pallet lifts available from Easy Rack.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Pallet Lifters
Hydraulic Pallet Lifts are intended to assist during construction work, ship loading, unpaved storage areas, open-top trucks and even barges. Some pallet lifters use forks that slide underneath pallets, allowing you to lift and move it from workstation to workstation. Manual pallet lifts such as this unit feature solid steel construction tapered forks to allow easy access under pallets. The unit’s main support contains handles that allow personnel to easily steer and control the unit. The large, square head at the top of the unit acts as a counterweight that keeps the unit level without a load. The manual unit meets ASME B30.20 Standard 1993. A certificate is shipped out with every unit stating that it has been tested.

Other pallet lifters use electronic motors to elevate, rotate, and tilt pallets for precise maneuvering and safe rapid transport. Easy Rack offers three models from which you can choose.

Low Profile “U” Type Electric Pallet Lift Table
The open center on the “U” Type Electric Pallet Lifter Tables allows a pallet truck to place a load on the platform. This ergonomic lift equipment features an external power pack equipped with a pressure relief valve that prevents overloading. It also has a flow control valve that controls the lowering speed. A remote power pack, complete with a steel cover, protects the motor from dust and debris. You can raise and lower the pallet lifting table with UP and DOWN push-buttons on the 24V control box. Safety features include electric toe guards, velocity fuse in cylinders, safety maintenance props and an emergency stop button on the control box.

Note: The power lifting table can only be used with skids or open bottom containers when being loaded with a pallet jack. The opening in the deck is 21 7/8″W x 41 1/4″L, so the pallet truck needs to be 20″W or less for this table to work. Standard closed bottom pallets would need to be loaded with a fork lift or straddle type lifter.

Portable Pallet Lifter and Inverter
Rotate and transfer pallets with Easy Rack’s Portable Pallet Lifter and Inverter. This convenient, easy to use pallet lift is a must have in your shop, loading dock, or warehouse. When using the PPLI, simply place the unit’s lower forks underneath the bottom pallet, lower the top forks to secure the pallet’s inner contents, and lift the pallet up 90 degrees. At this point, operators can manually rotate the load 180 degrees where it will stop and latch into place automatically. This will bring the top pallet into the lower position, effectively inverting your load. Tilt the load down, and it’s ready for transport, or to be lowered to the ground. Because the PPLI utilizes outriggers, only open bottom pallets and skids are compatible with the design.

The dc power lift and drive makes operations safe and efficient, and the units built in battery charger provide maximum convenience. Standard features on the Easy Rack Pallet Lift and Inverter include a key operated, on/off switch, forward and reverse butterfly controls, and easy to use hand controls for the lift and tilt function. The portable pallet lift also features chrome plated cylinders, steel outriggers, and an emergency stop belly switch for added safety. The unit’s low-profile design allows the operator to stand on the rider platform and steer the load from workstation to workstation quickly and easily Convenient and efficient, Easy Rack’s pallet inverter is ideal for use in loading dock areas, and warehouses as a power pallet truck, power tilter, or turntable. Let this sturdy innovative unit go to work for you.

Easy Rack Pallet Inverter
This pallet lifter has been engineered to reduce your costs in production, storage, retrieval and distribution. Its 180° rotation makes pallet exchange quick and simple while reducing product damage. It enables easy load transfer from wood pallet to plastic pallet, slip sheet or rental pallet. It is ideal for loading and unloading with a fork truck. The pallet inverter lift features safety rails and guards, an. Units can be loaded and unloaded easily with a fork truck.

Other features include:

· Easy load transfer from wood pallet to plastic pallet, slip sheet or rental pallet.
· Pendant control is easily accessible to lift truck operator.
· Free standing 180 degree Inverter with single clamping plate.

This pallet inverter and lift is ideal for the quick, efficient removal of broken or damaged product, and it also significantly helps reduce back injuries in the workplace.

Easy Rack carries commercial shelving, material handling equipment, commercial lighting, pallet trucks, used pallet racks, and modular prefab buildings available nationwide. If you can not find the dock equipment you are looking for call us toll free at 1-888-776-3720 and we will find it for you.

Mountainsongs’ recycling process is apparently fit for all designations of plastic - even those that are generally not considered recyclable.  Read more about this here.

Entrepreneurs Attack Plastics Recycling
by Francine Hardaway on June 10th, 2008

Advertising Partner Advertise with Earth911.com A company from California that manufactures industrial grade plastic pallets from recycled plastic bottles is planning to expand its business to upstate New York. Mountainsong Enterprises is in talks with Dean Koyanagi, Cornell University’s sustainability coordinator, to create a facility in the Ithaca area that mirrors their California plant.

The current problem with recycling plastics stems from the inability of recycling companies to process plastics designated #3 and above. The Mountainsongs’ process is apparently fit for all designations of plastic, along with several, such as plastic wrap, that are not considered recyclable at all.

After the plastics are shredded and ground, they are heated to between 180 and 200 degrees Celsius and mixed to form bricks in a process called thermokinetic bonding.

Because the plastics in question are not washed, and are amalgamations of several different varieties of plastic, it is not possible to produce “food-safe” plastics using the Mountainsongs’ machine.

While the lack of purity and the prohibitive thickness of the materials prevent the Mountainsongs from making a run on the plastic food-ware industry, they are able to produce industrial grade plastic products.

Find locations to recycle plastics in your area, use Earth 911’s recycling locator.

With the proper material handling products, you can ensure that your production is being accomplished with maximum speed and efficiency.  You can read more about this here.

Types of Material Handling Products
Submitted By: Camille Howe | Word Count: 744 | Views: 52 
  
  
Recession-proofing your facility requires careful consideration of all time and safety issues pertinent to your process flow. With the correct material handling products, you can ensure that your production is being accomplished with maximum speed and efficiency and minimum risk of injury. Using the right tool also reduces the risk of penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations, and it can even possibly result in lowering general liability insurance rates.

All material handling products are designed to either transport materials or store them safely and efficiently. Understanding the benefits of each product category makes procurement simple and cost effective.

Pallet Jacks

Pallet Jacks are material handling products that provide an economical way to move heavy pallet loads without the use of a fork truck. Many models found in our online inventory feature special ergonomic designs that allow operators to steer corners with minimal effort and to pull heavy loads with only 75 pounds of total force. Other models feature hydraulic systems that allow operators to lift up to 4,000 pounds without back or shoulder strain.

Self-Dumping Hoppers

Self dumping hoppers are large boxes with hinged bases that serve as waste disposal units. They can be picked up by fork trucks and emptied through a convenient self-dumping mechanism that closes once the waste is disposed of. A wide range of hoppers exists that is designed to carry everything from wood and broken down boxes to hazardous materials and liquid waste.

Gantry Cranes & Jibs

Jib cranes and gantry cranes are material handling products that maximize mobility with a minimum of equipment and accessories. Gantry cranes feature pinned connections and do not require bolts or riveting for assembling. Not only can a worker disassemble these material handling products single handedly, the crane can also be carried with a two-strap harness that fits across the back.

Jib cranes are material handling products that allow workers to work more quickly with less risk to personal safety. Jib cranes allow workers to lift materials from a cart to a workbench with no strain on the back.

Both gantry cranes and jib cranes come in either steel or aluminum builds.

Lift Master Booms

Lift master booms are material handling products that can add up to five feet in height to a fork truck. Most material handling vendors carry both telescoping and non-telescoping designs. Short booms specialize in moving equipment through tight spaces and aisles, while larger models can handle up to 4,000 pounds of weight.

Hand Trucks

Hand trucks are some of the most versatile, cost effective, and efficient material handling products available. Specialized models exist for virtually every indoor and outdoor application. Each hand truck, regardless of design, is engineered to provide workers with the maximum amount of control for mobility regardless of weight loads. Most models are made from aluminum, although a fiber hand truck is also available for extra light loads and weight capacities.

Choose from designs such as special four wheel models for outdoor terrain, dual handle model for added ergonomic comfort, dual directional for maneuvering between pallet racks and mezzanines, and “P”-handle hand trucks specifically manufactured for easily moving heavy and awkward sized loads.

Work Platforms

Work platforms are material handling products designed to provide a convenient method of safely and quickly transporting maintenance personnel where they are needed. They attach to fork trucks by means of fork pockets and chains. Units feature emergency stop button kits, web lanyards, and safety harnesses.

Shelving & Storage Solutions

Easy Rack shelving and storage solutions feature everything from pallet racks for general pallet storage to medium and heavy duty cantilever racks. Both lines of material handling products offer flexibility and multiple options for customization. High density storage, tool storage, and parts organization can be done with any number of bin storage cabinets and bar racks. These tools maximize your floor space and vertical cube and significantly reduce the necessity of having to move to larger facilities for an apparent lack of room.

Fork Extensions

Fork extensions provide the extra support needed to lift long or large objects with a fork truck. Featuring welded steel construction with cast steel tips, steel retaining straps prevents fork extensions from sliding off forks during use.

It is always good to speak with a specialist when ordering material handling products. Not only will advice from an expert help better pinpoint your purchasing, but many material handling products can be obtained in good, used condition. Savings of up to 40% can often be generated on a significant number of purchases.

Learn about the advantages of coroplast plastic containers and also the results of the corrugated comparison test
by reading this article here.

Advantages of Coroplast Plastic Containers
 
Lightweight
Usually designed to ship flat when empty
Inert to nearly all acids, chemicals, detergents, grease & oils
Withstands temperature extremes from –17F to 230F
Decreases product damage better than corrugated paper
Greatly reduces shipping costs
Sanitary & maintenance free durability, maintains near new appearance for years
100% recyclable and environmentally friendly
Additional properties of flame retardant, UV inhibitors and ESD protection

Corrugated Comparison Test
Test Parameters

The tests were conducted at a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% relative humidity. The test samples were standard 4mm (150lb) polypropylene corrugate and 250 lb. Test c-flute (cardboard) corrugated paperboard. No additives such as flame retardant or extra ultra violet protection were in the samples tested.

PROPERTIES PLASTIC CORRUGATE PAPER CORRUGATE
Weight for test 0.15 lbs. / sq. ft. 0.15 lbs. / sq. ft.
Water Absorption in 24 hrs 0.02% 75%
Edge Crush Test 45 lbs. sq. ft. 5 lbs. sq. ft.
Flat Crush Test 80 lbs. / sq. inch 3 lbs. / sq. inch
Tear Strength 1700 grams 10 grams
Tensile Strength 4,000 lbs. / sq. inch 200 lbs. / inch
Impact Dart Test 320 inches / lb. 32 inches / lb.
Heat Def. Load @ 66 lbs. per sq. inch 174 degrees Not Applicable
Living Hinge 21,000 cycles 1,000 cycles

Test Comparison Comments

The test results of same weight equivalent materials indicates that the plastic corrugate performance exceeds, in every area, the performance of the corrugate paper (cardboard). This is especially true in the areas of the heat deflection load at 66 lbs. / sq. inch. All strength test properties areas indicate a minimum ten-fold advantage (edge crush) with the plastic corrugate over the paper corrugate. In some instances the plastic corrugate has a 3,750 fold (water absorption) advantage. It is also important to remember that comparison does not test contamination issues of the paper corrugate versus the plastic corrugates’ inert properties associated with chemicals, acids, detergents, greases and oils. However, the result of the water absorption test does give a hint of the expected test result of absorption of acids, chemicals, greases and oils. Thermal and hinge tests are an area that have unique properties addressed only by the plastic corrugate. Overall, the end result is corrugated plastic packaging protects your products better than corrugated paper.