A transport package may look strong while sitting in a warehouse.
The real question is:
Q – How will it perform when the product is stacked, lifted, strapped, moved, stored and transported?
A – Manufacturers changing their transport packaging should consider performance evaluation before introducing the new packaging across regular shipments.
This is especially relevant when changing:
– Pallet material
– Pallet construction
– Edge protection
– Packaging profiles
– Load-support components
– Box structure
– Strapping arrangements
– Product-support locations
Eltete Malaysia develops paper-based Transport Packaging Solutions according to the individual product, required strength, handling method and transportation requirements.
Eltete also identifies several quality-control and testing capabilities that can be used when evaluating suitable packaging configurations, including:
– Compression testing
– Bending testing
– Strapping-strength testing
– Tensile-strength testing
– Moisture-content testing
– GSM testing
– Thickness testing
– Angularity testing
Testing should be connected to the specific packaging configuration being evaluated rather than treated as proof that every product of the same general type has identical performance.
Explore Eltete Malaysia Transport Packaging Solutions
Why Is Transport Packaging Testing Important?
Industrial packaging has several functions.
Depending on the application, it may need to:
– Support product weight
– Protect corners and edges
– Maintain stacking strength
– Distribute strapping pressure
– Reduce product movement
– Provide structural support
– Protect vulnerable surfaces
– Work with forklifts or other handling systems
A package that performs one of these functions well may not automatically perform all of them.
For example:
A Paper Pallet may support a product while stationary.
But the same pallet also needs to be evaluated according to how it will be handled during transportation.
An Edgeboard may provide corner protection.
But the selected Edgeboard dimensions and strength should also match the strapping and load configuration.
A Packaging Profile may provide structural reinforcement.
But the profile should be selected according to the actual strength required by the application.
This is why packaging testing should form part of packaging development rather than being treated only as a final inspection.
1. Start With the Actual Product
Testing should begin with an accurate understanding of what the packaging needs to support.
Before selecting a test or packaging structure, collect information about:
Product Dimensions
Record the complete:
– Length
– Width
– Height
– Product Weight
Use the actual packed weight rather than an estimate whenever possible.
Weight Distribution
Determine whether the weight is:
– Evenly distributed
– Concentrated
– Supported by several feet
– Concentrated along one edge
– Distributed across a broad base
– Product Shape
Identify whether the product is:
– Rectangular
– Long
– Flat
– Cylindrical
– Irregular
– Multi-component
Vulnerable Areas
Identify:
– Corners
– Edges
– Finished surfaces
– Fragile components
– Unsupported sections
– Strapping contact points
Eltete’s packaging-development approach considers the individual application and required strength before selecting appropriate components.
2. Compression Testing
One of the testing capabilities identified by Eltete is compression testing.
Compression performance can be relevant when a packaging component is subjected to downward force.
Examples can include:
– Stacked loads
– Paper Pallet components
– Honeycomb Board
– Packaging Profiles
– Pallet runners
– Structural packaging frames
Compression testing should not be confused with one universal packaging load rating.
The result belongs to the tested specimen and test conditions.
For example, Eltete has published an independent laboratory result for one specific 4-way Paper Pallet configuration that reached up to 10,000 kg static compression strength without failure.
That does not mean every Eltete Paper Pallet should be marketed as having a 10,000 kg capacity.
The pallet construction, runner configuration, deck material, loading arrangement and application can differ.
3. Bending Testing
Transport-packaging components may also be exposed to bending forces.
Eltete identifies bending testing among its testing capabilities.
Bending performance can be relevant to components that span between supporting areas or that need to maintain their structural shape under loading.
This can include selected:
– Packaging Profiles
– Pallet components
– Edge protection components
– Structural paper-based elements
The required strength depends on where the component is positioned and how the packaged product transfers its load.
For this reason, testing a profile separately does not automatically represent the performance of an entire finished package.
The complete packaging structure should also be considered.
4. Strapping-Strength Testing
Strapping can help secure industrial products, cartons and palletised loads.
However, strapping creates pressure.
If the pressure is concentrated directly onto an unprotected corner, it may damage:
– Cartons
– Product edges
– Finished surfaces
– Protective packaging
– Other vulnerable areas
Eltete identifies strapping-strength testing among its in-house capabilities.
Eltete Edgeboard can also be positioned between suitable strapping and product or carton corners.
A simplified arrangement may look like:
Strap
↓
Edgeboard
↓
Carton / Product Edge
Edgeboard provides a protective interface while helping distribute pressure across the protected area.
Explore Eltete Edgeboard
Testing remains important because different shipments can use different:
– Strap materials
– Strap widths
– Strap positions
– Strap tension
– Edgeboard dimensions
– Product weights
– Load arrangements
The correct combination should therefore be assessed for the actual application.
5. Tensile-Strength Testing
Eltete also identifies tensile-strength testing among its quality-control capabilities.
Tensile strength relates to how a material behaves when subjected to pulling forces.
This is different from compression.
Compression
Force pushes the material together.
Tension
Force pulls the material apart.
Different packaging components experience different types of stress during manufacturing, securing, storage and transportation.
Testing the appropriate material characteristic helps provide more useful information than simply describing a packaging product as “strong.”
6. Moisture-Content Testing
Paper-based packaging performance should also be considered together with environmental conditions.
Eltete identifies moisture-content testing among its testing capabilities.
This is relevant because paper-based materials should not automatically be described as waterproof.
Manufacturers should inform the packaging supplier about expected conditions such as:
– Warehouse humidity
– Container conditions
– Storage duration
– Rain exposure
– Condensation risk
– Shipping route
Eltete’s guidance on paper-based transport packaging recommends evaluating storage and environmental conditions according to the application.
Read: How to Protect Products From Moisture During Export Shipping
A packaging configuration intended for one controlled environment should not automatically be assumed suitable for every environmental condition.
7. GSM Testing
Eltete also lists GSM testing among its quality-control capabilities.
GSM refers to the mass of paper material per unit area.
It is one material characteristic that may be checked as part of quality control.
However, GSM alone does not determine the performance of a complete packaging structure.
A finished transport package can also depend on:
– Material construction
– Lamination
– Profile dimensions
– Product geometry
– Number of supporting elements
– Load arrangement
– Manufacturing quality
– Packaging design
For example, the performance of an Edgeboard cannot be determined simply by looking at one raw-material value.
Its dimensions, structure and position within the complete load also matter.
8. Thickness Testing
Thickness is another quality characteristic identified by Eltete.
Packaging components are manufactured according to particular dimensions and specifications.
A thickness check can form part of quality control to confirm that the produced component corresponds with its intended specification.
This can be relevant to products such as:
– Laminated protective profiles
– Flatboard
– Slip Sheets
– Other paper-based components
The required thickness should still be determined according to the actual application rather than assuming thicker material is always the most efficient option.
The objective of Eltete’s approach is to use the packaging required for the application while avoiding unnecessary material.
9. Angularity Testing
For protective profiles such as Edgeboard, dimensional accuracy can also affect how the component fits around a product or package.
Eltete lists angularity testing among its quality-control capabilities.
A correctly produced profile should correspond with the required geometry so that it can be positioned appropriately around the package.
Dimensional consistency can be particularly important where profiles:
– Meet other components
– Form frames
– Protect corners
– Support stacking
– Fit around standardised packaging dimensions
Eltete’s FrameCut information also highlights manufacturing tolerances and quality control as important to the final result.
Explore Eltete Edgeboard and Profile Solutions
10. Test Paper Pallets According to Their Actual Use
A Paper Pallet should not be evaluated only by placing weight on it while it sits on the floor.
Its actual logistics environment should be considered.
Depending on the application, evaluation may need to consider:
1 – Static Load
– The pallet supporting a load while stationary.
2 – Handling
– The pallet while being lifted or moved.
3 – Forklift Access
– Whether the forks enter and support the pallet correctly.
4 – Weight Distribution
– Whether product loads are evenly or unevenly transferred into the pallet.
5 – Storage
– How the loaded pallet will be stored.
6 – Transportation
– How it will behave throughout the intended journey.
Eltete Paper Pallets can be customised according to customer requirements, including pallet configuration, dimensions, runner arrangement and required strength.
11. Test Protective Profiles According to the Application
The same principle applies to Edgeboard and other Packaging Profiles.
Eltete selects suitable Packaging Profiles after studying the individual application and required strength.
Depending on the product, profiles may provide:
– Corner protection
– Strapping protection
– Stacking support
– Frame structure
– Surface protection
– Product separation
– Reinforcement
Eltete’s profile range includes products such as:
– Edgeboard
– U-Profile
– Flatboard
– Wrap Around Edgeboard
– FrameCut Profile
– Other customised Packaging Profiles
12. Test Custom Packaging as a System
Industrial transport packaging often uses several components together.
For example:
Paper Pallet
Honeycomb Board
Product
Edgeboard
Strapping
Testing one component in isolation provides useful information about that component.
But it does not automatically prove the performance of the entire combination.
The complete packaging should be considered as a system.
Eltete refers to this integrated approach as its Transport Packaging Solutions — TPS — concept.
Learn more about Eltete Malaysia
A new packaging configuration may need to evaluate:
– Product fit
– Load distribution
– Supporting structure
– Corner protection
– Strapping
– Stacking
– Handling
– Storage
– Transportation
– Unpacking
13. Do Not Transfer Test Results Between Different Packaging Designs
This is one of the most important points when discussing packaging performance.
Suppose Configuration A has been tested successfully.
Then the company changes:
– Pallet dimensions
– Runner quantity
– Product weight
– Product position
– Edgeboard size
– Strapping position
The new configuration is no longer identical to the original tested configuration.
Performance claims from Configuration A should therefore not automatically be transferred to Configuration B.
Test results should remain connected to the:
Product + Packaging Design + Load Arrangement + Handling Conditions + Test Conditions
that were actually evaluated.
This prevents misleading strength claims and helps technical teams make packaging decisions based on the correct information.
14. Sample and Trial Before Full Implementation
A practical packaging-development process may progress through several stages.
Stage 1 — Packaging Assessment
Review the existing package and identify:
– Problems
– Unnecessary material
– Vulnerable areas
– Handling requirements
– Storage requirements
Stage 2 — Proposed Design
Select suitable Eltete components.
Possible components include:
– Paper Pallet
– Slip Sheet
– PallRun®
– Edgeboard
– U-Profile
– Flatboard
– Honeycomb Board
– The Box
– FramePack®
– Other Packaging Profiles
Stage 3 — Sample
– Develop a sample according to the proposed specification.
Stage 4 — Packing Trial
– Position the actual product and evaluate:
– Fit
– Support
– Clearance
– Assembly
– Product positioning
– Forklift access
Stage 5 — Relevant Testing
– Use appropriate testing methods based on the component and application.
Stage 6 — Handling Evaluation
– Evaluate the package through the expected warehouse and handling process.
Stage 7 — Shipment Trial
– Where appropriate, conduct a controlled shipment using the proposed packaging.
Stage 8 — Review
– Inspect:
– Packaging condition
– Product condition
– Handling issues
– Assembly
– Unpacking
– Material usage
Stage 9 — Final Specification
– Document the approved configuration before wider implementation.
15. Why Packaging Testing Can Support Material Optimisation
Testing is not only about proving that packaging is strong enough.
It can also support packaging optimisation.
Without suitable evaluation, a manufacturer may respond to uncertainty by adding:
– More board
– More wrapping
– More profiles
– More straps
– Heavier pallets
– Additional supporting material
This may increase:
– Packaging material
– Shipment weight
– Storage requirements
– Labour
– Transport volume
Eltete’s wider approach follows the principles of:
– Replace
– Reduce
– Recycle
Reducing packaging material should not mean removing material without understanding its function.
A better approach is to identify the required protection and then evaluate whether the proposed packaging provides it.
Learn more about Eltete’s sustainability approach
16. When Should Transport Packaging Be Retested?
A packaging review may be appropriate when there is a significant change to the application.
Examples include:
– Product weight changes
– Product dimensions change
– New pallet dimensions
– New support-point positions
– New packaging material
– New profile dimensions
– Different strapping
– Different stacking arrangement
– New handling equipment
– New storage arrangement
– New transport route
– New export destination
The need for additional evaluation depends on how the change affects the complete packaging system.
A small design change should not automatically be assumed to have no effect on packaging performance.
17. Packaging Testing and Export Shipments
Export shipments may involve several handling environments.
A package may move through:
Factory
↓
Warehouse
↓
Forklift Handling
↓
Truck
↓
Container / Air Cargo
↓
Destination Warehouse
↓
Final Customer
The packaging should therefore be developed around the complete intended logistics process.
Read Eltete’s Guide to Choosing Packaging for Export Shipping
Packaging intended only to survive stationary warehouse storage may have different requirements from packaging that will experience repeated international handling.
Industry Reference: Transport Packaging Test Procedures
Manufacturers that require formal distribution-testing procedures can also refer to the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).
ISTA publishes test procedures and provides programmes related to transport-package testing.
Visit the International Safe Transit Association’s Test Procedures
This external reference should not be interpreted as a statement that every Eltete test is an ISTA-certified test.
The testing scope required for an individual project should be agreed according to the customer’s requirements and the packaging configuration.
Questions to Ask Before Approving New Transport Packaging
Before approving a new packaging design, ask:
1 – Product
– Has the actual product weight been confirmed?
– Are the support points known?
– Have vulnerable areas been identified?
2 – Pallet
– Is the pallet configuration appropriate?
– Is forklift access correct?
– Is weight distributed appropriately?
3 – Protection
– Are corners protected?
– Are surfaces separated where necessary?
– Are internal supports positioned correctly?
4 – Strapping
– Are straps positioned correctly?
– Are vulnerable edges protected?
– Is the securing arrangement appropriate?
5 – Environment
– Have storage conditions been considered?
– Has expected moisture exposure been discussed?
6 – Testing
– Which performance characteristics need to be evaluated?
– Does the result apply to this exact configuration?
7 – Trial
– Has the packaging been evaluated before regular production or shipment?
Frequently Asked Questions About Transport Packaging Testing
Q – What transport packaging tests does Eltete Malaysia identify?
A – Eltete identifies capabilities including compression, bending, strapping-strength, tensile-strength, moisture-content, GSM, thickness and angularity testing.
Q – Does Eltete provide packaging compression testing?
A – Eltete states that compression testing is among its available quality-control and testing capabilities when required.
Q – Can Paper Pallets be tested?
A – Yes. Paper Pallet performance should be connected to the specific construction and load. Eltete has also published independent laboratory testing for selected Paper Pallet configurations.
Q – Does one Paper Pallet test result apply to every Paper Pallet?
A – No.
Eltete Paper Pallets can have different:
– Dimensions
– Deck materials
– PallRun® configurations
– Runner arrangements
– Strength requirements
A test result should therefore remain associated with the configuration that was actually evaluated.
Q – Can Edgeboard be tested?
A – Eltete identifies strapping-strength, compression and other testing capabilities for its paper-based transport packaging products. The appropriate evaluation depends on how the Edgeboard is being used.
Q – Why should packaging be tested before export?
A – Export packaging may experience stacking, lifting, securing, warehouse handling and multiple transportation stages Evaluation helps manufacturers understand whether the selected packaging configuration is appropriate for the intended application before wider implementation.
Q – Does thicker packaging always mean stronger packaging?
A – Not necessarily. Packaging performance depends on the complete construction, material, geometry, load distribution and application. The objective should be to select the appropriate specification rather than automatically increasing material thickness.
Q – Should customised transport packaging be tested?
A – Testing may be appropriate when the packaging structure, product, strength requirement or handling conditions require performance evaluation. Eltete states that suitable Packaging Profiles are selected after studying individual strength and packaging requirements.
Q – Is Eltete an ISTA-certified testing laboratory?
A – This article does not claim that Eltete Malaysia is an ISTA-certified laboratory. Eltete publishes information about its own in-house quality-control and testing capabilities. ISTA is included here only as an external industry reference for formal transport-package test procedures.
Q – Looking for Transport Packaging Testing and Development in Malaysia?
A – Changing industrial packaging should not be based only on appearance, weight or material. The important question is whether the complete packaging configuration provides the required performance for the actual product and logistics process.
Eltete Malaysia can develop paper-based Transport Packaging Solutions using products including:
Paper Pallets + Slip Sheets + PallRun® + Edgeboard + Honeycomb Board + Packaging Profiles + The Box + FramePack®
according to product, strength, handling and transport requirements.
Eltete also identifies testing capabilities including:
Compression + Bending + Strapping Strength + Tensile Strength + Moisture Content + GSM + Thickness + Angularity
as part of its quality-control approach.
Need to Evaluate a New Transport Packaging Solution?
Provide Eltete with:
– Product dimensions
– Product weight
– Product drawings or images
– Support points
– Current packaging
– Packaging problem
– Handling method
– Storage conditions
– Transport route
– Destination
– Required performance
so the proposed transport-packaging configuration can be assessed according to the application.
Contact Eltete Malaysia
