MEMBER'S QUESTION:

I am ready to quote on a substantial new piece of business.  The potential customer's specs include both basis weights combinations and minimum top-to-bottom compression.  I will send you my competitors boxes so that they can be evaluated.  Please get back to me with your recommendations.

ASKRALPH! RESPONDS:

As promised here the range in ECT values based on the AF&PA Continuous Containerboard Data Report.  I have taken the CD ring crush values for the grades listed in the spec sheet and calculated the ECTs based on the high and low ring crushes for each grade.  These have not been reviewed by another set of eyes, so tell me if these values do not seem correct to you.  I was also very impressed by the packer’s specification for minimum compression values and not just board combinations with a reference to basis weights.