Current Questions & Answers

 MEMBER'S QUESTION:

 Good morning Ralph! Can you do me a favor? Do you have the "standard" ring crush values for KLB and recycled liner board/medium? In particular 42# liner?  Specifically, my customer is considering switching to Leipa LUX 41# (ring crush 72) from MWV (coated white top) 40# ( ring crush 92).  I do not have the BCT results yet but we could always beef up the medium or inside liner to improve box strength.

ASKRALPH! RESPONDS:

The AF&PA collects these values monthly and publishes these numbers semi-annually for the member mills that submit their test results.  There is no distinction between kraft and recycled linerboard and semichemical and recycled mediums. I usually have values for specific mills and companies.  Can you be more specific for me so that I can develop a unique answer for you?

In the US, 42# linerboard ranges from 70 to 98 CD ring crush.  Experience tells me that the low end would typically be a 100% recycled sheet and the top end an almost 100% virgin kraft sheet.  When you have the BCT results let me know and I will tell you how to engineer the most cost effective corrugated structure.  There is a load sharing mechanical element that needs to be taken into consideration.

MEMBER’S QUESTION:  One of our customers is going through an AIB inspection. We have been asked to provide a letter of guarantee stating that the boxes meet a federal regulation suitable for food products. Can you help with these federal regulations...what are they and where might I find them?

 

ASK RALPH RESPONDS:

This is no a big deal.  Containerboard suppliers routinely send letters to the corrugated board manufactures stating that their liners at the time of manufacturing do not have known materials that are harmful to human health.  Contact your sheet supplier asking for the letters from all his current liner suppliers.  I would suggest that you ask for ALL of them.  If you need further help with this you can contact Ken Isaacson at ARVCO Containers.  They are on of several AICC members that are AIB certified.  Thank you for the question.