Box performance is usually defined as “fit for purpose to meet the customer’s needs”. Unfortunately, often the customer doesn’t really know what they “need”.

Box performance is usually the result of:

*checking the board grade of an existing box and using that detail

*a competent box Designer estimating the board grade based on style, product to be packed and other acquired knowledge

*a competent box Sales Rep estimating the board grade based on customer’s use / handling of the product, the box style and other acquired knowledge

Occasionally a full determination will be made of the product to be packed, including how it is to be packed, how it is palletised (or otherwise unitised), stored and transported. This is a fairly specialised exercise that requires particular expertise.

Box performance is achieved by a number of aspects related to paper grades used, flute type, box style. Then manufacturing and handling practices that ensure the quality of the finished product.

Please refer to https://www.boxologist.com.au/flutes-and-their-applications/  and https://www.boxologist.com.au/box-styles-and-technical-details/ for more information.

There are three main parameters of box performance:

• the product is self supporting and the box is not required to carry the weight of the load stacked above it. The box is only required to contain the product and keep it in a snug unit
• the product is partially self-supporting, or non-supporting and the box must carry part or all of the weight of the load stacked above
• the product is particularly susceptible to damage, is heavy or very valuable.

For the first parameter the board grade will most often be light weight, in B, R, I or E flute. Usually the box cost will be comparatively cheaper.

The board grade for the second parameter will be medium to heavy weight, in C flute or sometimes twin cushion (double wall). Usually at a higher cost.

Boxes of the third parameter are usually heavy duty, to very heavy duty board grades, in twin cushion, duo arch (powerply), A/C twin cushion or triwall. Cost for these board grades is premium.