Let’s face it—shipping and packaging come with their own alphabet soup of jargon. Ever seen “ECT” pop up and wondered what on earth it means? As our customers navigate their packaging journey, ECT conversations will come up at multiple stages, so we found it handy to break down just how much the success or failure of a box is due to an ECT decision. Keep reading to find out what this test actually involves.
So, What Exactly Is ECT?
The humble cardboard box is the unsung hero of countless deliveries every day. The Edge Crush Test (ECT) is one way we measure just how much of a beating these boxes can take. By applying pressure to the edges of the cardboard, we can figure out how much weight it can handle before it gives up. This test helps box manufacturers keep their products tough, sturdy, and ready for all sorts of rough handling in transit.
When Should ECT Be on My Radar?
For your first product launch, we’ll start by gathering key details—product specs, box dimensions, design preferences (white or kraft; matte or gloss), and any initial thoughts on materials. From there, we’ll focus on structural design and product protection, introducing the recommended ECT specs to ensure the packaging meets your needs.
If you’re already experienced with packaging runs, we’ll also ask for feedback on how well your product has held up in the supply chain during previous projects. Any insights you share will help us refine and determine our approach.
Here are a few questions you’ll likely need to think about:
- Is your product fragile? If yes, you’ll want stronger box edges.
- How heavy is it? Heavier items need sturdier cardboard, and ECT helps us find just the right balance.
- Is there empty space in the box? If items are rattling around, that can put stress on the box and increase the risk of collapse.
- How’s the customer carrying it? Boxes with cut-out handles? You’ll want a tougher box (think double wall) to prevent tears when lifted.
How’s the ECT Test Actually Done?
The ECT test measures how much edge pressure a piece of corrugated cardboard can take before it buckles. Picture this: pressure is applied to the cardboard edge until it crushes, and the strength rating is calculated based on that pressure per inch. This rating helps us gauge how tough a board is and how well it’ll survive bumps, bangs, and stacks in transit.
Choosing the right ECT
32 ECT and 44 ECT are two of the commonest ratings when evaluating corrugated fiberboard that indicate different levels of durability.
These numbers represent how tough a board is, pure and simple:
- 32 ECT: This rating means the cardboard can withstand 32 pounds of edge pressure per inch. It’s ideal for lightweight to medium-weight shipments—perfect for standard packages that don’t require heavy-duty protection.
- 44 ECT: A sturdier rating, 44 ECT means it can withstand 44 pounds of edge pressure per inch. This is for serious stuff—think heavy, industrial, or bulk items that need extra strength for stacking and transport.
There it is — ECT, in all its glory. The next time you see this measure on a box spec, know it’s there to safeguard the contents within it.