Freezing speed of solid board is 35% faster compared to corrugated cardboard

Independent research has shown that there is a big difference in the freezing speed of fresh products between closed solid board and corrugated cardboard packaging. This can be explained by the fact that solid board, unlike corrugated cardboard, has no insulating properties. The average time needed to reach -3°C (from about 5°C) is about 35% shorter for solid board than for corrugated cardboard. In this case the packaging was for food, such as poultry, meat and fish.

Solid board packaging from Smart Packaging Solutions was used in the research. The objective of the study was to determine the differences in freezing speeds of different types of packaging. Solid board and corrugated cardboard packaging were subjected to practical tests to this end. The various packages were filled with poultry and the temperature probe was always placed in the geometric center of the box. https://smart-packaging-solutions.com/media/388/download/Results%20Climatic%20Study.pdf?v=1https://smart-packaging-solutions.com/media/388/download/Results%20Climatic%20Study.pdf?v=1 was carried out by the Belgian Packaging Institute IBE-BVI.

There appears to be a significant difference in the freezing speed between solid board and corrugated cardboard. The average time needed to reach -3°C (from about 5°C) is about 35% shorter for solid board than for corrugated cardboard. This means that products frozen in solid board will be of a higher quality because the natural decay of the product will be stopped sooner. At lower temperatures (-18°C, measured from about 5°C) the difference is 25% in favor of solid board. Time is often a bottleneck when it comes to processing speed. This means that a productivity increase of 25% can be achieved by opting for solid board packaging to freeze products.

The use of air holes does not appear to affect the freezing speed. It should be noted that a flash freezing system was not used, which could explain the lack of a difference when air holes were used.

During the research control, differences were observed between the results involving the same types of packaging. This can be explained by the fact that the test material is of natural origin: differences in full load weight, difference in the position of the temperature probe. Nevertheless, the difference between solid board and corrugated cardboard is undeniably large. The experiment was carried out with solitary packaging. It is likely that the difference in freezing times observed will further increase with pallet stacking.

Johan de Neef, Managing Director at Smart Packaging Solutions: "We are satisfied with the results of this research, carried out by the independent Belgian Packaging Institute IBE-BVI. We were aware of the advantage in freezing speed, and this research serves as a confirmation of our many years of experience. This is also a confirmation of the quality of our solid board packaging with regard to food safety. At the end of the day, what matters most to us is the quality of our customers' products."

The properties of solid board are also ideal for condensation and temperature and humidity fluctuations. Due to its high resistance to moisture, the packaging is particularly suitable for the storage and transport of fresh goods in cold stores or deep-freeze rooms. The strength of solid board also means that the packaging can be stacked higher, which allows for more loading volume for outgoing logistics. Solid board packaging therefore also contributes to a cost-efficient logistics process.

The bottom-lid packaging from Smart Packaging Solutions is sturdy, compact and flexible. The 4-point packaging can also be provided with reinforced corners or double walls, depending on the transport requirements. The 6-point variant has a combined base and lid and can be used as a prominent shelf presentation. Finally, a PE coating can be applied for most humid environments, which remains strong and leak-proof even at 95% humidity. A customer-specific solution is available for every situation due to the many possibilities in terms of weight, printing and finishing.

Source: Belgian Packaging Institute IBE-BVI