Vertical Resistance
The total load a column of secondary containers supports when arranged in a vertical pile during storage or transport provides the limit for safe warehouse stacking. Stack compression values determine the safety limits for warehouse operations and help prevent the collapse of lower units under the weight of those above. This attribute is a function of both the material strength of the individual boxes and the alignment of the stack on the pallet.
Column Stability
Corner alignment provides the most structural support for achieving the peak strength of a vertical column. Misalignment or overhang on the pallet edges can reduce the effective stack compression by as much as thirty percent. Over time, factors like vibration during shipping and the cyclic changes in humidity cause the containers to lose their original rigidity.
This gradual weakening means that a stack that is stable on the first day might fail after several weeks in a warehouse.
Environmental Impact
High humidity levels drastically lower the load-bearing capacity of paper-based packaging. Moisture softens the fibres and reduces the stiffness of the corrugated fluting, leading to bulging walls and eventual collapse. Designing for the worst-case environmental conditions ensures that the stack remains secure throughout the entire supply chain.
