Efficiency Metric
Production efficiency metrics in the converting and printing industries measure the percentage of raw material lost as edge trim or offcuts during slitting and die-cutting operations. Tracking trim waste yield is essential for packaging converters to calculate the actual raw material cost of finished boxes or rolls. This metric represents the difference between the total paperboard purchased and the weight of the salable product delivered to the customer.
It directly affects the profitability of high-volume carton runs where paperboard accounts for the majority of the total cost.
Calculation Method
Yield calculations require precision to minimize the size of the edge cuts on the slitter or die-cutter. To calculate trim waste yield, the weight of the offcut reels and skeleton waste is divided by the total input weight of the raw paper rolls. This calculation allows planners to evaluate different roll widths and sheet sizes to find the most efficient layout for a specific job.
High trim waste percentages indicate poor layout planning or mismatch between roll widths and converter equipment.
Cost Optimization
Converting operations use this metric to optimize their roll width procurement and reduce material overheads. Improving this yield by even a small percentage can save tons of paperboard annually. This focus on material efficiency supports both lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
