ASTM D 5639/D5639M : 2020

1.1This practice provides information on corrugated fiberboard for the prospective user who wants guidance in selecting attributes of materials and box construction based on performance requirements. These attributes should be part of specifications which establish levels of the qualities a shipping container shall have achieved in order to be acceptable to the purchaser or user. The attributes and qualities should be testable, using standard methods that are recognized by both the buyer and seller. This practice will assist users in developing specifications for corrugated containers through an analysis of performance requirements and subsequent relationships to fiberboard materials and box construction attributes. This practice is meant to complement the box buyer–box manufacturer relationship by having the buyer (user) better understand, discuss, and negotiate needed elements of box design and specification. The full box design process is complex, and it is beyond the scope of this standard.

1.2The attributes and their levels should be based on the intended use of the box, including the handling and environment it will encounter. Many packaging rules include detailed descriptions of the materials that may be used and style, closure, or other construction details of allowed shipping containers. These rules are presented as minimum requirements; they may be exceeded for functional reasons, but there is no regulatory reason to do so. Rail and motor freight classifications applicable for surface common carrier transportation have established minimum requirements for certain attributes of corrugated packaging. These may or may not be appropriate for application in the complete distribution system, as they encompass only containerboard or combined corrugated board — not finished boxes — and are not intended to provide for the distribution and storage system beyond the transportation segment.

1.3There are four common methods used for specifying boxes.

1.4Corrugated containers for packaging of hazardous materials for transportation shall comply with federal regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49).

1.5Lists and Descriptions of Performance and Material Characteristics and Related Test Procedures—For further information on the development of performance-based specifications, please refer to the sections on Specifications and Test Procedures of the Fibre Box Handbook.

1.6The values stated in both SI and inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.