Egg Carton Tests

Abstract

Egg packaging was tested to determine the relative protective ability of some presently available types and to identify and develop possible standard test procedures. Seven types of 12-egg cartons underwent laboratory tests simulating transportation, handling, and storage conditions individually and in two different arrangements in 15-carton packs (corrugated fibreboard boxes). In packs, crossed tiers of cartons protected eggs better than cartons all aligned in the same direction. One of the two types of moulded pulp cartons and one of the three types of expanded polystyrene cartons appeared very effective in preventing damage. One moulded pulp carton and one of the two other polystyrene cartons gave comparable, good protection inside the packs. The two types of chipboard cartons tested allowed a lot of damage to occur with the packs. In tests on individual cartons, one chipboard carton proved extremely ineffective and one polystyrene carton, not very effective, in preventing damage successfully prevented by the five other types of cartons. A simple, 12-inch, flat drop of the packs on the bottom appeared to be the most effective single test to distinguish the protective abilities of the 14 different carton-and-pack combinations tested. Tests in which one end of an individual carton was raised and allowed to drop 6 inches onto its bottom or 3 inches onto its side effectively indicated the cartons’ relative protective abilities. There was a strong indication that—for moulded pulp and polystyrene cartons at least—carton design was more important than material in determining relative protective ability.