Stitching Tolerance

Dave asks,
We have an old foot pedal stitcher we manually stitch boxes with.
Is there a standard spacing between staples that we must maintain?
Dave, this was a new one for me.
Took a bit of research using a number of resources, but this should address your
question.
Singlewall: Starting and ending staples shall be 1 to 1½ inches from the flap score
lines. Intermediate staples shall be spaced no more than 2½ inches apart.
Doublewall: Starting and ending staples shall be double stitched no more than 1 to
1½ inches from the flap score lines. Intermediate staples shall be spaced no more
than 2½ inches apart. For products weighting 100 lbs. or more spacing of
intermediate staples shall be reduced to 1 to 1½ inches apart.
Triplewall: Starting and ending staples shall be double stitched no more than 1 to
1½ inches from the flap score lines. Intermediate staples shall be double
stitched and spaced no more than 1 to 1½ inches apart.
— Ralph Source: https://askralph-aiccbox.org/

Question Asked by a Member

Pls advise what would be shelf life for a fully loaded , bulk packed
Corrugated box
Answered by Mr Ram Kumar
By saying shelf life we mean for how long the performance parameter
remain same from the time it is manufactured to the time it starts to
decrease.
Now performance parameters of box is related to that of kraft paper. Hence shelf life of
box is related to that of Kraft paper. Now if kraft paper is acidic (below 5 pH) then papers
properties starts to deteriorate in 6 months. If kraft paper is alkaline ( pH around 7) then it
has life of about 18 months. This is provided in both cases the box is kept under constant
environmental conditions. If the box is subjected to cyclic humidity then there will be faster
deterioration of properties leading to lowering the shelf life. By how much it will reduce
depends on level of cyclic humidity it experiences.
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 Japanese Architect has created
Eco-Friendly Cardboard Bridge in France

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban -- iconic for his use of eco-friendly, lightweight materials --
on Friday lifted the veil on a paper bridge over the Gardon River in southern France.
Built half a mile from the Pont du Gard -- a section of ancient Roman bridge classed as a
UN World Heritage site -- Shigeru's cardboard-tube structure is strong enough to carry 20
people at a time. Reaching over the water to a sandy islet mid-river, it opens to the public
for six weeks starting on Monday, before it is dismantled for the rainy season.
“t is a very interesting contrast, the Roman stone bridge & the paper bridge. Paper too can
be permanent, can be strong and lasting. We need to get rid of these prejudices," Ban
said. "A bridge was one of my dreams," he said, as he thanked the two dozen French
architecture students and three from Japan who built the bridge as a month-long project.

Weighing 7.5 tons, the

bridge is made from 281
cardboard tubes, each 11.5
cm (four inches) across &
11.9 mm thick. The steps are
recycled paper & plastic &
the foundations wooden
boxes packed with sand.

Source: http://spluch.blogspot.com/
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 Shortage of Waste Paper may shrink Corrugators'

INDUSTRY NEWS
margins & disrupt Kraft Paper Production

After festive seasons, the less generation of waste paper in the local market is creating a ‘severe’
shortage of raw material for paper mills, waste paper price is touching Rs. 16 per kg in most of the parts
of India and is anticipated to go on Rs. 17 to 18 in the coming days. Paper mills have no option but to
shrink corrugators’ margins by increasing the finished paper price.
Paper mills are facing challenges in running their production process smoothly; the import of high-
grade OCC waste is badly disrupted due to the imposition of lockdown in Europe. The situation may
lead to worse as import of paper will be disturbed for at least next two months. Paper mills may
operate at lower capacity or choose to shut down the production for a few days in a month.
Finished Kraft paper price is already touching Rs. 26 to 28 per kg for low-grade paper.

Talking to The Pulp and Paper Times, Mr. Naresh Singhal, President, All India Waste Paper
Dealer Association said that, we are currently having the worst time in waste paper industry.
Shippers are struggling a lot with the shipping lines in order to get the empty containers.
Prices of the material has already been on the rooftop, The price of imported waste paper is
already hovering around 185 to 200 usd for the various grades.
In the current market turbulence, Kraft paper mills are leading & driving the paper market
with local and export orders. Imported raw material availability is very less due to 2nd wave
of Covid in Europe leading to demand of RCP in domestic market,”
“It is almost clear that consignment of imported waste paper will not be easily available at
least for next two months. The mills will have to be dependent on domestic waste paper
suppliers,” Mr. Singhal says.
Duplex mills have raised their finish product price by Rs. 1 per kg, as there is no increase in raw
material prices of duplex mills. In fact they have reduced some of the top grade raw material
prices,” Sources said.
Domestic Kraft waste paper prices are under pressure due to export of finish Kraft paper and
non-availability of imported waste paper. Domestic waste paper is sufficiently available to fulfil
the domestic finish paper demand.
Source: http://thepulpandpapertimes.com/
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 INDUSTRY FIGHTS COVID-19
Covid-19 | DS Smith set to launch virus
resistant packaging
DS Smith has partnered with Touchguard to develop a new range of
bacteria & virus-safeguarded cardboard packaging.
While there is no evidence of virus transfer from
cardboard, consumers still take precautions during
the pandemic. According to a new Ipsos MORI poll,
57% of consumers now claim to wash their hands
thoroughly after touching packaged groceries &
household products through fears of safety, while
30% throw packaging away more quickly.
DS Smith said the easily identifiable touch-safe zones can be applied at scale
across a range of industries and applications meaning the anti-viral and antibacterial
packaging provides an additional layer of protection as consumers & workers throughout
the supply chain remain wary. Touchguard claims the new patented technology is effective
across a range of bacteria and viruses including envelope viruses, of which Sars-Cov-2
(Covid-19) is a member. The surface coating technology specialist also said it has a bacteria
proven kill rate of 99.5% in under 15 minutes on bacteria types and envelope viruses &
eliminates the risk of person-to-person transfer of infections such as MRSA & E.coli.

Covid-19 | James Cropper Papergard fights off

coronavirus in tests
James Cropper has produced tests showing its PaperGard antiviral &
antibacterial technology significantly reduces the presence of the SARSCov-2
coronavirus.
According to new research commissioned by the
specialist papermaker, hygiene is now the number one
concern for people when it comes to packaging.
PaperGard incorporates Biomaster antimicrobial
technology from the UK’s leading additive specialist,
Addmaster, which is highly effective against the growth
and proliferation of bacteria and enveloped viruses on
porous surfaces such as textiles & paper.

Tests showed PaperGard protected papers reduced the viability of the Covid-19 related viral
strain by over 95% in 15 minutes, and by 99.9% within 2 hours when tested against ISO 18184,
an antiviral test on porous surfaces.

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 INDUSTRY FIGHTS COVID-19
Covid-19 | James Cropper Papergard fights off coronavirus in tests
Recent studies show coronaviruses can remain viable on metal, glass, wood, textiles,
plastic and paper surfaces from several hours to a number of days. Richard
Bracewell, marketing & technical director at James Cropper, said consumer attitudes
towards products & packaging have changed & paper suppliers have to adapt
“PaperGard has been part of our range since 2006 but since the pandemic the
demand for this kind of protected paper packaging has increased. These recent
tests clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the product on the pa-1per surface
against SARS-Cov-2, the enveloped virus that is responsible for Covid9.”
Lesley Taylor, Addmaster regulatory affairs manager, added: “Enveloped viruses
are relatively vulnerable, and where it is practicably possible to use disinfectants
one should do so. Simple treatments such as soap and water are also very
effective. However it is often impractical to use disinfectants and even soap and
water. In these situations the PaperGard protected paper, with its antimicrobial
technology, limits contamination of the paper surface whilst maintaining the
qualities of the paper.”
Source: http://packagingnews.co.uk

19
 WICMA ACTIVITIES
Online Certificate Course in Corrugated Packaging
WICMA’s Certificate courses in Corrugated Packaging are acclaimed by
members, consumers and others connected with the corrugated
industry. However due to pandemic Act in force, there being
constraints on travel & public gatherings, our regular courses could
not be held. Therefore, our popular course was given a digital
makeover.
The online course is designed to suit the needs of those who are
looking to set up their own box manufacturing plant and also those
who are already part of this industry and looking to upgrade their
knowledge.
The course covered history of corrugated packaging, in depth
knowledge of paper, board and boxes, co-relation between paper
properties and board properties, quality parameters of paper, board
and box, adhesives, heating systems, printing and costing of
corrugated boxes.
A total of 67 participants registered for the first course held from 2nd Nov 2020 to 14th Dec 2020.
Participants hailed from all parts of India. Two participants were from Australia and Kuwait
respectively. The course was spread over six weeks with sessions being held every Monday and
Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. The session was very lively. A notable feature was the online quizzes
that were held after the sessions. All participants received Certificates. Five top-scoring participants
were awarded Cash Prizes and were felicitated in the last session.

WICMA online course 2020 was a knowledge enriching session. The

course has help me gain a practical approach to the corrugation
products and process. I feel more confident and empowered to face
the customers.
Thank you team WICMA and Hon.Ramkumar sir.
Best Regards - Krishna Jhawar

WICMA's Beginner Course has been a great learning experience! Ram Sir's immense knowledge,
teaching expertise and guidance along the way has introduced me to so many fundamentals,
concepts and ideas and has further piqued my interest to learn more. Looking forward to the next
session!" - Sheebani Pissurlencar
The Online Series changed my perspective for “Making Boxes” to “Engineering Boxes”. It taught me
the engineering aspect of designing and manufacturing boxes efficiently and effectively. The Faculty
was also excellent! I thank WICMA & FCBM for the same.”
Thank you for the opportunity. - Parth Lineswala

I had a great experience in doing WICMA Online course. I visited corrugation

manufacturing unit after the completion of the course, where course helped me
immensely to understand the things with ease. I also thank WICMA team to conduct
Online course in these tough times. - Aditya

In this Herculean “Corona” conditions, it was great that WICMA conducted online class on corrugated paper
packaging. I had been so fortunate and honoured to be a participant. Ramkumar Sir, and his team amazed
and inspired me with excellent, clear and exploratory presentations and interactions. I feel this class is very
beneficial and would lead my industry to great heights. - Breeze Pratheesh
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 WICMA ACTIVITIES
WICMA Sahyadri Division hosted a online Chai pe Charcha
Session on Rooftop Solar Power Generation on 4.1.2021. Shri
Pratap Puranik and Shri Rohit Bubna Co-ordinated the session.
Shri Sanjeev Phadnis, a solar power specialist was the speaker.
There were about 25 participants at the session.

WICMA 53rd AGM

ONLINE WICMA 53rd AGM was held online on 28th Nov 2020.
Shri Kirtikumar Gandhi was re-elected as President.
Shri Anil Loya was re-elected as Vice President. Shri
Shlok Kedia and Shri Mayank Mehta will continue as
Hon. Secretary & Hon. Treasurer respectively.
FCBM 48th AGM
The 48th FCBM AGM was held online on 20th Dec
2020, Shri Milan Dey was elected President. Shri
Vineet Jain is the Vice President respectively. Shri
Deenu Shetty is Hon. Secretary & Shri Rohit Bubna is
Hon. Treasurer.

MEMBERS’ ACHIEVMENTS
Mumbai-based Jayna
Packaging, which specialises
in products from corrugated
boards and has expertise in
engineering three-
dimensional containers and
displays, has recently
invested in an EFI H1625 LED
UV hybrid printer. The
machine has been supplied
by Arrow Digital.

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22
EXHIBITIONS
 Quality Control Instrument to Analyze & Control the

QUALITY CONTROL
Mechanical Properties of Corrugation Boards
Finnish Company FAG makes an
instrument called as CORRCHECK. It is a
high resolution measurement Device
which measures 3 important effects on
corrugated board: Flute Profile analysis
Creasing-Scoring analysis & Washboard
Effect

FLUTE PROFILE ANALYSIS

The device can measure the
FLUTE PROFILE on single faced
material to check the mechanical
wear of the corrugating rolls,
comparing OS, DS & the correct
formation of the flutes.
The result is displayed
immediately.

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 Quality Control Instrument to Analyze & Control the

QUALITY CONTROL
Mechanical Properties of Corrugation Boards
WASHBOARD EFFECT

Scan QR Code
to view Video

Source: https://sameba.fi/
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