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Resources

​PAPER TYPES

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  1. Bleached Board: A paperboard that has been bleached to a high level of brightness, often used for packaging applications that require a bright white surface.

  2. Bond Paper: A durable, high-quality paper that is often used for letterheads, forms, and other types of business documents.

  3. Bristol Board: A thick, heavy paperboard that is often used for book covers, file folders, and other types of stationery.

  4. C1S: A type of paperboard with a coated surface on one side, often used for printing high-quality graphics.

  5. C2S: A type of paperboard with a coated surface on both sides, often used for printing high-quality graphics.

  6. CCNB: A type of paperboard that is made from recycled fibers and is often used for folding cartons, displays, and other types of packaging.

  7. Coated Paper: A paper that has been coated with a layer of clay or other materials to improve its printing surface, often used for high-quality printing applications.

  8. Corrugated Board: A paperboard that has been formed into a wavy pattern and is often used for shipping boxes and other types of packaging.

  9. Cotton Paper: A paper made from cotton fibers, often used for high-end stationery, business cards, and other types of printed materials.

  10. Duplex Board: A type of paperboard made from layers of recycled fibers, often used for packaging applications that require stiffness and strength.

  11. Foil Paper: A paper with a thin layer of aluminum foil on one side, often used for packaging products that need to be protected from moisture and oxygen.

  12. Glassine Paper: A thin, glossy paper that is often used for packaging and wrapping products.

  13. Greaseproof Paper: A paper that is resistant to grease and oil, often used for food packaging.

  14. Index Paper: A type of cardstock that is often used for index cards, dividers, and other types of organizational tools.

  15. Kraft Paper: A paper that is made from unbleached wood pulp, often used for shipping bags, envelopes, and other types of packaging.

  16. Laid Paper: A paper that has a pattern of parallel lines on its surface, often used for printing letterheads, invitations, and other high-end products.

  17. Laser Paper: A high-quality paper that is designed for use with laser printers, often used for printing high-resolution graphics and text.

  18. Linen Paper: A paper with a textured surface that resembles linen fabric, often used for printing letterheads, invitations, and other high-end products.

  19. Litho Paper: A type of coated paper that is often used for printing high-quality graphics.

  20. Metallic Paper: A paper with a metallic surface, often used for printing invitations, cards, and other high-end products.

  21. Newsprint: A thin, low-cost paper that is often used for newspapers, flyers, and other types of printed materials.

  22. Offset Paper: A type of uncoated paper that is often used for printing newspapers, books, and other types of publications.

  23. Opaque Paper: A paper that is resistant to light and allows minimal light to pass through, often used for packaging products that need to be protected from light.

  24. Parchment Paper: A paper that has been treated with sulfuric acid to give it a translucent appearance, often used for printing diplomas, certificates, and other high-end products.

  25. Packaging Paper: A durable, heavy-weight paper that is often used for packaging products, such as boxes and bags. It can be made from a variety of materials, including kraft paper, recycled paper, and specialty papers.

 

 26. Recycled Paper: A paper that is made from recycled fibers, often used for eco-friendly packaging and other sustainable products.

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27. SBS Board: A type of paperboard that is coated on both sides, often used for packaging applications that require a high level of printability.

 

28. Silicone Paper: A paper that has been treated with silicone to make it non-stick, often used for baking and other food-related applications.

 

29. Sulfite Paper: A high-quality paper that is often used for printing letterheads, envelopes, and other types of business documents.

 

30. Supercalendered Paper: A type of paper that has been compressed and smoothed to improve its surface, often used for high-quality printing applications.

 

31. Tissue Paper: A thin, lightweight paper that is often used for wrapping and packaging delicate items.

 

32. Tracing Paper: A thin, translucent paper that is often used for tracing and drafting.

 

33. Uncoated Paper: A paper that has not been coated with any additional materials, often used for printing newspapers, books, and other types of publications.

 

34. Vellum Paper: A paper with a smooth, translucent surface, often used for printing high-quality graphics and text.

 

35. Waxed Paper: A paper that has been coated with wax to make it moisture-resistant, often used for food packaging.

 

36. Wove Paper: A type of uncoated paper that has a smooth surface, often used for printing high-quality graphics and text.

​PACKAGING TYPES

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  1. Bag-in-Box: A type of packaging that consists of a bag or pouch held inside a corrugated box, often used for liquids or powders.

  2. Blister Pack: A type of packaging that consists of a clear plastic "blister" attached to a cardboard backing, often used for small consumer goods.

  3. Bottle Carrier: A type of packaging that holds multiple bottles securely in place for easy transportation.

  4. Bubble Wrap: A type of protective packaging that consists of plastic sheets with air-filled bubbles, often used for fragile items.

  5. Bulk Box: A type of packaging that is a large, heavy-duty container used for transporting and storing bulk quantities of products.

  6. Carton: A type of packaging made from paperboard, typically used for consumer goods like cereal boxes or shoeboxes.

  7. Clamshell: A type of packaging that consists of two hinged plastic halves that fold together to create a seal, often used for food items like fruits or pastries.

  8. Corrugated Box: A type of packaging made from corrugated cardboard, used for shipping and storage.

  9. Cylinder: A type of packaging that is a round container made of paperboard or plastic, often used for storing rolled items like posters or maps.

  10. Display Case: A type of packaging that is designed to showcase a product in a retail setting, often made from clear plastic.

  11. Double Wall Corrugated Box: A type of corrugated box that has two layers of fluting for added strength and durability.

  12. Drawstring Bag: A type of packaging that is a small bag with a drawstring closure, often used for jewelry or small gift items.

  13. Envelope: A type of packaging made from paper or plastic, typically used for mailing or storing documents.

  14. Foam-In-Place: A type of protective packaging that uses liquid foam to conform to the shape of a product, providing maximum protection during shipping.

  15. Folding Carton: A type of packaging made from paperboard, typically used for consumer goods like cereal boxes or shoeboxes, that is scored and folded into its final shape.

  16. Gable Top: A type of packaging that is a carton with a pointed top, often used for milk or juice cartons.

  17. Header Card: A type of packaging that is a small card attached to the top of a plastic bag, often used for small consumer goods.

  18. Heat Seal: A type of packaging that is sealed using heat to create an airtight seal, often used for food packaging or medical devices.

  19. Jar: A type of packaging that is a cylindrical or square container made of glass or plastic, often used for food or personal care items.

  20. Jiffy Bag: A type of packaging that is a padded envelope used for mailing fragile items.

  21. Lid: A type of packaging that is a cover for a container, often made of plastic or metal.

  22. Mailer Box: A type of packaging that is a small, sturdy box used for shipping items like books or electronics.

  23. Pallet: A type of packaging that is a flat platform made of wood or plastic, used for transporting and storing heavy items.

  24. Pouch: A type of packaging that is a small, flexible bag made of plastic or paper, often used for food or personal care items.

  25. Rigid Box: A type of packaging that is a sturdy box made of paperboard or chipboard, often used for

  26. Shoulder Box - A rigid setup box with a separate lid that covers only the top and shoulders of the box.

  27. Side Lock Six Corner - A folding carton with locking tabs on the sides and six corners that provide extra support.

  28. Sleeve - A paperboard or cardboard cover that slides over another package or product, often used for multipacks.

  29. Stand-Up Pouch - A flexible pouch with a gusseted bottom that allows it to stand up on a shelf.

  30. Tapered Tray - A tray that narrows at one end, often used for holding bottles or cans.

  31. Telescoping - A two-piece box that consists of a lid and a separate base that slides over it.

  32. Thermoform - A plastic packaging that is created by heating a plastic sheet and molding it into a desired shape.

  33. Tray - A flat piece of material, often made of cardboard or plastic, with raised edges that is used to hold and display products.

  34. Triangular Tube - A tube-shaped package with a triangular cross-section.

  35. Two-Piece Box - A box that consists of a lid and a separate base.

  36. Vacuum Formed - A plastic packaging that is created by heating a plastic sheet and molding it over a mold through the use of vacuum suction.

  37. Windowed - A packaging that has a transparent window or opening that allows the product to be seen.

  38. Wrap - A flexible packaging that wraps around a product, often used for candy or confectionery.

  39. Zipper Pouch - A flexible pouch with a resealable zipper closure.

  40. Z-Fold - A folding carton that is folded into a "Z" shape, often used for holding inserts or small products.

L&E IS A MEMBER OF ISTA AND OPERATES CERTIFIED ISTA LABS

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL SAFE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION (ISTA)...

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The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) is a global organization dedicated to the development and promotion of packaging solutions that ensure the safe and effective transportation of goods. Founded in 1948, ISTA has become the leading authority on packaging design and testing, providing guidance and standards to companies worldwide.

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The primary mission of ISTA is to reduce product damage and loss during transportation by providing research-based testing protocols and industry-standard performance testing procedures. By providing this service, ISTA helps manufacturers, distributors, and retailers create safe and reliable packaging that can withstand the rigors of the supply chain.

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Companies of all sizes and industries benefit from the resources and services offered by ISTA. Manufacturers and retailers rely on ISTA testing procedures to ensure their products arrive at their destination without damage. This is especially important for high-value, fragile, or sensitive products, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. By testing their packaging to ISTA standards, companies can reduce the likelihood of product damage and loss, which can result in significant cost savings and customer satisfaction.

 

Additionally, companies can use ISTA certification to demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety in their packaging. ISTA offers a range of certification programs that provide third-party validation of a company’s packaging performance, including ISTA Transit Tested, ISTA Certified Packaging Laboratory, and ISTA Certified Packaging Technician. By achieving ISTA certification, companies can gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating to customers and partners that their packaging is safe, reliable, and efficient.

 

ISTA also provides education and training programs for packaging professionals, including packaging design, testing, and optimization. These programs help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, techniques, and standards, and ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to design and test packaging that meets ISTA performance standards.

 

Furthermore, ISTA provides valuable research and development opportunities to its members. Through its collaborative network of packaging professionals, ISTA conducts research and testing to improve packaging design and performance. This includes developing new testing procedures, identifying new materials and technologies, and sharing best practices and insights on packaging design and optimization.

 

In conclusion, the International Safe Transit Association plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable transportation of goods worldwide. By providing industry-standard performance testing procedures, certification programs, education and training, and research and development opportunities, ISTA helps companies reduce product damage and loss, improve customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive advantage. With its global reach and expertise in packaging design and testing, ISTA is the go-to resource for companies looking to improve the safety, efficiency, and performance of their packaging solutions.

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List  of ISTA tests including their sub-categories:

 

  1. ISTA 1 Series - Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Tests

  • ISTA 1A: Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less

  • ISTA 1B: Packaged-Products weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg)

  • ISTA 1C: Extended Testing for Individual Packaged-Products

  • ISTA 1D: Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipments 70 kg (150 lb) or Less

  • ISTA 1E: Unitized Loads

  • ISTA 1G: Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment Within North America

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  1. ISTA 2 Series - Partial Simulation Performance Tests

  • ISTA 2A: Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less

  • ISTA 2B: Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg)

  • ISTA 2C: Individual Packaged-Products Over 150 lb (68 kg)

  • ISTA 2D: Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment Within North America

  • ISTA 2E: Inclined Impact

  • ISTA 2F: Agricultural Produce

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  1. ISTA 3 Series - General Simulation Performance Tests

  • ISTA 3A: Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipments 70 kg (150 lb) or Less

  • ISTA 3B: Packaged-Products for LTL Shipments in North America

  • ISTA 3E: Unitized Loads for Full Truckload Shipment

  • ISTA 3F: Individual Packaged-Products Over 150 lb (68 kg)

  • ISTA 3H: Packaged-Products for Air Shipment

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  1. ISTA 4 Series - Enhanced Simulation Performance Tests

  • ISTA 4AB: Large Overpacked Products

  • ISTA 4AC: Large Unpackaged Products with Low Fragility

  • ISTA 4AS: Large Products with Broad Flat Surfaces

  • ISTA 4B: Packaged-Products weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg)

  • ISTA 4C: Individual Packaged-Products weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less

  • ISTA 4D: Unitized Loads and Palletized Loads

  • ISTA 4E: Flat Bed Trailer

  • ISTA 4S: Small Parcel Delivery System Shipment

 

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  1. ISTA 5 Series - Focused Simulation Tests

  • ISTA 5A: Edge Crush Test (ECT)

  • ISTA 5B: Paperboard Carton Stacking

  • ISTA 5C: Block Stacking

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  1. ISTA 6 Series - Member Performance Tests

  • ISTA 6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC: Amazon.com Test Method SIOC (Ships In Own Container)

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  1. ISTA 7 Series - Development Tests

  • ISTA 7D: Thermal Transport Packaging for Parcel Delivery System Shipment

  • ISTA 7E: Thermal Transport Packaging for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment Within North America

 

Each of these tests is designed to simulate different types of transport and handling conditions that packaged products might encounter during distribution. Companies use these tests to evaluate the performance and durability of their packaging, identify weaknesses or areas for improvement, and make adjustments.

 

For more information see www.ista.org
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