ISTA Transpack Forum Summary in 5 Examples

The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) held its annual TransPack Forum in April. Industry experts gathered in sunny Orlando, Florida for four days of exhibits, presentations and seminars.

This year there were a lot of great presentations about the most recent developments in the world of responsible transport packing and product distribution. 

Here are 5 examples of what was presented at this year’s forum.

1.  From ISTA, a New "About Us" Video
   Learn what ISTA is really about. ISTA developed a video to help describe their role in the industry:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffRMzR46otA
   
   
2. From INCPEN Director Jane Bickerstaffe, a presentation on “What Businesses Need to do to Use the Best Packaging for the Product, Consumers and the Environment”
   Proper packaging is more sustainable than no packaging. INCPEN (Industry Council for Research on Packaging and the Environment) has developed a short video discussing the benefits of proper packaging. Product manufacturing equates to over 50% of the total energy used to get product to the end consumer. Proper packaging has significant sustainability and cost benefits.  (http://www.goodbadspudly.com)
   
   
3. From Eric Joneson and Larry Anderson, a presentation on Updating ASTM 4169 Vibration Profiles
   ASTM D4169 vibration profiles may be updated. A vibration profile is the information that determines the "vibration" or shock simulated within testing laboratories. ASTM D4169 has created Truck, Air and Rail vibration profiles that have been in use for 40+ years. Though these profiles have been a staple in the testing industry, transportation data collected over the years have continually showed slight differences between actual shipment vibration and ASTM vibration profiles. The profiles will be similar, yet will simulate increased correlative results between the lab and actual shipments.
   
   
4. From Director of the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech, Laszlo Horvath, a speech on “How to Design an Efficient Unit Load By Considering the Stiffness of the Pallet”
   Pallet stiffness can be more important for corrugated box compression strength than deck board spacing. We know a stiffer pallet deck allows for higher compression value of corrugated boxes. Although many factors affect corrugated box strength, choosing the correct pallet deck stiffness can have more effect than overhang and gap dimensions. 
   Pallet Gaps = 10-25% strength reduction
   Overhang = 20-40% strength reduction
   Pallet Stiffness = 20-50% strength reduction (preliminary results)
   
   
5. From Corey Nugent of Laminations - Great Northern Corporation, a talk on “Doing More with Less - Sizing your Edge Protection Accurately”
   When using corner protectors for additional compression strength with unit loads, the proper length can significantly change the efficacy of the corner protectors (aka: Angleboard, Edge protectors, Corner board, V-board, Laminated Board.) Flush reducing the length of the board on the unit load could possibly increase compression by 40%, as well as save money on length of the board material. Each unit load and product will have different results.
   Length of angle board = .75-1.125” less than unit load top (flush)
   Possible Increase in Compression Strength = 20-40% 

Did you attend this year’s ISTA TransPack Forum? What did you learn? What were your favorite parts? Let us know by commenting below.

Post by: Kent Longardner, Technical Sales Manager