Tosca, an innovator in reusable transport packaging and supply chain solutions for perishables, announced today the results of a compression study which proves Tosca Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) are four times stronger than standard corrugated boxes. Clemson University was commissioned by Tosca to conduct the study to evaluate the strength of standard corrugated compared to Tosca’s RPCs. 

The findings illustrate how the superior strength of Tosca’s transport packaging solutions for case ready meat provides better product protection and can lower transportation costs, which ultimately lead to greater cost savings throughout the perishables supply chain.

Technicians at Clemson’s Transport Package Testing Laboratory, a certified testing laboratory in accordance with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), conducted the study using ASTM D642 testing protocol, a standard test method for determining compressive resistance of shipping containers. Compressive resistance is used to evaluate the ability of shipping containers to successfully survive the compressive forces they are subjected to during transportation, distribution and storage. 

The strength of RPCs is a critical factor in the perishables supply chain. A stronger container provides superior protection, reduces product damage, and increases the amount of product that can be loaded on each truck, since RPCs can be stacked higher with less risk of damage. This advantage in cube utilization also positively impacts loading efficiencies and overall transportation costs, saving retailers money.

The bottom line savings potential is significant. On a price per pound basis, every incremental improvement in product protection and waste reduction can add up quickly. Retailers are taking notice -- two of the top five grocery retailers in the world have adopted Tosca’s RPC system with proven results.

 “Standard corrugated boxes simply don’t withstand the rigors of packing, shipping, and handling,” said Eric Frank, president and CEO of Tosca. “We’ve always been confident that RPCs offer a better alternative to standard corrugated boxes based on our experience and results achieved by our customers. This research allows us to further quantify the strength of Tosca RPCs and help prove the significant impact RPCs can make throughout the supply chain.”

For more information visit www.toscaltd.com.