Hey there! As a supplier of food grade cardboard, I've seen firsthand how important it is to understand the factors that affect its long - term storage performance. Let's dive right in and explore what these factors are.
1. Moisture Content
Moisture is like the arch - enemy of food grade cardboard during long - term storage. When cardboard absorbs moisture, it becomes weak and loses its structural integrity. You know, food grade cardboard is often used for packaging all sorts of food items, and if it gets soggy, it can't protect the food properly.
The ideal moisture content for food grade cardboard is usually around 6% - 8%. If the storage environment has high humidity, the cardboard will start to soak up the moisture. For example, in a warehouse near the coast where the air is humid, the cardboard can absorb water vapor from the air. This can lead to mold growth on the cardboard, which is a huge no - no when it comes to food packaging.
To prevent this, it's crucial to store food grade cardboard in a dry place. You can use dehumidifiers in the storage area to keep the humidity levels in check. Also, proper ventilation helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air around the cardboard.
2. Temperature
Temperature plays a significant role in the long - term storage of food grade cardboard. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can have a negative impact on the cardboard.
High temperatures can cause the cardboard to become brittle. If the cardboard is stored in an area where the temperature frequently exceeds 30°C (86°F), the fibers in the cardboard start to break down. This makes the cardboard more likely to crack and tear, which can compromise the packaging's ability to protect the food.
On the other hand, very low temperatures can make the cardboard stiff. If you've ever left a piece of cardboard outside in the winter, you know how it becomes rigid and easy to break. This is because the cold affects the physical properties of the cardboard fibers.
It's best to store food grade cardboard in a temperature - controlled environment. A storage area with a temperature between 18°C - 22°C (64°F - 72°F) is ideal. This range helps to maintain the cardboard's flexibility and strength over time.
3. Exposure to Light
Light, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can be harmful to food grade cardboard during long - term storage. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in the cardboard fibers, causing the cardboard to fade and weaken.
If the cardboard is stored in an area where it's exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, you'll notice that it starts to change color. It may become yellowish or brownish, and its strength will gradually decrease. This is not only a cosmetic issue but also affects the functionality of the cardboard as a food packaging material.
To protect the cardboard from light, it should be stored in a dark place or covered with opaque materials. For example, you can use black plastic sheets to cover the stacks of cardboard in the storage area.
4. Chemical Exposure
Food grade cardboard can be affected by various chemicals in the storage environment. For instance, if the cardboard is stored near cleaning agents or solvents, these chemicals can seep into the cardboard and contaminate it.
Some chemicals can react with the cardboard fibers, changing their properties. This can make the cardboard less suitable for food packaging. Additionally, if the cardboard comes into contact with chemicals that have a strong odor, the odor can transfer to the food inside the packaging, which is clearly unacceptable.
It's important to keep food grade cardboard away from areas where chemicals are stored or used. The storage area should be clean and free from any chemical residues.
5. Physical Stress
During long - term storage, food grade cardboard can be subjected to physical stress. Stacking the cardboard too high can cause the bottom layers to be compressed. This compression can damage the cardboard fibers, making the cardboard weaker.
Also, if the cardboard is moved around frequently during storage, it can be bent or folded in ways that damage its structure. For example, if the cardboard is mishandled while being transferred from one storage location to another, it may develop creases or cracks.
To minimize physical stress, it's important to stack the cardboard properly. Use pallets to support the cardboard and make sure the stacks are not too high. Also, handle the cardboard with care during any movement.
Our Product Offerings
At our company, we offer a range of high - quality food grade cardboard products. For example, we have the Songhong White Sheet Coated Long Cake Boards Food Grade Pet Cardboard Rectangular Manufacture. These cake boards are made from food grade cardboard, which is perfect for packaging cakes and other baked goods. They are designed to be strong and durable, and they can withstand the test of time if stored properly.
Another great product is the 215 - 350GSM Food Grade Paper Grade Jinfeng Single‑Coated Food‑Grade Card For Spice Shaker. This food grade card is ideal for spice shakers and other small food packaging applications. It has excellent long - term storage performance when stored under the right conditions.
Conclusion
Understanding the factors that affect the long - term storage performance of food grade cardboard is essential for both suppliers and users. By controlling moisture, temperature, light exposure, chemical exposure, and physical stress, you can ensure that the cardboard remains in good condition over time.
If you're in the market for high - quality food grade cardboard, we're here to help. Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Whether you need cardboard for cake boards, spice shakers, or other food packaging applications, we've got you covered. Contact us for more information and to start a procurement discussion. We're looking forward to working with you!
References
- "Handbook of Paper and Board Packaging Technology" by George A. Gane
- "Food Packaging: Principles and Practice" by Cheryl A. R. Rao