A Box Maker’s Certificate (BMC) is a seal printed on the bottom of a box.
It shows the box’s strength and construction details.
Although not legally required, a BMC proves that the box has been properly tested and rated, ensuring its quality and reliability.
How to Read a Box Maker’s Certificate
Reading a BMC might seem confusing at first, but once you understand it, you can quickly learn about the box’s strength and features.
There are two main types of BMCs: Mullen-Rated and ECT-Rated.
Let’s explore each one and how to interpret the information.
Mullen-Rated Box Maker’s Certificate
What is the Mullen Test?
The Mullen Test measures the strength of the box walls.
It determines how much pressure it takes to puncture or rupture a box wall, also known as a burst test.
This is important if you’re shipping loose or oddly-shaped items.
Key Information on a Mullen-Rated BMC
- Box Manufacturer: Located at the top of the outer ring, it shows the name of the company that made the box.
- Board Construction: Indicates the thickness and strength of the box walls, listed as Single Wall, Double Wall, or Triple Wall. Single Wall is the thinnest, while Triple Wall is the thickest.
- Burst Test: Shows the box’s resistance to being punctured, commonly 200 lbs/sq in.
- Minimum Combined Weight Facings: The total weight of the liner before it’s cut into boxes, such as 84 lbs per thousand (M) sq ft.
- Size Limit: The total outside dimensions of the box, useful for storage and shipping planning.
- Gross Weight Limit: The maximum weight the box and its contents can hold without getting damaged.
- City & State: Located at the bottom of the outer ring, it shows where the box was made and shipped from.
ECT-Rated Box Maker’s Certificate
What is the Edge Crush Test (ECT)?
The Edge Crush Test (ECT) measures the stacking strength of a box.
It determines how much pressure the box can handle before being crushed.
This is ideal for shipping products that are stacked on pallets.
Key Information on an ECT-Rated BMC
- Box Manufacturer: Located at the top of the outer ring, it shows the name of the company that made the box.
- Board Construction: Indicates the thickness and strength of the box walls, listed as Single Wall, Double Wall, or Triple Wall.
- Edge Crush Test (ECT): Shows the box’s vertical compression strength, commonly 32 ECT.
- Size Limit: The total outside dimensions of the box, useful for storage and shipping planning.
- Gross Weight Limit: The maximum weight the box and its contents can hold without getting damaged.
- City & State: Located at the bottom of the outer ring, it shows where the box was made and shipped from.
Choosing the Right BMC Type
Whether you choose a Mullen-Rated or ECT-Rated BMC depends on your shipping needs:
- Loose or Oddly-Shaped Items: Opt for a Mullen-Rated BMC to ensure the box can withstand punctures.
- Stacked Shipping: Choose an ECT-Rated BMC to ensure the box can handle stacking pressure.
For more information about packaging, visit our Packaging Page. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to Contact Us.
Conclusion
Understanding how to read a Box Maker’s Certificate (BMC) helps you choose the right packaging for your products.
Whether you need a Mullen-Rated or ECT-Rated BMC, knowing the differences ensures your items are protected during shipping and storage.
Take Action Now! Visit our Homepage to explore more packaging solutions or Contact Us for expert advice.
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