What it is
Stacking requirements translate product and package strength, duration, climate and load geometry into an allowable unit-load configuration.
When it is relevant
Relevant for warehouse and vehicle stacking, pallet racks, floor storage, containers and products or packages that carry superimposed loads.
Risks and problems addressed
Creep, humidity loss of strength, misalignment, dynamic amplification and concentrated loads can collapse a stack below its nominal short-term strength.
Product characteristics that matter
State whether the product carries load, allowable top load, deformation limits, contact points, package strength, quantity per layer and load distribution.
Logistics and environmental factors
Define maximum stack height and duration for each stage, humidity, rack or floor support, vehicle dynamics, pallet pattern and partial-stack cases.
Information a packaging supplier needs
Provide the worst-case stack, time and climate, package orientation, load path, pallet condition, dynamic factors and acceptable deformation.
Common mistakes
Do not use a static short-duration test as the sole basis for long humid storage, or assume perfectly aligned pallets and full cases.
Relevant standards and regulations
ISTA procedures and ASTM Committee D10 publications are possible starting points for distribution testing. The suitable method and acceptance criteria must be selected for the real product-package-route system.
RFQ
What a useful specification contains
Provide the worst-case stack, time and climate, package orientation, load path, pallet condition, dynamic factors and acceptable deformation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether stacking and compression requirements is relevant?
Relevant for warehouse and vehicle stacking, pallet racks, floor storage, containers and products or packages that carry superimposed loads.
What should I give a packaging supplier?
Provide the worst-case stack, time and climate, package orientation, load path, pallet condition, dynamic factors and acceptable deformation.
Does PackNavi choose a packaging technology here?
No. PackNavi captures conditions, required outcomes and open points. A suitable technology must be engineered and validated for the actual product and supply chain.
Sources and references
Primary and official sources are preferred. Always check the current source before acting.
- Committee D10 on PackagingASTM International
- Packaging test proceduresISTA