ATI Service Sourcing

Background & Client Sourcing Goal

A fast-growing e-commerce fulfillment and third-party logistics (3PL) operator in Brisbane, Queensland, needed a reliable, high-volume supply of custom-printed double-wall corrugated cardboard shipping boxes, self-sealing poly mailers, and compostable shipping bags. They sought to lower their packaging expenses while ensuring compliance with Australia's 2025 National Packaging Targets for sustainable materials.

Supply Chain & Technical Challenges

Cardboard packaging is prone to crushing under pressure and absorbing moisture during transit. The key challenges included:

• Edge Crush Strength (ECT): Ensuring corrugated boxes maintain structural integrity when stacked in high pallets in standard warehouse setups.
• Biodegradability Compliance: Verifying compostable mailers hold genuine home-compostable certifications (AS 5810 standards) to satisfy local regulations.
• Printing Registration: Keeping logo colors and registration marks accurate across large print runs on Kraft paper materials.

Factory Selection & Quality Inspection

We partnered with certified paper mills and eco-plastic factories in Guangdong. Our local inspectors managed quality testing on each production run:

• Edge Crush Test (ECT): Testing cardboard samples to ensure they meet standard ECT ratings (min 32 ECT for standard cartons, 44 ECT for heavy boxes).
• Moisture & Absorption Testing: Performing Cobb water absorption testing to verify paper surfaces resist humidity.
• Puncture Testing: Testing poly mailer thicknesses and tear points to ensure they do not break when handling sharp items.

Shipping Consolidation & Outcomes

We packed the flat boxes securely on timber pallets and shrink-wrapped them to prevent moisture damage during the sea voyage. The cargo arrived at the Port of Brisbane under ChAFTA concessions (0% tariff). The new sourcing channel reduced the client's annual packaging material costs by 26.5%, helping them achieve their local sustainability goals.