Technical Articles
Why PET Strapping Damages Unprotected Carton Edges
Troubleshooting guide to PET strapping damage on carton edges: strap tension, edge board gaps, carton strength, load shift, and corrective pack-out actions for export pallets.
Quick answer
PET strapping damages unprotected carton edges when strap tension, sharp strap edges, or load shift concentrates force on a small board area. Raising carton ECT alone often fails if the strap still bites the same unprotected corner.
Inspect the failure mode
Look for crushed corners, cut liner, strap imprint through print, and whether damage appears at tensioning, during transit, or after re-strapping at a hub.
Check tension and strap selection
Confirm strap width, thickness, tension setting, and seal type. Over-tension on soft single-wall cartons cuts edges even when the strap grade is appropriate for the load weight.
Add or correct edge protection
Use edge board or buckled U-protectors under strap paths. Protectors must be wide enough for the strap and long enough to cover the contact zone on each vertical edge.
Review pallet pattern
Overhang, voids, and leaning stacks let straps migrate into weaker panels. Photograph the finished pallet before stretch wrap hides the strap path.
Validate corrections
Trial one change set—protector + tension window + wrap—then ship a monitored lot. Do not change board grade, strap, and pallet pattern in the same uncontrolled trial.
RFQ
Damaged SKU photos; strap type/tension; pallet pattern
Carton board/ECT; edge-protector proposal
Load weight; route; re-strap exposure
Trial quantity and acceptance photos
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