Smurfit-Stone’s research and development department provides a wide range of testing capabilities to support our activities and developments. With our advanced equipment and a sophisticated data collection system, we are able to provide operation and non-routine highly technical sales support. Much time is spent on instruction including testing methods, fundamentals, and training in the dissemination of the latest testing developments.

Through benchmarking, we are provided with comparative data about physical properties of our various products. Historical databases are maintained and updated to reflect the baselines for:

Our facilities enable us to evaluate the products in a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. We conduct a wide array of performance tests to understand the effects of these environments as compared to a standard laboratory setting. Performance issues that are challenged include:

Aging tests Warp tests Curl tests Bottom sag tests

Stacking performance (individual & unit loads) Creep tests Gluing and adhesive performance Strength tests (paper, board, corrugated)

Our printability lab is involved with the investigation and testing of the qualities of various substrates and inks. By monitoring print quality of offset, gravure, and flexo processes, we are able to support current printing knowledge as well as develop new technologies for the wide spectrum of Smurfit-Stone packaging products.