The problem

Fluted board and corrugated packaging are widely used for shipping and storing electronic components due to their low cost, light weight, and ease of customisation. However, paper-based packaging materials are electrically insulating and can generate static charge through handling, friction, and separation.

Conventional ESD packaging solutions often rely on conductive liners, carbon-loaded materials, or plastic alternatives that increase cost and reduce sustainability.

The substrate

Single-wall and multi-wall fluted board, corrugated cardboard boxes, dividers, and custom-cut inserts used for electronics packaging and transport.

Why replacement was not viable

• High recurring cost of ESD-specific packaging materials
• Limited availability of custom ESD packaging formats
• Environmental and sustainability pressures
• Need for lightweight, recyclable packaging

The ProShieldESD solution

ProShieldESD was applied as a thin, uniform coating to the surfaces of fluted board packaging components. The coating penetrates and bonds with the surface fibres, creating a controlled dissipative layer without compromising flexibility or weight.

The treated packaging maintains ESD performance across a wide range of humidity conditions and handling scenarios.

Performance outcome

• Surface resistance maintained within the ESD dissipative range
• Uniform charge dissipation across packaging surfaces
• No significant change in packaging weight or stiffness
• Stable performance across transport and storage cycles

Standards alignment

The ESD-treated fluted board packaging supports ESD control programs aligned with IEC 61340 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 requirements when used as part of a controlled packaging system.

Key benefits

• Enables sustainable, recyclable ESD packaging
• Reduces dependency on plastic and carbon-filled materials
• Supports custom packaging designs
• Cost-effective for high-volume use