## Box Specification All New Types Of Packing Must Be Approved By The National Archives Before They Are Used. Construction

 
Boxes must consist of both a case and a lid. Case and lid must be cut from one piece of board or formed from the same piece of board, e.g. clamshell box. The depth of the lid must be the same as the depth of the case of the box. 
 
The most important criteria of a box sent to The National Archives is strength. All boxes must withstand a standard industry edge-crush-test (ECT) at a minimum of 5 kN/m. 

## Context Of Use

 
It is important to know what types of material will be stored in the boxes, if the records are large or heavy, or of high archival value. Different grades and types of box board might be required depending on the context of use. 

## Grades Of Box Board There Are Three Grades Of Board Suitable For Use At The National Archives. Please Consult The Table Below To Determine The Grade Of Board Required For Your Transfer:

 
Board Grade 
Board Specification 
When to use it 
 
 100% chemical pulp  pH 7.5 - 10  kappa number should not exceed 5, or else 
less than 1% lignin content 
Required for boxing materials of high archival or intrinsic value 
Grade 1 
 
Permanent 
 alkaline reserve between 2%-10%  neutral internal sizing (EVA or AKD)  no optical brighteners 
 no plasticisers  no metal particles, waxes, residual bleach, or 
Also 
recommended, but not required, for boxing standard archival records  
other components that could lead to degradation when in immediate contact with the board 
Grade 2 
Durable 
For boxing standard archival records 
 100% chemical pulp  May be laminated  pH 6.5 - 10 
 
 
 100% chemical pulp  pH 6.5 - 7.5  kappa number should not exceed 5, or else 
less than 1% lignin content 
 may contain fillers as long as pH is as 
specified Recommended for boxing 
photographs, 
negatives and other photographic material 
Grade 3 
 less than 0.0008% reducible sulphur  neutral pH EVA polymer adhesive where 
Photo  
laminated 
 no optical brighteners  no plasticisers  no metal particles, waxes, residual bleach, or 
other components that could lead to 
degradation when in immediate contact with 
the board 
 pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) 
 

## Types Of Box Board

 
All grades of board are available as two types of board. Please consult the table below to determine the best type of board for your transfer: 

## 

| Type of board         |
|-----------------------|
|                       |
|                      |
|                       |
| most durable board    |
| type                  |
| Full board            |
|                       |
|                      |
|                       |
| brass wire stitching  |
|                       |
| For most              |
| transfers full        |
| board is              |
| preferred             |
| increases durability  |
|                       |
|                       |
|                      |
|                       |
| rigid in larger sizes |
|                      |
|                       |
| good for stacking     |
|                       |
| Corrugated            |
| board                 |
|                       |
|                       |
| If boxes are to be    |
| stacked in            |
| storage               |
|                       |
| If records are        |
| larger and/or         |
| heavier than          |
| normal                |
|                       |

 
 
Both full board and corrugated board are available to be delivered flat packed from your supplier. If quantities above 60 standard boxes are required it might be cheaper to order boxes flat packed and assemble them on site. 
 
If you require further assistance specifying boxes for your transfer, please speak to your Transfer Adviser.