Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Barcode Types & Symbologies vs. Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Barcode Types & Symbologies
Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen)
Machine-readable barcodes encode data in optical patterns regulated by GS1 and ISO/IEC into linear 1D barcodes (UPC-A, EAN-13, ITF-14, Code 128) and 2D matrix symbologies (QR Code, Data Matrix) for automated point-of-sale checkout and warehouse inventory tracking.
Corrugated cardboard shipping boxes are legally rated under two distinct testing standards stamped inside the Box Maker's Certificate (BMC): the Edge Crush Test (ECT, measuring top-to-bottom compression stacking strength in lbs/in) and the Mullen Bursting Test (measuring puncture resistance and rough handling in lbs/sq in).
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
GS1 Global Standards / ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC) / ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) / ISO/IEC 18004 (QR) | TAPPI T 811 / TAPPI T 810 / ASTM D2808 / NMFC Item 222 (National Motor Freight) |
|
UPC-A (North American Retail)
|
12-digit fixed numeric (1 digit prefix + 5 digit company + 5 digit item + 1 check digit) | — |
|
EAN-13 (International Retail)
|
13-digit fixed numeric (3 digit country code + company/item + check digit) | Superset of UPC-A | — |
|
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
|
14-digit master carton shipping barcode printed with thick protective bearer bars | — |
|
Code 128 (High-Density Logistics)
|
Variable-length high-density alphanumeric (encodes all 128 ASCII characters) | Used in GS1-128 shipping labels | — |
|
QR Code (ISO/IEC 18004)
|
2D matrix (up to 7,089 numeric or 4,296 alphanumeric characters) with 4 Reed-Solomon error correction levels | — |
|
Data Matrix (ISO/IEC 16022)
|
2D matrix ideal for tiny direct-part marking (DPM) on electronics, PCB traces, and pharmaceuticals | — |
|
Quiet Zone Requirement
|
Minimum 10× X-dimension (narrowest bar width) white space buffer on left and right borders | — |
|
Edge Crush Test (ECT)
|
— | Measures compressive edgewise strength (lbs/linear inch) parallel to fluting — predicts pallet stacking capacity |
|
Mullen Bursting Strength
|
— | Measures hydraulic pressure (psi / lbs per sq inch) required to rupture the linerboard face — predicts puncture survival |
|
Standard Single-Wall 32 ECT
|
— | Equivalent to 200# Burst | Max Gross Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | Max Total Dimensions (L+W+D): 75 inches (190 cm) |
|
Heavy-Duty 44 ECT
|
— | Equivalent to 275# Burst | Max Gross Weight: 95 lbs (43.1 kg) | Max Total Dimensions: 95 inches (241 cm) |
|
Double-Wall 48 ECT
|
— | Equivalent to 275# Double-Wall | Max Gross Weight: 100 lbs (45.4 kg) | Max Dimensions: 100 inches (254 cm) |
|
Double-Wall 51 ECT
|
— | Equivalent to 350# Double-Wall | Max Gross Weight: 120 lbs (54.4 kg) | Max Dimensions: 105 inches (267 cm) |