When to pick Virgin fluting (NSSC)
Pick NSSC virgin fluting for export boxes, humid storage, heavy-duty applications, and any box with a box compression test requirement above average. The stiff hardwood fiber holds its crush resistance in humid conditions better than recycled fluting.
When to pick Recycled fluting
Pick recycled fluting for domestic distribution, e-commerce direct-to-consumer shipping, and any application where the lower cost outweighs the lower crush resistance. European corrugated dominantly uses recycled fluting because OCC recovery rates are high.
The decision in one paragraph
NSSC for export and heavy-duty. Recycled for domestic. Many corrugators keep both qualities on hand and select per box spec.
Frequently asked questions
What does NSSC stand for?
Neutral sulfite semichemical. A pulping process that uses sodium sulfite at near-neutral pH to partially delignify hardwood, followed by mechanical refining.
Is recycled fluting weaker?
Yes, at equal grammage it has 15 to 25% lower CMT. Box designers compensate by specifying higher grammage recycled fluting or stronger liners.
Can you mix them in one corrugated board?
Unusual but possible. Single-wall boards use one fluting grade; double and triple wall can mix NSSC and recycled mediums on different flutes.