Reinforced shipping container

A method, comprising:

• receiving a finite element model of a fiberboard shipping container configured to hold at least one item for shipping, the fiberboard shipping container comprising a plurality of panels that together define an exterior of the fiberboard shipping container;
• receiving an expected load profile that represents an expected load scenario of the fiberboard shipping container, the expected load scenario defining an expected load location on the fiberboard shipping container and an expected load amount at the expected load location;
• performing, based at least in part on the expected load profile, a load simulation using the finite element model of the fiberboard shipping container to generate stress data, the stress data identifying stresses within the fiberboard shipping container as a result of the expected load scenario as identified during the load simulation;
• in accordance with a determination, based at least in part on the stress data, that a stress criterion is satisfied, identifying a stressed region within at least one panel of the plurality of panels;
• determining, using a topological simulation technique, a reinforcement profile for the at least one panel, wherein a shape of the reinforcement profile is determined directly from a shape and a location of the stressed region;
• and
• outputting the reinforcement profile for manufacturing a reinforced shipping container.

A reinforced shipping container, comprising:

• a body comprising:
• a first panel formed of a fiberboard substrate forming a first portion of the body;
• a second panel formed of the fiberboard substrate forming a second portion of the body;
• and
• a reinforcement comprising a fiberboard stiffener material applied to at least one of the first panel or the second panel in a shape, the shape based at least in part on a topological simulation of an expected load profile applied to the reinforced shipping container.