If you are new to packaging, some of the terms used in the industry will be unfamiliar. Our team aim to provide information and answer questions in plain English. However, it can be useful to have a few common packaging terms explained.
Board Grade
Let’s start with board grade. Corrugated cardboard is formed from a sheet of undulating, fluted paper glued between two outer, flat liners. The weight of the inner and outer liner and the flute density determine the board grade. This ranges from A Flute to F Flute.
We usually supply B Flute, a good all-rounder, or E Flute, which enhances print quality for single walled cardboard boxes. As an alternative, you may want double-walled boxes, made from two fluted layers between three flat sheets for extra strength and durability. If so, EB Flute usually offers an ideal blend of protection and a good print surface.
Box Plant
That’s us! It’s an alternative name for a manufacturer that transforms flat cardboard sheets into boxes of all styles and sizes. And, our factory or box plant is based in Buckinghamshire.
Cartonboard
Cartonboard is a solid thick card, which is most widely used for retail packaging. Think cereal boxes rather than corrugated cardboard shipping boxes.
Crash Lock Boxes
This is a style of cardboard box where the base interlocks to form a reliable seal without the need for tape. As such, it provides a plastic free and reusable packaging option.
Die Cut Section
A section cut out of a solid cardboard box. It might form a carrying handle or a window to view the product.
Dividers
Dividers are cardboard inserts that go inside boxes to separate contents, enhance presentation and provide added cushioning. We can design them to be integral to the box design or produced as a separate packaging element. Dividers are a cost-effective way to make a single box style work for several product combinations.
Drop Testing
A method of checking if the contents of a box are sufficiently protected by the packaging during handling and delivery. It involves dropping boxes from a fixed height at various angles.
Embossing
Embossing is a method of adding subtle text or details to a box without print. With embossing, the design is pressed into the cardboard to create an indent. Firstly, this offers a subtle design feature. Secondly, if you intend to add stickers to your packaging to differentiate different items in the range, embossing aids consistent positioning of the stickers.
FEFCO Code
FEFCO is the organisation that has developed a range of standard box styles which are globally used in the corrugated industry. For this reason, some of our customers place orders based on the FEFCO code. To give a couple of examples of the FEFCO Code, 0201 is the standard shipping box style and 0427 is a popular option for e-commerce postal boxes.
Flexographic Print
Flexographic print is one of several options for printing boxes. What’s more, it’s a cost-effective option, as the ink can be applied during the standard manufacturing process. Therefore, it’s the most popular choice for postal boxes and shipping cartons.
Flute Direction
When manufacturing boxes, it is important that we place every sheet of cardboard with the flute facing the same direction. Vertical or horizontal, the flute direction impacts the strength of the box and the cut-edge finish.
Kraft Paper
That is the brown paper used to make cardboard boxes. It is formed from unbleached paper pulp, most of which is recycled from other paper and cardboard. Kraft brown or bleached white are the standard box colours on which all other colours are printed.
Lithographic Print
Lithographic print is a technique used for adding typography, graphics and imagery to boxes. It’s most often used for retail packaging where a high-quality print finish is required.
Primary Packaging
This refers to the first layer of packaging, which has direct contact with the product. For example, a jar or tube of face cream.
RAL colour
RAL is a standardised system is used to achieve the exact match across packaging and other marketing materials. Equally it helps standardise the print on several different runs of packaging, which could be manufactured months or years apart.
Secondary Packaging
The layer of packaging holding the primary packaging, such as a box for a jar or tube of cream. Firstly, this is used to provide product information and branding. Secondly, it offers added protection. Thirdly, it makes it easier to stack and display goods.
Tear Strip
A perforated strip in the box for easy opening without the need for sharp objects. When coupled with an adhesive strip to reseal, this makes it simple-to-reuse the box for returns.
Tertiary Packaging
Usually, tertiary packaging refers to the shipping boxes used to distribute a wholesale order to the retailer. This includes shelf ready packaging, where the top of the box can be removed to showcase the goods.
Tooling
Tooling refers to both the cutting plate (or die) used to cut and crease the template of each box and the printing plate used to apply designs to the box. These are created to meet the requirements of every custom order. Fortunately, once tooling has been created, it can be reused for every future order. As a result, all subsequent orders cost less than the first!
Void Fill
Void fill is any material used to add extra protection to goods in a box, including airbags, scrunched kraft paper shredded paper, straw and bubble wrap. In some cases, best fit boxes or cardboard inserts can prevent the need for void fill. If that is of interest, talk to us about custom packaging.
What Packaging Terms Do You Want Explained?
This sample of packaging terms covers many of those which may come up in conversation when discussing ideas and solutions with customers. Did you find it helpful?
We’ve tried not to get overly technical. However, if you’ve heard other packaging terms that you are unsure of, just ask us and we’ll explain. So, call us to discuss your requirements on 01296 436888.
