Packaging glossary

The number of flutes in cartons plays a decisive role in their resilience and protective function. Single wall cartons consist of a single layer of corrugated cardboard between two layers of kraftliner paper, making them light and flexible, ideal for shipping lightweight items.

Double-wall cartons, on the other hand, have two corrugated layers surrounded by three layers of kraftliner. This structure gives them extra strength and cushioning, making them the preferred choice for shipping medium to heavy items that require better protection.

Triple wall cartons go one step further with three corrugated layers and four kraftliner layers, making them extremely strong and resistant to impact and pressure. They are ideal for very heavy or fragile goods where maximum protection is required. The corrugations act as a buffer and improve shock absorption, which significantly increases the safety of the packaged products during transport and storage.

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Acrylic adhesive, also known as acrylic glue, is a versatile and high-performance adhesive that is widely used in the packaging industry. This adhesive is based on acrylic polymers and is characterised by its excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal and glass. Acrylic adhesive is particularly valued for its durability and resistance to environmental influences such as moisture, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. This makes it ideal for applications where a durable and reliable bond is required, such as labels, adhesive tapes and security seals.

Thanks to its clear cure, it is also aesthetically pleasing, making it particularly suitable for visible bonding applications such as transparent packaging. Acrylic adhesive offers an excellent balance between initial adhesion and long-term stability, making it an indispensable component in modern packaging design.

The Blue Angel is a renowned environmental label that has been awarded in Germany since 1978 and stands for environmentally friendly products and services. In the packaging industry, the Blue Angel indicates that a product or packaging solution fulfils strict environmental standards. Products that have been awarded this seal must undergo a sustainable production process that focuses on conserving resources, reducing emissions and minimising harmful effects on the environment.

The Blue Angel sets standards in areas such as recyclability, the use of recycled materials and the reduction of harmful substances. For companies and consumers, the label offers a trustworthy guide when purchasing environmentally friendly packaging that helps to reduce the ecological footprint and minimise the environmental impact.

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Cellulose is a naturally occurring organic polymer that is mainly found in plant cells and serves as their structural element. Cellulose plays a central role in the packaging industry, as it forms the basis for the production of Papier, paper, cardboardand various types of cellulose films and packaging. Due to its biodegradability and renewability, cellulose is a particularly environmentally friendly material. It offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic packaging materials and is valued for its strength, flexibility and good barrier properties against gases and flavours.

In addition, cellulose is also chemically modified to create products such as cellulose acetate and cellulose derivatives for specialised applications, including biodegradable films and packaging. These modified cellulose materials expand the range of applications for cellulose in the packaging industry by offering improved properties such as transparency, strength and moisture resistance. The use of cellulose supports the development of sustainable, compostable packaging solutions that help reduce environmental impact.

FEFCO, the abbreviation for "Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondulé", stands for the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. This association has developed a standardised coding system for corrugated board products that is recognised worldwide. The FEFCO code system serves as a universal language to describe the specifications of corrugated board packaging, which simplifies communication between suppliers and customers. It includes codes for a wide range of packaging types, from simple boxes to complex packaging solutions, and takes into account various aspects such as design, material properties and closure methods.

By standardising packaging descriptions, FEFCO helps to increase efficiency in the supply chain, makes it easier to compare offers and promotes the reuse and recyclability of packaging, which contributes to sustainability in the packaging industry.

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FSC paper stands for paper that has been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate. This international certification system guarantees that the wood used for paper production comes from sustainably managed forests that fulfil ecological, social and economic standards. FSC paper promotes responsible forest management by ensuring that for every tree felled, a new one is planted, biodiversity is protected and the rights of the local population and workers are respected.

By choosing FSC-certified paper for packaging and other applications, companies and consumers are actively contributing to environmental protection, supporting sustainable practices and helping to combat deforestation. FSC paper is therefore not only an environmentally friendly choice, but also a sign of social commitment and ecological responsibility.

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FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognised certification for food safety systems that was developed specifically for the food industry. It is based on the ISO 22000 standard, supplemented by specific requirements for predefined programme areas (PRPs). FSSC 22000 aims to establish effective systems to ensure food safety throughout the production process.

For packaging materials that come into direct contact with food, FSSC 22000 plays a crucial role. The certification ensures that manufacturers of packaging materials adhere to strict hygiene standards to prevent cross-contamination and impurities. This includes the control of biological, chemical and physical hazards, compliance with cleaning and sanitising procedures and the training of employees in food safety.

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HDPE, short for high-density polyethylene, is a thermoplastic known for its robustness, resistance to chemicals and low water absorption. This material is characterised by its high tensile strength and hardness, making it an ideal choice for the production of packaging that requires durability and protection. HDPE is often used for products such as milk and detergent bottles, food containers, garbage bagsand pipes.

One of the biggest advantages of HDPE is its recyclability, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to other plastics. It is resistant to most solvents and can be used at high and low temperatures, which increases its versatility in various applications. HDPE packaging provides an effective barrier against moisture and contaminants, extending the shelf life of packaged products. Due to its properties and environmental compatibility, HDPE is a favoured material in the packaging industry, especially for products that require high strength and protection.

Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic adhesives that are in solid form and melt when heated. After being applied to a surface, they harden on cooling and form a solid bond. These adhesives are characterised by their fast curing time, strong adhesion and easy handling. They are particularly effective for packaging applications such as sealing cartons, attaching labels and strapping loads.

Hotmelt adhesives offer several advantages: they do not require solvents, which makes them more environmentally friendly, and their strong initial adhesion enables immediate further processing of the bonded materials. They are also versatile and compatible with a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic and metal. Their resistance to moisture and temperature influences makes them ideal for products that need to be stored and transported under different environmental conditions. Hot melt adhesives are therefore a reliable and efficient solution for many challenges in the modern packaging industry.

ISPM 15 stands for "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15" and is an international regulation for wood packaging material in international trade. This standard was developed to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging such as pallets, crates and insulation material. ISPM 15 stipulates that wood packaging material destined for export must undergo treatment to kill harmful organisms. The most commonly used methods are heat treatment (HT), in which the wood is heated to a core temperature of at least 56°C for at least 30 minutes, or fumigation with methyl bromide.

After treatment, the wood packaging material is labelled with a special mark confirming compliance with the ISPM 15 standard. This mark, often referred to as the "IPPC logo", contains information about the country of origin, the registration number of the treatment plant and the type of treatment carried out. Compliance with ISPM 15 is crucial for companies that ship their goods internationally, as non-compliance can lead to delays, quarantine or even destruction of the shipment. ISPM 15 thus plays a central role in global trade by helping to protect the biosafety of ecosystems worldwide.

Kraft paper, also known as kraft liner paper, is a robust, resistant paper packaging material that is known for its high strength and durability. This is why it is also used for the production of cardboard boxes, among other things. It is made from long wood sulphate fibres, which gives it its characteristic brown colour and tear resistance. This environmentally friendly paper is ideal for a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty packaging to shopping bags, envelopes and as filling material.

Kraft paper is characterised by its high puncture and burst resistance, which makes it particularly suitable for shipping and storing heavy or sharp-edged objects. Due to its good recyclability and biodegradability, kraft paper is often used as a sustainable packaging alternative. It not only offers protection for products, but also helps companies to implement environmentally conscious packaging solutions.

LDPE, short for low-density polyethylene, is a soft, flexible and translucent plastic that is particularly known for its excellent chemical resistance and its ability to be repeatedly moulded without breaking. LDPE is produced by the high pressure polymerisation process and has a lower density and stiffness than HDPE, making it ideal for applications where flexibility is required.

In the packaging industry, LDPE is particularly popular for the production of shrink films, bagslids, bottles and flexible pipes due to its waterproofness and elasticity. It is also frequently used in the manufacture of films for food packaging, as it extends shelf life and protects the contents from moisture and contamination.

Micrometre (µm), often simply referred to as "My", is the unit of measurement for the thickness of films films and other thin materials in the packaging industry. A micrometre corresponds to one millionth of a metre or one thousandth of a millimetre and is used to precisely describe the fineness or thickness of films.

The film thickness, measured in micrometres, is a decisive factor for the functionality and application of the film. Thinner films (a few microns thick) are lightweight and flexible, ideal for retail and lightweight packaging, while thicker films (several dozen microns) provide extra protection and strength for shipping and storing heavier items. Choosing the right film thickness depends on the specific requirements of the packaging, including the need for a barrier against moisture, oxygen and other environmental influences, as well as the mechanical strength and transparency of the film.