Goods packed.
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A box in your size.

A technical overview of FEFCO corrugated box constructions, dimensions, materials, printing and applications.

Technical information

Minimum order quantity

• Short digitally printed runs: usually from 100 pieces
• Flexographically printed boxes: usually from 500–1,000 pieces
• Unprinted standard constructions depend on dimensions, material and manufacturer
• The exact minimum is confirmed for construction, dimensions, printing and delivery quantity

Dimensions and construction

• Made to the customer’s required internal dimensions
• Dimensions stated as length × width × height in millimetres
• FEFCO 0201: regular slotted box with outer flaps meeting when closed
• FEFCO 0203: fully overlapping outer flaps for extra top and bottom strength
• Die-cut, self-locking, crash-lock-bottom, telescopic and other FEFCO constructions
• Construction selected for product size, weight, packing method, stacking and transport
• Usually supplied folded flat and erected at the point of use

Materials

• Common profiles: E, B and C flutes, and double-wall EB and BC
• Single-wall board normally has three paper layers for light to medium-weight goods
• Double-wall board normally has five paper layers for greater crush, impact and stacking strength
• Natural brown or white outer liner according to appearance and printing
• Strength specified through flute profile, paper grammage, paper quality and, where needed, ECT or BCT requirements
• Material selected for internal dimensions, weight, stacking height, storage duration and transport conditions

Printing options

• Flexographic printing for larger runs, logos, text, handling symbols and simpler multicolour designs
• Digital printing for shorter runs and detailed or frequently changing artwork
• Preprinted or litho-laminated surfaces for high-quality full-colour graphics
• Outside or inside printing according to construction and process
• Colours, area and process confirmed against artwork, material and quantity

Finishing

• Hand holes, ventilation holes, tear strips and other structural features
• Closure using tape, adhesive, staples, locking flaps or integrated closures
• Corrugated partitions, nests, layer pads and shaped inserts to secure and protect products
• Full-overlap flaps, extra layers, reinforced corners or separate protective components
• Die-cut constructions may require a dedicated cutting die

Lead times

• Standard production and delivery: approximately 2–4 weeks after construction and artwork approval
• New cutting dies, samples or complex inserts are confirmed separately
• Exact timing depends on construction, material, printing, quantity and production workload

Artwork files

• Preferred vector formats: PDF, AI or EPS
• Use the manufacturer’s approved dieline
• Convert text to outlines and supply linked images at the required resolution
• Flexographic colours are usually specified with Pantone references
• A structural and artwork proof is provided for approval before production

Applications

• E-commerce parcels and courier shipments
• Industrial products, equipment and spare parts
• Grouped packaging for food, bakery products and drinks
• Household goods, clothing and retail products
• Warehouse, logistics and export packaging
• Moving, archive and storage boxes

Corrugated shipping boxes: choosing construction and material

Corrugated boxes are strong, lightweight and adaptable packages for storage, transport and e-commerce. They are made to the required internal dimensions, with construction selected according to product weight, size, protection needs and supply-chain conditions.

Options include standard FEFCO slotted boxes and die-cut, self-locking, crash-lock-bottom and telescopic constructions. Custom printing, hand holes, inserts, partitions and other packing features can be added.

Flute profiles and board strength

E-flute is thin with a good printing surface, suitable for smaller boxes and lighter products. B-flute offers good crush resistance for many transport and retail applications. C-flute is thicker with more cushioning and is commonly used for shipping cartons.

Heavier products and demanding transport often use double-wall EB or BC board. Single-wall board normally has three paper layers; double-wall board has five. Strength is not determined by flute profile alone: paper quality, grammage, box dimensions, stacking and required ECT or BCT strength also matter.

Dimensions and FEFCO constructions

Boxes are generally specified by internal dimensions in the order length × width × height. Correct dimensions restrict product movement, reduce void fill and improve use of transport space.

FEFCO 0201 is a regular slotted box whose outer flaps meet when closed, suitable for many storage and transport applications. FEFCO 0203 has fully overlapping outer flaps for additional top and bottom strength. Die-cut, self-locking, crash-lock-bottom, telescopic and other FEFCO constructions can be selected for the packing process and protection requirements.

Logo printing and printing processes

Printed corrugated boxes can carry logos, product information, handling instructions, promotional messages and other artwork. Flexographic printing mainly suits larger runs, logos, text and simpler multicolour designs.

Digital printing supports shorter runs and detailed or frequently changing artwork. Preprinted or litho-laminated board can provide high-quality full-colour graphics. Select the process according to design, material, print quality and quantity.

Applications

E-commerce uses corrugated boxes for secure shipping and a consistent brand experience. Construction can be tailored to product dimensions with tear strips, closure strips or inserts.

Industry and logistics pack equipment, spare parts, household goods, retail products and other goods for storage and transport. Food and bakery applications require material and construction selected for the product, direct or indirect food contact and conditions of use.

Plastrum as your B2B corrugated box partner

Plastrum helps choose FEFCO construction, flute profile, board strength, internal dimensions and printing for the product and supply chain. We can also specify stacking loads, closures, inserts and sample requirements.

We serve B2B customers in the Baltic and Scandinavian markets, comparing manufacturing options from specification and artwork checks to production and delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Which board suits heavier products?

Double-wall EB or BC board is often used. The final choice also depends on box dimensions, product weight, stacking, storage duration and transport conditions.

How do FEFCO 0201 and 0203 differ?

The outer flaps of a FEFCO 0201 meet when closed. FEFCO 0203 outer flaps fully overlap, increasing top and bottom strength.

Are custom sizes available?

Yes. Boxes can be made to your internal dimensions. State length × width × height and include product weight where possible.

Can boxes carry our logo?

Yes. Logos, text, handling symbols or a full design are available. Process, colours and area depend on material, artwork and quantity.

What information is needed for a quotation?

Include internal dimensions, product description and weight, quantity, transport and stacking conditions, print colour count and, if possible, artwork or an existing box sample.