Glossary: Packaging Basics
Not sure which packaging suits your goods? Or looking for a specific technical term?
Our glossary explains how boxes are built, what sets the different types apart and which standards they are made to.
You'll also find examples of common boxes and special packaging, plus practical tips for everyday shipping.
General Information
The basics of boxes, corrugated board and key standards.
Shipping Boxes
The most common box types for everyday shipping.
Retention Packaging
Sensitive and fragile goods need a secure hold inside the parcel. This packaging provides it.
Special Boxes
For specific purposes, such as moving house or shipping dangerous goods.
Shipping Bags
For many shipments, a mailer bag is all you need: light, sturdy and affordable.
General Information
Cardboard as packaging material
Cardboard is more than thick paper: it is affordable, keeps its shape and can be disposed of with waste paper after use.
Buying boxes made easy
What to look for when choosing: tips on size, flute type and quantity.
The FEFCO standard for folding boxes
How are folding boxes folded, and why that way? The FEFCO standard assigns a unique code to every box style.
Corrugated board and its flute types
Corrugated board looks simpler than it is. Here are the flute types and what each is suited for:
Packaging licensing: why and how?
Anyone shipping packaged goods to end customers in Germany must license their packaging with a dual system. We explain what that means and how to get it done.
What is the girth measurement?
Ever paid more postage than expected? The girth measurement is probably why. We explain what it is and how to calculate it.
Classic Shipping Boxes
Maxi Letter Boxes
For small goods: the maxi letter box matches the German maxi letter format and ships at letter rates instead of as a parcel.
Large Letter Boxes
Not just for documents: small, light products also arrive well protected in a large letter box.
Single Wall Boxes
The shipping standard: single wall boxes suit light to medium-weight goods and work just as well for storage and archiving.
Automatic Bottom Boxes
When speed matters at the packing station: boxes with an automatic bottom are set up in one move, no tape needed.
Packaging for Sensitive Goods
Single Piece Retention Packaging
Retention and shipping box in one: an elastic film holds sensitive products firmly in place.
Two Piece Retention Packaging
For larger products: the retention frame holds the goods in place, and the separate shipping box adds protection against impact and pressure.
Membrane Packaging
For flat, sensitive products such as smartphones: the item is held between two films and floats inside the box without touching the walls.
Nub Foam Boxes
Too thick for membrane packaging? The nub foam box is lined with foam padding and has room for taller products.
Special Boxes
Shipping Tubes
Posters, plans or technical drawings won't fit in a regular box without creasing. So just roll them up.
Pallet Boxes
Moving loose goods in large quantities on a pallet? A pallet box that fits keeps everything together.
Moving Boxes
Sturdy and practical: moving boxes help with transport and with sorting, so you can find everything quickly after the move.
Dangerous Goods Boxes
For flammable, corrosive or toxic substances: dangerous goods boxes are approved for transporting this kind of freight.
Shipping Bags
Bubble Mailers
Jewellery, spare parts or memory cards in a plain envelope? Better not. Bubble mailers are made of sturdy paper and lined with bubble wrap.
Poly Mailers
LDPE mailer bags for online and fashion retail: tear-resistant, water-repellent and opaque.