FEFCO explained - What the abbreviations mean and how they are signed

Up to two thirds of all goods in Germany are now packed in environmentally friendly corrugated board. With the help of the FEFCO-ESBO codes, the boxes, cartons and cartons made of corrugated or solid board, which differ in terms of structure and functions, are divided into internationally established classifications. In the following article, we explain the explicit meaning of FEFCO and ESBO and present the individual carton types in detail.

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What is the meaning of the FEFCO code?

As one of the world's leading label and packaging manufacturers and at the same time a pioneer in the segment of digital printing solutions, we naturally offer you standardized packaging solutions with corresponding FEFCO coding in addition to individually customized packaging solutions.

The abbreviation FEFCO stands for the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (formerly: Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondule).

This is a European federation (association) of corrugated board producers, which represents the interests of the European corrugated board industry in all technical and economic matters.

Founded in 1952, the association is based in Brussels (Belgium) and is organized or structured as a non-profit organization. The internationally recognized FEFCO Code serves as a code for the design description of various packaging materials made of corrugated board and solid board.

The respective design of the different packaging works is based on certain basic packaging types. The FEFCO code uses the first two digits of a four-digit code to document which basic type the respective packaging is. A total of nine basic types and thus also nine code basic types are available.

Cooperation between FEFCO and ESBO

FEFCO is supplemented by the so-called ESBO. This abbreviation stands for the European Solid Board Organization, which was founded in 2004. The organization's current headquarters are in The Hague, Netherlands.

FEFCO and ESBO have jointly developed the currently valid coding for packaging solutions made of solid and corrugated board as part of an overarching collaboration. The current codes may only be changed and supplemented by these two organizations.

Actually, the correct name of the code is therefore FEFCO-ESBO-Code. However, FEFCO is the initiator of the code, which is now recognized and implemented worldwide.

It was she who introduced the first code version for the description and representation of the different packaging types. Due to this fact, even today it is often referred to simply as the FEFCO Code.

This is how the internationally valid FEFCO code is structured

FEFCO has so far introduced a total of 1960 different codes. The aim of these internationally established FEFCO codes is to simplify communication between suppliers and manufacturers of corrugated board packaging.

The FEFCO codes ensure that there is uniformity in production. This is ensured by the clear description of corrugated board and solid board packaging.

In implementation, this looks like that each basic type from the packaging portfolio is assigned a four-digit code number. The basic type of packaging is always represented by the first two digits of the code.

If these are not classic basic types but variations of packaging, they are classified accordingly by additional code numbers.

The different functions of the FEFCO code

The code itself has several different functions. Among other things, it indicates the type of construction of the respective carton. This means that it is always possible to clearly determine whether a package is a lidded box or a folding box, for example.

Irrespective of the particular embodiment, each package thus has a specific code number for unambiguous assignment. Due to the clear and number-based coding, the assignment or classification is independent of national languages and internationally understandable.

This transparent classification of cardboard packaging also makes it possible for the end customer to always find the right packaging solution in terms of design, size or shape.

The closure system is also part of the classification. This means that you can always tell directly from the FEFCO code how the packaging is closed.

At a glance - these FEFCO types are available

The FEFCO catalog includes all the codes issued. For the various packaging solutions made of solid board and corrugated board, FEFCO and ESBO have classified eight basic types with the first two digits of the code:

01 stands for commercial rolls and sheets
02 stands for folding boxes or folding cartons
03 stands for lidded boxes (telescope boxes)
04 stands for trays and folding covers
05 stands for sliding boxes
06 stands for dimensionally stable boxes
07 stands for ready glued boxes
09 stands for interiors.

Commercial rolls and sheets

The 01 code includes all components of corrugated board used as pre-cut sheets according to FEFCO code 0110 or as roll corrugated board according to FEFCO code 0100. If you decide to use materials of this type, you are also making a statement in terms of environmental friendliness.

Because at Palamo you always get corrugated roll cardboard that is 100 percent recyclable. But this design also has a lot to offer in terms of functionality. For example, you can use it perfectly to pack mirrors, pictures or similar large products with the cross wrapping.

The corrugated cardboard rolls can also be used as padding for your packaged products, and at the same time they are comparatively inexpensive.

Our corrugated roll cardboard offers you an incredibly high strength, which is due to the stable and at the same time light C-flute. This type of corrugated board meets all the requirements for safe packaging and cushioning of larger objects.

Alternatively, you can also use the corrugated roll cardboard according to FEFCO code 0100 as an intermediate layer. In this way, you prevent possible damage when you want to place several items in one box.

This variant is particularly interesting if you want to package products with sensitive surfaces together. Stable, flexible, inexpensive and environmentally friendly - four reasons that clearly speak for our corrugated roll board.

Folding boxes

Folding boxes are usually made from just one piece of corrugated cardboard folded flat. This means that you always receive your folding boxes or folding crates directly ready for use.

You can choose between versions that are held together at the edges by means of adhesive strips, wire stitching or flap gluing. The lid and base of the packaging are made up of a total of four flaps.

These close automatically as soon as you open the box. Folding boxes of this type can be used at any time as classic transport packaging for a wide variety of products. The FEFCO 0201 cartons are particularly popular.

The special feature of this folding box variant is the lid and bottom inner flaps, each butting in the middle,
which can be sealed with adhesive tape.

Cover boxes

The third group within the FEFCO classification are the so-called lidded cartons (also called telescope cartons ). Normally, the boxes consist of two or more parts that are placed on top of each other.

In most cases, the corresponding parts can be put over the fuselage. In some cases, however, the parts are also slipped individually over a top part (lid) and a bottom part (base). Lidding boxes and telescope boxes are a top choice, particularly for senders of fashion articles, printers and lettershops.

Trays and folding covers

Folded sleeves and trays (open and stackable die-cut packaging) are usually based on just a single blank. You can assemble them using clamp closures or side slits. This means that the packaging does not have to be glued or stapled in advance during production.

By design, the side walls and the lid are attached to the bottom. The base itself is closed throughout. Depending on the design, sometimes additional clamp locks, locking devices and handles are mounted.

If you attach particular importance to the stackability of your packaging, you can also order trays with stacking lugs, for example. Trays and folding sleeves are primarily designed for packaging flat and comparatively large products. Typical packaging goods include calendars, folders and books.

Sliding boxes

Sliding boxes are also called belt boxes. This type of packaging can be characterized by cuffs and ring inserts that can be slid into each other.

In addition, over-slide sleeves for other box types are also included in FEFCO Class 05. For example, the sliding box with FEFCO code 0501 is particularly popular. These packages have a classic corrugated cardboard ring consisting of two wide and two long sides and a short flap.

The flap has the task of holding the cardboard together. The sliding boxes are ideal for use as cardboard reinforcements or for shipping printed products and electronic components.

Shape resistant boxes

The sixth FEFCO type deals with the group of rigid boxes. These are composed of two side parts and a middle part. The latter forms the lid and the bottom.

You can have boxes from this class delivered to you as prepared blanks. You don't have much work to do when putting them together. You only have to connect the middle part with the two side parts.

This is usually done by means of gluing or wire stitching, which are performed directly by special packaging machines. However, the process is comparatively costly and is therefore not suitable for fast packaging.

Ready glued boxes for erection

The seventh class within the FEFCO basic types are already glued boxes. In this area, there are very many different designs. Users particularly often use one-piece, foldable boxes. This is because manufacturers and distributors deliver these FEFCO versions folded so that you only have to erect them.

They are therefore ready for immediate use and can be used promptly. In addition, you have the choice between a folding bottom box and an erecting box with a diagonal bend. Basically, the ready glued boxes are optimally applicable for fast shipping.

Packaging interior design

The digit 08 is not assigned in the FEFCO code. Therefore, the classification continues with the basic type FEFCO 09. This code stands for the interior equipment of corrugated board and solid board packaging.

According to the FEFCO catalog, interior fittings include, for example, partitions, inserts, webs, inserts, compartments or upholstery. These components must be firmly attached to the packaging. However, it is also possible to have the desired interior delivered in the form of separate elements.

You are free to choose how many walls you want in the end. You should use the partitions, inserts or bars to protect several individual items. In this case, the interior will act as a partition and a protective barrier at the same time.

This allows you, for example, to secure the transport of fragile or particularly sensitive products with an additional protection factor. You can also protect the goods from external influences with air cushions.