What do all those letters on my packaging mean?
The world of packaging has its own shorthand, filled with acronyms and technical jargon that can be confusing to newcomers and even seasoned pros.
Understanding these terms is vital for clear communication, efficient operations, and making informed choices about the packaging you use.
This guide aims to make sense of it all by providing a rundown of common packaging abbreviations, technical terms, and important concepts. We’ll explore different materials, testing methods, and sustainability considerations that are shaping the packaging landscape right now.
Material Acronyms: Understanding the Building Blocks of Packaging
Ever wonder what those little letter codes on your packaging mean? They’re material acronyms, and they tell you what the package is made of. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common ones:
Plastics: A World of Polymers
- PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): You’ll see this on beverage bottles and food containers. It’s clear, strong, and easy to recycle.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Think milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some plastic bags. It’s known for its chemical resistance and strength.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This one’s used in films, flexible packaging, and squeeze bottles because it’s flexible and seals easily.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Often used for blister packs and those rigid plastic films.
- PP (Polypropylene): Check your yogurt containers, bottle caps, and microwaveable containers. PP is heat resistant and doesn’t react easily with chemicals.
- PS (Polystyrene): This is used for disposable cups, foam packaging, and some food containers. It can be rigid or foamy, which makes it a good insulator.
Other Materials
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): This isn’t a material itself, but a certification you’ll see on paper and cardboard. It means the material came from forests that are managed responsibly, ensuring sustainable forestry.
Corrugated Container Terminology: Flutes, Styles, and Strength
When you’re trying to figure out the best kind of packaging for your products, there are a few things you need to know about corrugated containers, including the different flute profiles and box styles.
Understanding Flute Profiles
The “flute” refers to the wavy layer of cardboard between the flat outer layers of a corrugated box. Different flute profiles offer different properties.
- A-Flute: This was one of the original flute styles, and it’s still a great choice if you need cushioning and stacking strength. The flutes are about 3/16 inch high, and there are about 36 flutes per foot. This is a good choice for general packaging.
- B-Flute: If you need good crush resistance and a smooth printing surface, B-Flute is a solid choice. The flutes are smaller than A-Flute, at about 47 flutes per foot. You’ll often see this used for canned goods and retail packaging.
- C-Flute: A happy medium between A and B flutes, giving you a mix of cushioning and stacking strength.
- E-Flute: This fine flute profile offers excellent printability and crush resistance. The flutes are about 1/16 inch high. This is often used for lightweight products and for boxes that will be printed on directly.
Common Box Styles
There are lots of different box styles to choose from, depending on what you’re shipping and how you want it presented.
- RSC (Regular Slotted Container): This is the most common and economical box style. All the flaps are the same length, and the two outer flaps meet in the middle.
- FOL (Full Overlap): This offers extra stacking strength because the flaps overlap completely.
- 5PW (Five Panel Wrap): This is used to wrap products that are different sizes.
- COW (Cut Out Wrap): This is a wrap-around style with cut-out sections so you can see or handle the product.
- Pad/Sheet: These are flat sheets of corrugated board that you can use for cushioning or separating products.
- HSC (Half Slotted Container): This is like an RSC, but it only has one set of flaps.
Testing and Performance: Measuring Packaging Strength
It’s important to know if your packaging will hold up to the rigors of shipping and storage. Several tests can help you determine a package’s strength and suitability for the job.
Strength Testing Methods
- ECT (Edge Crush Test): This test measures the compression strength of corrugated cardboard. The ECT rating tells you how well a box can be stacked. If you’re shipping heavier objects, you’ll need a higher ECT rating.
- Mullen Test (Bursting Strength Test): The Mullen test measures how well corrugated cardboard resists bursting from internal pressure.
Importance of Performance Metrics
Choosing the right strength rating is key to protecting your products while they’re being shipped and handled. Understanding these tests allows you to make smart decisions about which packaging materials are appropriate for your needs.
Advanced packaging terminology
The world of packaging has its own vocabulary. Here’s a quick glossary of some terms you might encounter:
- Primary Packaging: The material that touches the product itself. Examples: bottles, jars, wrappers.
- Secondary Packaging: Packaging that groups primary packages. Examples: cartons, trays.
- Tertiary Packaging: Packaging for bulk transport and storage. Examples: pallets, stretch wrap.
- Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP): Packaging designed to go straight onto store shelves.
- Tamper-Evident Packaging: Packaging that shows if the product has been opened or changed.
- Blister Packaging: Pre-formed plastic to hold small items.
- Clamshell Packaging: A hinged plastic container.
- Aseptic Packaging: Packaging that keeps food sterile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CTN mean in packaging?
In the packaging world, CTN typically stands for “carton.” You’ll often see it used to indicate the number of cartons in a shipment or as part of a carton number. For example, CTN 1 of 5 would mean carton one of a five-carton shipment.
What is the proper abbreviation for “package”?
The most common and widely accepted abbreviation for “package” is “pkg.” It’s concise and easily understood in most contexts, especially within shipping and logistics.
What is the abbreviation for “packaging”?
The abbreviation for “packaging” is “pkg.” It’s the same as the abbreviation for “package,” but context usually makes it clear whether you’re referring to a single package or the overall process of packaging.
What is the abbreviation for “packing list”?
The abbreviation for “packing list” is “PKL.” It’s used to document the contents of each package. A packing list is an itemized list of the contents of a package. It’s typically included inside the package and/or attached to the outside.
To Conclude
If you work in the packaging industry, knowing packaging abbreviations and terminology is crucial. Being familiar with these terms helps you communicate effectively and make smart choices.
Whether you’re dealing with different types of materials, corrugated container styles, strength testing methods, or cutting-edge packaging concepts, understanding these terms gives you the confidence to navigate the complexities of the packaging world.
By taking into account the unique needs of your product, your supply chain, and your sustainability targets, you can choose packaging solutions that are both effective and appropriate for your business.