[SK] How to choose the ideal box size for your assortment?

The right box size plays a key role in any logistics process – affecting transport safety, packing speed, transport costs and ecological footprint. At a time of rising prices for shipping services and increasing pressure on sustainability, optimising packaging dimensions is one of the easiest ways to save money while being more environmentally friendly.

Why is box size more important than it seems?

1. Lower transport costs
   Increasingly, shippers are charging shipments by ‘dimensional weight’ – that is, the bigger the box, the higher the price, regardless of the actual weight. An unnecessarily large box can mean unnecessary overcharges.
2. Smaller ecological footprint
   Smaller packaging means less material, less filler and lower emissions from transport. And the less air you send, the better for the planet and your wallet.
3. Better protection of goods
   Packing too loosely can cause goods to shift and become damaged during transit. A properly fitting box with appropriate padding minimises the risk of claims.

Principles for choosing the right box size

• Measure the product as accurately as possible, ideally including the packaging (e.g. bottle with label and cap).

• Add a margin of 2-5 cm for protective padding, especially for fragile or valuable goods.

• If you are sending a variety of goods, consider multiple box sizes – uniformity can be convenient but not always effective.

• Use folding or height-adjustable boxes if you need flexibility.

Getting to grips with boxes: the basics of the FEFCO system

The FEFCO system is the international standard for marking the shapes and designs of carton boxes. It enables packaging to be named unambiguously without the need for complex descriptions.

The most common types:

• FEFCO 0201 – classic flap box with two flaps at the top and bottom, ideal for conventional packaging.

• FEFCO 0427 – box with reinforced corners, popular in e-shops.

• FEFCO 0713 – telescopic (retractable) box, ideal for products with different heights.

RAJA offers hundreds of boxes of different FEFCO types, plus in many sizes – the selection can be perfectly tailored to your specific product range.

Which boxes to choose for different types of products?

• Textiles and accessories
  Softer goods are not susceptible to damage – a lightweight flap box (e.g. 0201) or corrugated cardboard envelopes will suffice.
• Books, documents, printed matter
  Flat boxes with height adjustment (e.g. FEFCO 0427 or telescopic FEFCO 0713) are ideal to adapt to the contents.
• Fragile goods (e.g. glass, ceramics)
  Choose a sturdier box and add a quality filler (paper, foam profiles, bubble wrap). Sufficient space between the goods and the walls of the box is important.
• Heavygoods, spare parts, machinery
  Five-layer or three-layer cardboard boxes provide both load-bearing capacity and stability during transport.

How to choose the ideal box size?

1. Base it on the actual dimensions and nature of the goods.

2. Minimize unnecessary free space, but don’t forget the protective padding.

3. Choose boxes that make storage, packing and shipping easier.

4. Get expert advice – at RAJA we can recommend the ideal solution and tailor it for you.

Smaller boxes = less waste, lower costs, fewer emissions – but only if they protect your product.

Choosing the ideal box size is always a compromise between product protection, cost and sustainability. The right packaging can significantly reduce packaging and shipping costs while ensuring customer satisfaction through undamaged goods. At RAJA, we are happy to help you select and customize packaging to suit your exact product range and logistical needs.