What is the FEFCO code? What’s in it for logistics? | RAJA
5min read
27/06/2022
Do you know the FEFCO code? carton packagingthe FEFCO code is the identity card of the packaging industry and gives a variety of information: dimensions, types of opening and closing, format, etc. It indicates all the internationally recognised characteristics of cardboard packaging.Find out in this guide what the numbers mean.
What is a FEFCO code?
The FEFCO code is used to identify the different types of cardboard. It is an international standard used in all trade. Logisticians are therefore obliged to comply with the criteria of this code in order to market their packaging properly. FEFCO refers to the European Federation of Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers. Founded in 1952 and located in Brussels, it represents the European cardboard industry. For the packaging industry, it studies issues relating to
- Economy
- Finance
- Technology
- Marketing
What are the criteria contained in a FEFCO code?
What does the FEFCO code look like? What are the criteria for naming carton packs?
Structure
The FEFCO code consists of a minimum of four digits, to which four more digits may be added. An eight-digit FEFCO code is expressed as follows: 0204/0215. The first digits refer to the model or design standardised according to the FEFCO classification. If they are required, the other four digits specify the variants of the model when the model presents a combination.
Dimensions
Conventionally, the dimensions of the packs are expressed in millimetres (mm) and are taken from the inside. Three measurements are taken
- L: length, longest dimension at the opening
- l: width, shortest dimension at the opening
- h: height, dimension of the base of the package at its opening
these three data are always expressed as Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H) and should be taken when the carton is flat, as this is often its delivery configuration, under controlled climatic conditions (meeting current standards), and starting from the creasing lines
| the purpose
of this operation is to mark the shape of the packaging to facilitate its folding during assembly. |
format
Les deux premiers chiffres du code désignent la catégorie à laquelle appartient le carton.
Ces catégories sont au nombre de 9 :
01 : Bobines, feuilles et plaques commerciales: elles se vendent en rouleaux pour une utilisation personnalisée.
02 : Caisses à rabats: en une seule pièce, ces cartons se referment en rabattant les quatre côtés d’ouverture. Les côtés sont joints par de la colle, de la gomme ou des agrafes.
03 : Caisses télescopiques: il s’agit de caisses avec un couvercle totalement amovible.
04 : Enveloppes et plateaux: il s’agit de pièces d’emballage en un seul morceau à monter. Il n’y a pas de colle ou de gomme au niveau des angles.
05 : Boîtes coulissantes: l’ouverture se fait en coulissant l’extérieur de la boîte.
06 : Caisses rigides: avec plusieurs pièces à monter, ces emballages sont renforcés.
07 : Caisses collées prêtes à l’emploi: il s’agit d’emballages collés prêts à l’emploi, dont la réception se fait à plat.
08 :
E
- M: manual assembly
- A: automatic assembly (the bottom is designed so that it only needs to be pushed)
- M/A: the packaging can be assembled manually or automatically
- M+A: both types of assembly are required to form the packaging
the assembly stage concerns the customer or operator during the packaging of the goods.
Opening and closing systems
The way in which the box opens and closes differs. It can be opened by means of flaps, sliding, detaching the lid, etc. The packages can also be closed in different ways
- Adhesive tape
- Glue
- Staples
the
same package can have features from different categories. For example: different flap systems between the top and bottom of the box. Manufacturers can create their own variants.
FEFCO boxes at RAJA
Discover our selection of FEFCO boxes and packages, which can be found in the RAJA online shop
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Mailboxes Mailboxes are used for sending products through the post. They are practical thanks to their adhesive closure. This type of packaging belongs to category 04. Its white kraft outer cover enhances the products. |
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telescopic boxes adjustable in height The long telescopic cardboard box is included in category 03. Its length can be adjusted according to the size of the goods thanks to its interlocking lid. The boxes of different sizes are delivered separately and flat. |
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ready to use boxes With FEFCO code 07, these packages are ideal for quick packaging of products. An example of a product in this category is the white cardboard box for bottles with crossbars. Specially designed for the shipment of fragile products, it has integrated protective crossbars. The box is delivered flat and is available in 6 (single flute) or 12 bottle (double flute) formats |
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boxes and cases for flat products The extra-flat cardboard box can be franked like a letter for economical dispatch! This type of packaging also falls under FEFCO code 04. These boxes are used when a standard box would waste space: you optimise the volumetric weight of the parcel. Thanks to the double thickness of the cardboard on the sides, the articles are well protected. The little extra? The adhesive strip closure with a locking tab to ensure the security of the goods. |
the FEFCO code allows for global standardisation of packaging and there are many resources available to help the logistics industry define their packaging category
