The Commercial Packaging Dictionary
To the average person, the only thing that differentiates packaging is design, but our Vikings know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Commercial packaging can be made with a vast array of materials and techniques. We want to ensure every customer who takes the first step in creating custom commercial packaging is on the same page as our team, so we’ve put together a commercial packaging dictionary to prepare you for your first order!
Materials
Many people would assume that all cardboard is the same. Viking offers options when it comes to cardboard packaging, so you can use the material that’s going to best serve your commercial product.
Chip Board: Brown and natural in color, this cardboard packaging is what you think of when you imagine a cereal box or perfume box.
SBS: This acronym stands for solid bleached sulfate. This cardboard material is bright white and great for printing designs.
Corrugated: Our most rigid and strong cardboard, corrugated has multiple layers with a middle wavy layer that gives it durability.
Board Construction
When it comes to putting together your packaging, knowing how to construct it to protect the product inside is a priority.
Mullen Test: This test uses a three-digit number and measures the strength it takes to burst through the sidewalls of the box. This is best used to measure individual boxes that will be shipped.
ECT Test: This acronym stands for edge crush test. This two-digit number represents the strength it takes to crush the edges of the paper. This is most useful for boxes that’ll be stacked on pallets
Flute Size: This measures the profile of the wavy medium layer of corrugated materials. A is the largest profile, then C, then B, E, and F.
Box Styles
Knowing the various styles of boxes can be supremely helpful when you’re talking to a packaging designer. Here are a few to help you get started.
RSC: This stands for regular slotted carton, and is what you’ll think of as a normal box.
Mailer: These are primarily used for e-commerce and require a cutting die. Their strength is in their presentation, as they often look better to the end customer.
Partitions: These dividers are within a box to separate and protect the product during transport.
While it’s great to be prepared, our Vikings don’t expect you to be a packaging expert when you arrive–that’s our job! Where our team really shines is being able to navigate you through the commercial packaging design process. Like a tour guide in a new country, we’ll translate our knowledge using language you’ll understand. That way, we can work with you to make the best packaging for your product.
Ready to start your industrial packaging design? Contact our team today!