FEFCO code: the number for packaging

Maybe you’ve seen the popular folding box with the code FEFCO 0201? We explain how exactly the four-digit code for packaging made of corrugated board and solid board is made up and what advantages it brings.

Ingenious construction

Punched, creased, perforated, with flaps and folds – have you ever noticed how ingeniously a box is constructed? This isn’t by accident. Manufacturers of corrugated and solid board packaging adhere to the FEFCO code during production.

“I need a folding carton with a lid according to FEFCO code 0201.” Everything is immediately clear. The four-digit number makes it easier for everyone involved to talk about packaging. Because the FEFCO code, more precisely FEFCO-ESBO code, assigns a unique number to all standard packaging made of corrugated or solid board, regardless of size. The international code also describes how a box is assembled and how it is closed.

FEFCO: the background

Industry associations

FEFCO & ESBO

“FEFCO” stands for Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondule. It was founded in 1952 and is based in Brussels. Today the official English name is: European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. “ESBO” supplements the abbreviation. It stands for European Solid Board Organization.

MORE ABOUT FEFCO

Communicate more easily

Benefits of the FEFCO Code

Users, retailers and manufacturers can communicate more easily about packaging thanks to the uniform FEFCO code. Boxes are made to measure and are standardized. On this basis, you as a customer can formulate your individual change requests and receive exactly the packaging you need.

Well sorted

FEFCO in the online shop

We have cataloged our extensive range of standard boxes according to the FEFCO code so you can quickly find your way around our online shop. Just enter your desired FEFCO number in the search.

What do the FEFCO codes mean?

01 Rolls and sheets

What is meant here are rolls of corrugated cardboard and sheet blanks.

02 Folding boxes

Supplied flat, ready to use, closes with the help of flaps.

03 Lidded boxes

Also called slip boxes or two-piece boxes. Several parts, with the lid usually being placed over the base.

04 Folding sleeves/envelopes and trays

Blank with side panels or lid already attached to the base. Locking devices, handles, displays can be integrated.

05 Sliding boxes

Ring inserts and cuffs are pushed into each other here. Also called belt boxes or drawer boxes.

06 Rigid boxes

Consists of two side parts and a middle part. The parts are connected by wire stitching.

07 Ready-glued boxes

One-piece foldable boxes, shipped flat for easy assembly.

09 Interiors

Dividers, ridges, inserts, compartments or padding, permanently integrated in the box or as separate elements.

Example FEFCO code 0201

Number for a standard folding box with flaps.

FEFCO: Box closures

According to FEFCO

Closure with adhesive strips

FEFCO also defines the proper, secure closure of packaging. There are several ways to do this:

• Flap gluing (hot or cold)

• Adhesive tape bonding (as the example shows)

• Locking

• Saddle stitching

Staples

Wire stitch closure

The example shows the connection of the factory edge with a wire stitch.

Tips for your packaging

For every need

Appropriate packaging

Standard packaging according to the FEFCO-ESBO code is suitable for many applications. Are you looking for the right packaging for your products?

FIND NOW

Play it safe

Close properly

Glueing packaging shut – not as easy as you might think. You can find out how to close boxes securely and economically here:

Know-how

MORE

Information

FEFCO for download

The complete FEFCO catalog can be found on the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers website:

GO TO FEFCO CATALOG

Order your packaging according to FEFCO