Learn what FEFCO corrugated packaging is, how FEFCO codes work, and find the right box style for your business. When it comes to quality packaging solutions, one size (and one solution) may not always fit all. And that’s where we, at CLF Boxwise, come in! Our team are experts in our sector, and we’re dedicated to connecting our clients with the right products and services.
Solutions that truly suit your company’s needs is what we’re all about. We are used to working closely with our customers to provide bespoke products tailored to them, but our solutions also include tried-and-tested FEFCO box designs. FEFCO’s corrugated cardboard boxes and more are hugely customisable (including with printed design) and are trusted the world over to both protect items in transit and display products in their best light.
What is FEFCO corrugated packaging?
FEFCO refers to a standardised system of corrugated box designs used across the packaging industry. FEFCO designs are categorised with a system of internationally recognised standardised codes, which refer to their various styles and configurations.
Read on for an overview of FEFCO codes, corresponding designs and various uses – and reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01376 551166 for guidance.
FEFCO Box Styles Explained
0200 designs – Slotted boxes
Best for: All-round staple solutions
Arguably the most familiar box designs, styles with 0200 codes are scored and slotted boxes created with a single piece of corrugated die cut cardboard, scored, folded and slotted together to form a sturdy box with flaps that fit together at the top and/or bottom. The most common design is, perhaps, the 0201 – the recognisable classic cardboard packing box – featuring outer flaps of equal size that, when closed, meet in the centre ready for sealing with tape, glue or stitching.
0200 styles are widely used for a range of shipping and storage purposes, offering a fantastic combination of strength and versatility – as well as cost effectiveness across projects.
0300 designs – Telescopic boxes
Best for: Protection and presentation
Designs within the 0300, telescopic box, range are usually made up of two of more separate parts – typically a base and a lid – where one section fits over the other fully or partially. Picture, for example, a typical lidded shoe box. One benefit of designs like this is the extra strength and rigidity the configuration delivers in comparison to single-piece cartons and boxes. This makes them particularly useful in instances where protection is needed, or where a more premium presentation experience might be required.
The separate base and lid format also allows for a good level of flexibility in size and shape, making these styles ideal for many product types across multiple industries, including for fragile or high-value items that need protection or goods requiring a snug fit.
0400 designs – Folder boxes and trays
Best for: Versatility and convenience
0400 designs are typically formed from a single, die cut piece of corrugated board, often without the need for separate lids. Features like locking tabs and handles can also be incorporated. Most styles in this category are designed to be quick and simple to assemble – without additional equipment and often with no need for tape or glue – so they are ideal for fast-paced packing environments where efficiency is key.
As well as being suitable for shelf-ready packaging (SRP), designs like these are widely used in retail or e-commerce environments (such as in the case of mailer cartons for books, clothes and much more), striking a balance between neat compactness, effective product protection and an easy, enjoyable unboxing experience for the customer.
0500 designs – Slide boxes
Best for: Premium product experiences
Slide boxes consist of multiple corrugated cardboard pieces (typically a sleeve and an inner tray or liner) that slide together to form a complete package. One benefit of designs like these is that it creates a safe and secure enclosure for your products; the sliding mechanism allows for a snug fit, helping to provide excellent levels of strength and protection for even heavy or fragile items. However, 0500 designs can also amply deliver a refined presentation and premium unboxing experience for customers, able to be customised with printed designs or inserts.
Typical uses for this range of styles might include retail and presentation packaging (such as for electronics or premium goods) or for gift boxes – where both customer experience and protection both matter equally.
0700 designs – Ready-glued cases
Best for: Operational efficiency
As the name suggests, ready-glued corrugated cardboard cases are supplied in one pre-glued, flat piece, allowing them to be opened, folded and assembled into shape quickly and efficiently. With such quick setup, and no requirement for additional adhesive, these hugely versatile designs can offer a reduced assembly time and processes for packing teams, making many 0700s an ideal option for high-volume operations.
Their high levels of convenience and consistency, however, does not take away from their reliable strength and protection across a huge range of product types. As such, 0700 designs are widely used for both shipping and storage purposes across many of different industry types, including e-commerce and retail settings, as well as food and other fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.
0800 designs – Retail and e-commerce packaging
Best for: Consumer-facing solutions
Designs in this category comprise a range of different formats recently developed for retail displays (including Point of Sale, or POS, display boxes and trays), direct-to-customer delivery and e-commerce experiences. These designs are developed with strength, convenience and impactful presentation in mind, supporting visual appeal as well as simple, efficient packing processes. Particularly useful for SRP that bridges the gap between transit and shelf, in turn reducing the need for additional handling or repacking stages.
Highly customisable, these solutions are simply ideal for the addition of eye-catching printed designs and branding for enticing customers with vibrant in-store displays and engaging unboxing experiences at home. 0800s are also commonly used for the safe, secure delivery of, for example, online orders or subscription boxes – where visual appeal is as highly valued as easy, reliable functionality.
0900 designs – Interior fitments
Best for: Organisation, protection and peace of mind
Rather than being box designs, example styles with 0900 FEFCO codes include internal components such as liners, pads, dividers and partitions and more, made of corrugated cardboard. These elements are typically utilised alongside other outer packaging types to deliver extra padding and protection, or separation and organisation, to products. This helps to prevent items moving or shaking while in transit and reducing the risk of damage.
Fitments like these also allow for multiple items, even fragile ones, to be organised and packed securely within a single outer carton. Common examples of usage may include packed glass items (such as bottles or jars), or electronic products. Highly flexible, versatile and customisable, 0900 designs can be tailored to fit specific product shapes and requirements, to offer essential peace of mind with reliable protection on every shipment.
Summary
With a wealth of styles to suit almost any packing, storage and shipping requirements – whatever your company’s products – FEFCO designs can be adjusted to almost any dimensions and are highly trusted within the industry for very good reason. Our team of experts, here at CLF Boxwise, have a thorough knowledge of FEFCO designs and are perfectly placed to advise the best, most appropriate packaging solutions for you and your business.
What’s more, if you’re looking for something tailor made to you – we can absolutely help with that too, having worked closely with many of our customers to create bespoke packaging solutions that not only keep their products safe, but show them off in their very best light.
Why not get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your product range and requirements? Give us a call on 01376 551166 or email sales@clfboxwise.co.uk; we are always delighted to find out more about you and make recommendations to take the hassle out of packaging.