A Beginner’s Guide to Custom Packaging Terminology
Custom packaging is not simply a box. It protects your product. It assists in presenting your brand’s image, too. But if you are new to the packaging world, the custom packaging terminology used can be confusing. All the popular custom packaging terms will be defined in this guide. It is explained in extremely simple English, so even a 6th-grader can get it.
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What Is Custom Packaging?
Custom packaging is a box, bag, or wrapper specifically designed for your item. It is the right size for your product. It displays your name, logo, and colors. It makes your item unique. Custom packaging also insulates your product against shipping or display.
Why Should You Learn Packaging Jargon?
Understanding packaging terms enables you to communicate effectively with box manufacturers and designers. You can:
- Select the appropriate box type.
- Choose the optimal material.
- Select good printing choices.
- Understand prices and timelines.
Now let’s learn the most important terms in custom packaging.
Common Types of Packaging Boxes
- Mailer Box
Mailer boxes open like a book. They have flaps that tuck into the box. It is sturdy and for shipping. Most subscription boxes are made from mailer boxes.
- Tuck Box
A tuck box has flaps that tuck inside the box. It is opened from the top or bottom.
It’s ideal for lightweight items such as soaps, small presents, or tea.
- Rigid Box
Rigid boxes are incredibly sturdy. They don’t bend. You see them with high-end things like watches, phones, and jewelry.
- Corrugated Box
These are heavy-duty boxes for shipping. They contain fluted (wavy) layers within. They can support heavy products.
- Folding Carton
A folding carton is lightweight and foldable flat. It is applied to food, cosmetics, and smaller goods.
- Sleeve Packaging
A sleeve is a wrapper that slips over a tray or a box. It provides a design without a complete box modification.
- Display Box
A display box displays your product in the store. It typically features an open front.
- Drawer Box
It is opened like a drawer. You pull it out from one side. It is high-end and ideal for gifts.
Materials Used in Custom Packaging
- Cardstock
Cardstock is heavy paper. It is ideal for light boxes. It is smooth to write on and print.
- Kraft Paper
Kraft is brown paper. It is environment-friendly and provides a natural appearance. It is also sturdy.
- Corrugated Board
It has 3 layers – two flat and one wavy in between. It is sturdy and protective.
- Rigid Board
It is applied in rigid boxes. It is thick and won’t bend. Perfect for luxury packaging.
- Bux Board
It is sturdy and applied in mailer boxes. It resembles corrugated but differs slightly.
- Recycled Paperboard
Made from recycled paper. Ideal for environmentally friendly packaging.
Printing Terms
- Offset Printing
Offset printing produces high-quality results. Ideal for large box orders.
- Digital Printing
Ideal for small orders. Prints directly onto the box from digital files.
- Screen Printing
Ideal for thick ink and bold colors. Excellent for simple designs.
- Flexographic Printing
Ideal for printing on kraft or corrugated boxes. Quick and cheap for large quantities.
- CMYK
Abbreviation for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These four make full-color prints.
- PMS (Pantone Matching System)
PMS employs predetermined color codes. It ensures colors remain constant on each box.
Finishing Options
- Gloss Finish
This provides a glossy appearance. Colors appear more vibrant. Suitable for beauty and technological products.
- Matte Finish
Matte is smooth and soft. It has a rich and elegant appearance.
- UV Coating
UV coating applies a shiny coating to areas of the box. It makes some areas stand out.
- Foil Stamping
Adds foil shine to text or logos. Gold or silver foil is typical.
- Embossing
Embossing raises areas of the box. It gives it a 3D texture.
- Debossing
Reversed from embossing. It presses the design into the material.
- Spot UV
Only a few areas of the box receive UV shine. Like your logo or a photo.
- Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coating, that is, water-based coating. It seals and provides a soft appearance.
Box Styles and Closures
- Auto Lock Bottom
It pop-opens and auto-locks. Very simple to operate and fast to construct.
- Straight Tuck End (STE)
The flaps at the top and bottom tuck in one direction.
- Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
The top flap tucks rearward, and the bottom flap forward.
Conserves material.
- Seal End Box
Both ends are glued. Commonly found in food boxes.
- Pillow Box
Pillow-shaped. Small gifts or jewelry.
- Gable Box
Has a top handle. Similar to a lunchbox. Excellent for bakery or gift products.
Die-Cutting and Custom Shapes
- Die-Cut
A die-cut is a special shape cut into your box. A window to view the product, for instance.
- Window Patch
A transparent plastic sheet wraps over the die-cut hole so the product remains safe but accessible.
- Custom Inserts
Inserts keep your product secure. Constructed from foam, paperboard, or fabric.
Eco-Friendly Terms
- Biodegradable
Material degrades naturally over time.
- Recyclable
The box is recyclable and reusable as paper or packaging.
- Compostable
Breaks down into natural soil within home or industrial compost.
- FSC Certified
Paper is harvested from well-managed forests.
- Minimal Packaging
Uses less material. Reduces waste.
Sizing and Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height (L x W x H)
Always provide your box’s inner size in this order.
- GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
Indicates paper thickness. Greater GSM, thicker paper.
- Flute Size
Used in corrugated boxes. A, B, C, and E flutes are standard. A is thickest, E is thinnest.
Branding Terms
- Brand Colors
The precise colors that you incorporate into your packaging and logo.
- Logo Placement
Where do you get your logo printed? Top, sides, or center.
- Typography
The style of font you use on your box.
It should be readable.
- Brand Story
A little story about your brand that gets printed on the box.
Terms for a Custom Packaging Order
- MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The lowest quantity of boxes you can order.
- Lead Time
The amount of time it will take to produce and ship your boxes.
- Sample
A sample box is produced prior to your complete order. It displays what the box will look like.
- Proof
A photo of your box prior to printing in digital format or PDF. You go over this prior to production.
Shipping and Protection Terms
- Flat Pack
Boxes are shipped flat to conserve space and cost.
- Bubble Wrap
A plastic wrap that contains bubbles is used within the box for added protection.
- Void Fill
Material like peanuts or paper was placed inside the box to fill it.
- Tape Seals
Printed tape that was used to close boxes.
Examples of Real Use
Suppose you are selling handmade soap. You can have a tuck box of kraft paper with a matte finish. Include your logo in white ink. Incorporate die-cut windows so customers can see the soap. Ask for a sample box before the whole order.
Opt for digital printing if you are placing a small order.
Tips for Newbies
- Order low quantities first.
- Request samples always.
- Select environmentally friendly alternatives where possible.
- Utilize simple fonts and readable images.
- Choose the right size of box to save on shipping.
Conclusion
You are now familiar with the common terms packaging companies use for custom packaging. From box styles to printing and finishing, you can now communicate with packaging companies more confidently. Knowing these terms saves you time, money, and misinformation.
Whether you sell food, cosmetics, candles, or gifts, good packaging matters. Use this guide to make smart choices and build your brand. Custom packaging is not hard if you know the right words.
FAQs
Q 1: What is custom packaging?
Packaging made specifically for your product’s size, brand, and style.
Q 2: Why learn custom packaging terminology?
It helps you communicate clearly with suppliers and designers.
Q 3: What’s the difference between rigid and folding cartons?
Rigid boxes are thick and sturdy; folding cartons are lightweight and collapsible.
Q 4: What is die-cut in packaging?
A special shape cut into the box, often for windows or design.
Q 5: What does MOQ mean?
Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest number of boxes you can order.
