Guide to FEFCO Box Styles


Introduction

This is a guide to WH Skinner’s most popular box styles which are defined by FEFCO (the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers). FEFCO codes are an official system to replace long and complicated verbal descriptions of box and packaging constructions with simple codes that are internationally understood. This page contains a selection of the most popular and cost effective box styles that can be computer generated in a matter of minutes to suit your application. If you’re looking for a different style of box, there are hundreds more to choose from, so please get in touch. No matter what style of corrugated box you have in mind, we can design and produce it.

02 – Slotted-type boxes

Slotted-type boxes consist of basically one piece with a glued manufacturers joint and top and bottom flaps. They are shipped flat, ready to use and require closing using the flaps provided, and sealing with glue or tape at the time of assembly.

04-Folder-type boxes

Folder-type boxes and trays consist of only one piece of board. The bottom of the box is hinged to form two or all side walls and the cover/lid. Locking tabs and handles can be incorporated in some designs. Generally, 04- type styles are used for comparatively shallower box height dimensions.

Handy Tips for Measuring

Unless otherwise specified all dimensions are internal dimensions in mm as follows:

Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H)
Length (L) = left to right dimension
(usually the longer dimension at the opening)
Width (W) = front to back dimension
(usually the shorter dimension at the opening)
Height (H) = top to bottom
(the dimension from the top of the opening to the base)

The dimensions LWH are specified in each description of the box construction, for some models the numerical value of W can exceed the numerical value of L.

FEFCO CODES

Specialist Software

WH Skinner uses the very powerful Kasemake CAD software for designing our packaging and boxes which are all created bespoke to your individual requirements. This saves time and money and allows greater creativity and flexibility.

FEFCO 0201

  • Most popular economical box style for transit
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint
  • Require sealing with glue or tape

0201 boxes are a great economical style for packing goods both for safe storage and for transit. The top and bottom flaps add strength and rigidity to this simple box style. FEFCO 0201 boxes are quick and easy to assemble. WH Skinner manufacture 0201 boxes from white or brown corrugated cardboard. We use double or single wall thicknesses from 1.5mm – 7.5mm for lightweight products to the most demanding applications. 0201 cartons can be printed with your logo, contact details, or anything else you require. For medium to long production runs of 0201 boxes, tooling is not required as we can process this style on our slot cutter, and printing is even done simultaneously which really keep costs down. For larger boxes we can integrate hand holes to assist with holding and moving the box.

FEFCO 0203

  • Similar to the 0201 style, but with top and base flaps which overlap for increased strength
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint
  • Require sealing with glue or tape

0203 boxes are constructed in the same way as 0201 boxes, but use a little more board to fully overlap on the top and bottom flaps. This has multiple benefits – the overlapping results in a stronger box and your contents are less likely to be damaged when the box is opened with a knife. FEFCO 0203 boxes are quick and easy to assemble. 0203 boxes are a great packing box style and can be made from white or brown corrugated cardboard. WH Skinner offer board thicknesses as standard from 1.5mm to 7.5mm and in double or single wall. 0203 cartons can be printed if required in 1, 2 or full colour (depending on quantity), so your boxes can be branded with your company logo, or anything else you need. Hand holes can be cut into the boxes to assist with lifting and carrying heavy items.

FEFCO 0210

  • Popular retail style box
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint
  • Add a locking tab to the lid and base to prevent having to glue or tape

0210 boxes are commonly found on shop shelves around the world. They are glued on one side (although this glued joint can be replaced with self-locking tabs) and do not require tape. This means these boxes can be opened and closed easily, several times. This is ideal if the end customer wants to take a look inside the packaging before making a purchase. We often add cardboard locks to 0210 boxes to make them more secure and prevent the lid popping open – just ask us when you submit your enquiry – locks often do not add any cost to the design or production of 0210 boxes.

FEFCO 0211

  • Popular retail style box
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint*
  • Add a locking tab to the lid and base to replace glue or tape

0211 boxes are similar to 0210 boxes, the only difference is that the top and bottom open from opposite sides. The advantage of this style over the 0210 is that for long runs, the flat boxes nestle together making them more board efficient. Generally, the FEFCO 0211 is used for smaller boxes and is most commonly seen in retail for pharmaceuticals, tablets, etc. Locking tabs can be added to strengthen the lid and base closure, as well as to remove the need for the manufacturer gluing, which will reduce the cost price of the box.

FEFCO 0215

  • Popular retail style box with envelope locking base†
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint*
  • Add a locking tab to the lid to replace glue or tape

0215 boxes have a special envelope base which locks together quickly and easily – and without the need for glue or tape. FEFCO 0215 boxes are suitable as packing cartons for all but the heaviest items. We can make various modifications to these boxes to make them work better for your specific requirements. For example, the boxes can be turned into tear-off retail shelf-ready transit boxes with the addition of perforations on some or all sides of the box. Furthermore, a crease can be added to the lid to create a pop-up header for display purposes. Alternatively, self-locking tabs can be added to the lid to increase security, or we can remove the lid altogether to reduce costs.

FEFCO 0217

  • Retail style box with carry handles and envelope locking base†
  • Supplied flat with a glued manufacturers joint*
  • Does not require glue or tape to seal

0217 style boxes are becoming a fantastic option for retail packaging since the introduction of the carrier bag taxes throughout the UK. An integrated handle makes 0217 boxes perfect for heavier items such as bottles and large jars, but also for consumer / household electronics products and DIY items. Often, they are used as gift boxes. FEFCO 0217 boxes are also very popular for giveaways at tradeshows and exhibitions. These boxes are also used as cardboard pet carriers. Our 0217 boxes can be produced from white or brown corrugated cardboard and can be printed with a 1, 2 or full colour process.

FEFCO 0401

  • Simple construction, ideal for lightweight items
  • Supplied flat
  • Require sealing with glue or tape
  • Also known as “Maltese Cross” box design

0401 boxes or folders are a simple, easy to assemble style for wrapping flat or shallow items for transit. Once assembled, they are secured with just one strip of tape, which makes them a favourite from an ease and speed of packing point of view. Ideal for lightweight items, FEFCO 0401 folders are often used for shipping cardboard point of sale items to multiple destinations. 0401 boxes are often referred to as the “Maltese Cross” box design. We produce 0401 boxes in varying board thicknesses from 1.5mm-7.5mm, either single or double wall corrugated cardboard. Generally, these boxes are produced from brown board and are unprinted – often we apply labels to 0401 boxes.

FEFCO 0403

  • Simple construction with additional buffers to protect contents, ideal for heavier and fragile items
  • Supplied flat
  • Require sealing with glue or tape

The 0403 box style is perfect for shipping shallow or flat items which are heavier or need extra protection. Clever integrated buffers help protect box contents in case the box is accidentally dropped on a corner.  The buffers are usually hot-glued in place at the time of use, although they can also be taped. 0403 folders can be sealed closed with just one strip of tape. We manufacture 0403 boxes in various different cardboard thicknesses from 1.5mm-7.5mm, you can choose either single or double wall corrugated cardboard. Generally, these boxes are produced from brown board and are unprinted – often printed labels are applied to 0403 boxes.

FEFCO 0405

  • Three part folder, economical design for bulk quantities
  • Supplied flat
  • Require sealing with glue or tape

The 0405 box is a very economical style. Made up of three parts, this box requires sealing with glue or tape as it is assembled. 0405 folder boxes are ideal for shallow / flat items. They are often used for courier deliveries of individual cardboard point of sale items. 0405 boxes do not produce much, if any, wastage, so they are a good choice if your environmental policy is high on your priority list. Depending on what is being packed inside, and how many people are packing, the 0405 box style can make packing and assembly easier and quicker. We manufacture 0405 boxes in various different cardboard thicknesses from 1.5mm-7.5mm, you can choose either single or double wall corrugated cardboard. Generally, these boxes are produced from brown board and are unprinted – often printed labels are applied to 0405 boxes.

FEFCO 0415

  • Popular packing folder box
  • Supplied flat
  • Require sealing with glue or tape

0415 boxes are a popular courier box style. 0415 boxes offer better corner protection and stacking strength than many other FEFCO 04- style boxes. Depending on what is being packed, the 0415 box style can make assembly time quicker and easier in some cases. We manufacture 0415 boxes to fit your products exactly, using board thicknesses which range from 1.5-7.5mm and in single or double walls, depending on strength required. This box style is generally used for packing only, and so they are produced from brown coloured corrugated cardboard and are usually unprinted.

FEFCO 0421

  • Popular retail style box – perfect for transit and retail display
  • Add header pop-up and cut-out at front for retail display
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated into the design for self-assembly

0421 boxes are a retail work horse – they are perfect for both transit and display. 0421 boxes do not require glue or tape to assemble, locks integrated into the design hold the box together. This style of box benefits from completely over folded sides which make it suitable for stacking. We can print directly onto 0421 boxes using any of our print methods: digital, screen, litho, flexo. This style is the basis for many charity tray styles, and point of sale “shelf ready” boxes – our designers simply add a crease and cut into the lid, which turns it into a header – onto which you can print your choice of graphics. We manufacture 0421 boxes from white or brown corrugated cardboard, in board thicknesses ranging from 1.5mm – 7.5mm thick, in either double or single wall material.

FEFCO 0422

  • Popular presentation style box
  • Add telescopic lid for presentation box or separate header for countertop display
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0422 boxes are a tray style commonly used as a two part box – with a separate lid, which is constructed in the same way, but is slightly larger, enabling it to slide over the base. Alternatively FEFCO 0422 trays can be used in retail, to stock items on shelves, keeping your products upright and in a neat and tidy line. The sides of FEFCO 0422 boxes can be angled, to give more height and therefore support towards the back of your retail tray, whilst keeping the front more visible. Our designers can add a separate header to a 0422 box to turn it into a simple, economic point of sale display. We can manufacture 0422 boxes from white or brown corrugated cardboard – and we can print directly to the cardboard. You can choose from single walled or double walled cardboard, in board thicknesses from 1.5mm – 7.5mm.

FEFCO 0423

  • Popular presentation style box
  • Add telescopic lid for presentation box or separate header for countertop display
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0423 boxes are similar to 0422 boxes, except the over folded edge is on the length of the box (rather than the width). 0423 boxes are commonly used as a two part box – with a detached lid, which has the same construction, but is slightly larger, meaning it can slide over the base. Alternatively, 0423 trays can be used in retail, to stock items on shelves, keeping your products upright and in a neat row. The sides of 0423 boxes can be angled, to give more height and support towards the back of your retail tray, whilst keeping the products at the front easily visible. Our design team can add a separate header to a 0423 box to turn it into a simple, economy point of sale display. We can manufacture 0423 boxes from brown or coated white corrugated cardboard – and we can print directly to the box. Depending on your requirements, choose from single walled or double walled cardboard, in board thicknesses from 1.5mm – 7.5mm.

FEFCO 0425

  • Popular presentation style box with added corner strength
  • Add telescopic lid for presentation box or separate header for countertop display
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0425 boxes are similar to the 0422 and 0423 styles, except all four sides are folded over. This not only adds a lot of strength the box, it also looks more pleasing, as there are no exposed corrugations visible. 0425 boxes are commonly used as gift boxes or presentation boxes for high-end products and services. Pair this style with a second 0425 in slightly larger size to get a separate box and lid. Our designers can modify this style so that locks are not visible in the lid for a really luxurious presentation box design. 0425 boxes can be manufactured from white or brown corrugated cardboard in thicknesses ranging from 1.5mm – 7.5mm. We offer single or double wall corrugated card, and print directly to the board for a premium finish.

FEFCO 0426

  • Also known as a ‘Pizza Style’ box
  • Quick to assemble, efficient use of board
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0426 boxes are commonly called “Pizza boxes”, because the construction is the style used for takeaway pizza around the world. FEFCO 0426 boxes are designed to be really quick to assemble (you don’t want your pizza getting cold!) and relatively sturdy with a good stacking strength. FEFCO 0426 boxes are also used for courier deliveries and as mailing boxes or postal boxes – they can be taped closed for security, we can add self-locking tabs and locks if required. We can print directly to 0426 boxes, or they can be supplied unprinted. We manufacture pizza style cartons from corrugated cardboard which is available in brown or white, 1.5mm – 7.5mm thickness.

FEFCO 0427

  • Popular shipping/transit box for postal deliveries
  • Strong and sturdy box style protects contents exceptionally well
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0427 boxes are a versatile and popular FEFCO style. Incredibly strong and self-locking, they are perfect for use as postal boxes, mailing boxes and even retail boxes for consumer goods. Our designers can easily modify this design to include additional locking tabs, handles, and dividers. Often we design custom inserts to protect goods whilst in transit and ensure items are well presented when the box is opened at its destination. We can print directly onto the boxes for a premium look and feel, or we can manufacture unprinted FEFCO 0427 boxes. We manufacture FEFCO 0427 boxes from brown or white corrugated cardboard and in single or double wall board, ranging from 1mm to 7.5mm thickness.

FEFCO 0452

  • Simple, economic wrap style to provide basic protection for palletised goods
  • Place underneath goods on the pallet to form the base of a protective pallet wrap
  • Supplied flat, use glue or tape to seal at time of use

0452 boxes are simple, basic boxes which require glue or tape to hold together once assembled. They are often used to line the base of a pallet, or to cover the top of a pallet, helping to protect the products and keep the integrity of the palletised stack while it is being moved. Generally, this is a protective style, so brown board is used most commonly and they are left unprinted. 0452 boxes can be produced in 1.5mm to 7.5mm thickness single or double wall corrugated cardboard.

FEFCO 0453

  • Simple, economic wrap style to provide basic protection for palletised goods
  • Place underneath goods on the pallet to form the base of a pallet wrap
  • Supplied flat, use glue or tape to seal at time of use

0453 boxes are very similar to the 0452 style. The difference is that the glue flaps are on the adjacent side. 0453 boxes are simple, basic boxes which require glue or tape to hold together once assembled. They are often used to line the base of a pallet, or to cover the top of a pallet, helping to protect the products and keep the integrity of the palletised stack while it is being moved. Generally, this is a protective style, so brown board is used most commonly and they are left unprinted. 0453 boxes can be produced in 1.5mm to 7.5mm thickness single or double wall corrugated cardboard.

FEFCO 0470

  • Popular retail style box – perfect for transit and retail display
  • Add header pop-up and cut-out at front for retail display
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0470 boxes are a board efficient yet strong box design. The 0470 box style is another style which can be easily adapted by our design department to make a shelf-ready transit box. We simply add a crease in the lid and a cut out at the front, giving you a box which works as a strong, stackable storage and shipping box as well as a point of sale display once it arrives in the retail space. We can also add locks and handles to this box depending on your requirements. 0470 boxes can be produced from white or brown corrugated cardboard, and can be printed or unprinted. Generally, we produce these boxes in board thicknesses ranging from 1.5mm single wall board to 4.5mm double wall board.

FEFCO 0471

  • Popular presentation style box or postal box
  • Similar to 0427 but without side flaps
  • Supplied flat, locks and tabs are integrated for self-assembly

0471 boxes are often used as mailing boxes, but also as retail packaging and for bulk storage of small and heavy items, due to their strength and the integrated locks. Commonly, our design department choose this style as a base for our premium presentation boxes, with custom inserts and even double sided printing as an option. FEFCO 0471 boxes can be adapted by adding locks or handles, making them perfect for your exact requirements. We are able to manufacture 0471 boxes from white or brown board, in thicknesses from 1.5mm – 7.5mm, single or double wall corrugated cardboard.