01.02.2021 Classification ECMA and FEFCO

THE IMPORTANCE OF PACKAGING IN THE MODERN MARKET
Packaging in the modern market is just as important as the design and color combination of the product or its content. The packaging design process is carefully considered and planned, as it is necessary to choose the optimal size, color, and shape. When designing packaging, keep in mind that it is almost an artwork, which must capture attention and evoke a desire to purchase upon first contact. Every product packed in carefully selected packaging looks more representative, luxurious, and is more competitive than the rest.

Packaging is divided into two groups: transport packaging and product packaging. Transport packaging is primarily important for the transport and storage of goods, while product packaging protects the product and simultaneously guides the buyer – helping them make a purchasing decision.

If you want to present your product as a luxury item in the consumer’s eyes, it requires high-quality packaging, made exclusively for it. However, BEWARE, packaging is not just four colored sides; it is a complex process that requires specific knowledge.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING DESIGN

1. Material selection – cardboard
When selecting the material for packaging printing, the structure of the cardboard must be considered. The functionality and durability of the packaging depend on various factors. The structure of the cardboard sheet on which printing is done is anisotropic (uneven) along both the length and width. During the production of cardboard, cellulose macromolecules predominantly align along the printing direction, which increases its strength and stiffness. The compatibility and adhesion ability are important factors from the perspective of both packaging and product. Environmental factors also play a role. For example, if packaging is stored in a humid environment, its quality will significantly decrease, so we recommend protecting the packaging with varnish or lamination, which also gives it a prestigious appearance. Since the characteristics of cardboard vary, the required cardboard thickness is selected based on the technical properties of the packaging (product + packaging) and measured in microns. The table below shows approximate values or combinations of product weight and cardboard thickness.


When designing the packaging, we need to focus on the outer side that will be printed. The packaging dimensions are usually listed in the following order: length, width, and depth. Length and width are determined based on how the packaging opens.

2. Components of packaging
Components are divided into primary and auxiliary components. Primary components include: - front face - back face - side faces - top face - bottom face. Auxiliary components include: - side wings or flaps for gluing - top and bottom side wings - additional fastening elements. All side wings, with the top or bottom face, form a lid or bottom. The packaging and its corresponding lid (if it has one) can be assembled using side wings or glue. Each packaging has a lid and bottom made from three or four faces or side wings. The faces of the lid and bottom can be shaped for various types of closures, such as face overlap, side wing insertion, or gluing. The design and choice of lid and bottom depend on several factors, including the type of product to be packed, the product weight, packaging technology, and usage characteristics. For packaging granular or powdered products, a system with overlapping faces is recommended, where the faces are of the same width as the box. This system offers the largest gluing area and tightness of glued seams. For larger products, where tightness and strength of the lid and bottom are not crucial, packaging without side wings can be used.

3. Shapes and dimensions
For packaging made from a single flat piece of cardboard, there is a strong dependency between strength and material consumption based on the ratio of all dimensions for the same volume. It has been found that the smallest cutting surface of cardboard packaging occurs when the sides (L: length, W: width, D: depth) are in the 2:1:2 ratio.
For static and dynamic loads, the most stable packaging is when the sides are in a 1:1:1 ratio, but in this case, the surface area is 12% larger. The optimal strength for packaging groups A and C is achieved with a 2:1:3 ratio, while for groups B and D it is 4:3:1.
When designing packaging, it is advisable to choose average dimensions (e.g., length between 100-250 mm). Choosing excessively large dimensions typically results in reduced rigidity, which provides strength and less reliability for attachment elements. Smaller dimensions result in reduced reliability of the cutting line and difficulty in assembly. For the chosen design – the packaging net, it is advisable to make a sample to verify dimension accuracy, assembly correctness, and compatibility with the product being packed.




INTERNATIONAL CODE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FOLDING CARTONS – ECMA
The European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) issued the first collection of standard folding boxes in 1967, which represented an innovative achievement in the field of cardboard packaging. Computer-assisted packaging design systems did not exist at that time. In 1992, the catalog was updated based on changes in the industry and the needs of end-users. In 2009, the catalog was reworked due to the development of digital technologies and the expanded packaging design system, presenting a completely new eight-digit proposal. The catalog does not include strict standards for various details, especially for auxiliary elements. The specifics of packaging are individual.

Use of the ECMA code and determining packaging size
The main dimensions of packaging are defined as L – length, W – width, and D – depth. The measurements are prepared based on the unfolded box, from edge to edge or from fold to fold of each individual face. When packaging is packed in another larger package or transport packaging, the most important dimension is the outer dimension. For telescoping packaging and packaging made of several parts, the dimensions should be specified for each part separately.
The rules for determining the sides and faces are as follows: L – dimension of the side parallel to the axis of rotation of the top face of the packaging, W – second dimension, bottom dimension, D – height between the bottom and lid. For trays, the rule is: L – longer side of the base – front face, W – shorter side of the base – front face, D – height between the bottom and lid. The net design shows the cutting line, folds, perforations, and gluing position. The net design is always prepared so that the top face is always facing up.

Classification or grouping of models by group
Due to the large number of different packaging models and shapes, they are classified into seven groups based on the basic box shape.

Group A – rectangular boxes
Boxes that belong to group A are glued along the longer side (D). All external faces are rectangular, except for boxes with a special top face or lid (e.g., gable packaging or other closed packaging).
Group B – rectangular boxes that are not glued
Boxes that belong to group B are without a longitudinal glue joint, i.e., folding boxes (tray). All external faces are rectangular.
Group C – non-rectangular boxes
Boxes that belong to group C are glued along the longer side (D). At least one of the external faces is not rectangular to the main face. It is also not required that the height or front face be perpendicular to the base.



Group D – non-rectangular boxes – folding boxes
Boxes that belong to group D are not glued, unless they have special features. It is also not required that at least one external face be perpendicular to the base.
Group E – packaging for "group" packaging
Boxes that belong to group E are in direct contact with the packed product or are intended for group packaging (multiple products in one package).
Group F – other folding boxes
Boxes that belong to group F are all boxes that cannot be classified into any of the above groups (A-E).
Group X – auxiliary elements
Group X includes specific auxiliary elements that can be used for all groups A, B, C, D, E, and some models of group F.




Breakdown – structure of the code
The packaging model code always starts with a capital letter that defines the model in the group. It is followed by four pairs of codes associated with specific values for each group (closure or opening system for the bottom, lid, number and shape of flaps, base shape, fastening system).
If group X includes specific auxiliary elements, a fifth pair of the code is added.







INTERNATIONAL CODE OF CORRUGATED BOARD - FEFCO
FEFCO (The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) and ESBO are institutions that developed the code for the packaging design system. Today, this is an international system understood by everyone, regardless of language or other differences. The FEFCO system for global use was adopted by the International Corrugated Case Association - ICCA. Standard specifications are used for orders, while additions and adjustments must be made and accepted by FEFCA.

Explanation of the design – corrugated cardboard packaging net
All measurements are expressed as internal dimensions in mm: LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT
LENGTH (L) = the longer dimension at the opening
WIDTH (B) = the shorter dimension at the opening
HEIGHT (H) = the dimension from the bottom to the lid

Dimensions are determined and provided in each individual design. In some box models, the numerical value of B may exceed the numerical value of L, meaning the box is wider and shorter.

The measurement for an individual packaging design must be prepared under standard conditions, on a flat surface, considering the material thickness. For telescopic boxes, the lid dimension must be added as a fourth dimension, e.g., 355x205x120/40 mm (LxBxHxh). For packaging with overlapping flaps, the fourth dimension must also be added, e.g., 355x205x120/40 mm (LxBxHxo).

Dimensions of corrugated fiberboard
All dimensions are expressed in mm.
1st dimension = along the gluing lines (parallel to the direction of the fiber waves – flutes)
2nd dimension = across the gluing lines (perpendicular to the direction of the fiber waves – flutes)

Packaging Shapes
Since many different packaging forms are derived from the FEFCO code, creating new shapes is unnecessary. If we want a custom package, we simply add a suffix to the base shape number, e.g., 0201-2. This simple method allows us to create unique, custom packaging.

Combination of packaging types
The two packaging forms shown below are the basic forms – standard styles (0204 and 0215). When combining two or three basic packaging types, the final combination is not necessarily made up of all elements of the basics. Therefore, we can combine only the elements that are useful to us. The example below shows a combination of upper and lower flaps (0204/0215).


Methods of packaging assembly
In the design – packaging net, it is important to properly specify the type of seams, which are a significant indicator of the method of assembly. Packaging can be glued along the shorter or longer side with adhesive (glued joint), sealed with adhesive tape (taped joint), or stitched with metal staples (stitched joint).



M – typical manual assembly / A – typical automatic assembly (machine) / M/A – combination of manual and automatic assembly


Classification or grouping of models by basic groups
Please note that some models, which are listed under a certain number – code in the codebook, can also be classified into other basic groups.




Packaging closure – box
Proper and effective sealing of packages is just as important as the packaging shape itself. Possible methods of individual or combined closure include: cold or hot gluing, sealing with adhesive tape, closing with a pin, stapling with metal staples.




Symbols used in drawings and computer systems



Barbara V. & Petra V.