Packaging Dictionary
Packaging has its own language, and a lot of it does not translate outside the industry. Here is a plain language glossary covering the terms you will run into most, whether you are reading a quote, a spec sheet, or a government contract.
Bursting Strength A measure of how much pressure a piece of board can withstand before it ruptures. Often used alongside or instead of ECT to describe board strength, especially in mil spec grades like V3C and V11C.
Closed Cell Foam Foam with sealed, non porous cells. Firmer and more moisture resistant than open cell foam. Polyethylene is the most common closed cell foam used in packaging.
Corrugated Board Board made from a fluted (wavy) inner layer glued between one or two flat outer layers. The flute adds strength and cushioning while keeping weight down. This is the material behind most shipping boxes.
Dunnage Any material used to fill empty space, cushion a product, or keep it from shifting inside a package. Foam, air pillows, and corrugated inserts are all forms of dunnage.
ECorrCrate A crate style that pairs a wood pallet base with an all corrugated shell. Lighter and less expensive than a full wood crate while still offering solid protection for mid weight loads.
ECT (Edge Crush Test) A rating that measures how much pressure a piece of corrugated board can take before it crushes on its edge. Common ratings include 32, 44, and 51 ECT, with higher numbers meaning stronger board.
Flute The wavy inner layer of corrugated board. Different flute sizes (A, B, C, E, and others) affect cushioning, strength, and how thin or thick the final board is.
FOL (Full Overlap) A box style where the top and bottom flaps fully overlap when closed, adding extra stacking strength compared to a standard box style.
Full Telescoping A box style with a separate lid that fully covers, or telescopes over, the base. Common in heavier duty crating and mil spec construction.
ISPM 15 An international standard for wood packaging material used in export shipments. It requires wood to be heat treated or fumigated to prevent the spread of pests, and stamped to prove compliance. Applies to wood crates and pallets crossing international borders.
Mil Spec Packaging Packaging built to meet military or government specifications, such as ASTM D5118. Covers everything from board grade to construction method and is typically required for defense and government contracts.
Open Cell Foam Foam with interconnected cells that allow air to move through. Softer and more flexible than closed cell foam, and better at conforming to irregular shapes. Polyurethane is the most common open cell foam used in packaging.
QPL (Qualified Products List) A government maintained list of products and materials that have been tested and approved for use in specific mil spec applications. Mil spec board is often described as QPL traceable, meaning it can be traced back to an approved source.
RSC (Regular Slotted Container) The most common box style, where all four flaps on both the top and bottom meet in the middle when closed. The standard shape most people picture when they think of a cardboard box.
Weather Resistant Board Corrugated board that has been chemically treated to resist moisture, used in mil spec grades like V3C, and V11C for outdoor storage and long transit conditions.