When do you choose a custom FEFCO box?

What is a FEFCO box?

FEFCO is the European federation of corrugated board manufacturers. It maintains a code book of box designs; every style has its own code. A FEFCO code fixes the shape of the box, so you and we mean exactly the same thing. You then choose the size and the board grade yourself.

The best-known code is FEFCO 0201, the regular slotted carton: one piece of corrugated board, cut and creased, with four flaps at the top and bottom. The outer flaps meet in the middle; the bottom and top are usually sealed with tape. The box is delivered flat and erected in a few moves.

When is a custom box the right choice?

A custom box fits your product, not the other way round. You order by inside dimensions: the space your product needs, noted as length × width × height. The outside dimensions follow from the thickness of the board, so you know straight away how many boxes fit per layer on your pallet.

If you are unsure about the right combination, our adviser looks at it with you, based on your product and your shipping process.

• Your product has an unusual size and fits no standard box
• The boxes have to fit your pallet per layer
• You want boxes that are delivered flat and take up little storage space

Which FEFCO styles are there?

The regular slotted carton is the most widely used box in logistics, but not the only construction available. Many common FEFCO styles are available made to size; other designs on request. Mention the code in your request and we advise on the style and the board grade.

• FEFCO 0200 — flaps at the bottom only; use it as a tray, display bin or inner box, or close it with a separate lid
• FEFCO 0203 — outer flaps across the full width, double board at the top and bottom; for heavy or sharp contents
• FEFCO 03 series — a base with a separate lid, easy to open and close again; for archives, parts and presentation
• FEFCO 0427 — a sturdy shipping box with a tuck-in flap that closes without tape; for web shops and small parcels
• FEFCO 0711 — the bottom flaps interlock and lock into place as you unfold the box; fast packing in large volumes

Which flute type suits your product?

Corrugated board is paper with a flute in between. The flute type partly determines the thickness and cushioning of the board: there is a fine flute with a smooth surface, for small and light products and for boxes that need high-quality print; a thicker single wall with good cushioning properties; and a double wall with two flutes on top of each other, for heavy products, tall stacks and long journeys.

The right combination of flute type and paper grade determines the strength for your application. Your stacking height plays a part in that too. We advise on the grade that suits your product.

When should you choose an alternative?

If you prefer to place your products loose on a pallet rather than in a box, choose a cardboard pallet. It is light, without wood and without a pallet exchange system; it needs no ISPM 15 treatment either.

If your load becomes heavier or more complex than one box can handle, for example several products together in one shipment, our adviser looks at a combination of boxes, pallet and a suitable board grade with you.

And for export and reuse?

Custom boxes need no ISPM 15 treatment either; corrugated board can therefore be used worldwide.

Corrugated board is recyclable and available with recycled paper fibres. Clean and dry boxes can be given to paper and board collection after use; coatings, contamination or special designs are assessed separately. Revopal has produced the boxes in the Netherlands since 2019, in a socially responsible way.

How do you request custom boxes?

On the product page for custom FEFCO boxes, give your inside dimensions, the quantity and, if you know it, the FEFCO style; a product photo helps too. We look at the style and board grade with you, and at how the boxes fit on your pallet. You receive a quote for exactly the box you need. The boxes arrive flat and stacked, ready to erect.