FAQs and Literature

Packing Terms

Blister Pack

A blister pack is a thermoformed cavity in plastic that is then sealed with a product in-between. Blister packs are a cost-effective packaging solution that allows a product to be clearly seen, but not touched, as it hangs on a retail shelf.

Boxboard

A boxboard is a kind of paperboard used in the manufacture of light, non-corrugated containers. It can be plain, lined or clay-coated.

Carton

A carton is a container made from thin paperboard that typically measures between 0.25 and 1 millimeter in thickness. Cartons are primarily used for displaying products on store shelves. They typically feature a chipboard stock that can support printing and graphics.

Carton Board

Carton board refers to paperboard that is used to make folding boxes or cartons.

Cartoner

A cartoner is a machine that erects and closes cartons.

Case

A case is a container made out of corrugated cardboard that is 3 to 6 millimeters thick.

Case Packer

A case packer is a machine that is similar to a cartoner, but works with a heavier type of paperboard.

Changeover

Changeover refers to the process of changing a packaging line from one product or type of package to another. It typically involves switching parts or fixtures. Changeover is an important indicator of lead time. Longer changeovers increase lead time and increase time to market; shorter changeovers reduce lead time and reduce time to market. A changeover is also called a "set up."

Clamshell

A clamshell is a rigid thermoformed plastic container that features a hinged lid with a positive snap closure that allows the package to be opened and resealed. An insert card is included to explain the uses and features of the product.

Closing Machine

A closing machine is a device that seals or closes filled packages. This is done through the processes of crimping, folding or tucking. Gummed tape, ultrasonic welding and adhesives are often used in addition to heat sealing.

Container Board

A container board is a solid fiber or corrugated paperboard used in the manufacture of shipping containers.

Corrugated Material

Corrugated material is a durable, lightweight material used for making cases. Corrugated packaging has an arched layer (fluting) that is inserted between smooth sheets (liners). The corrugated cardboard most commonly used to make cases has one layer of fluting between two smooth sheets.

De-lamination

Delamination refers to the separating or splitting of laminated material. It is usually caused by a lack of adequate adhesion in laminated goods.

End-of-line packaging

End-of-line packaging refers to the final step in most packaging lines. The process consists of cartoning, case packing and palletizing.

Filling Machine

A filling machine is a device that measures the volume or weight of a product, and then fills it into a bag, bottle, box, container, sack, tube or any other kind of packaging.

Low-Density PolyEthylene (LDPE)

A filling machine is a device that measures the volume or weight of a product, and then fills it into a bag, bottle, box, container, sack, tube or any other kind of packaging.

Pallet

A pallet is a portable, horizontal platform used as a base for assembling, storing, stacking, handling and transporting good. A pallet typically contains a raised superstructure that allows it to be lifted and moved by a forklift without damaging any cases.

Palletizer

A palletizer is a machine that forms, dismantles or secures pallets and other loading units. It can be either conventional (fixed) or robotic (flexible).

Plug & Pack

Plug & pack refers to a multi-vendor, drive-controller interface for packaging machinery that is based upon the Open Modular Architecture Control (OMAC) standard.

Primary Packaging

Primary packaging refers to the packaging that immediately envelopes a product. It provides strength and moisture, and acts as a vapor or grease barrier that protects a product's purity and potency from the time it leaves the assembly line until it's used by the consumer. Examples of primary packaging include blister packs, clamshells and trays.

Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)

An RFID is a smart tag embedded with a microchip transmitter that provides customers with unprecedented access to freight. This technology allows manufacturers to capture accurate information about the location and status of products. They can also track the products as they move from the assembly line to the retail store.

Secondary Packaging

Secondary packaging refers to the outer package into which the primary package is placed. Its major function is to protect the product during shipping and distribution. Examples of secondary packaging include cartons, containers and pallets.

Shrink Wrapping

Shrink wrapping refers to a technique of packaging in which the strains in a plastic film are released by raising the temperature of the film. This, in turn, causes it to shrink over the package.

Thermoforming

Thermoforming is a process of forming thermoplastic sheets. It consists of heating the sheet and forcing it into a mold with the help of vacuum, air pressure or mechanical pressure.

Tray

A tray is a multi-cavity package thermoformed from plastic that holds numerous parts or products. Trays are often used as stand-alone retail-store displays.

Wrapping Machine

A wrapping machine is a device that wraps a flexible material such as plastic film around a product or group of products.

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