Why Standards Are the Backbone of the Packaging Industry

The packaging industry thrives on variety — thousands of different boxes, displays, and cartons are in use worldwide. Yet despite this diversity, most packaging relies on proven standard constructions.

These standards were developed over decades to create a shared language between designers, manufacturers, and customers. Two systems dominate internationally:

• ECMA (European Carton Makers Association) for folding cartons
• FEFCO (Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondulé) for corrugated packaging

Why Standards Matter

• Clarity: One code is enough — everyone knows what packaging is meant
• Safety: All structures are proven and production-ready
• Efficiency: No need to reinvent — parameters can be adjusted flexibly

With PackQ, these standards are transformed from static catalogs into digital, interactive tools. Users can select ECMA and FEFCO packaging online, adjust dimensions, preview in 3D, and order instantly.

ECMA: Folding Carton Standards

Background and Significance

Founded in 1960, ECMA created a standardized code system for folding cartons. Today, it is globally established — around 70% of carton packaging can be assigned to an ECMA code.

Code Structure

• Codes consist of letters + numbers (e.g., ECMA A60)
• Letters define the base form (A = folding cartons, B = tubes, E = sleeves)
• Numbers specify variations (bottom types, closures, extras)

Benefits of ECMA

• Uniformity: Codes are globally recognized
• Speed: Designers use tried-and-tested structures
• Communication: Customers only need to state the code
• Production safety: All forms are industrially verified

Examples

• ECMA A60: folding carton with tuck-in flaps
• ECMA B20: tubular folding carton
• ECMA E15: sleeve for books or cosmetics

These are the basis of everyday packaging — from pharma boxes to gift packaging.

FEFCO: Corrugated Standards

Background and Significance

Founded in 1952, FEFCO developed the globally recognized corrugated packaging catalog.

Code Structure

• Codes contain four digits (e.g., FEFCO 0201)
• First two digits = main category:
  • 01 = Rolls & Sheets
  • 02 = Slotted Boxes
  • 03 = Telescopic Boxes
  • 04 = Folders & Trays
• Last two digits = exact design (e.g., 01 = standard carton)

Benefits of FEFCO

• Global clarity: Codes work across languages
• Flexibility: Dimensions and materials are variable
• Cost efficiency: No development costs for standard forms
• Process safety: Codes are embedded in CAD systems and machines

Examples

• FEFCO 0201: classic slotted shipping box
• FEFCO 0427: tuck-in folding carton
• FEFCO 0301: telescopic box with separate lid

In e-commerce, FEFCO 0201 is ubiquitous — it’s the standard shipping box worldwide.

PackQ: Digital Integration of ECMA & FEFCO

Library Scope

PackQ includes:

• ~120 ECMA folding cartons
• ~290 FEFCO corrugated cartons
• ~50 POS displays

Together, this covers virtually all standard packaging forms on the market.

Parametric Customization

• All templates are dimension-variable
• Users adjust: length, width, height, depth, material, flute, closure types
• Standards ensure production safety at every step

3D Visualization

Every change is shown live in a real-time 3D preview — from size adjustments to design uploads.

Production Safety

Because the forms are standardized, every configuration is production-ready. Data flows seamlessly to cutting and printing machines.

Step by Step: How PackQ Configuration Works

1. Choose type: folding carton (ECMA) or corrugated box (FEFCO)
2. Select standard (e.g., FEFCO 0201)
3. Enter dimensions: internal length, width, height
4. Define material: cartonboard or corrugated (B-flute, E-flute, etc.)
5. Design: upload logos, set colors, place text
6. 3D preview: verify the result
7. Preflight: automatic check of resolution, bleed, color mode
8. Price: real-time calculation
9. Order: production-ready files generated instantly

Use Cases

Pharma Manufacturer (ECMA)

• Needed folding cartons for a new medicine series
• Previously: manual CAD design, multiple prepress checks, marketing proofs → 2–3 weeks
• With PackQ: chose ECMA design, adjusted dimensions, uploaded artwork, approved in 3D, Preflight ensured CI compliance
• Result: development time reduced by 80%

E-Commerce Retailer (FEFCO)

• Needed three shipping box sizes
• Previously: supplier inquiries, quotes, corrections → 1–2 weeks
• With PackQ: selected FEFCO 0201, entered three sizes, saw instant 3D previews + pricing, placed order
• Result: ordering time reduced from weeks to 30 minutes

Benefits for Different Roles

• Developers/Designers: focus on special projects, CAD-compatible data ready
• Prepress: fewer manual checks, error-free from the start
• Sales: instant quotes, 24/7 customer access via shop
• Customers: easy to use without expertise, transparency via 3D preview + real-time price

Checklist: Advantages of Standards in PackQ

- Clarity: ECMA & FEFCO globally recognized
- Speed: reduce workflows from days to minutes
- Error prevention: norms ensure valid structures
- Production safety: files ready for machines
- Flexibility: sizes and materials are adjustable
- Future-readiness: foundation for automation and Industry 4.0

Future: Standards + Customization

The future of packaging lies in combining standards with personalization:

• Mass customization: standard structures with individual designs
• Batch size one: economical thanks to digital workflows
• Digital supply chains: automatic ERP reordering
• AI support: design optimization in the editor

PackQ is the bridge: standards provide the solid foundation, digitalization adds flexibility.

Conclusion

ECMA and FEFCO standards are the backbone of packaging. They guarantee clarity, efficiency, and production reliability.

With PackQ, these standards are reimagined:

• Interactive in the online editor
• Parametric for custom dimensions
• Visualized in real-time 3D
• Secured with Preflight
• Integrated directly into production

For packaging manufacturers, this means less effort, fewer errors, faster time-to-market — and a better digital customer experience.