Packaging knowledge from A to Z

A

Air Permeability

Air permeability is a material characteristic of paper and describes the amount of air flowing through the paper surface. This is an important indicator as to how packaging responds when on packaging machines working with a vacuum.

Anti-slip coating

Paper/corrugated cardboard coating designed to increase the static and sliding friction of the packaging.

 

B

Barcode

An optical data carrier for the identification of objects. The data can only be decoded by optical readers. Barcodes consist of different widths of parallel bars. These enable goods flows to be controlled, warehousing to be automated, company processes to be optimised, goods and shipments to be tracked and IDs and tickets to be verified.
 

Box Compression Test (BCT) (DIN ISO 55440-1)

The Box-Compression Test (BCT) is a method that measures packaging stability. This Box Compression Value states the force in kilonewtons which a packaging unit can absorb before it buckles. The BCT value is determined in the test laboratory in a compression-tension testing machine or universal testing machine. See also the “Packaging Tests” Info Page.
 

BRC-IoP

The BRC-IoP Packaging Standard for packaging and packaging materials is a global standard for the quality assurance of packaging materials intended to ensure health and hygiene safety in the packaging industry. This applies in particular to the food sector and was developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Institute of Packaging (IoP) in accordance with Directive (EC) 2023/2006.
 

Bubble Wrap

In principle, bubble wrap consists of two bonded polyethylene films, in which small air bubbles are trapped. It is used as padding material to protect goods or for insulation. 
 

Bursting strength (BWS/BST) (DIN EN ISO 2758/2759)

Bursting strength is the resistance that a paper sample offers to a unilateral, consistently increasing pressure [kPa] until bursting. Bursting strength can be reduced through increasing wastepaper portions and/or through mechanical damage. 

 

C

Cardboard

A flat material consisting mainly of vegetable fibres which is formed by draining a pulp suspension on a sieve. Cardboard has a surface-related mass > 225 g/m².
 

Circular Economy

The circular economy is a regenerative model in which raw materials are reused, repaired, reprocessed and/or recycled as often as possible. This enables lifecycles to be extended in order to avoid wasting valuable raw materials. One example of a circular economy is the recycling cycle of paper and corrugated cardboard. This is the opposite of the linear economy / throw-away economy.
 

Cleanroom Packaging

Cleanroom packaging (made of foil) is in direct contact with the product and must therefore comply precisely with cleanliness, hygiene and cleanroom requirements. The aim of these types of packaging is to protect the product and the room from external influences. Cleanroom packaging is mainly produced from polyethylene, a thermoplastic.
 

Climate-Neutral Packaging

Packaging is referred to as climate-neutral if the CO₂e emissions caused during its life cycle are calculated and offset by supporting climate protection projects. 
 

CMYK

CMYK is a subtractive colour model that provides the technical basis for four-colour printing. All other colours are created from the colours Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black). 
 

CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e)

CO₂equivalent is a comparative benchmark which states how much a gas contributes to warming the Earth’s atmosphere in a given period of time compared to the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Accordingly, the entire process chain of a product can be included in a CO₂e calculation so that the amount of CO₂e can be calculated accurately and waste can be detected. 
 

Coatings

During coating, particles of an amorphous substance are applied to a surface structure, which creates a closed coat. The aim of surface finishing is to improve the processing capability of the material and to combine base materials. This is intended to exploit the respective advantages of the individual materials and compensate for disadvantages. 
 

Code of Conduct (CoC)

A code of conduct is a set of rules of conduct relating to ethical values, laws and other aspects of corporate responsibility. Such a code represents a type of self-regulation. Audits are used to determine whether Codes of Conduct are being complied with by suppliers and if any deviations are ascertained, corrective measures or even sanctions can be instigated. Well-known Codes of Conduct: BSCI Code of Conduct, UN Global Compact. THIMM operates two Codes of Conduct, namely the CoC for employees and THIMM CoC for suppliers and business partners. 
 

ComBa^® Liner

The paper of the ComBa^® Liner is coated with a water-based varnish in a special printing process. It creates a barrier that reduces water permeability and is also steam resistant. Coated paper is also characterised by reduced fat permeability which ensures that no oils penetrate the barrier over a defined period of time. 
 

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is computer software that can be used to digitally design packaging and other objects in 2D and 3D.
 

Computer to Plate (CTP)

Computer to Plate is a catch-all term for numerous different imaging techniques for offset printing plates. The procedures differ in relation to the type of plate setter (inner drum, outer drum or flat-bed plate setter), the light sources used (violet and thermal laser, UV-light sources), the plate coating and the development of the imaged plate.
 

Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)

The CO₂e balance can be used to make a quantified statement about a company’s greenhouse gas emissions. This includes all direct and indirect emissions of a company caused by production, facilities management (electricity, water etc), travel and business trips. The aim of the CCF is to identify opportunities and areas for action to enable the company to act in a more climate-friendly manner. 
 

Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is a packaging material which is composed of one or several flute layers. These flute layers are stuck onto the top and bottom with liner papers. 
 

Corrugated cardboard pre-cuts

Pre-cut sheets are unprocessed sheets made from corrugated cardboard/paper. Pre-cuts are frequently used as intermediate layers for pallet security, as a padding solution, as pallet covers for transportation or storage or as visible protection or dust protection for lattice boxes or returnable containers.
 

Corrugator

Corrugated cardboard is produced in the corrugator. The large paper rolls (printed or unprinted) are clamped, heated, and moistened with water vapour in the corrugator. They are then passed through two gear-like, interlocking grooved rollers while pressurised and heated. In a manner of speaking, the corrugation is “ironed” into the paper. 

 

Cushioning Materials / Padding

Cushioning materials protect sensitive goods in the transportation packaging from external influences (e.g. impacts, temperature fluctuations, slipping or scratching). Paper, bubble wrap and packaging chips can be used as cushioning materials.
 

D

Desktop Publishing (DTP)

Desktop Publishing (DTP) refers to computer-assisted layouts of high-quality documents that consist of text and image elements and are later processed into publications (e.g. magazines, books, etc.). Professional (graphics) software is usually used for this purpose.

Die Cutting

In die cutting, a selected mould is die-cut out of the printed product using a specially manufactured die cutter. This process can be used, for example, to give packaging or displays a unique shape.
 

Digital printing

Digital printing is a contactless printing process. This means that no separate print media/print forms are required because The print image is transferred directly to the printing press via a computer. In comparison to other processes, such as offset or flexo printing, the laborious press set-up is no longer required. 
 

Double-Wall

Double-walled corrugated cardboard is produced from a combination of the same or different flute formats. For example, EB-flute or BC-flute. 
 

Drop Test / Vertical Impact Test

A drop test simulates the freefall of a package on its corners, edges and surfaces. To achieve this the packaging is filled with the envisaged products and dropped from a defined height. This enables realistic conditions encountered during shipment to be simulated.

In addition to this vertical impact test, a horizontal test can also be performed, for example, to simulate braking processes and handling loads. 

 

E

Eco-labels

Eco-labels are symbols or seals affixed to goods which are used to visualise and highlight the sustainability of the packaging. However, packaging must already meet certain criteria in order to be allowed to use special eco-labels such as the FSC logo or the RESY eco-label. 
 

EcoVadis

EcoVadis is an online platform that offers a global sustainability rating. The rating covers a wide range of non-financial management systems, including the impacts of the environment, employment rights and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. Each company is assessed on the issues relevant to its size, location and industry sector. The aim of EcoVadis is to assess and make it possible to compare the quality of company CR management systems. 
 

Efficient Consumer Response (ECR)

The term Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) describes an initiative in which upstream suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have joined forces. Its goal is to improve the logistics chain through joint efforts and as a result to offer consumers the best quality, service and product variety at optimum cost.
 

Electronic data interchange (EDI)

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the transfer of structured data by means of specified electronic messaging standards from one Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to another with a minimum of manual intervention. 
 

Electrostatic discharge corrugated cardboard (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge corrugated cardboard (ESD) protects electronic components and sensitive electrical devices against electrostatic discharge. The special ESD corrugated cardboard avoids both charging and rapid discharge.

European Article Number (EAN)

The European Article Number consists of 13 digits and is used to simplify logistical processes, for automation and to increase safety. It is machine readable and coded (country of manufacture, manufacturer and product). 
 

European Carton Makers Association Code (ECMA-Code) (DIN EN14054)

The ECMA Code is a technical and logical standard directory for the folding box industry and its partners. It is preferred for primary packaging made of cardboard. Many well-known and common folding box shapes are collated in the ECMA code and displayed in die-cuts and in 3D.

 

F

FEFCO/ESBO Code

The FEFCO-ESBO codes are an internationally recognised system for classifying packaging made of solid and corrugated cardboard. The codes consist of four-digit numbers that describe the respective packaging form independently of language. FEFCO is the abbreviation for Féderation Européenne des Fabricants du Carton Ondulé. 

 

Flat Crush Test (FCT) (DIN ISO EN 3035) 

FCT is a test method which determines the flat crush resistance, [kPa] of single-wall corrugated cardboard. 
 

Flat-Bed Die Cutter 

Corrugated cardboard sheets are locked in the flat-bed die cutter (Autoplatine) and punched out by a flat-pack punching tool in one stroke movement. This results in very precise die-cuts. The difference to a rotary die cutter are the die-cut movements and the customised tools.
 

Flexo – High Quality Post Print (HQPP) 

High Quality Post Print (HQPP) is flexo direct printing at the highest quality level with cost-effective production for smaller print runs.
 

Flexo Preprint 

In preprint (corrugated cardboard preprint) the paper outside cover of the corrugated cardboard is printed first and then laminated onto the flute with the internal web. This is referred to as web press. 
 

Flexo Printing 

Flexo printing is a direct high-pressure process which uses flexible photopolymer or rubber printing plates and low-viscosity inks. As a high-pressure process the raised areas are the print form and image-bearing. 

Flexo Post Print 

Post print (corrugated cardboard direct printing) is a form of flexo printing which prints directly onto corrugated cardboard. This is suitable for simple printed images where high quality is not a requirement.
 

Floor-Standing Box 

A floor-standing box is a folding box with a combinable base with interlocking lock-in flaps to create a self-closing effect. Different floor-standing box variants are defined in FEFCO 0215 – 0217.
 

Flute Types 

Corrugated cardboard dimensions are differentiated according to flute types. 
 

Folding Box Gluing Machine 

The folding box gluing machine is a processing machine which in a further processing step uses glued carton die-cuts to create flat-pack cartons.
 

Folding Box/Carton

Folding boxes are made from one piece. The factory edge is joined to the connected side using adhesive strips, wire stitching or glued flaps. The attached top and bottom flaps enable the subsequent closure of the folding box (folding bottom box). 
 

foodWave^®

THIMM foodWave^® is a flute type made of 100 % fresh fibres for direct food contact. 

Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) 

FSC^® stands for the “Forest Stewardship Council^®” certification system. This seal distinguishes wood and paper products which originate from responsibly managed forestry. 

 

G

German Packaging Act

The German Packaging Act forms the legal basis for a successful circular economy for sustainable packaging. This officially came into force on 1.1.2019 as a binding legal framework replacing the previous packaging regulation. In the meantime, the Packaging Act has been partially supplemented and/or overhauled (lastly in mid-2021) and from July 2022 registration requirements will also apply to the ultimate distributors of service packaging.
 

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN / EAN 13)

With the Global Trade Item Number, GTIN, formerly EAN), each item, product or product variant can be identified worldwide without overlap. The GTIN has 13 characters (country code, company number, item number, check digit), which make product information such as designation, weight, container size or product group electronically readable and accessible in a database by means of parallel light and dark lines. The GTIN is used wherever product identification is required (entire product life cycle: warehouse, production, transport, point of sale). 
 

Grammage

Grammage indicates a surface-related mass [g/m²]. More specifically, it is a measurement unit for paper, cardboard and board that determines the mass per surface unit (m²).
 

Grass paper/grass corrugated cardboard

Grass paper is a pulp-based product consisting of around 30 % grass pellets and 70 % wood or wastepaper. The grass used is acquired several times a year from legally-specified and non-previously used agricultural areas known as compensation areas. Grass paper is recyclable and compostable. 

 

H

Handling (logistics)

In addition to storage and transportation, handling is one of the three main logistics processes. It refers to the process in which goods change their means of transport whilst in the shipping process (e.g. from truck to ship). Handling can occur at several points in the transport chain and often incurs additional costs for the company due to the time and logistical effort, therefore the number of handling processes should be kept as low as possible. Handling can be manual, mechanical or automatic. 

Hazardous goods

Hazardous goods are goods (materials / substances) which present specific risks to humans, animals and the environment. Packaging for hazardous materials must be an approved design and subject to special quality requirements in production. 

 

I

Inliner (folding box line)

The inliner is a processing machine in which corrugated cardboard/paper is printed, cut, glued and folded. Frequently used for folding box production.
 

Inside Liner

The paper on the inside of the corrugated cardboard. 
 

Internal Measurements

Internal dimensions of a packaging product. Adding the material thicknesses together gives the external dimensions.
 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an association of standards institutes from over 150 countries. It is an association under Swiss law (Art. 60 Swiss Civil Code). The ISO standards it specifies are a system for quality assurance of goods and services. The EU has adopted the standards of the ISO rules into the European Standards EN 29000-29004. Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) standards on the other hand, are based on similar principles, but apply exclusively in Germany. 
 

Internet of Packs (IoP)

Similar to the term Internet of Things, Internet of Packs refers to the networking of objects or machines in the industrial environment using the Internet – but related to packaging. The Internet of Things (IoT) is already enabling many industries to further increase automation in their production processes. Computers and machines are networked and communicate with each other. There are also numerous opportunities for networked and autonomous processes in the corrugated cardboard industry. THIMM sees the digitalisation of the packaging sector as a key success factor for the future and describes this with its specific digitalisation vision of Internet of Packs (IoP).

 

K

Kraftliner

Liner paper consisting of coniferous wood sulphate pulp with a maximum recycled fibre content of 20 %. Due to its high portion of long fibres kraftliner is the strongest of all corrugated cardboard base papers. Kraftliner is humidity-resistant and is preferred for use in transportation packaging. 

 

L

Laminating

The joining of pre-fabricated surface structures using a lamination agent or through the thermoplastic behaviour of the processing product. The objective is: to improve the processing capability of the substance, to combine base materials in order to maximise the respective benefits of the individual material and compensate for disadvantages.

 

Laser Cutting

A cutting process that uses a laser beam to thermally heat materials at specific points so they can be precisely “cut” at this point. Nearly every type of substrate can be processed with a laser cutter. Since the laser cutter is a digital processing tool, no die-cuts need to be created in advance and the cutting can be performed individually.
 

Lid box (FEFCO 03)

A packaging unit consisting of a base and a lid, with the lid having a slightly larger dimension so that it can be folded onto the base. There are various FEFCO standard packaging options, where the lid is either as high as the base or is shorter in height. 

 
Load Carriers

DIN 30781 states that a load carrier is a load-bearing means for combining goods into a single loading unit. Load carriers such as pallets, lattice boxes or containers make it easier to store, handle and transport goods.

 

M

Module Packaging

A system of packaging sizes based on the module size (in accordance with ISO 3637), e.g. packaging from which the ISO basic module (600 x 400 mm) can be created based on the Euro pallet.
 

Multi-Flute Corrugated Cardboard

This consists of two or more layers of fluted paper (flute) which are glued together by a layer of paper or cardboard (intermediate liner) and where its free external surface is also glued with a layer of paper or card (external and internal liner). 

 

O

Offset Print

Offset print is an indirect flat printing process whereby print and non-print areas lie adjacent to each other on one level. Print and non-print areas are separated by the physical principle of fat/water repulsion. High-viscosity printing inks are used which are transferred by the print form cylinder and the blanket cylinder onto the printing substrate.

In offset printing (up to 100 lines/cm) more lines/cm can be printed on the printing substrate than in flexo printing (18 to 54 lines/cm). The higher the number of lines, the clearer the image when viewed up close. Typical applications for offset printing are gift boxes, brochures, posters and displays. 
 

Outer packaging

See Secondary Packaging.
 

Overseas Packaging

This refers to special packaging that is suitable for shipping products to other countries (via containers). Corrugated cardboard packaging for overseas transport is not subject to any import regulations.

 

P

Packaged Good

According to DIN 55405 the packaged good is the object to be packaged.
 

Packaging

According to DIN 55405 packaging consists of the packaging material used to wrap the packaged goods. Depending on the type of packaging this is composed of a range of packaging material parts and elements such as cartons or pouches.
 

Packaging

Packaging is a product manufactured from any material for the receipt, protection, handling, delivery or presentation of goods, which may range from raw materials to processed products, and which is forwarded by the manufacturer to the distributor or end consumer (German Packaging Act, Section 3 (1)).
 

Packaging Aid

A packaging aid creates the packaging together with the packaging material, e.g. adhesive tape (DIN 55405). 
 

Packaging Material

DIN 55404 describes a packaging material as the material from which packaging aids and packaging are manufactured,e.g. cardboard, paper, cardboard or plastic.
 

Packaging Tissue Paper 

Grey, soft recycled paper that can be used to pre-pack surface sensitive items. 
 

Packaging Unit 

According to DIN 55404, a packaging unit is a shipping or transport unit combined into one piece, e.g. pallet, crate, mobile container or lattice box, etc. 
 

Packing

DIN 55405 describes the combination of filling material and packaging as packing.
 

Pallet

Pallets are described as flat structures made of wood, plastic or metal on which goods can be layered and thus combined. This makes it easier for industrial trucks (e.g. forklift trucks) to lift and transport the goods together. Euro pallets (1,200 x 800 mm), industrial pallets (1,200 x 1,000 mm) and ½ pallets (800 x 600 mm) known as Düsseldorf pallets are mainly used for this purpose. 
 

Perforation

A perforation is a regularly interrupted cutting line. It is used to prepare bending points and as an opening aid (tear perforation).
 

Picking

Picking is the process of compiling goods according to specified (smaller) orders from a total product range. There are two main differences when describing picking systems: The goods-to-person system (goods are brought to a person by conveyor technology) or the person-to-goods system (person picks up the goods from the warehouse location). 
 

Plastic

Plastic is a material that consists of (semi)synthetically generated polymers with organic groups. Due to their different properties (formability, hardness, elasticity, breaking resistance, temperature, heat resistance and chemical resistance), plastics are used as packaging material, bases, components of cosmetics, for heat insulation and much more. 
 

Plotter

Plotters are output devices that can display digital functional and vector graphs as well as technical drawings in colour on various materials. There are also cutting plotters. For cutting plotters, knives are used instead of pens to cut materials with precision based on (vector) graphics without damaging the underlying backing paper. Cutting plotters are used either to cut packaging samples or to cut precise shapes into a material (e.g. stickers). Cutting is performed with a knife, compressed air or a laser beam. 
 

POS (Point of Sale)/POP (Point of Purchase)

POS primarily refers to the place where products or goods are sold by a seller (e.g. supermarket). POP describes the same place, but this time from the buyer’s point of view. Accordingly, both designations are generally used as synonyms.
 

Post Print

Finished corrugated cardboard is printed on directly using post print. This can lead to what is known as the “washboard effect”, which is created by the flutes of the cardboard during printing. 

Preprint

In preprint the liner of the corrugated cardboard is printed first and then laminated onto the corrugated cardboard.
 

Primary Packaging

In accordance with DIN 55404, primary packaging has direct contact with the contents. Therefore, it must comply with all requirements relating to food and medical products. It is the first barrier to guaranteeing the protection and quality of the packaged goods.
 

Print Varnish

Colourless layer of varnish which is applied in the printing press. Print varnish improves surface properties such as abrasion resistance and gloss.

Printing Plate

Printing plates are the flexible printing forms used for flexo printing. Today they are often made of photopolymers. 
 

Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

The PCF identifies, analyses and quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions of a product (e.g. packaging) and includes all climate-relevant effects arising from raw material extraction to recycling or disposal. All climate-relevant gases (methane, nitrous oxide, fluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride), which are expressed in CO₂ equivalents, are measured. 
 

Proof

A proof is a sample which is as close as possible to the respective print process. The proof is used as a control method for fine-tuning the colours mainly in a 1:1 ratio.
 

Puncture test with a pendulum punching device (DIN 53142-1)

The puncture test with a pendulum punching device is a test method that uses a pendulum to test the puncture resistance of a package. 

 

Q

QR Code

A QR code is a unique two-dimensional code consisting of white and black pixels. QR stands for “quick response” which refers to the functionality of the code. This can be scanned with a QR scanner and should guide the user directly to the desired URL. QR codes are often used for marketing purposes and printed on products. They can, for example, be linked to web addresses, telephone numbers, SMS or free text.

 

R

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Technology for the contactless identification of objects. Data is sent using radio waves from an RFID transponder to a recipient and then evaluated. RFID technology offers a useful addition to the bar code and should be used throughout the entire supply chain.
 

Radio Frequency Identification - Transponder

An RFID transponder is understood to be a radio transmitter that receives and returns signals from a reader. Such a transponder contains at least one unique product code, but often also additional information. Transponders can be designed in many different ways such as labels or plastic cards.
 

Raster

A raster is the regular arrangement of points in a lattice structure. The fineness of a faster (size of the faster points and distance between the points) is referred to as the raster width (an 80 raster therefore has 80 raster points per cm).
 

Recycling

Recycling is the reuse of production and consumer waste. It is therefore crucial that these waste products are re-integrated into the economic cycle and then used to manufacture new products. One of the objectives of recycling is to reduce the use of fresh raw materials and generate less waste.
 

Retail-Ready Packaging (RRP)

Shelf-Ready Packaging taking into consideration the important requirements along the packaging-relevant commercial value chain from the commercial store to the POS and/or to disposal or product return.
 

Rotary Die Cutter

The corrugated cardboard sheets run through the rotary die cutter under a rotating cylinder without locking. The cutting tools fixed to a semi-circular wooden shell are mounted on this.

This procedure is significantly more productive than with the flat-die cutter, but not suitable for all die-cuts. Therefore, the two die-cut procedures differ but essentially through the die-cut movement and the customised tools on it.

 

S

Sales Packaging

This refers to packaging arriving at the end consumer or to packaging from retail, catering and other service providers that enables and supports the transfer of goods to the end consumer. Sales packaging is often also outer packaging.
 

Score Lines

The pressing of a narrow, linear recess into paper, cardboard and other materials. The pressing process compresses the paper at that point which prevents the breaking or bursting of the material to be processed during folding, bending, hammering, etc.
 

Secondary Packaging

According to DIN 55404 secondary packaging is outer packaging or secondary packaging which contains a certain number of sales units. It encloses the primary packaging and is handed over to the end consumer at the point of sale and is also used to stock sales shelves. This packaging can be removed from the goods without it influencing the properties of the goods.
 

Sectional drawing 

Drawing (tool drawing) as a template for the production of the punching die and the print image design. The sectional drawing is also used as part of the order documents for quality assurance.
 

Sedex

The globally recognised online platform Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) offers its members the opportunity to present information about their social and ethical processes to their customers and partners in a detailed and transparent manner. Through their audit, companies are assessed and reviewed for their sustainability commitment.
 

Semi-Chemical Pulp

Corrugated paper made from chemically-derived pulp (approx. 65 %) with a recycled fibre content (maximum 35 %) is described as semi-chemical pulp. It has better moisture stability than waste-based fluting and high rigidity and is therefore also more expensive than waste-based fluting.
 

Service Packaging

Service packaging is sales packaging that is only filled by the ultimate distributor in order to enable or support the transfer of goods to the end consumer (Packaging Act Section 3 (1) (1) b) (e.g. foil at the butcher).
 

Sheet-fed printing

Sheet-fed printing does not print on a paper roll, but on individual sheets of paper or corrugated cardboard that have been pre-cut to size.
 

Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP)

SRP takes the essential retail-shelf requirements of the point of sale into account. SRP is usually easy to open without tools, has a high display impact on the shelf and is easy to dispose of after the products it contains have been sold. 

 

Shipping packaging/e-commerce packaging

Shipping packaging is sales packaging that is only filledby the ultimate distributor in order to enable or support the shipment of goods to the end consumer (German Packaging Act, Section 3 (1) No. 1 a)).
 

Short span compression tester (SCT) (DIN 54518) 

The SCT on sheet level is the maximum compression breaking force which opposes the test of a pre-defined compression. 
 

Single-face corrugated cardboard 

Corrugated cardboard with only one liner so the flute is visible from one side. 
 

Single-wall corrugated cardboard

Single-wall corrugated cardboard consists of one layer of fluted paper (flute), that is stuck between two layers of paper or cardboard (outside & inside cover). 
 

Solid Board 

A flat material consisting mainly of vegetable fibres which is formed by draining a pulp suspension on a sieve. Solid board has a surface-related mass > 220 g/m².
 

Solid cardboard

A flat material consisting mainly of vegetable fibres which is formed by draining a pulp suspension on a sieve. Solid cardboard has a surface-related mass between 150-600 g/m².
 

Space utilisation level

Ratio of used space to available space. The larger the space utilisation level, the better the storage area/pallet space is used and less space is wasted. 
 

Special Colours 

Special colours are specially manufactured printing inks that are not made from the four standard colours (CMYK) and therefore depict their own additional colours in the printing process. They are primarily used for marketing purposes. HKS and Pantone are the best-known manufacturers of special colours in the packaging sector. 

Speciality Papers   

Speciality papers are paper types with special properties such as high tear resistance, grease resistance, moisture barrier, heat resistance. Examples of speciality papers are: THIMM Starliner^®, THIMM Multiflute^®, foodWave, Impress, GlossGD2, Grass Paper and PE papers.
 

Spoilage 

Spoilage refers to the quantity of paper that has been damaged during further processing by setting up the machine, incorrect printing or cutting and can therefore no longer be used. 
 

Spot Varnish

Partial varnishing, also known as spot varnish or 3D varnishing, is a paper finishing process where only partial varnish is applied to the print material. This enables selective highlights and various effects such as relief, structures and gloss/matt effects to be generated.
 

Standard Climate 

Standard climate refers to a defined range with controlled temperature and relative humidity which is specified for the testing of materials in order to make these tests comparable. DIN EN ISO 20187 specifies a standard climate of 23°C (± 1°C) and 50% (± 2%) relative humidity for testing paper and corrugated cardboard. 
 

Stretch Film

Stretch films are thin films that are suitable for a wide range of packaging purposes due to their high elasticity. This means that PE stretch film rolls can also be used to pack bulky goods and entire pallets. 
 

Supplier Managed Inventory (SMI)

In SMI the supplier assumes responsibility for the inventory levels of the customer. To enable this the supplier obtains access to the inventory and demand data of the customer. 

 

Supply Chain 

All activities which are necessary in order to satisfy the demand of a product or a service, starting from the demand for raw materials or data through to the delivery of the finished product to the end user.

 

T

Tear perforation 

A tear/separation line that allows the package to be opened without any tools. The arrangement of small cuts on a tear/separation line makes opening easier.
 

Tertiary Packaging 

According to DIN 55404 tertiary packaging is used to protect goods from transportation damage. This packaging is often designed to comply with HGV and container measurements to achieve optimum capacity utilisation. Tertiary packaging is made out of a range of materials such as corrugated cardboard, wood or foam plastics, which enables it to protect the packaged goods from impacts and outside influences.
 

Testliner (TL) 

Liner paper made from 100 % recycled fibres with defined strengths. It is generally available as multi-layer, glued and unglued. In comparison to kraftliner, it is overall more moisture-sensitive and has a lower burst pressure. In Germany there are three different TL groups: T1, T2 and T3.
 

ThimmColor^® 

ThimmColor^® is the brand name for high-quality, pre-printed packaging from THIMM - THE HIGHPACK GROUP. ThimmColor^® products are printed with our patented flexo preprint process. 
 

Throughput Time 

The time period between the start of the first work step and the completion of the last work step in the production of a good. Accordingly, the throughput time for an order can be calculated by adding up the processing, waiting and dispatch times of all production stages. 
 

Transportation Packaging 

Packaging that facilitates the transportation of goods so that direct contact with them and transportation damage are avoided and which is typically not intended to be passed on to the end consumer (Section 3 (1) (3) German Packaging Act).
 

Tray / Shelf Packaging 

Trays are cardboard or (corrugated) cardboard packaging which open upwards and are therefore ideal for cans, bottles and glasses on supermarket shelves.

 

W

Waste-based fluting

Waste-based fluting consists of recycled fibres with a certain proportion of additives (such as starch).
 

Web Press Printing 

In web-press printing, the substrate (e.g. foil / paper) is rolled continuously off the roll and printed. Web-press printing is usually more efficient for high print runs than sheet-fed printing (e.g. newspaper printing). The print substrate is therefore only cut to its final format after printing.
 

Wet-Strength Corrugated Cardboard 

Wet-strength corrugated cardboard is created when regular corrugated cardboard is optimised through the targeted use of additives (e.g. synthetic resins, varnishes), so that its mechanical strength remains resistant even in wet conditions.
 

Wrap-Around 

Wrap-around packaging is packaging which is assembled, filled and closed using automated machines. The particular feature of this automated packaging is that the three work steps described can be performed within one cycle, in other words, only one machine is required to manage them. In practice the die cut of the wrap-around packaging is shaped into a “U” into which the products are positioned laterally. The packaging is then closed with hot glue. The counter-pressure which occurs when it is filled with the products ensures it is glued securely.

 

Waste-based fluting

Waste-based fluting consists of recycled fibres with a certain proportion of additives (such as starch).
 

Web Press Printing 

In web-press printing, the substrate (e.g. foil / paper) is rolled continuously off the roll and printed. Web-press printing is usually more efficient for high print runs than sheet-fed printing (e.g. newspaper printing). The print substrate is therefore only cut to its final format after printing.
 

Wet-Strength Corrugated Cardboard 

Wet-strength corrugated cardboard is created when regular corrugated cardboard is optimised through the targeted use of additives (e.g. synthetic resins, varnishes), so that its mechanical strength remains resistant even in wet conditions.
 

Wrap-Around 

Wrap-around packaging is packaging which is assembled, filled and closed using automated machines. The particular feature of this automated packaging is that the three work steps described can be performed within one cycle, in other words, only one machine is required to manage them. In practice the die cut of the wrap-around packaging is shaped into a “U” into which the products are positioned laterally. The packaging is then closed with hot glue. The counter-pressure which occurs when it is filled with the products ensures it is glued securely.