As the competition among e-commerce businesses is rising, so are the packaging trends spicing up. They too are experimenting with new ways to help brands deliver their products in the finest way possible to their customers; however, FEFCO cardboard boxes are still considered to be the safest and most preferred way of packaging that no one can replace. FEFCO what? Wait, allow us to enlighten you about the holy book of packaging designs.
Understanding FEFCO Codes and Their Role in Packaging
FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) is an international non-profit organization representing the corrugated cardboard industry in Europe. They are the ones who frame standards and guidelines for the production and use of corrugated packaging materials. These standards provide a universal system of simple codes that are internationally understood, simplifying the complex descriptions of box and packaging constructions.
FEFCO guidelines are formulated in the form of codes called FEFCO codes, which consist of four digits and can describe a specific box style or structural design. The first two digits of FEFCO’s code represent a box’s style category, while the second two digits represent a unique box style within a category. For example:
- FEFCO 0201: Regular Slotted Container (RSC)
- FEFCO 0210: Telescope box
- FEFCO 0300: Folder-type box
- FEFCO 0401: Tray with straight sides and flanged ends
FEFCO codes are essential standards in the packaging industry, categorizing various cardboard box designs and ensuring clarity and consistency in communication about box designs in the manufacturing and assembly process. Offering FEFCO box styles can greatly benefit businesses, particularly those with online print stores, by providing standardized, high-quality packaging solutions.
A Summary of Some of the Most Popular FEFCO Box Styles
FEFCO codes classify box styles into several categories based on their design and purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the different FEFCO code categories:
FEFCO 0100 Styles: Commercial Rolls and Sheets
Versatile rolls and sheets of corrugated cardboard that can be cut and used for various packaging and industrial purposes.
FEFCO 0200 Styles: Slotted-type Boxes
Basic designs with one set of flaps at the top and bottom, usually used for regular slotted containers (RSC).
FEFCO 0300 Styles: Telescope-type Boxes
Consist of a separate lid and base that fit over each other.
Ideal for packaging products that require a premium presentation or extra protection.
FEFCO 0400 Styles: Folder-Type Boxes and Trays
Open-ended boxes that can be folded into trays or folders.
While tray-type boxes are suitable for flat items, folder-types are ideal for shipping and storing a wide range of products.
FEFCO 0500 Styles: Slide-Type Boxes
Slide-type box where one part slides into another.
These are used for flat items and are easy to assemble.
FEFCO 0600 Styles: Rigid Type Boxes
Boxes that do not fold and have a rigid structure with separate lids and bases.
These boxes offer maximum protection for heavier or fragile items.
FEFCO 0700 Styles: Ready-Glued Cases
Boxes that are glued by the manufacturer before shipping and delivered to the customer as ready-to-use boxes.
These save time in assembly and are used for a variety of products.
FEFCO 0900 Styles: Interior Fitments:
Multi-cell division boxes for organizing multiple products within one box.
Boxes with division inserts and fitments for added protection and separation during transit.
FEFCO Box Styles Every Packaging Print Service Providers Should Offer in 2025
In 2025, these are some of the most popular FEFCO box styles that online businesses are leveraging:
1. FEFCO 0201 Boxes (Regular Slotted Containers)
- Economical and environmentally friendly.
- Versatile and preferred by online businesses and manufacturers.
- Structure consists of a single piece of corrugated board with four flaps.
- Easy to assemble by folding the flaps.
- Outer flaps meet at the center and are closed with tape, staples, or glue.
- Ideal for shipping, storing various products, retail displays, and e-commerce.
- Customizable, cost-effective, and provides good protection.
2. FEFCO 0210 Boxes
- Classified as a Regular Slotted Container (RSC).
- Features four flaps of equal length.
- Economical and offers good protection for a range of products.
- Used in e-commerce, retail, and distribution usually for books, small appliances, and various sturdy goods.
3. FEFCO 0300 Boxes (Telescope-type boxes)
- Consists of a separate lid and base with different dimensions.
- The lid and base fit precisely over each other, providing extra protection and strength.
- Suitable for packaging fragile or expensive products like electronics, cosmetics, and luxury goods.
- Customizable and popular for enhanced protection due to double-layered construction.
4. FEFCO 0401 Boxes
- Open-ended boxes made from a single piece of corrugated board.
- Can be folded into a box or tray shape.
- Versatile with various depths and configurations.
- Ideal for packaging items that need a flat, low-profile box or tray, like documents, books, etc.
- Efficient to manufacture due to simple construction.
- Offers good protection for products requiring shallow packaging solutions.
- Easily customizable with printing or labels.
5. FEFCO 0501 Boxes (Slide-type boxes)
- Structure includes a tray (inner part) that slides in and out of the sleeve (outer part) for easy access to contents.
- Excellent choice for products needing frequent access without fully opening the box.
- Ideal for packing books, electronics, or gifts.
- Provides sleek and compact packaging.
- Offers convenience, protection, and customization.
6. FEFCO 0600 Boxes (Rigid-type boxes)
- Open-ended boxes made from a single piece of corrugated board.
- Can be folded into a box or tray shape.
- Versatile with various depths and configurations.
- Ideal for packaging items that need a flat, low-profile box or tray, like documents, books, etc.
- Efficient to manufacture due to simple construction.
- Offers good protection for products requiring shallow packaging solutions.
- Easily customizable with printing or labels.
7. FEFCO 0701 Boxes (Ready-glued cases)
- Pre-glued by the manufacturer, quick to assemble.
- Designed to fold easily into their final shape without additional adhesive.
- Ideal for packing goods requiring fast and efficient handling like e-commerce, logistics, etc.
- Saves time and labor costs.
- Offers a neat and professional appearance.
8. FEFCO 0904 Boxes
- Specifically designed for shipping and storing large and heavy items, hence are commonly preferred by logistics, automotive, and manufacturing industries.
- Characterized by a double-wall structure for extra strength and durability.
- Lid and bottom are typically the same size, allowing for easy stacking and assembly.
9. FEFCO 0211 Boxes
- Slotted-type corrugated boxes with a tuck-in top and bottom.
- Typically used for packaging and shipping goods.
- Design features two main flaps on the top and bottom that tuck into the sides.
- Easy to assemble and offer good protection for various products during transit.
10. FEFCO 0427 Boxes
- Folder-type corrugated boxes with a lid and flaps at one end.
- Designed to be folded and closed at one end for a secure enclosure.
- Commonly used for items requiring easy access from one end, like books or documents.
- Offer good protection and suitable for various shipping and storage needs.
11. FEFCO 0409 Boxes
- Folder-type corrugated boxes with a lid and flaps at both ends.
- Designed to be folded and closed at both ends for a secure enclosure.
- Versatile and commonly used for a wide range of products.
- Easy to assemble and offers good stacking strength.
- Suitable for various industrial and commercial applications.
12. FEFCO 0426 Boxes
- Folder-type corrugated boxes with a lid and extended side flaps.
- Designed with additional flaps on the sides for extra protection and support.
- Commonly used for packaging goods requiring higher protection during shipping and storage.
- Suitable for various industrial and commercial applications where robust packaging is necessary.
13. FEFCO 0951 Boxes
- Folder-type corrugated boxes with a crash-lock bottom.
- Designed with a special bottom closure that locks into place when folded.
- Provides a secure and strong base.
- Allows for quick assembly without additional tape or adhesives.
- Convenient for packing operations.
- Commonly used for packaging products requiring a sturdy bottom and easy assembly like, food items, electronics, and retail goods.
- Offers good protection and are suitable for shipping and display purposes.
14. FEFCO 0225 Boxes
- Folder-type corrugated boxes with a lid and a hole in the lid.
- Designed with a circular hole in the lid for easy carrying and lifting.
- Highly preferred by retail, electronics, and food businesses.
- Offer good protection and are easy to assemble.
- Suitable for various shipping and storage needs.
These FEFCO styles cater to various packaging needs across industries, offering strength, versatility, and customization options for different types of products.
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Benefits of offering FEFCO boxes for online packaging printing businesses
- Easier Web to Print Integration: Many platforms support FEFCO codes, streamlining online orders with 3D previews and automation. DesignNBuy offers 2500+ built-in FEFCO die lines, helping printers launch faster with ready-to-use box styles.
- Streamlined Production with Standardized Box Styles: FEFCO codes provide a globally recognized set of box designs, reducing confusion and customization time. This leads to faster job setup, fewer errors, and smoother production workflows.
- Reduced Design and Sampling Costs: With pre-defined structural designs, printers save on structural design labor and prototyping costs. There’s no need to build die lines from scratch, which also minimizes revisions.
- Faster Turnaround Times: Standard templates allow quicker quoting, design approval, and print prep, enabling faster turnaround times for clients, a major selling point for online packaging services.
- Scalability in Operations: By offering standard box styles, printers can batch similar jobs for efficient printing and die-cutting. This makes it easier to scale operations, especially for B2B clients with recurring needs.
- Trusted Industry Format: FEFCO codes are recognized across the packaging and logistics industry, boosting the credibility of your offerings and making it easier to collaborate with vendors and clients globally.
How to Market FEFCO Packaging Products on Your Online Web To Print Storefront
The demand for FEFCO cardboard boxes is never going to face a drought due to the constant rise in online shopping. Brands need such secure yet trendy boxes all the time to ship all kinds of products to their customers.
Therefore, putting up FEFCO box styles in your online print store offers several advantages that can benefit both your business and your customers. So, in order to market them, you can put into action the following tips:
1. Highlight Benefits and Features
- Durability – Emphasize the sturdy construction and ability to protect items during shipping.
- Versatility – Showcase how they can be used for various products and industries.
- Customizability – Mention if they can be customized with logos or designs.
2. Quality Images and Descriptions
- Use high-quality images that showcase the boxes from different angles.
- Write clear and detailed descriptions that highlight the benefits and possible uses.
3. SEO Optimization
- Use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions.
- Create content that answers common questions about FEFCO box styles.
4. Create Educational Content
- Write blog posts or create videos that explain the benefits of different FEFCO box styles.
- Provide tips on choosing the right one.
5. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or testimonials.
- Highlight the positive experiences with your FEFCO cardboard box styles.
6. Promotions and Discounts
- Offer free shipping to first-time buyers and discounts for bulk purchases.
- Highlight any special offers or bundle deals involving FEFCO box styles.
7. Use Social Media
- Share images and videos of your FEFCO box styles on social media platforms and engage with potential customers.
8. Collaborate with Influencers
- Partner with influencers who can promote your FEFCO box styles to their followers.
- Consider offering them free products in exchange for reviews or mentions.
9. Email Marketing
- Include your FEFCO cardboard box styles in your email marketing campaigns.
- Send targeted emails to existing customers who might benefit from purchasing more boxes.
10. Customer Support
- Provide excellent customer support to answer questions about your FEFCO box styles.
- Ensure that customers can easily contact you for further information or assistance.
11. Offer Customization
- Provide an easy-to-use web to pack solution to allow customers to customize their boxes online.
- Include an online packaging design software with necessary features like streamlined order management, superior usability, user-friendly artwork design, and 3D preview tool to help them customize as they desire and check their customizations by going through the virtual model of their customized box before placing an order.
These strategies won’t cost you much but will definitely help you effectively market FEFCO box styles in your online store and grab customers attention without fail.
Final Thoughts: Streamline Your Print Shop with FEFCO Packaging
Choosing the right box styles for your online print store is crucial for several reasons, like:
- Protection of products during shipping, minimizing damage and returns.
- Different box styles offer varying degrees of presentation. Choosing the appropriate style can enhance the perceived value of your products.
- The ease of assembly and packing improves operational efficiency.
- Enhancing brand identity as packaging is the first physical interaction a customer has with the brand.
- Repeat purchases because when products are delivered safely and in good condition, customers are more likely to be satisfied and return for more.
- Opting for a size-appropriate and sturdy box can save on shipping expenses.
- Aligning with your brand’s environmental values, appealing to eco-conscious customers.
FEFCO cardboard box styles are not just some shapes and types of packaging, in fact, they can have a significant impact on the success of your online print store. Consider what customers are looking for, what’s the hot trend, and what can bring sales to your store.
Put up the right FEFCO box styles on your online print store, to unbox the fruits of success in no time.
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*This blog content has been Updated on April 2025.
