Packaging dictionary: 24 terms you'll encounter for boxes, envelopes, and tape
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
7 min reading time
Internal dimensions, single wall, VOID seal, letterbox parcel: the terms on packaging pages explained concisely and concretely. With examples from our range, so you can choose the right box, envelope, and tape straight away.
You're looking for a box for something that's 20 by 14 centimeters and on the product page you read: single wall, internal dimensions 180 x 115 x 28 mm (A6), recycled, bundle of 100 pieces. Four terms in one sentence, and three of them determine whether the package will fit, stay intact, and be affordable. Those who pack daily read such lines on autopilot. Those who ship something a few times a month, or are just starting an online store, have to guess.
Below are the terms you encounter on packaging pages, briefly and concretely explained, with examples from our own assortment. No theory: just what you need to choose the right box, envelope, and tape.
Sizes and Formats
Internal dimensions. The usable space inside the box. This is the size you compare with your product. Almost all boxes in our webshop are listed with internal dimensions.
External dimensions. The box including the thickness of the cardboard. This is the size the carrier uses to determine which category your shipment falls into. For single wall, it makes a difference of a few millimeters per side; for double wall, more.
Mailbox package. A shipment that fits through a standard mailbox. PostNL states a maximum of 38 x 26.5 x 3.2 cm and 2 kg on its customer service page. That 3.2 cm is the reason why mailbox boxes are almost always around 28 mm high: this leaves margin for the label and a bit of bulging. Always check the current dimensions with your own carrier, as these can change.
Volumetric weight. Some carriers do not calculate with actual weight, but with a weight calculated from the dimensions – and take the highest of these. A large, light box can then turn out to be more expensive than you expect. Check the tariff conditions of your carrier to see if and how this formula applies.
Cardboard: where the strength comes from
Corrugated cardboard. Cardboard consisting of flat layers with a corrugated layer in between. This corrugation absorbs shocks and provides stiffness.
Single wall. One corrugated layer between two flat layers. Excellent for clothing, books, cosmetics, and most webshop orders up to a few kilos.
Double wall. Two corrugated layers. Heavier, thicker, and more expensive, but necessary when weight or stacking pressure is involved. A moving box of 480 x 430 x 330 mm (50 liters, € 3.50) falls into this category: it must remain upright when filled and stacked.
Flute height. You sometimes see letters next to the cardboard. These refer to the height of the flute: low gives a smoother surface and a thinner wall, higher gives more cushioning and volume.
Recycled cardboard. Cardboard made (partially) from old paper. Recognizable by its grey-brown core. This does not necessarily affect strength as long as the flute construction is the same.
Filling. Anything that fills the space between the product and the wall so that nothing shifts. This can be functional or decorative, such as pink foam hearts (± 77 pieces, € 4.99).
Dispenser. The holder that contains the tape and with which you cut it. Saves seconds per box and prevents crumpled ends – for example, the Kinzo tape dispenser with 2 rolls (€ 9.95).
H-method. The method of sealing where you place one strip over the seam and two strips over the short sides, so that the whole resembles a horizontal H. This keeps the flaps closed even under pressure.
VOID seal. A sticker that leaves the word VOID when removed. This allows you to see if a package has been opened en route. A set of 60 security seals costs € 9.95.
Grip seal bag. A bag with a press-strip, openable and closable without tape. Useful for loose parts, jewelry, or small accessories; there are also printed variants such as these grip seal bags (€ 2.00).
Ordering: per piece, per set or per bundle
On packaging pages, a quantity is almost always in the title. Per piece speaks for itself. Set usually means a handful of the same size. Bundle is the bulk pack: 100 boxes delivered flat. When calculating a bundle, always calculate the price per piece, as that is the only fair comparison point: 100 A6 mailer boxes for €17.95 comes down to approximately 18 cents per box.
Term
What to look for
Internal dimensions
Does your product fit, with room for filling?
External dimensions
Does the shipment still fall into the inexpensive category?
Single or double wall
Weight and stacking pressure
Bundle price
Price per piece, not the total price
Further Research
Once you know what the terms mean, choosing is mainly a matter of measuring and comparing. Start with mailer packaging if you send flat items, with boxes if volume is involved, and with envelopes for mail and documents. For the rest of your packing table, you'll find everything under tape and packaging & shipping. If you are unsure which size is right for your product, or want to know the cost of a bundle for your quantities, email your dimensions and monthly volume to info@verpakkingdeals.nl – and we will help you find the right combination.
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