You are ordering cardboard boxes and you hear from the manufacturer: „that will be FEFCO 201 made of BC flute cardboard.” Or you are browsing an offer and you see dozens of four-digit codes that mean nothing to you. If that is your exact situation, this article is for you.
The FEFCO catalog is the common language of the entire packaging industry—a system that ensures a packaging manufacturer in Tarnów and a customer in Gdańsk understand each other precisely, without the risk of mistakes resulting from different trade names or local customs. Below you will find a practical explanation of how this system works, what lies behind specific numbers, and how to choose the right box for your product based on this.
What is the FEFCO catalog and where does it come from
FEFCO is the abbreviation for Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondulé – the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. In the mid-20th century, this organization published a catalog that categorized and numbered all popular types of corrugated cardboard packaging designs. Since then, the FEFCO catalog has become the established standard not only in Europe, but virtually throughout the global packaging industry.
Each cardboard packaging described in the catalog is assigned a four-digit number. The first two digits indicate the structural group (i.e., the general packaging category), and the next two represent a specific variant within that group. Thanks to this, an FEFCO 0201 box is always the same packaging – regardless of who produces it and in which country.
It is worth knowing that the FEFCO catalogue exclusively covers corrugated board packaging. Solid board boxes have their counterpart in the ECMA catalogue, which follows a similar numbering logic but applies to a different material.
How to read a FEFCO code – code structure
The four-digit FEFCO number always starts with a group. Here is the breakdown of the groups, which is enough to know to quickly figure out what type of packaging you are dealing with:
Group 02 – regular slotted and box-style cartons This is definitely the largest and most popular category in the catalog. It includes boxes that, once folded, have a bottom and a top closed with flaps. Most transport boxes used in logistics and e-commerce fall precisely into this group.
Group 03 – telescopic packaging: Packaging consisting of two or more separate elements that overlap or slide into each other – hence the name „telescopic”. The lower part forms the base (tray) and the upper part acts as the lid, although the elements may also be arranged horizontally.
Group 04 – one-piece wrappers, trays and pads Simple designs folded from a single sheet of cardboard without gluing or stitching. Includes trays, inner packaging, and 0427-type packaging, often used for shipping. Packaging with an automatically folding bottom (so-called crash-lock bottom) belongs to group 07.
Group 07 – auto-bottom packaging (SRP and e-commerce) Boxes with automatically folding bottoms (so-called crash-lock bottom or auto-lock bottom) that assemble in a single motion. Includes variants tailored for e-commerce and the popular SRP (Shelf Ready Packaging) category, meaning transport boxes that go directly onto the store shelf after tearing off the perforated lid.
Most commonly used FEFCO codes – a practical overview
Group 02 – FEFCO 0201 box and its variants
FEFCO 0201 is the so-called regular slotted carton – the most popular type of transport packaging in the world. It has four flaps on the top and four on the bottom, with opposite flaps having the same width and meeting in the middle of the carton's depth. This is precisely the box most people associate with the word „cardboard box” – you will find it in every shop, warehouse, and logistics center.
FEFCO 0203 is a variant where the outer flaps are longer and cover the entire surface, overlapping each other. This provides additional lid reinforcement and better sealing, which is important for goods sensitive to moisture or requiring higher stack compression resistance.
FEFCO 0204 is a variant with asymmetrical outer flaps – one is longer, the other is shorter, so they overlap differently than in variant 0203. This style is used where extra tightness without adhesive tape is needed.
FEFCO 0215 is a semi-automatic bottom box – the bottom closes almost automatically when the carton is unfolded, which speeds up packaging on production lines compared to boxes requiring manual bottom forming.
FEFCO 0216 is a version with the so-called tunnel flap – a specific variant used for elongated products, where the short flaps are large enough to create additional reinforcement inside the box.
At TEK-PAK, we produce the majority of regular slotted boxes without the need to purchase a die-cutting tool – these are boxes cut and creased directly from a sheet of cardboard, which significantly reduces the initial cost even for small print runs. For non-standard dimensions, however, using a die may be necessary. You can find the details on the website flap packaging.
Group 02 – FEFCO 0201 in e-commerce – why is it so popular
In e-commerce, FEFCO 0201 dominates due to its simplicity: it is assembled without tools, is available in hundreds of sizes, and works well for packaging with adhesive tape or automatic sealing. If you are looking for shipping packaging that works right out of the box and does not require special staff training, it is usually the FEFCO 201.
It is worth knowing, however, that modifications to this style are often designed for e-commerce – with a perforated tear tape, a self-adhesive strip for re-closure, or an elaborate print on the outside. You will find these solutions in our offer. e-commerce packaging.
Group 03 – FEFCO 0300, 0301 and telescope boxes
FEFCO 0300 is a basic tray without a flap – an open rectangular element that requires glued or stitched corners, which can function as the bottom part of a telescope set or as a standalone display or transport tray.
FEFCO 0301 is a full telescope design: the bottom part (tray) and the top part (lid) overlap to form a closed unit. The depth of overlap can be adjusted, making it possible to pack items of variable height in a single box. This style works perfectly for irregularly shaped products, fragile items, and anywhere easy, tape-free opening is desired.
FEFCO 0302 is a tape-reinforced variant that increases the rigidity of the set during stacking. It is used for products with a higher weight, where a regular telescope lid could deform under the weight of subsequent layers on a pallet.
Group 04 – FEFCO 0401, 0409, 0410, 0422 and single-sheet packaging
FEFCO 0401 is a simple single-sheet tray formed by folding the sides along creasing lines, without glue. It is one of the fastest packaging types to assemble, although in practice it is used less frequently than other variants in this group—most commonly as a simple pad or auxiliary element within a larger master carton.
FEFCO 0422 is a manually assembled tray, closed using a built-in locking system – without the use of glue or tape. It can feature cutouts that allow for better product display on the shelf. Combined with a lid, it is widely used in the FMCG industry and on store shelves as SRP packaging.
FEFCO 0409 and FEFCO 0410 are so-called wrap-around styles – packaging that wraps around the product and is closed with tape, without an auto-lock bottom. This type of design works particularly well for long or flat items, where a standard slotted box would be inefficient in terms of material usage and transport space.
Group 04 – FEFCO 0427 – tuck-top box with adhesive tape
FEFCO 0427 is a design most commonly used in e-commerce – it is in this industry that it works best. Instead of perforation, which is rarely found on these packages, it is more often enhanced with tear strips that facilitate opening and resealing the shipment. The entire structure – the bottom part with side flaps and the lid – consists of a single sheet or two elements glued together.
Variants of this type, suitable for both e-commerce and retail display, can be found in the offer SPR and POS packaging.
Group 07 – auto-bottom packaging
Packaging from group 07 features an automatically folding bottom, known as a crash-lock bottom or auto-lock bottom – the bottom glues or snaps together automatically as the carton is unfolded from its flat form. An employee takes the flat carton, opens it with a single motion, and immediately has a ready-made box with a stable bottom, requiring no additional steps. Within this group, there are various structural variants, tailored primarily to two applications: e-commerce and SRP packaging.
Auto-bottom packaging is one of our specialties – at TEK-PAK we produce them with full print capabilities and in a wide range of dimensions. More information on the website packaging with automatic bottom.
The e-commerce variant usually features a simpler bottom construction and is often additionally enhanced with tear tape that facilitates opening and resealing the shipment – it works well for shipments to the end customer, where fast packing on the line and an aesthetic package appearance matter.
SRP (Shelf Ready Packaging) variants are transport cartons that, upon arrival at the store and after tearing off the perforated lid, go straight to the shelf as a ready-made display – without transferring the goods to separate packaging. This solution is particularly popular in the FMCG industry.
For applications requiring custom strength and large dimensions, we offer pallet packaging lub individual project.
How the FEFCO code connects to the cardboard material
The FEFCO code determines the shape and construction of the packaging, but says nothing about the material it is made of. Therefore, a complete specification always consists of two elements: the FEFCO code and the board designation.
Corrugated board is produced in several types differing in the number and arrangement of layers:
E-flute corrugated cardboard – so-called micro-flute, three-layer cardboard with a densely formed fluted layer, thickness 3-4 mm. Particularly suitable for printing, lightweight items, and small packaging.
B flute corrugated board – single-wall corrugated board (three-layer) with a B flute, 4-5 mm thick. Lightweight, prints well, used for retail and cosmetic packaging. The most versatile, widely used.
C-flute corrugated board – single-wall (three-layer) with a higher C-flute, thickness 4-7 mm. Higher strength than type B, common in transport and logistics packaging, also suitable for refrigerated conditions.
BC flute corrugated board (double wall / five-layer), a combination of B and C flutes, thickness from 5 to even 12 mm. It withstands heavy loads and provides good cushioning – the most common choice for medium and heavy products requiring good compression and puncture resistance.
EB flute board – double-wall (five-layer) with E and B flutes, thinner than BC, but still 6-10 mm thick. It transfers loads well, is rigid, and prints well – it works well in freezing conditions, among other applications, as well as for halftone printing and packaging requiring high-quality graphics.
When the manufacturer says „FEFCO 0201 in BC-flute corrugated board,” you have the basis of the packaging specification – for a full specification, you also need, among other things, the dimensions, the board weight, and possibly the paper composition.
When the FEFCO number is not enough – custom design
The FEFCO catalog includes several hundred standard construction types, but it does not exhaust all possibilities. Many products require custom solutions: additional internal partitions, dividers grouping multiple items simultaneously, special closing systems, or combinations of cardboard with other materials.
In such cases, instead of a FEFCO number, a custom die-cut design appears – packaging designed from scratch for specific dimensions and requirements. The process is similar to standard ones: we determine the dimensions and weight of the product, the nature of transport and storage conditions, and then we prepare the design, prototype, and print run valuation.
You can read more about this trail on the website individual project or reach out directly – our consultant will contact you within 24 hours.
The FEFCO Catalogue in Practice – How to Use It When Ordering
If you already know which FEFCO code corresponds to your needs, ordering packaging is simple. You need to provide:
FEFCO number – e.g., 0201, 0301, 0427
Internal dimensions – always given in the order: length x width x height (L x W x H). Internal dimensions ensure that the product will fit into the packaging with adequate clearance, while external dimensions are important for palletization and transport.
Cardboard type – B, C, BC, EB or another available in the manufacturer's offer.
Print run – the number of pieces. The higher the print run, the lower the unit cost. At TEK-PAK, we start from 100 pieces for pallet containers and from 500 pieces for standard slotted boxes.
Print – if needed, you specify the number of colors, the design, and the print area.
With the data prepared in this way, you can use free quote directly on our website.
Most frequently asked questions about the FEFCO code
Does the FEFCO catalog apply only to corrugated board? Yes. The FEFCO catalog exclusively covers corrugated board packaging. Solid board boxes (e.g., cosmetic or pharmaceutical cartons) are described by a separate standard – the ECMA catalog.
Where to get the full FEFCO catalogue? The official FEFCO catalogue is available on the FEFCO organization's website. Packaging manufacturers, including TEK-PAK, use this catalogue as a basis for pricing and production – just provide the number and dimensions to receive an offer.
What is the difference between FEFCO 0201 and 0203? FEFCO 0201 has four flaps on the top and four on the bottom, with the outer flaps meeting in the middle of the box depth. FEFCO 0203 has extended outer flaps that cover the entire top of the box and overlap each other. Variant 0203 provides better sealing and higher lid rigidity.
When providing the FEFCO number, do I also need to specify the board type? Yes. The FEFCO number only defines the shape and construction of the packaging. You specify the board type (B, C, BC, EB) separately, and it has a fundamental impact on the strength, weight, and cost of the packaging.
Can you order packaging that is not in the FEFCO catalog? Yes. We produce custom packaging as part of an individual project – with our own die cut designed for specific dimensions and requirements. This option requires a higher minimum order quantity and a longer lead time, but it provides complete design freedom.
