Box Manufacturer’s Certificate (BMC) – A statement printed within a circular or rectangular border on a corrugated or solid fiberboard box guaranteeing that all applicable construction requirements of the carrier classifications have been observed and identifying the box manufacturer.

Burst Strength/ Mullen – The force required to rupture linerboard or combined board, using hydraulic pressure measured by a Mullen tester, relates indirectly to the box’s ability to withstand external or internal forces, and to contain the contents during rough handling. This method cannot be used on triple wall combined board and is of limited reliability on double wall, as it is difficult to force the apparatus through the multiple facings simultaneously. When using certain specifications in the carrier classifications, minimum burst strength must be certified.

Corrugated Board or Corrugated Fiberboard – The structure formed by gluing one or more sheets of fluted corrugating medium to one or more flat facings of linerboard. There are four common types:

• Single Face – Combination of one corrugating medium glued to one flat facing of linerboard.
• Single Wall – Two flat facings of linerboard, one glued to each side of a corrugated medium. Also known as Double Face.
• Double Wall – Three flat facings of linerboard, one glued to each side of two corrugated mediums.
• Triple Wall – Four flat facings of linerboard, one glued to each side of three corrugated mediums.

Dimensions – The three measurements of a box, given in the sequence of length, width and depth. Inside dimensions are used to ensure proper fit around a product. Outside dimensions are used in the carrier classifications and in determining pallet patterns.

• Length – The larger of the two dimensions of the open face of a box as it is set up to receive product (after closing the joint).
• Width - The smaller of the two dimensions of the open face.
• Depth – The distance measured perpendicular to the length and width.

Edge Crush Resistance / Short Column Compression (ECT) – The amount of force needed to crush on-edge combined board is a primary factor in predicting the compression strength of the completed box. When using certain specifications in the carrier classifications, minimum edge crush values must be certified.

Five Panel Folder (FPF) or Harness Style Five Panel Folder – A single cut and scored piece features a fifth panel used as the closing flap, completely covering a side panel. The closed box has several layers of combined board on each end, providing stacking strength and protection for long articles of small diameter that might be damaged, or damaged the box, if pushed through the ends.

Flute or Corrugation – The wave shapes pressed into corrugated medium. A, B, C, E, and F are common flute types, along with a variety of much larger flutes and smaller flutes.

Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL) – All flaps have the same length (the width of the box.) When closed, the outer flaps come within one inch of complete overlap. The style is especially resistant to rough handling. Stacked on its bottom panel, the overlapping flaps provide added cushioning. Stacked on its side, the extra thickness provides added stacking strength.

Joint (Manufacturer’s Joint) – The part of the box where the ends of the scored and slotted blank are fastened together by taping, stitching or gluing.

Kraft – Word of German origin meaning strength; designates pulp, paper or paperboard produced from wood fibers by the sulfate process. Natural kraft has a characteristic light brown appearance.

One Piece Folder (OPF) – One piece of board is cut so that it provides a flat bottom, with flaps forming the sides and ends, and extensions of the side flaps meeting to form the top.

Overlap Slotted Container (OSC) – All flaps have the same length. The outer flaps overlap by one inch or more. The box is easily closed, usually with staples driven through the overlap area. This style is used when the length of the box is considerably greater than the width, resulting in a long gap between the inner flaps. The sealed overlap helps to keep the outer flaps from pulling apart.

Regular Slotted Carton (RSC)- All flaps have the same length, and the two outer flaps (normally the lengthwise flaps) are one-half the container’s width, so that they meet at the canter of the box when folded. If the product requires a flat, even bottom surface, or the protection of two full layers, a fill-in pad can be placed between the two inner flaps. This is a highly efficient design for many applications. There is very little manufacturing waste. The RSC can be used for most products and is the most common box style.