Choosing the right packaging starts with understanding the options available. However, with so many technical terms, materials and regulations involved, packaging terminology can often feel confusing or overly complex.
Welcome to our packaging glossary, a comprehensive guide to key ecommerce and packaging terms. This page has been created to provide clear, practical explanations of commonly used language across mailing, fulfilment and sustainable packaging.
Whether you're looking to improve your packaging efficiency, explore more sustainable ecommerce packaging solutions, or understand regulations such as Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), this glossary is designed to give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
From materials and packaging types to operational and environmental terms, you can use this page as a quick reference guide, helping you better understand your options and choose the most suitable packaging for your business.
Jump to:
0–9 | A | B | C | E | F | I | M | P | R | S | T | U | V
A
Adjustable Depth
A packaging feature that allows the mailer to expand or contract depending on the thickness or number of books being shipped, improving flexibility and fit.
B
Book Mailers
Book mailers are protective packaging solutions designed to securely ship books through courier and postal networks, helping reduce movement and transit damage.
Book Packaging
Protective packaging designed specifically for safely shipping and storing books. It helps ensure books arrive in perfect condition by reducing movement and exposure to damage during transit.
Book Wrap
Adjustable, paper-based packaging designed to securely wrap flat items such as books or vinyl records without excess material. It helps reduce waste while providing strong protection during transit.
Brand Recognition
Brand recognition is customer familiarity with a brand, strengthened through consistent packaging, presentation and customer experience.
C
Circular Economy
An economic system focused on reducing waste by keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and responsible packaging design.
Corrugated Packaging
A durable packaging material made from fluted cardboard layers. It provides strength, cushioning and structural protection, making it ideal for ecommerce shipments.
Courier Network
The logistics system used by delivery companies to sort and transport parcels from sender to recipient efficiently and reliably.
Crashlock Box
A pre-glued cardboard box that automatically locks into shape when opened, improving packing speed and efficiency in ecommerce fulfilment operations.
Custom Printed Packaging
Packaging printed with branding, logos or designs to enhance brand visibility and create a more memorable unboxing experience.
E
Ecommerce Fulfilment
The end-to-end process of storing, packing and shipping online orders to customers. Packaging plays a key role in protecting products and ensuring efficient delivery.
Ecommerce Packaging
Packaging specifically designed for products sold and shipped via online retail channels, balancing protection, efficiency and presentation.
F
Fibre-Based Packaging
Packaging made from paper or cardboard materials that offers a recyclable alternative to plastic and supports sustainable ecommerce packaging strategies.
Fulfilment Efficiency
The speed and effectiveness of warehouse and dispatch operations, supported by packaging designed to be quick to pack, seal and ship.
I
Impact Buffer Edges
Reinforced impact buffer edges designed to absorb shock and protect corners and edges from damage during transit and handling.
M
Multi-Book Orders
Shipments containing multiple books within a single parcel, requiring secure internal protection to prevent movement and damage.
P
Packaging Performance Testing
The process of evaluating packaging strength and protective performance under simulated handling and transit conditions.
Packaging Waste
Excess or unnecessary packaging materials that increase environmental impact and disposal requirements for end users.
Paper-Based Alternatives
Packaging solutions made from paper or cardboard that replace plastic materials, supporting sustainability goals and helping businesses comply with Plastic Packaging Tax regulations.
Paper-Based Packaging
Paper-based packaging made from cardboard or fibre materials, offering a recyclable and plastic-free alternative for shipping products.
Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
A UK tax applied to plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content. It is designed to encourage the use of recycled materials and reduce plastic waste.
Plastic Reduction Strategy
A business approach focused on reducing reliance on plastic packaging through substitution, optimisation or elimination in favour of more sustainable materials.
Poly Mailers
Lightweight plastic shipping bags commonly used in ecommerce. They are increasingly impacted by sustainability pressures and Plastic Packaging Tax due to limited recyclability.
Premium Publications
High-value books such as hardbacks, collector’s editions or coffee table books that require enhanced protection and presentation.
Protective Packaging
Protective packaging designed to reduce product damage during shipping, handling and storage through cushioning and structural strength.
R
Recyclable Packaging
Packaging materials that can be recycled after use and processed into new products, helping reduce waste and support circular packaging systems.
Recycled Content
The proportion of previously used material that has been reprocessed into new packaging. Under Plastic Packaging Tax rules, packaging must contain at least 30% recycled content to avoid the tax.
Right-Sizing Packaging
The process of selecting packaging that closely fits the product to reduce waste, lower material usage and improve shipping efficiency.
S
Spine Damage
Creasing, bending or splitting along a book’s spine caused by pressure, impact or movement during shipping.
Subscription Box Packaging
Packaging designed for recurring deliveries, ensuring products arrive safely while enhancing brand presentation and customer experience.
Sustainable Ecommerce Packaging
Packaging used in online retail that reduces environmental impact through recyclable, paper-based or responsibly sourced materials designed to minimise waste and plastic use.
Sustainable Packaging
Packaging designed to reduce environmental impact through recyclable, reusable or responsibly sourced materials.
T
Twin Peel & Seal Closure
A dual adhesive strip system that enables fast, secure sealing without the need for additional tape, improving packing speed and parcel security.
Transit Damage
Damage that occurs to products while moving through courier or postal networks, such as crushed corners, bent covers or spine creasing.
U
Unboxing Experience
The customer’s experience when opening a delivered parcel, often influenced by packaging quality, design and presentation.
V
Variable-height Packaging
Packaging designed with multiple fold lines that allow the height of the box to be adjusted to fit the contents, reducing empty space.
Void Fill
Additional materials used inside parcels to fill empty space and protect products during transit, such as paper cushioning or other protective packaging materials.
0–9
0201 Boxes
A standard FEFCO box style that requires manual assembly and sealing with tape.