The FEFCO code: the universal reference in cardboard packaging

Staff Cart-One 17/06/2026 0

In the world of corrugated cardboard packaging, companies, suppliers, and customers must communicate technical specifications every day to guarantee efficiency, quality, and reliability. To facilitate this process, a shared language was introduced: the FEFCO code. The FEFCO code: the universal reference in cardboard packaging. Created by the Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondulé in the 1960s, this coding system transformed the design and management of cardboard packaging, allowing the entire supply chain to work with a single reference. A simple and intuitive numerical code replaces complex descriptions and makes communication between designers, manufacturers, and customers much more streamlined. See also: “Fruit and vegetable packaging: the trends of 2025”

Why is the FEFCO code so effective?

The FEFCO code is a technical tool that offers concrete advantages along the entire value chain. Each number represents a type of box, vassoio or component, with well-defined and internationally shared characteristics. Thanks to this coding:

  • collaboration between companies and suppliers is facilitated, even on a global level;
  • design and production processes are simplified;
  • logistics are optimized, thanks to already tested standard formats;
  • the traceability of packaging is improved in every operational phase;
  • the design of more efficient and sustainable solutions is supported.

Adopting this language allows for greater consistency in work and guarantees the final customer a reliable, functional product designed according to shared quality parameters.

The categories of the FEFCO code

The FEFCO system is structured into nine large families, each with a specific function in the world of packaging.

  • 0200 Slotted boxes These are the classic packaging boxes, such as the FEFCO 0201, also known as a slotted box (scatola americana). Easy to assemble and highly versatile, they are ideal for transport and storage.
  • 0300 Telescopic boxes Composed of multiple overlapping elements, these boxes offer high resistance and are perfect for protecting sensitive or bulky objects.
  • 0400 Trays Used both for display and for holding small products, trays represent a functional solution for logistics and retail.
  • 0500 Slide boxes Characterized by an inner part that slides into an outer shell, they guarantee excellent protection and a neat appearance.
  • 0600 Rigid boxes (with double walls) They offer greater solidity and protection, making them suitable for fragile or heavy items.
  • 0700 Pre-glued boxes They come ready-to-use, speeding up packaging operations and improving production efficiency.
  • 0800 E-commerce boxes Designed for shipping, they offer security, practicality, and a well-crafted unboxing experience.
  • 0900 Interior fitments Dividers, inserts, and accessories that complete the structure of the packaging, making it more functional and protective.

This classification covers all market needs, promoting customization within a shared standard framework.

The added value of sustainability

Corrugated cardboard packaging, in addition to being functional and safe, represents an excellent choice for those aiming for environmental sustainability. Standardized FEFCO models allow for precise design, avoiding waste and reducing the excessive use of material. Furthermore, the recyclable and biodegradable nature of corrugated cardboard makes it one of the greenest solutions on the market. In line with European circular economy objectives, the FEFCO system integrates perfectly into a logic of conscious and low-environmental-impact production. It is therefore a concrete ally for businesses wishing to combine efficiency and responsibility.

Cart-One's commitment to advanced packaging

At Cart-One, we adopt the FEFCO code every day as an operational tool and design guide. Our corrugated cardboard packaging follows international standards to guarantee quality, consistency, and versatility. At the same time, we offer a customized service to support customers in choosing the most suitable solution for their needs. Thanks to our experience, we can advise on the ideal type of box for each product, optimizing dimensions, strength, costs, and environmental impact. Each packaging solution is designed to protect the content, enhance the brand, and simplify logistics. Choosing Cart-One means relying on a partner who deeply understands the language of corrugated cardboard and knows how to translate it into concrete, high-performing, and sustainable solutions. Contact us to discover the corrugated cardboard boxes best suited to your business. Together, we can build a tailor-made packaging solution for your product. See also: “Sustainable packaging: what influences Italian consumers' purchases”

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