Packaging Terms Glossary
Packaging conversations are full of shorthand, and a misunderstanding about one term can change a quotation by thousands of dollars.
At a glance
- Dieline: cut, crease, bleed and glue template
- GSM: grams per square metre
- Greyboard core and paper wrap
- V-groove, sleeve, tray and reveal
Overview
Packaging conversations are full of shorthand, and a misunderstanding about one term can change a quotation by thousands of dollars. This glossary is written for buyers, not printers.
Our export desk can expand any point here into a written specification for your project.
Structure and Materials
A dieline is the printable vector template showing cut, crease, bleed and glue lines. GSM is grams per square metre, the standard measure of paper weight. Greyboard is the dense recycled board core of a rigid box; the wrap is the printed or specialty paper applied over it.
- Dieline: cut, crease, bleed and glue template
- GSM: grams per square metre
- Greyboard core and paper wrap
- V-groove, sleeve, tray and reveal
The same standard applies to a first pilot run and to a full seasonal programme.
Print and Finish
Pantone refers to the spot-colour matching system; CMYK is four-colour process printing. A D50 proof is a colour proof viewed under standardised daylight lighting. Soft-touch lamination, hot foil, blind emboss and spot UV are finishing passes applied after printing, each with its own setup cost.
- CMYK process and Pantone spot colour
- D50 standard viewing proof
- Hot foil, blind emboss and spot UV
- Soft-touch, matte and gloss lamination
Our export desk can expand any point here into a written specification for your project.
Commercial and Logistics
MOQ is the minimum order quantity. AQL is the acceptable quality limit used in sampling inspection. FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP are Incoterms defining where cost and risk transfer; ISPM 15 governs treated timber packaging in international trade.
- MOQ and price-break tiers
- AQL 2.5 sampling inspection
- FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP
- ISPM 15 treated timber pallets
The same standard applies to a first pilot run and to a full seasonal programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a dieline?
- The vector template showing cut, crease, bleed and glue lines that artwork is built against.
- What does FOB mean?
- Free on board: the supplier covers cost and risk up to loading the goods at the named port.
- What is AQL 2.5?
- An acceptance sampling standard defining how many minor and major defects are permitted in a lot.
Ready to specify your packaging?
Send your artwork, target size and quantity. Our engineering team replies with a structural suggestion, an FOB price and a sampling plan within one working day.
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