Bale
A bale of boxes is much like a bale of hay. Bales are bundles of boxes held together, usually by plastic straps. When boxes are baled, they are unfolded so that they lie flat on each other. Bales may also be referred to as bundles.
Knowing how many boxes are in a bale may help you understand a box supplier's pricing structure. Suppliers don't like to split bales open, so the minimum order is usually equivalent to the number of boxes in a bale. Some suppliers offer quantity discounts for purchasing multiple bales at once.
Class Stamp
The class stamp is unique to corrugated boxes that are manufactured in the United States. This is a rectangular or round stamp that shows that the stamped box adheres to all applicable standards. The stamp is usually placed on the inside flap of a box. Sometimes class stamps are referred to as box manufacturer's certificates (BMCs) or cert stamps.
Not all cardboard boxes have class stamps because these are unique to boxes made in the U.S. Moreover, a box can lack a stamp and still meet all applicable standards. Nevertheless, seeing a stamp is a sign that the box you're looking at has been made in the U.S. and is a good-quality box.
Box Style
Box style refers to the configuration of a box — how it's cut. It has nothing to do with the size of a box. Boxes of different sizes can still be cut in the same shape, which means that they would all have the same style.
Box style numbers vary from supplier to supplier, but each supplier keeps their numbering system consistent. This can help you identify other boxes to look at if you've found one that you like the shape of, but it's too large or too small.
Cardboard
Cardboard has a technical definition, and the term is often misapplied by individuals outside of the paper and box industries. Cardboard is a thin and stiff paperboard that's typically used for signs, playing cards, poster boards, and other similar items. It's not used in corrugated boxes, which many people refer to as cardboard boxes.
Corrugated boxes are made of corrugated board, which is also known as corrugated fiberboard and containerboard. This is a fluted material that’s made of at least one flat layer and one zig-zagging layer. Most have two flat layers with the zig-zagging layer in between, but some boxes have only one flat side or are reinforced with another zig-zagging layer.
Both of these materials are different from fiberboard. Fiberboard is made from multiple layers of paperboard — slightly thinner than cardboard. It's often used in retail boxes that don't need to support much weight and are designed to catch shoppers' attention.
Knowing the difference between cardboard, corrugated board, and fiberboard will help you find the exact type of box that you're looking for. Sometimes, people who are unaware of these definitions have trouble finding the right box because they're looking under a different heading than they should be.
Panel
A panel is a single side of a box. Thus, traditional cube and rectangular boxes have six panels — four sides, a top, and a bottom. You'll be discussing different panels if you plan on having your boxes custom printed.
For help finding the perfect
corrugated boxes
for your business, contact us at Capitol City Container Corp. for more information on our products and services.