Glossary
Industrial packaging glossary
The terms buyers meet when sourcing IBCs, pallets and chemical packaging — defined in plain English, with the UN codes, Incoterms and container maths we use across the site.
- IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)
- A bulk-handling container between small packaging and a storage tank. Composite designs commonly combine an inner receptacle, protective frame and pallet base.
- Composite IBC
- An IBC with an inner receptacle and a separate outer structural frame. Material, closure, pallet and marking vary by model.
- UN packaging marking
- A marking associated with a tested packaging design. Its code, performance level, intended contents, manufacturing date and supporting documents must be read for the exact packaging configuration.
- Packing Group (PG)
- A dangerous-goods classification concept used with applicable transport requirements. The product, substance classification and permitted packaging must be checked for the shipment.
- Food-contact material
- A material or article intended to contact food under defined conditions. Suitability depends on the material, process, intended food, time, temperature, market and applicable documentation.
- FCL (Full Container Load)
- A sea-freight booking in which cargo uses a container under one shipment. MOQ is confirmed on quotation; container orders are typical for bulky industrial packaging.
- CBM (Cubic Metre)
- A volume calculated as length × width × height in metres. Use the dimensions of the actual shipped unit, carton, bundle or pallet when calculating freight volume.
- 40' HQ (High-Cube Container)
- A high-cube forty-foot freight container. Internal dimensions, cubic capacity and payload vary by equipment and operator and should be confirmed for the booking.
- Planning stow factor
- An assumption that reduces theoretical container volume to allow for voids and handling. It is useful for a rough estimate but is not a substitute for a floor, stack, nest or pallet plan.
- Nestable
- A design in which empty units partly fit inside one another. A load plan needs the first-unit height, nesting increment, stack limit and bundle arrangement.
- Stackable
- A design intended to carry vertical stacks under stated load and support conditions. The number of tiers is model- and application-specific.
- Rackable pallet
- A pallet with a stated load rating for a defined rack support span and orientation. Static or dynamic capacity alone does not establish rack suitability.
- Attached-lid tote
- A reusable tote with lid halves permanently connected by hinges. “Turtle box” is an informal search term and does not by itself prove this construction.
- Static load
- A load rating for a product while stationary under the stated support, duration and distribution conditions.
- Dynamic load
- A load rating for a product while being moved under the stated forklift, pallet-truck or handling conditions.
- Rack load
- A load rating for a pallet supported on defined rack beams. Beam span, orientation, temperature and deflection criteria matter.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- A polyethylene material used in many industrial containers and pallets. Performance and suitability depend on resin grade, formulation, part design and process.
- PP (Polypropylene)
- A polypropylene material used in many boxes, crates and pallets. Performance and suitability depend on grade, formulation, part design and operating conditions.
- ISPM 15
- An international standard addressing specified wood packaging material in international trade. Confirm the current scope and destination requirements for the shipment rather than relying on material shorthand alone.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
- An Incoterms rule for named-port shipments. Responsibilities, risk transfer, documents and insurance should be stated with the named port and applicable Incoterms edition.
- EXW (Ex Works)
- An Incoterms rule under which delivery occurs at the named place under the rule's allocation of costs, risks and responsibilities. Confirm whether it suits the export arrangement.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
- An Incoterms rule that assigns extensive delivery and import obligations to the seller. Feasibility depends on the countries, taxes, registrations and shipment arrangement.
- Dunnage
- Material used to separate, brace or protect cargo during handling and transport.