Glossary

Computer Numerical Control Machining — a two-axis machine that uses rotational cutting tools or specialty knives to cut sheets of material. CNC machines can be calibrated or custom built to suit a variety of materials, from paper sheets to marble slabs.

A process in papermaking that yields rougher, more textured sheets. The cold-press process shapes pulp into sheets without heat, allowing its fibres to bind together while better maintaining their individual shape and volume. Cold-pressed paper generally has better texture.

Lines that are pressed into a material, without cutting it. This compression creates a a weak spot that is prone to bending, making the material easier to fold in precise ways.

A recessed detail in the surface of card or paper. Trick to remember — D for down.

A manufacturing process that uses a form (called a die) to stamp out shapes from sheet materials (paper, cardboard, thin metal or plastics). Most cardboard boxes are manufactured with some kind of die cutting process. A light-weight, manual example of this would be a standard office hole punch.

A raised detail in the surface of card or paper. Trick to remember — E for elevated.

E-mark can be found on some prepacked products (food, drinks, cosmetics, cleaning) in Europe. Its use indicates that the prepackage has complied with the relevant European laws.

The international symbol indicating that the material used in the product is considered safe for food contact. It’s visualized as a wine glass and a fork.

Manufacturing that relies on manual labour to assemble products or packaging. This is much more common than people usually assume.

A process in paper making that yields highly smooth sheets. The hot-press process has a similar effect to household irons, and forces pulp fibres to uniformly bind into sheet form.

A set of international standards issued by ISO(International Organization for Standardization) that help organizations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service.

A manufacturing process that uses a form (called a die) to stamp out shapes from sheet materials (paper, cardboard, thin metal or plastics). Most cardboard boxes are manufactured with some kind of die cutting process. A light-weight, manual example of this would be a standard office hole punch.

The packaging is produced close to the market it’s sold in. Contributes to less transportation and more local jobs. Bonus if the product is also produced locally.

The process of combining two or more flat materials into one. Generally this is done by applying an adhesive to one material, and gradually pressing the other onto it until they are bonded. An example is laminating paper and PP film.

A series of small holes stamped into a material that aid in tearing. Patterns can vary.

The packaging is produced with reduced amount of water. Packaging made from paper and cardboard are often water intensive.

The packaging is produced with renewable energy from sources like water, wind or sun. Reduces the demand for fossil fuel.

A pulp moulding process that is the most modern, achieving smooth surfaces and precise details, idea when details really matter.

A pulp moulding process that is lower in cost and produces pulp forms with larger wall thicknesses (2-10mm), great for padding.

The tidyman symbol is present on many packaged items and is a reminder to the customer to dispose of the packaging in an appropriate manner. This does not mean that the item is recyclable.

A pulp moulding process that is a middle tier process that produces thinner walled forms with better precision, like coffee cup carriers.

The Universal Recycling Symbol is an internationally recognized symbol used to designate recyclable materials. The recycling symbol is in the public domain and is not a trademark.