Slotted boxes to FEFCO standards: RSC, FOL and HSC
A slotted box is manufactured from a single corrugated sheet. Slots cut into the sheet form the flaps, and the side seam is closed with glue or stitching. Slotted boxes are shipped and stored flat, and can be erected quickly by hand or by machine on a packing line. Internationally, this family is classified as FEFCO series 0200, the most widely used box style in industry worldwide.
The side seam, known as the manufacturer joint, is glued or stitched, and flat-folded boxes require minimal warehouse space. FEFCO is the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondulé). The family shares three strengths: efficient use of board, good compression strength relative to the material used, and fast high-volume production.
Box styles in this group
Regular Slotted Container
The most common box style on the market. The outer flaps on the top and bottom meet exactly at the center. It uses the least board in the family, which keeps the cost per box low, and suits almost any shipping application, from consumer goods to industrial parts.
Overlap Slotted Container
The outer flaps are extended so that they partially overlap instead of meeting at the center. A single strip of tape closes the box more securely, and less dust enters the seam than with an RSC. Commonly used for long, narrow boxes, where flaps that only meet would leave a gap.
Full Overlap Slotted Container
Both outer flaps overlap across the full width of the box, creating a double layer of board on the top and bottom. This provides high resistance to edge impact and stacking pressure, making it the preferred choice for export, high stacking and products with a high weight per box.
Half Slotted Container
Flaps on one end only, with the other end open. Used as an open tote on production lines, as a cover over palletized goods, or paired with a separate lid as a telescope set.
Telescope Box
A two-piece set of HSC boxes that slide over each other. The base holds the product and the top fits over it as a lid, allowing the height to adjust to the product and providing easy access to the contents. Commonly used for products of varying height, fresh fruit and goods that require frequent inspection.
Center Special Slotted Container
The inner and outer flaps differ in length and are cut to meet exactly at the center on the top and bottom. This creates a double layer of board on both ends and a flat base for the product, suited to products that require a level floor and additional protection.
Selecting a slotted box specification
Three factors, in order of priority
The specification of a slotted box is determined by three factors, in this order: the product it contains, how it is shipped, and how it is stored at the destination.1. The product
- General domestic shipments of evenly shaped products that do not press on the box: a 3-ply RSC in KK or KA grade, with B or C flute.
- Products whose shape presses on the box, or with a high weight per box: 5-ply board with BC flute.
- High stacking or multiple handling stages: an FOL in place of an RSC, doubling the board thickness on the top and bottom.
- Applications that require a particularly flat base: a CSSC.
- Sustained humidity, cold storage or cold chain: KH grade.
- Flexo printing in up to 4 colors, with Pantone matching available.