Packaging Glossary

Aqueous Coating

A water-based protective coating applied over printed surfaces. Provides scuff and moisture resistance.

Artwork

The print-ready design files submitted for production. Must be in the correct file format, colour mode, and resolution.

Auto-Bottom

A box construction where the bottom automatically pops into place when the box is erected.

Bleed

The extension of background colours and images beyond the trim line, typically 3mm. Ensures no white edges appear if cutting varies slightly.

Board Weight

The thickness or weight of paperboard, measured in gsm (grams per square metre). Heavier board is stiffer and more durable.

BOPP

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene. A clear plastic film used for label stock. Waterproof and durable.

CMYK

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black). The four ink colours used in commercial printing. All artwork must be in CMYK, not RGB.

Caliper

The thickness of a paperboard substrate, measured in millimetres. Higher caliper means a stiffer, more premium feel.

Chain of Custody

The FSC certification that tracks certified materials through the supply chain from forest to finished product.

Child-Resistant (CR)

A packaging closure that meets regulatory standards for being difficult for children under 5 to open. Required for cannabis products in Canada.

Corrugated

A paperboard construction with a fluted inner layer between two flat sheets. Used for shipper boxes and mailer boxes.

Debossing

A finishing technique that presses a design element into the substrate, creating a recessed effect.

Die-Cut

The process of cutting packaging into custom shapes using a metal die.

Dieline

The structural template showing where a box is cut, scored, and folded. Artwork must be placed directly onto the dieline.

DIM Weight

Dimensional weight. A shipping pricing method where carriers charge based on package size rather than actual weight.

DPI

Dots Per Inch. Artwork images must be at least 300 DPI at 100% of the final printed size.

E-Flute

A thin corrugated board grade approximately 1.5-2mm thick. The most common material for custom mailer boxes.

Embossing

A finishing technique that raises a design element above the surface, creating a three-dimensional tactile effect.

Foil Stamping

Metallic or holographic foil applied via heat and pressure. Available in gold, silver, rose gold, and custom colours.

FSC

Forest Stewardship Council. Certifies responsible forest management for paper and packaging materials.

Gloss Lamination

A shiny, reflective film applied over printed packaging. Enhances colour vibrancy and provides durability.

GSM

Grams per square metre. The standard unit for measuring paperboard weight.

Hang Tab

A die-cut hole at the top of retail packaging for peg hook display.

Kraft

Paperboard made from unbleached wood pulp, giving it a natural brown colour. Popular with eco-focused brands.

Lamination

A thin film bonded to printed packaging for protection and appearance. Available in matte, gloss, and soft-touch.

Matte Lamination

A non-reflective, flat film applied over printed packaging. Creates a sophisticated, premium appearance.

MOQ

Minimum Order Quantity. The smallest number of units a supplier will produce in a single print run.

Offset Printing

A commercial printing method that produces high-quality, consistent colour at volume.

Pantone (PMS)

A standardized colour system used in print to ensure consistent brand colours across different print runs.

PCR

Post-Consumer Recycled content. Material that has been used, collected, and reprocessed into new packaging.

Proof

A digital or physical sample showing how the final printed packaging will look. Must be approved before production.

RGB

Red, Green, Blue. A colour model for digital screens. Must be converted to CMYK before print submission.

Safe Zone

The area inside the trim line where all important content should be kept, typically 6mm from the cut line.

SBS

Solid Bleached Sulphate. A premium white paperboard, the most common substrate for folding cartons.

Score

A line pressed into paperboard to allow it to fold cleanly.

Soft-Touch Lamination

A premium lamination with a velvety, rubber-like feel. The highest-end lamination option.

Spot UV

Gloss UV coating applied selectively to specific design elements, creating contrast between matte and gloss.

Substrate

The material a package is printed on: paperboard, corrugated board, label stock, etc.

Tuck End

A box closure where a flap tucks into a slot. Straight tuck closes same direction; reverse tuck closes opposite.

UV Coating

A liquid coating cured by ultraviolet light. Creates a high-gloss, durable surface.

Vector

A graphic file format defined by mathematical paths rather than pixels. Scales to any size without quality loss.

Window Patch

A clear film applied over a die-cut window in packaging so consumers can see the product inside.