Packaging - RSS Feed

Trade-analysis training for Peruvian professionals

07/25/2012 10:47:35 AM

Researching and analysing export markets were the topics of two recent ITC-led workshops in Peru, targeted at professionals working on trade support. The first workshop, which took place in Tarapoto on 30 May-1 June, looked how to gather and analyse...

Making the most of cold-chain systems

07/24/2012 10:56:02 AM

What are the best ways of using cold chains in the agriculture sector in Sub-Saharan Africa? That was the issue at a recent workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with the assistance...

Dutch grant to help expand South Africa rooibos exports

07/12/2012 10:50:29 AM

The South African Rooibos Council has secured 1.2 million rand in funding to shore up the export competitiveness of the country’s indigenous herbal tea. The grant will be used during the second phase of a technical-assistance project financed by the...

Women need equal access to resources and opportunities

07/11/2012 12:28:14 PM

‘We must accelerate our efforts to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women through development programmes grounded in country priorities, recognising that gender equality and women’s empowerment are critical to achieving development results.’...

Buyer-seller partnerships to boost Senegal’s mango exports

07/10/2012 11:20:28 AM

NTF II's Senegal team is stepping up efforts to build stronger relationships between Senegalese mango producers and European importers. The aim of this effort is to establish so-called development partnerships that move beyond opportunistic transactions....

ITC on hand to support companies from Algeria, Jordan and Morocco at North American food Expo

05/14/2012 9:34:08 AM

ITC's Enhancing Arab Capacity for Trade Programme (EnACT) enables 28 companies to make their first food connections at the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) food show in Montréal, Canada...

GS1 bar codes in Mozambique provide increased opportunities for SMEs

04/19/2012 4:51:16 AM

Rapid growth in the number of supermarkets in country and the increasing presence of major players like Shoprites, Spar, Game, Pick and Pay, and Woolworths has created many opportunities for local industries in Mozambique. GS1 is the international standard...

Packaging Information Centre opens at the Instituto de Promoção de Exportação (IPEX), Mozambique

04/16/2012 10:43:18 AM

With Mozambique’s SMEs increasingly participating in international trade, smaller companies with export potential are looking for relevant, simple to understand, up-to-date and practical information on export packaging. The Packaging Information Centre will help to answer their questions…

Committing to quality in Kyrgyzstan

03/30/2012 9:40:56 AM

At a plant in the North-East of Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, a 20-minute ride from the city centre over potholed roads, 23-year-old Bakhtiyar Kudakeldiev works as a water bottling operator. He does not know it, but he benefits from an ITC programme...

Self Employed Women’s Association’s (SEWA) Gitanjali stationery unit - a “centre of green livelihood”

02/24/2012 11:37:25 AM

Women represent half the global population, but they are almost invisible as suppliers to large procurement organizations. In developing countries like India, the majority of women workers are part of the unorganized sector making it difficult to track...

World Bank, USAid mainstream ITC project methodology in Kyrgyzstan’s agribusiness sector

12/29/2011 4:00:01 AM

At the northeastern end of Bishkek, a 20-minute ride from the town centre through potholed roads, 23-year-old Bakhtiyar Kudakeldiev works as a water-bottling operator...

Empowering Zambian farmers through South-South cooperation

12/08/2011 11:10:42 AM

Cotton is one success of Zambia’s turn towards a market economy and offers a powerful tool for poverty reduction. Until recently, the industry had been dominated by the foreign-owned private sector that dictated prices and marketing arrangements for...

Agri-business creating export value in Uganda and Senegal

09/28/2011 8:51:46 AM

Developing business in commodities such as coffee or tea or in fresh fruit and vegetables represents great potential for growth and employment in Africa. The challenge for these sectors lies in effective and efficient exporting to the right markets....

Leveraging Private Partnerships: Smallholders tap new markets in Guatemala

09/27/2011 10:52:31 AM

Before the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) came to the isolated El Quiché region in the highlands of Guatemala more than 20 years ago, the roads were few and far between, irrigation systems and processing centres were virtually...

Empowering the African private sector network to strengthen its international competitiveness

07/21/2011 9:52:49 AM

ITC project

ITC’s Modular Learning System in Supply Chain Management - Global professional Training and Certification for Greater Competitiveness

07/13/2011 5:45:13 AM

In a market where customers are more demanding than ever and resources are scarce, achieving excellence in the supply chain is increasingly challenging. With the mandate to provide technical cooperation in the area of international trade promotion...

ITC to deliver regional packaging training seminar in Ghana

07/04/2011 2:51:50 PM

The International Trade Centre will deliver a training seminar in collaboration with the Institute of Packaging Ghana (IOPG) between 4 and 9 July in Accra.The training programme is part of a project to empower the African Private Sector Network to...

Voluntary standards in developing Countries: The potential of voluntary standards and their role in international trade

02/24/2011 6:40:58 PM

The importance of voluntary standards has grown in recent years, contributing to higher growth rates in international trade, especially in agricultural products, than achieved in many more traditional markets. The advantages of complying with particular standards need to be carefully assessed to see whether significant gains are obtainable.

Pre-packaged goods: Product quantity certification scheme

02/24/2011 6:40:46 PM

Pre-packaged commodities are estimated to account for more than 75% of the total value of traded commodities worldwide. However, exports of many pre-packaged consumer products from developing countries are often hampered by lengthy border control procedures or even rejected, due to non-conformity to indicated quantity of product.1

ITC on hand to support companies from Algeria, Jordan and Morocco at North American food Expo

01/09/2013 1:47:22 AM

ITC's Enhancing Arab Capacity for Trade Programme (EnACT) supported 28 companies from Algeria, Jordan and Morocco as they made their first food connections targeting the North American market at the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) food show....

Mango packaging focus of two-day workshop for Senegalese producers, exporters

01/09/2013 1:44:31 AM

Senegalese mango producers and exporters learnt about European Union packaging standards during a recent two-day workshop in Dakar, hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The training was based on diagnostic study held in June, and looked at...

Building export capacities in Mozambique

01/09/2013 1:41:21 AM

A programme run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) is seeking to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Mozambique adopt a more structured and market-driven approach to export packaging, which it is hoped will generate more private sector investment....

GS1 bar codes in Mozambique provide increased opportunities for SMEs

01/09/2013 1:41:14 AM

Packaging Information Centre opens at the Instituto de Promoção de Exportação (IPEX), Mozambique

01/09/2013 1:41:10 AM

With Mozambique SMEs increasingly participating in international trade, smaller companies with export potential are looking for relevant, simple to understand, up-to-date and practical information on export packaging.The Packaging Information Center...

Packaging Glossary Index

12/06/2012 9:48:04 AM

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Q

12/04/2012 11:23:23 AM

Q No headwords available

Z

12/04/2012 10:14:54 AM

Z Zip-lock closure A patented method of closure whereby ridges and slots which have been moulded into the material, usually polyethylene, can be locked to one another by pressing them together.

Y

12/04/2012 10:13:11 AM

Y Yield 1. The amount of finished product (output) obtainable from a given quantity of raw material undergoing processing (input). Also the actual production of packaged units expressed as a percentage of the theoretical number obtainable from a given quantity of product. 2. The area per unit weight of material expressed in m2/kg. Yield point The point beyond which the stress applied to a material will cause permanent deformation.

W

12/04/2012 10:12:05 AM

W Wad Term for the resilient backing of the liner in a screw cap closure. Warp Deformation, normally in the form of twisting, for example of a corrugated board sheet or a plastic object. Waste (1) The loss of materials occurring in the process of manufacture. (2) Material trimmed and salvaged in a processing operation. (3) Material that has become obsolete by use. Waste stream All products and packaging materials that have to be disposed of or recovered after fulfilling their primary functions. Waste flows may come from various origins, industrial waste such as trims in manufacture, or post consumer waste, i.e. waste of packaging materials at the end of the lifetime. Watermark A design or image pressed into the wet paper sheet by a dandy roll during manufacture. Water-tight That quality of a container or package by which it prevents the passage of liquid water either into or out of the package. Water Vapour Permeability The property of a material that permits water vapor to pass through its structure. This property has measurable values that can be determined under specified conditions of time, temperature and the water vapor pressure differential between two sides of a material or between the inside and the outside of a container. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) Formerly known (incorrectly) as moisture vapour transmission rate. A measure of the permeability of a material to the passage of moisture in the gaseous state (water vapour), not as a liquid. Expressed in g/m2/24 hours at 38 ºC and 90% relative humidity (RH). Wax An organic compound with a low melting point, now normally of petrochemical origin. Varieties are distinguished by their melting point. Used as a sealant and to provide various properties to paper and board surfaces e.g. heat sealing and impermeability. Waxed paper Paper or paperboard treated with wax to give it water, vapour or grease resistance. Can be heat sealed to other wax-coated materials. Weathering resistance The ability of a package or packaging material to retain its physical properties and appearance despite prolonged exposure to weather. Weatherometer Laboratory device for subjecting surfaces to simulated outdoor sunlight and weather conditions. Web The continuous strip of paper, foil, film or other flexible material which is passed through the machine during conversion and processing. Web printing The production of printed goods such as flexible packaging from rolls of paper that are passed through the press as one continuous web. Welding Increasingly popular side seaming method for metal cans. No lead is used; welded seams can be either lapped or butted. Well Cap A closure for a container in which there is an interior recessed opening into which an applicator may be affixed. Wet strength The physical strength of material when saturated with water. Papers are often specially treated to improve their wet strength properties. Wet strength paper Treated papers which can sustain extensive contact with water without losing their strength properties. Wet trapping Printing wet colours of ink over other wet colours of ink; common with both multicolour sheetfed and web production. White (glass) A trade term for clear, transparent glass as used for bottles and jars. White Room A filling, compounding or and/or packing room where extreme measures have to be taken to assure product and pack sterility/cleanliness. Also called a clean room. Wicker Plaited or woven strands of natural fibre which can be formed into baskets and other containers. Wide-mouth bottle/jar A glass or plastic container with a finish or opening which is large relative to the diameter of the body. Window carton A carton with a die-cut opening, usually covered by a transparent film, to permit partial visibility of the contents. Wire-bound containers A shipping container made from thin slats of wood held together by metal wire. The lid is hinged by the wire and the closure is made by locking the wire loops together. Also known as a Bruce box. Wire tie (1) A pliable wire, pre-cut with looped ends, used for closing heavy duty paper bags. The bag is twisted into a neck around which the wire tie is placed and twisted by hand or by special tool. (2) A light wire inserted into a folded, narrow strip of paper, cut into short lengths or used from reels, for tying tops of polyethylene bags to render the opening relatively moisture tight. Wood density High wood density implies high strength and good resistance to the extraction of nails. Wood densities below 350 kg/m3 are not advisable in packaging applications. Wood wool Cushioning material made from shredded wood, similar to excelsior pads but of much finer texture. This gives a relatively soft and non-abrasive character to the material. Woven plastics Plastics (polypropylene or polyethylene) films cut into narrow tapes and woven into a fabric widely used for the production of plastic sacks with sewn ends for powder and granular products. Wrapper / wrap 1. A sheet of flexible material used to cover or enfold a product for storage, shipment or sale. A covering for a tray, carton or other package to retain and seal in the contents and to increase its protective properties or performance. 2. A machine for wrapping.

V

12/04/2012 10:09:58 AM

V Vacuum Closure Any closure equipped with a liner capable of holding a vacuum. Vacuum deposition See: Metallizing. Vacuum filling Filling of liquids into containers by means of evacuating most of the air and allowing the liquid to replace it. Used in particular to prevent foaming or spilling, during high speed filling. Vacuum forming See: Thermoforming. Vacuum packaging Packaging in containers from which virtually all the air has been removed prior to final sealing. Often used to achieve a low oxygen level in the package, and therefore in the product, as this is normally the major factor determining shelf life of foodstuffs. The container must provide a sufficient gas barrier to preserve the vacuum. Valve A container closing device which regulates the flow of material through an opening. Generally used on containers of gas or liquid packed under pressure, but also on multiwall paper sacks. Vapour phase inhibitor (1) Chemical applied to paper or plastic packaging materials to absorb humidity inside a package (2) material that sublimes and deposits a thin protective film on metal surfaces, thereby inhibiting or retarding rust formation. Vapour transmission rate (VTR) The rate of passage of vapour (usually water vapour) through a material. The vapour permeability of of a packaging material is defined by its VTR. Varnish A liquid preparation which, when spread onto a surface, dries to form a hard glossy coating. Used both to protect another coating or printing and to enhance the appearance of the surface. See also: Lacquer. Vegetable parchment See: Parchment. Vehicle Resinous liquid component of a printing ink that carries and binds the pigment particles together and adheres them to the substrate. Vial A small, normally bottle-shaped, container, made of glass or plastic, with a neck finish designed to accommodate some type of stopper. Used almost exclusively for the packaging of pharmaceutical liquids and powders. Vibration test A specific test to determine the ability of a container to protect its contents from vibration, at varying amplitudes and frequencies. See also: Shock test. Vinyl A generic term for any of the vinyl plastics or for products made from them e.g. polyvinyl chloride. Vinylidene Chloride plastics. Plastics based on resins made by the polymerization of vinylidene chloride or copolymerization of vinylidene chloride. Main packaging uses are as barrier layers or coatings on other flexible substrates such as cellophane and paper. The films are flexible, transparent, have excellent cling properties and low permeability to water vapour and gases. Virgin material A raw material obtained directly from the basic conversion or manufacturing process which has not been subjected to use or processing other than that required for its original production and which contains no recycled materials. Viscose A viscous solution made by treating cellulose (pulp from wood or cotton) with caustic alkali solution and then with carbon disulphide. Viscose is the basic material used for cellophane film, and for one type of shrink-on bottle closure seals. Viscosity The property of a material which governs its resistance to flow. Water has a relatively low viscosity, oil a higher viscosity. Volumetric filling A filling method in which a measured volume of product is put into a package, rather than a determined weight.

U

12/04/2012 10:06:45 AM

U Ullage Term for the headspace above the product inside a container. Ultrasonic sealing A sealing method using ultrasonic frequencies applied to the surfaces to be sealed (20-40 kHz). Ultra-violet (UV) curing Drying/curing of printing inks and varnishes using UV radiation. Undercut An indentation or protuberance on a moulded form that impedes the withdrawal of the item from the mould. Underpackaging A condition where methods and materials used to package an item are inadequate for the level of protection or other functional characteristics needed for a given distribution and use requirement. Underprint The first impression in printing, usually for the purpose of attaining the true colour of the ink by printing the same, or a darker, value of the same hue, or even black, to absorb the light reflected from the paper through the ink applied in the final printing of the design. For example, a single impression of a dark blue printed by letterpress on white paper or board will frequently lack "depth" due to a certain amount of light being reflected through the ink film by the white paper or board. If, however, the design is first printed in black or dark blue, and then printed with the final colour, the latter will show the desired "depth" and hue. Unit Dose Packaging A package which contains one discrete dosage form, i.e., one tablet, one capsule, one 2 ml quantity of liquid, etc. A unit package consists of the unit quantity, protective wrapping, cushioning, and identification marking, up to but not including the shipping container. Single dose unit packaging is used for foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and some industrial products. Uncaser A machine to remove empty bottles or cans from their shipping cases. Unit dose A single unit package which contains, for example, one prescribed pharmaceutical dosage. A tablet or a measured amount of liquid or powder. Unit weight Indicates how much one square metre of paper or any other substrate weighs in grams (g/m2). Also called substance or grammage. In the United States of America the basis weight is given for paper in pounds per 3,000 square feet and for paper board the weight is expressed in pounds per l,000 square feet. United Nations (UN) Number Four digit number assigned by the UN Expert Committee on Transport of Dangerous Goods, to identify groups of dangerous substances. Unique selling point / propisition (USP) Selling feature of a product that distinguishes it from its competition. Unitize The forming of several units into one larger unit such as pallet load or bundle. Unscrambler A machine for aligning randomly received and placed containers of various types in an orderly manner, to feed into the next operation of a packaging or filling line. Unscrewing Mould Mould action in the manufacture of closures. After the injection cycle is completed, the mould cavity is removed. The core then begins to rotate, literally unscrewing the core from the closure, as a stripper sleeve moves forward to eject it. U.P.C. The Universal Product Code, also described as Uniform Product Code. The principal United States numeric bar coding system for product identification. See also: EAN. Urethane plastics (1) Plastics based on resins made by the condensation of organic isocyanates with compounds or resins that contain hydroxyl groups. (2) Urethane plastics are a type of iso-cyanate plastics, are generally elastomeric and are available as foams, solid plastics, and coatings.

T

12/04/2012 10:03:33 AM

T Tab A small projecting area on a package to assist in the removal of a lid or in the separation of parts. Tack In adhesives, an indication of stickiness. The degree of tackiness is estimated as the resistance provided by an ink or adhesive trapped between two surfaces, to the separation of those surfaces. Tacseal A form of liner usually of glassine that is applied over and bonded to a waxed under-liner. When cap is removed from glass, the tacseal liner adheres to the glass lip as a security-type liner. Tag (electronic) The transmitter/receiver pair or transceiver plus the information storage mechanism attached to an object/its package is referred to as the tag, but also as the transponder, electronic label, code plate and various other terms. Although 'transponder' is technically the most accurate term, 'tag' is more commonly used and is preferred by the automatic identification equipment makers. Tamper-evident/resistant closure A sealed closing device for a package that cannot be opened without showing evidence of opening and so is resistant to tampering. May take the form of a tape, overwrap, detachable ring, sealed diaphragm, etc. Incorrectly called “tamper-proof” as such seals cannot guarantee the avoidance of tampering. Tamperproof A term loosely and incorrectly used for tamper-resistant or tamper-evident features of a package. Tape dispenser A machine, either manually or electrically operated, which delivers lengths of moistened or otherwise activated sealing tape. Tar paper See: Bitumen. Tare weight The weight of an empty container or package. The weight of the contents is described as the net weight, and the combined weight of both container and contents is the gross weight. Tear strength The force required to tear apart a material specimen under defined, standard conditions. See also: Elmendorf test (tear test). Tear tape (strip) A thin strong tape or narrow ribbon of film or cord incorporated into the package which, when pulled, enables a package to be opened without the use of a knife or other tools. Telescopic carton A box composed of two similarly shaped tray sections, one forming the base and the other, the lid. The lid is slightly larger so that it either fully or partially overlaps the sides of the base. Tensile strength The maximum tensile stress which can be borne by a specimen of a material before rupture under prescribed conditions. Usually expressed as force per unit width of the specimen. Tension 1. The stress caused by a force operating to extend, stretch or pull apart an object. 2. The tightness of a material web as it passes through a converting machine. Tension decay In plastic films or strapping, the loss of tension on a rigid load is called tension decay. This stress relaxation under constant strain is due to gradual elastic deformation of the material. Tertiary packaging All forms of distribution packaging, containing primary and secondary packaging. Test 1. (Noun) A method of measuring or evaluating various properties of a material or a package. 2. (Verb) To investigate the performance or quality of a product or material by defined methods. Test shipment The trial transport of filled packages under closely monitored conditions to determine their distribution performance. Tetrahedral package A paperboard package with four faces in a tetrahedron shape. It is normally formed, filled and sealed on a special-purpose machine from a single roll of material. Thermal expansion The enlargement of a material or product under the influence of heat. Thermal Stress Cracking Crazing and cracking of some thermoplastic resins which result from over-exposure to elevated temperatures. Thermoforming A forming process for thermoplastic sheets in which the material is heated to its softening point and then made to conform to the shape of a mould by means of pressure, vacuum or both. Thermoplastics Plastics which can be repeatedly softened when exposed to heat and which harden again when cooled. See also: Plastics. Thermoset Plastics which set into permanent shape when processed under heat and pressure and do not soften upon reapplication of heat. See also: Plastics. Thread 1. The spiral, raised form around the neck or aperture of a rigid package, or the finish of a bottle or jar to guide and secure the closure, whose inner surface has a complementary form which interlocks with that on the container as the closure is turned. 2. A thin usually textile cord generally used to sew materials together. Three-piece can The commonest type of metal can, made of three main components; a side-seamed body and two separate ends. Usually delivered to the canner with one end already double seamed to the body. Thumb cut A semi-circular cut-out at the top of paper bags to facilitate opening. In paperboard cartons, a semi-circular perforated area usually at the top of a side wall, which can be punched out by the thumb to allow opening of the package. Tin (1) (Noun) A metal with high corrosion resistance, traditionally used as a protective layer on steels. (2) Popular term for a metal can. (3) (Verb) To apply tin to a surface. Tin-free steel (TFS) A raw material for metal cans. Cold-reduced steel sheet made corrosion resistant by a very thin coating of chromium phosphate, chromium /chromium oxide or aluminium. Tin plate A raw material for metal cans. Cold-reduced low carbon sheet, protected by coating on both sides with a very thin layer of tin. Tissue Generic term for any type of lightweight paper, usually less than 30 g/m2. Tonal scale Chart of tonal variations used to measure degrees of lightness/darkness in a printed image. Tone Value Measure of the optical impression of a screened area, stated as a percentage, where the unprinted surface represents a tone value of 0 % and the solid tone surface a value of 100%. The tone value represents the ratio (in percent) of the halftone dots area to the entire area. Top Load The weight bearing on the top of a container. The term is sometimes used to indicate the maximum load the container will bear without becoming distorted. Torque - application, removal and stripping Application torque is the rotational force with which a threaded closure is applied to a container finish during capping. It should be sufficient to ensures seal integrity and tightness between bottle and closure. Similarly, removal torque is the force required to loosen the closure and stripping torque is the force required to override the closure on the container screw threads, thus destroying the seal. Torque tester A meter used for measuring torque required to remove lug caps, screw caps, or twist-off crowns. Can also be used to apply caps to a predetermined suitable level of tightness and to determine the torque that would cause the cap to override and fail. Traceability (in the distribution sense) The ability to trace the history, application, or location of an item during its distribution by means of continuously recorded identification and location systems. (in the calibration sense) The ability to trace and check the calibration of measuring equipment to a recognized primary standard, or to basic physicaI constants or properties, usualIy through calibrations to intermediate standards. Trade name A name or term which is copyrighted and identifies the products of a particular company or organization and appears on its products and packaging. Transfer bead A projecting bead on the outer surface of some glass and plastic containers, usually just below the finish, to provide a grip for the jaws of handling devices during. Translucent Permitting passage of light but diffusing it so that objects cannot be seen clearly through the material. Transparent Transmitting rays of light without detectable interruption, so that objects can be clearly seen through the material or object concerned. Transport package An outer package used for transporting, shipping and warehousing goods. It may need to be fastened or secured on a pallet or in a container but requires no additional protection. See also: Shipper. Trap A printed area that is surrounded by an area of a different print colour; normally designed to to achieve a slight overlap or undercutting of the two areas, the trapping allowance. Trapping allowance Minute overlapping of printed areas so that slight variations of print register should not give rise to ‘white space’ - unprinted areas - between the print. Tray Usually a shallow open-topped container made of wood, paper board, metal or plastic. As a returnable package, it often used to deliver, for example, baked goods. As a one-way item, the tray is packed inside a carton or serves as a component of packages overwrapped in transparent film. Items packed in trays include meat and dairy products. Trim (l) (noun) Paper or cloth used to strengthen or form decorative covering for the edges of base, lid or extension edges on set-up paper or paperboard boxes. (2) (verb) To apply trim. (3) (verb) To cut away excess or imperfect material, such as uneven edges, sheet not removed in blanking operations, etc. (4) (noun) The excess material cut away by trimming operations. Trimming The removal of edges or segments of paper stock to bring the final print product to the desired size. Triplex board Similar to Duplex board except that outer layers on both sides are of bleached chemical pulp. Used to make folding cartons for cigarettes, cosmetics and other high value products; also used for frozen foods. See also: Duplex board. Tri-wall Brand name of a proprietary form of corrugated paperboard consisting of three fluted layers and four liners. See also: Corrugated board. Tub A rigid container of metal, paperboard or plastic, usually fitted with a lid, and mainly used for packaging viscous products, i.e. butter, margarine, cheese, etc. Tube A hollow cylinder. Can be extruded from metal, glass or plastic, or spiral wound from paper or paperboard (Core). Metal and plastic tubes can have flexible walls and one end may be flattened and sealed by crimping or heat sealing. May be fitted with ends or closures; the ends may be clamped, crimped or heat sealed in place. A shoulder with threaded neck for accepting a screw cap may be fitted in one end. Tubing Plastic film formed by extruding thermoplastics, particularly polyéthylene, through a circular die and applying compressed air inside the resulting tube to expand it to the desired dimensions. Tubular film Plastic film formed by extruding thermoplastics through a circular die and applying compressed air inside the resulting tube to expand it to the desired dimensions. Is formed as an endless tube so must be slit into two webs or cut into lengths. Tubular glass packs Containers made from preformed hollow glass tubes. The tubes are cut to the required length, and can be formed to the desired shape by means of heat and pressure, without use of a mould. Tuck The end portions of the top and bottom flaps of a folding carton which are inserted within the container to hold the flaps in place. Tucks can be either reverse or straight. Tumbler A container made like a drinking glass, with straight sides or sides flaring slightly outward toward the opening.. Usually made of glass but also from moulded plastic; used for packing viscous products such as mustard, and for after-sale re-use. Twine Thread made from two or more smaller threads twisted together and often used in sewing seams or bag closures. Twist-off cap Also called Lug cap. A robust closure system, generally of tinplate; operates on the principle of lugs engaging with a threaded finish on the container. Used only with rigid containers such as glass bottles and jars. Usually provided with a liner to ensure satisfactory sealing. Twist-tie A plastic- or paper-covered wire which acts as a closure when wound around the end of a plastic bag and its ends twisted together. Twist wrap A film wrapper closed by twisting one or both ends e.g. for sweets and candy. Two-piece can Made of either steel or aluminium. Has a body and base made by pressing from one piece of metal, with no side seams. There are two principal types, “drawn and wall ironed” (D & I), and “drawn and redrawn” (DRD). Two-way pallet A pallet which can only be entered by truck forks from two of its four sides. Typeset material Printed copy produced with some kind of composition equipment.

S

12/04/2012 10:01:11 AM

S Sachet A small flat bag containing for example single portions of products, and generally produced by sticking two rectangular pieces of sheet or film material along their edges. See also: Pouch. Sack Usually refers to a heavier duty preformed bag made of paper or other flexible material, either plastic or textile fibre. The main form of paper sack is the multi-wall sack. A multi-wall sack is constructed from several plies and made in tubular form with its ends closed by sewing or pasting. The material of the inner plies will vary with the demands of the product and can include all types of plain and coated papers, plastic films and aluminium foil. An open-mouth sack is delivered with the bottom closed. The mouth is usually closed by sewing after filling. A valve sack is fitted at one corner with an extended opening into which a filling nozzle can be inserted for loading the product. When this extension is pushed back into the sack, it acts as a self-sealing closure, a one-way valve to contain the product. Safety-closure A closing device which cannot be opened unless specific directions are followed. Used on hazardous materials and on drugs, e.g. child-proof closure. Sandwich printing The printed surface is laminated or coated to another material which protects it from damage or contact with the product. This technique is commonly used when reverse printing is employed on transparent food packaging. Salt-spray test Exposure to a spray or fog of salt solution in a specially designed cabinet; it provides an accelerated test of product and pack performance in maritime conditions. SaranTM See: Polyvinylidene chloride - PVDC. SaranTM is a proprietary name for this plastic material. Scanner 1. A machine for electronic colour separation of original multi-colour designs during the preparation of printing plates. 2. An electronic device used to “read” the bar codes such as the U.P.C. and EAN systems of article identification. Scanning wand A hand-held device that is passed over a bar code or similar detectable symbol, to input product/pack information to an electronic data collection system. Score To make an indentation or a partial cut in a flat material for the purpose of facilitating bending, folding, creasing or tearing. Scores are made in paperboard to facilitate bending or creasing. Scores in the form of partial cuts are applied to paperboard, plastics and metals to permit tearing or opening (key-opening cans). Scotch tape test A simple but rough test for determining the permanency of printing on plastic films. A piece of cellophane adhesive tape, or other pressure-sensitive tape, is stuck to a section of printing and then pulled off in one motion to see whether or not the ink will come off with it. Screw cap A cylindrical closure having a thread on the internal surface designed to engage a compatible external thread on the finish or neck of a container. Screen In printing technology, an image area broken down into printing and non-printing picture elements (halftone dots or lines) where the size and/or number of dots per unit area vary according to the tone values of the original. The two main kinds of screening are amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated screening. Today, screening a continuous-tone original to generate a halftone image is usually accomplished electronically. Screen printing Decorating process employing screen stencils. Process can be applied to any container regardless of shape or size. Method once used silk screens, hence the previous name ‘silk screening’ commonly used for this process. Now, however, the process uses stencil screens of various materials, especially fine wire mesh and is used in particular for high quality, heavy ink weight printing on irregular-shaped glass and plastic containers. Screw-Thread Vial A vial with a very short neck and an outside screw-thread finish. Scrim (1) An open mesh fabric used to reinforce packaging material. (2) Combined with barrier material to form a sheet. Scuff resistance The resistance of a print or coating to removal or scratching. Scumming In offset and similar printing processes, defects in the form of inked areas appearing outside the intended print image. This arise because surface of the image carrier is accepting ink in the wrong places or, in the case of offset printing, because the blanket or transfer cylnder has surface defects and is applying ink where it is not required. Seal 1. (Noun) A tight closure. 2. (Noun) A protective device applied to a closure or container which cannot be removed without its partial or total destruction, i.e. a tamper-evident closure (seal). 3. (Verb) To fasten or secure; to close tight. Sealing compound See: Gasket. Sealing tape A strip of cloth, paper, film, etc. coated with an adhesive, used to seal packages and containers. Seam 1. (Noun) A joint connecting parts of a metal or plastic container body. 2. (Verb) To form a seam by abutting, overlapping, folding, sewing, or otherwise fastening two edges of a material. Seamless Without a seam or joint as applied to a plastic container or to a one-piece metal can body produced by the drawing process. A two-piece can. Secondary closure A means to secure or hold firmly in place a primary closure. Often a shrinkable band of viscose or PVC. Secondary packaging Packaging that collates, groups or wraps one or more primary packs. Self-adhesive Package surface or label pre-coated with adhesive and protected until adhesion is required by a non-adhering liner material. Self-opening (SOS) A term describing a bag closure which can be opened by a simple hand movement. Self-sealing 1. The property of certain adhesives to adhere to themselves on contact, even after evaporation of solvents, and when they are dry to the touch. 2. The property of certain plastic films which permits them to seal either to themselves or to other surfaces. Self-service Refers to a store, shop or market where the customer selects merchandise without the aid of sales staff and brings it to a check-out cashier for payment before leaving the store. Semi-chemical pulp The raw material for paper making prepared by a combination of both mechanical and chemical fibres. Used in the production of fluting (corrugated medium). Serum Vial A vial having a neck with a relatively small opening to receive a rubber plug stopper and aluminum seal. Serving suggestion Statement on a package indicating that the illustration shows product as it can appear when served, rather than in its condition inside the pack. Set 1. The form a material assumes in the transition from the fluid state to the condition of desired solidity. In adhesives, the point at which an adhesive has developed sufficient viscosity and tack to hold the surfaces together. 2. (Verb) To harden, reach a state of being set. Setting time The time required for a material to set from the time of its application in a fluid state. See also: Open time. Set-up paper box A rigid paperboard box delivered in a ready-to-use shape, as distinguished from a folding carton which is delivered flat. Sheathing Material, such as lumber, plywood, fibreboard, fastened to the frame of a crate across all openings, to add strength to .the crate or to prevent loss of contents, especially small parts, pilferage of, or entry of dirt, water, etc., into the contents; or fastened to the walls of a freight car to protect a load. Shear The strain produced by pressure in the structure of a substance when contiguous layers are caused to shift laterally over each other, e.g. the action of scissors. Shear strength The ability of a material to withstand shear stresses. Sheet A rectangular piece of material (metal, plastic, paper, etc.). Sheet-fed Refers to the process of feeding a printing press or printer-slotter with individual sheets of material rather than with continuous webs of material. Sheeting The conversion of rolls of paper into sheet form with the use of sheeting equipment (called sheeters). Shelf life The length of time that the product, usually packed, will remain saleable under defined conditions of storage. Shelfline A line of containers (used by drug and chemical customers) that was designed to give the packer specific advantages in terms of label space, maximum size, appearance and easy pouring. Shelf-pack A line of stock oblong bottles, described in drug and chemical stock catalogues. Shell (1) A cylindrical seamless part drawn from flat sheet metal. (2) A plain, unprinted carton designed to be overwrapped with paper. (3) Any rectangular tube open at both ends for a set-up paper box. (4) A collapsible tube designed for one single application of contents. Has no neck, orifice or cap, but has a shoulder which forms the closed end of the container. Designed to be opened by puncturing, tearing, breaking off a small tip, etc. Shells are also called "'one shot" or single dose or blind neck tubes. (5) The body sidewall of a drum. (6) The outer section of a fibre drum sidewall. (7) A sheet of corrugated or solid fibreboard scored and folded to form a joined or unjoined tube open at both ends. Used as inner packing. (8) The flat topped, threaded part of the screw cap which pulls the liner down to seal the finish of the container. Shell Vial A cylindrical container, usually made of glass, characterized by having straight sides, being neckless, and having a flat bottom. Made by sealing one end of a glass tube of appropriate diameter and length. Shingling Solvents leaching through a plastic container. Shipper A box for transporting goods. See also: Transport package. Shipping container (also master container or outer container) A container which is sufficiently strong, by reason of material, design and construction, to be shipped safely without further packaging either as a primary pack or as an outer container for consumer packages (interior containers). Examples: wooden boxes or crates; fibre, plywood and metal drums; corrugated and solid fibre boxes; multiwall paper shipping sacks; textile shipping bags, etc. Shock test The application of sudden forces to a filled container to determine its performance under conditions simulating those that may be encountered during shipment. See also: Vibration test. Short Grain Term used for a print sheet that has been cut from the web in such a way that the grain of the paper runs along the short side of the sheet (travel direction of the during papermaking). This holds true for other mater such as plate material for printing plates (see also long grain). Shoulder That part of a container joining the body and the neck as on a glass bottle, tube, etc. Show-through (in printing) Defect arising from the appearance of print from the reverse side of the material , due to translucency or thinness of the sheet. Shredded paper Usually waste paper cut into narrow strips, used as cushioning material. Shrink band A plastic sleeve which when heated, or a viscose sleeve which when dried, will clamp tightly around container surfaces, generally the neck and closure of a bottle, to provide a seal. Shrink film A film which has been oriented in one or two directions and after being wrapped around a product or package, shrinks to its original dimensions when heated and forms a tight contoured fit. Shrink gun A hot-air blower to effect the shrinkage of plastic film, wrapped, for example, around a unit load. Shrink label A plastic sleeve, usually PVC, which is printed in a distorted design and is shrunk around the body of a container by heat. The design becomes legible when distorted by shrinking. Shrink sleeve A plastic tube open at both ends or at least at one, usually made of PVC, which is shrunk around the neck / closure of a closed container by heat, in order to appear as visual control for tamper evidence. Shrink tunnel A device for subjecting packages wrapped in shrink film to the heat required to induce film shrinkage. Varies from table-top size to one large enough for a loaded pallet. Shrink Wrapping Packing method in which the residual strains in a plastic film are released by raising its temperature, thus causing it to shrink around the object or package being wrapped. The collating of 6 bottles into a single pack is often achieved with shrink wrapping with a shrinkage printed or non printed film. Shroud (1) A protective cover of waterproof barrier material used to shed water from top and sides of the article allowing free circulation of air. (2) A rigid housing surrounding a container in a vacuum-filling machine, to equalize vacuum pressure inside and outside the container and thus prevent its collapse during filling. (3) Shrink Shroud, a shrinkable coversheet able to secure a pallet load. Side seal A technique for producing plastic bags by folding a sheet of film and cutting and sealing the sides by heat or impulse sealing. Side seam 1. A seam joining the two edges of a blank to form a container or can body. In a three-piece can, made by soldering, welding, glueing, or bonding. Main types of construction are lock seam, lap seam, Mennen seam. 2. A seam formed on one side of a paper or plastic bag rather than at its centre. Sifter Fitment A plastic or metal component of a package designed to allow shaking out of dry products, as with a table salt shaker. Snaps over bead, with metal or plastic cap applied over the fitment. Siftproof Pack construction preventing leakage or sifting of finely divided contents. Silica gel A form of colloidal silica resembling sand. Used as a desiccant to absorb moisture inside packages. Silk screen printing (serigraphy) Now called simply screen printing. Mostly used for printing irregularly shaped packages, such as glass or plastic bottles. Applies a thick coating of ink through a stencilled mesh screen. Single service A package containing a measured amount of product sufficient for use by one person, e.g. a condiment, a jam or jelly. In hospital use, an individually packaged dose of medicine. Single-trip container See: Non-returnable container. Sinkage/sink marks Defects in the form of surface depressions in moulded containers or components, often behind thread forms, that arise from diferent shrinkage of thick and thin sections as the article cools. Sisal fibre A fibre prepared from the leaves of agave, often used in the manufacture of cordage and twine. Can also be woven into bags, but the material is stiffer and more abrasive than jute fibre. Size (sizing) Resin, alum, starch or similar materials added to pulp or applied to the surface of paper and paperboard to add desired characteristics, such as water repellency, better printability, grease resistance, etc. Sized and Supercalendared (S&SC) paper A paper stock that has been sized with sizing insulating and then highly calendared to produce a paper that has excellent surface requirements for printing. Size impression Apparent size of a product or package, possibly deceptive because increased by excessive pack height, wall thickness, internal voids, etc. Skids A pair or a series of parallel wood runners attached to the underside of boxes or crates to permit movement and entry of truck forks. Skin packaging A packaging process in which a product is covered by a closely fitting usually transparent film. The product is placed on a porous rigid paperboard sheet; often printed, heated film is draped over it and vacuum is applied to draw the film tightly over the article. See also: Blister packaging. Skirt The vertical part of a closure below its shoulder. Sleeve (1) A tubular form made of various materials, usually open at both ends, made in various shapes, which is slipped over or in an item. (2) A tubular carton with open ends. Sleeve Label A decorated, plastic label in a tubular form that fits over and is shrunk on to rigid glass, metal and plastic containers. Slip (coefficient of friction) A measure of the tackiness or slipperiness of packaging materials. Slip is a key property for flexible packaging materials when it comes to their machineability. Slip Cap (1) A metal closure with indentations on its sides to make a friction fit on a vial with a slip-cap finish. (2) A closure made of soft material such as polyethylene or rubber, without threads, to be pushed over the tip or neck of a container and held in place by friction. Slip pad Pieces of wood used per pairs or more, positioned under the bottom of a case in order to facilitate its movement or at the end of the forks of a forklift. Slip sheet A corrugated or solid fibreboard sheet which fits under a unit load with an extension on one or more sides which can be grasped for pulling the load onto or off a pallet, etc. Slit To cut a master roll or sheet of flexible material into smaller widths. This operation is done on a machine called a slitter. Usually carried out as a continuous high-speed operation in which one roll of material is converted into several narrower rolls. Slot In a paperboard sheet, a cut of any length and with a normal width of about 3 mm, usually the space between the flaps of a box. Slug (1) A solid strip of lead on which characters are cast in relief for letterpress printing, (2) A cylindrical piece of lead or aluminium alloy from which tubular containers can be impact extruded. Slush moulding The coating of a mould with a liquid plastic which when heated cures to form the object being molded. Snaplock bottom A particular style of a folding carton base consisting of four flaps, each cut away and hinged so that they interlock when the carton is erected. Snap Top closure The most prevalent hinged closure, it features an orifice that is sanitary and self cleaning to prevent clogging. It is available in a wide range of sizes. The closure can also be designed with an off-centre spout to direct product flow. Softening point Temperature at which plastic material will begin to deform with no externally applied load. Soldering Method for sealing the side seam and other joints of metal cans using a tin-lead alloy. Soldered seams are usually folded or hooked (lock seam), and must be lacquered to prevent corrosion and migration of metals into the product. Solid board Board made from multiple glued layers of flat paper and fibreboard material, without corrugations. Solids content The solids content of an adhesive is the weight of material expressed as a percentage of the total after all solvent has evaporated (by heat). Solvent A liquid into which a solid substance can be dissolved. In package converting, the component of an adhesive or coating solution which is evaporated from the web surface as the coated material dries. Solvent sealing A method of adhering packaging materials that depends on the use of volatile organic liquids in small amounts to soften the surface of the materials so that they adhere when the solvent evaporates. The solvent has no adhesive properties; adhesion depends solely on the adhesive properties of the melted materials themselves in solution. Specific gravity The ratio of the weight of a body to the weight of an equal volume of water at the same, specified temperature. Spectrophotometer A light measurement device used to determine colour values, such as chromatic value, (h*: hue) brightness (L*), and saturation (C*: chroma), with which colour can be clearly classified quantitatively in accordance with the colour perception of the human eye (in contrast to densitometers, which can only determine ink film thickness via the optical density). Spin welding A process of fusing two objects, typically packaging components, by forcing them together while one of the pair is spinning, until frictional heat melts the interface. Spinning is then stopped and pressure applied until the surfaces cool and seal together. Spiral winding A process for producing a cylindrical tube by winding several webs of paper and paperboard, foil, film, etc., around a stationary mandrel in a spiral pattern. Splice 1. (Noun) A joint accomplished by splicing. 2. (Verb) To join the ends of reels or sheets of web materials such as foil, film, paper, etc. so that they can be handled continuously. The joint may be accomplished by mechanical or electrical means or using adhesives. Spoilage Products and packaging spoiled in the process of manufacture; waste caused by mistakes; errors in judgment, or faulty processing; deterioration of food by microbiological action. Spot Colours Special colours used in addition to or instead of process colours (C, M, Y, K) to enable the printing of special hues without using the primary colours. Often also the only chromatic ink used in black-and-white printing. Spout A fitting on a container to facilitate pouring of liquid or powder contents. Spray can See: Aerosol. See: Atomizer. Sprue (1) The primary feed channel that runs from the outer face of an injection or transfer mould to the mold gate in a single cavity mould or to the runners in a multiple cavity mould. (2) Plastic material left in the sprue section of the mould, usually separated from the moulded item, reground and reused. Squeeze bottle A bottle usually made from a flexible plastic such as polyethylene, from which liquid contents can be dispensed through a small aperture by squeezing the walls. Stabilizer A substance added to a plastic resin to enhance its resistance to chemical and physical change brought about by heat, pressure, light, etc. Stack 1. (Noun) A pile of containers or materials assembled in a regular vertical pattern. 2. (Verb) To pile containers or materials on top of one another. Stacker Cap A closure designed to nest with a recess in the base of a container, to facilitate the stacking of filled containers on top of each other. Stacking strength The ability of a container to sustain a static top load. In corrugated boxes, the stacking strength is affected not only by the weight of the load, but also by elapsed time, and humidity. Stamping, hot-press or hot-die The process of stamping an image with metal leaf upon prepared paper, plastic or other packaging material using hot metal type or dies. Stand-up pouch Plastic or laminate pouch with a gusset spacing the side walls apart at the base so that it is able to stand. Staple A U-shaped, round or flat, wire fastener used to secure package components together or in place. One of the three principal types of closures for setting up and sealing of corrugated boxes. Stapling machine or stapler A machine or device for applying staples. Static electricity Surface charges of electricity which may develop during handling and machine operations, particularly on plastics. Can lead to undesirable attraction of dust and may cause sparking and affect print quality. For this reason discharging devices are normally used. See also: Static eliminator. Static eliminator A device attached to a machine at one or more points to discharge the static electricity from the material being processed. Static load A steady, fixed force exerted upon a stationary object. See also: Stacking strength. Stave (1) One of the shaped vertical units of a wooden container which, when placed edge to edge and bound with hoops around a circular bottom (sometimes top and bottom), forms a barrel or other similar container. (2) One of the thin wood or veneer slats forming the body, sides, or cover of a basket or hamper. Stencil A piece of stiff material with marks or designs cut out in it through which inks or other liquids can be applied to a surface. Used in conjunction with marking inks for applying a product number or shipping information to packages. Sterilizable The ability of a material or package to withstand contact with steam at approximately 5 kg/m3 for 30 minutes or contact with dry air at 200 ºC for 15 minutes, and is therefore suitable for use with sterilized products. Stiffness Resistance to bending. The degree of stiffness may be measured by several instruments, the most common being a Taber stiffness tester. Stippling (1) A decoration consisting of a system of small, cIosely-spaced raised dots on the outer surface of glass containers. (2) In engraving, a printing surface consisting of dots, instead of lines; halftone patterns on a printing plate are stipple engravings. Stitching 1. (Noun) The thread or wire joining materials by means of the stitching process. 2. (Verb) To unite materials or surfaces by means of an interconnecting thread or wire. Stochastic halftone Halftone printing achieved by means of randomly spaced, varied-density dots of fixed size. Stopper A closure, usually cylindrical, made of glass, wood or cork or plastics, which can be removed and reinserted into the aperture of a container. Strap (strapping) A flexible strip of material used for closing or reinforcing transport packages or for securing unit loads. Either non-metallic (nylon, polypropylene, polyester) or metallic straps can be used; both types are usually joined with metal clips but heat welding can also be used. Strapping tools Hand-held equipment for tensioning and sealing various kinds of straps. Strawboard Board made from straw pulp. Used in many parts of the world where wood pulp is not readily available, though its performance is generally inferior from most standpoints. Stress crack External or internal cracks in a plastic material caused by stress but often accelerated by environmental influences and by the nature of products in contact with the plastic. Stretch film A thermoplastic film, generally polyethylene or PVC which is extensible under load and tries to return to its original dimensions when the load is removed thus providing a tensioned wrap around a package or object. Stretch forming A plastic sheet-forming technique; the heated thermoplastic sheet is stretched over a mould and subsequently cooled to produce a tray or dish. Stretch wrapping The use of stretch film to produce a tightly wrapped package which conforms to the shapes being wrapped. A common method for securing unit loads on pallets without the use of heat. Striation In plastic bottle manufacturing, a longitudinal line in the parison or bottle due to a disturbance in the melt path. Such a visual defect may also lead to mechanical weakness. Strike-through (of adhesive or printing) Discoloration or defect of appearance of the reverse of a glued or printed sheet caused by migration of solvents or pigments, or by excessive porosity of the sheet. String and button A method of closing a paper bag or envelope pack with a string and attaching it to a fibre button fastened to the pack. Used for hotel laundry bags, for example. Stringer A wooden member to which the face or faces of a pallet are fastened and placed at right angles to the members making up the pallet face. Stringiness The property of an adhesive to draw filaments or threads when adhesive-transfer surfaces are separated, causing webs of unwanted adhesive to form outside the glued area. Strip packaging A method of packaging in which small articles, such as capsules or tablets, are packaged individually or in multiples, in a continuous strip made from two webs of material using foam-fill-seal techniques. The strip pack is usually perforated to permit easy tearing or cutting. At least one of the materials is generally transparent and the webs carry a heat sealable coating. (Pharmaceutical packages). Styrene plastics Plastics made by the polymerization of styrene or copolymerisation of styrene with other unsaturated compounds. Converted to film, sheet, foam and molded trays, cups, bottles and closures. Substrate The base web, of paper, film or foil, onto which a secondary material is applied. The term is frequently used when discussing printing, coating or laminating onto packaging materials. Sulphate paper Chemical wood pulp made by the sulphate process, or paper or paperboard made from such pulp. It is brown in color and is the strongest pulp product made from wood. Supercalender Stack of alternate metal and soft rubber rolls between which a paper undergoing processing is passed. Used to increase smoothness and gloss of paper and to control caliper. Sure lock flap A tuck-in carton flap having slits which engage a shaped edge of the inside dust flap, thus effectively locking the carton. Surface treatment See: Corona treatment. Sustainable packaging Packaging that can be used, or recovered and recyled indefinitely and is not dependent on the availability of finite and non-reproducible resources. Swages Expanded hoops pressed out in metal drum bodies for strengthening and to facilitate rolling. Swell, hydrogen A bulged end of a closed metal can, arising from pressure of hydrogen gas generated by reaction of metal with the contents. Synthetic Anything produced by other than natural means to resemble a natural product or to reproduce its properties e.g. synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, etc.

R

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R Rack In warehousing, metal or wooden shelves for storing of merchandise, usually unit loads on pallets. In retailing, a pegboard or similar system for display or self-service packages or e.g. specially shaped racks for spices, bottles or sachets. Radio frequency identification device (RFID) Microchip encased in plastic that is attached to packages and other articles for identification and tracing purposes. Ramp A small tapered indent in the base of a container by means of which it can be located and correctly oriented for accurate printing or label placement. Ream A unit of quantitative measure used in the marketing of paper (500 sheets). Recyclable Packaging materials or packages that may be reprocessed into raw materials for subsequent re-conversion into packages or for secondary purposes. Reel 1. The untrimmed roll of paper that is wound on the full-width shaft at the paper machine dry end. Also used for other materials (plastic film, tapes, etc.) wound onto a core. 2. The shaft on which the paper is first wound when it leaves the dryer. 3. Any core or shaft onto which material is wound. Re-entrant Container shape having internal dimensions larger than its aperture and therefore only achievable by blow-moulding or more complex technology (collapsing cores for moulds, etc.). Register In multicolour printing, the extent to which each colour is laid in the correct position relative to the others and to the dimensions of the material on which it is printed. Register mark A mark or symbol used throughout printing production to assist in achieving correct alignment (register) of images and colours; typically appears as two perpendicular lines in crossed form centred in a circle or oval. Registration In labeling and over-wrapping operations, the placing of the print/design in correct orientation relative to the pack faces, especially in the case of irregular-shaped containers. The container is rotated and a small protrusion (called a registration or spotting lug) or depression (called a concealed or dimpled lug) near the base, stops the rotation when registration is correct. Regrind Ground plastic made out of scrap from a plastic conversion operation. It can usually be blended with virgin material and remoulded. Regular slotted container (RSC) The most widely used type of corrugated or solid fibreboard box used as transport package. Designated in the International Fibreboard Case Code as box style No. 0201. Reinforced plastic A plastic whose strength properties have been increased by the addition of high-strength fibres such as fibreglass imbedded in the material. Relative humidity (RH) The ratio of actual humidity to the maximum humidity (weight of water vapour) which can be retained in an air sample without precipitation at a given temperature and pressure. Release paper Mainly silicone-coated glassine or kraft paper whose purpose is to serve as a backing and support for adhesive-coated materials. The silicone coating prevents the adhesive from sticking to the release paper. Removal torque The turning or twisting force required to remove a lug cap, screw cap, or twist-off crown. Usually measured by means of a torque meter. Renewable Material that can be renewed/replaced, such as wood, and for which production is therefore sustainable over the long term. Repeat motif printing A continuous repetition of a printed design on a packaging material or label, so as to eliminate the need for registration of the print with the package dimensions on the packing machine (also called repeat design). Reshipper Shipping container in which empty unit containers are received and intended to be used as shipping containers for the product packaged in the unit containers. Resin Any of a class of solid or semi-solid organic products of natural or synthetic origin, generally non-crystalline and of high molecular weight with no definite melting point. Resins are generally water-insoluble and have little or no tendency to crystallize. However, certain resins used in packaging, such as polyvinyl alcohols and polyacrylates, are readily dispersible in water, and others, such as polyamides and polyvinylidene chloride are readily crystallised. Retail package A package suitable for retail distribution of consumer units of a product. Retort A large, pressurised container used for heat sterilization of packaged foodstuffs. In a balanced pressure retort, the pressure within the retort is kept in balance with that inside the heated containers, to minimize the internal/external pressure differences and resultant stresses on the container walls. Retort pouch A flexible pouch, usually made with aluminium foil laminates, filled with a food product and designed to withstand the temperature and pressures of processing in a pressure-balanced retort. Returnable package A container designed for return to the filler of the product it contains, to be refilled with the same product. See also: Deposit. Reusable package A container which, when emptied, can be used to package either the same or different products. Reverse printing Printing on the inside surface of a transparent film so that the printing is visible in reversed form when it is viewed from the outside. Results in a high-gloss print appearance and protection of the ink from scuffing and abrasion. Reverse Taper Closure A closure silhouette characterized by the top of the closure being larger in diameter than the open end. Reversible pallet A pallet that can be used with either of its faces upwards. Rewind To wind again; especially the winding of a roll of paper, film or other flexible packaging material after printing, slitting, etc. To transfer to other rolls, usually smaller, after slitting, etc. Re-worked material (thermoplastic) A plastic material that has been reprocessed, after having been previously processed by molding, extrusion, etc., in a converter’s plant. Use of re-worked material in packaging applications is normally limited to clean plastic that has been generated from the converter's own production, meets the requirements specified for the virgin material, and yields a product of essentially the same quality as one made only from virgin material. Rigid package A non-collapsible non-flexible package that has a fixed shape and retains that form whether full or empty. Rocker A defective container characterized by an uneven or bulging bottom that permits rocking. Rockwell Hardness Test A test for determining hardness of steel and tinplate, used as a guide in determining plate temper and suitability for metal packaging applications. Rods Glass and polyethylene rods are used particularly in the drug and cosmetic industries. One of the most common is a balled-end rod for touch applying medicines. Roll A quantity of material supplied in web form, such as paper, film, or aluminium foil when wound into cylindrical form on a shaft or core. Roll–on-pilfer-proof (ROPP) cap Metal closure for glass and rigid plastic bottles. A plain metal shell, normally aluminium, is placed over the threaded finish of the bottle and its skirt is pressed against the threads by rollers that press the metal to make it conform to the thread shape. Threads are thus formed on the shell so that it becomes a screw cap. A continous, breakable ring can also be formed at the rim of the cap, to provide a tamper-evident (not in fact pilfer proof - PP) feature. Rotogravure Gravure printing with a thin, quick-drying ink from a cylindrical etched roller (see gravure). Rubberized hair A cushioning material produced by bonding curled animal hairs with latex rubber which is then vulcanized and cut into sheets. Rubber printing plate (stereo) A hard rubber sheet into which the reverse of the design to be printed is impressed by etching or sculpting techniques. Variants of this plate are used in flexographic and in dry offset printing. Run Length Number of packs to be producd or filled during a production run before change over to a different pack/product configuration; number of copies to be printed during a print run. Runner An enclosed channel taking molten plastic from the extruder to an injection mould. For multi-cavity moulds, the multiple runners required may be heated to keep the plastic fluid and are referred to as ‘hot runners’. Rust inhibitor A chemical agent contained in a coating material which is applied to metal surfaces to prevent or reduce rusting. See also: Corrosion.

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P Pack 1. (Noun) Bundle of items wrapped up, tied together or otherwise contained for carrying. 2. (Verb) To put items into a box, bundle, bag, bale, wrap, etc. for storage or transportation. Package 1. (Noun) A sealed wrapping or box containing either a retail-sale quantity of a product (consumer package) or a product or a number of items or smaller packages in transport quantities, for transportation and storage (transport package). 2. (Verb) To put a product into a package or to make a package around a product. Packaging The general term for the functions, materials and overall concept of a coordinated system of preparation of goods for handling, shipment, storage, marketing. Distribution and use at optimum cost, and compatible with the requirements of the product. Packaging converter A manufacturer who transforms one form of packaging material into another more developed form or into a container. Packaging costs All costs associated with the chain of packaging operations — from developing the package concept to the packaged products to the consumer and disposal of the package. Packaging industry General term including all manufacturers of packaging materials and packages. Sometimes defined to include also manufacturers of packaging machinery. Packer A bottle design used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. The bottles have large finishes with respect to bottle size, making bottles easy to pack. Packetting The packaging of product in small packages, e.g. tea in packets. Packing 1. (Noun) Material or product placed around an item or items inside a package to cushion them. See also: Cushioning. 2. (Verb) See: Pack. Packing table A location at which items are assembled and loaded into containers or packages, usually manually or semi-automatically. The table may be equipped with wrapping materials, cutting devices, weighing devices and materials for sealing and labelling. Pad A sheet or cushion which can be made of corrugated board, plastic or other cushioning materials used for extra protection or for separation of layers of items within a package (layer pad). Pad Printing Direct transfer of ink by means of a pad. The process is similar to that of rubber stamping; it is used on small areas and also to print parts of irregular shapes that are otherwise inaccessible. Pail A container of circular cross-section, generally a cylindrical or truncated cone in shape, fitted with a handle. May be made of metal, reinforced fibre or plastic. Pallet A shallow portable platform of wood, plastic, metal or fibreboard or combinations thereof, to facilitate handling of goods and packages by forklifts, storage and transportation of materials as a unit load. Pallet cover A large, usually polyethylene, bag designed to cover or envelop a pallet load. Bags may be individually made to size or may be produced from rolls of plastic tubing on site at the time of loading. Palletizer A large machine which arranges and loads items or packages on to pallets. Pallet pool A source of standard size and construction pallets to which member users contribute pallets and from which they can take pallets up to the limit of their credit at no charge. The standard EUR pallet used in pallet pools is 80 cm x 120 cm. Panel (1) An assembled side, end, top or bottom of a box or crate. (2) A face or side of a paper-board container. (3) A section of a label. (4) Generally, any fiat or smooth section of a container, especially that suited for the application of a label. (5) (verb) To raise or depress part of a fiat surface to improve the appearance, stiffen the surface, or alter the capacity. (noun) The section created by paneling. (6) (verb) To distort a round package by forcing in the sides to produce one or more small, flat surfaces. Paneling Side wall collapse of a plastic container occurring during aging or storage, often caused by migration of the contents and resulting reduced pressure inside the container. Pantone Matching System (PMS) A series of standard colours commonly used by package designers and manufacturers. Communication of specified colours can be made with a code number on a tear-.away chip taken from the Pantone System book. Paper The general name for a wide variety of fibrebased materials primarily made from vegetable or wood fibre base, formed from a water suspension by withdrawing the moisture through a fine wire screen. Paperboard A form of paper, the distinction being that paperboard is heavier in basis weight, thicker and more rigid than paper. Paper calliper The thickness of a paper stock measured in millimeters. Paper grain The alignment of cellulose fibres (or other type of fibres) in a sheet of paper; when specifying dimensions, "grain long" or "grain short" may be indicated by a line above or below the appropriate dimension of paper. Paraffin wax An inert hydrocarbon wax derivative of crude petroleum. Grades with different melting points can be produced. Principal uses are as paper coatings or impregnations for water resistance or to provide slip and gloss to a surface. Parchment Also vegetable parchment. A high quality material for presentation and gift packaging, made by passing paper prepared from cotton fibre and/or pure chemical wood pulps through a bath of sulphuric acid after which the sheet is thoroughly washed and dried. It is odourless, grease resistant and has very high wet strength over a long period of time and does not disintegrate in water or salt solutions, either hot or cold. Parison A tubular cylinder of molten glass or plastic from which a bottle or other form is blown. A bottle blank. Partition (dividers) A wall or panel which separates sections or units within a container. A set of paperboard pieces slotted so that they interlock when assembled to form cells into which articles may be placed for protection during shipment. Passive Tags Passive tags contain no internal power source. They are externally powered and typically derive their power from the carrier signal radiated from the scanner. Paste (1) An adhesive composition having a characteristic plastic-type consistency, that is, a high order of yield value. An adhesive prepared by heating a mixture of starch and water and subsequently cooling the hydrolyzed product. (2) Any preparation of similar consistency or body, such as tooth paste, etc. Pasting The application of an adhesive to surfaces to bond materials together as in the fabrication of paper bags. Peeling bond The type of bond occurring when two adhered surfaces may be pulled apart without tearing the adherents. The amount of force necessary to separate the two sheets determines the strength of the adhesive bond. Use of qualifying words such as "strong peeling" or "'weak peeling" helps to describe bonds of this type. Contrasts with a tearing bond, which pulls the adhered materials apart before the adhesive separates. Peelable lid Type of flexible lid, generally sealed on top of a tray, and which seal strength is weak enough so as to allow it to be easily pelable through délamination. Perfector Printing press which a sheet turning device enabling both the front and reverse side of the substrate to be printed in one pass. Perforations Holes or slots in a film or sheet, usually small in size, to facilitate opening of a package, by tearing along the line of perforations or to allow ventilation. Permeability Property of a packaging material or container which allows the diffusion of gases or liquids through them. pH A numerical representation of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. The number seven represents a neutral state; decrease in pH from seven to zero indicates an increase in acidity by a factor of 10 for each unit change. Increase in pH from seven to 14 indicates a similar increase in alkalinity. Phenol-formaldehydes Thermosetting plastic materials, hard, dense, extremely stiff, and having very good heat resistance. Used for closures. Photopolymer A polymer whose properties are changed on exposure to natural light. Pica A common unit of measurement in print copy preparation and typesetting; one pica equals 12 points, and there are approximately 6 picas in 1 inch. Pigment Component of a printing ink that provides the colour. Pilferproof seal A seal which is resistant to pilfering generally with some indication that pilfering has occurred. Pillow pack Horizontal form-fill-seal pouch, used for single or small groups of objects such as chocolate bars, biscuits, etc. Pinch-off (plastic bottles) The bottom of the parison that is pinched off when the mould closes. Pin hole A microscopic sized opening in a web of plastic film, aluminium foil or other impermeable material. An excessive number of pin holes will reduce the barrier properties of the material, thereby making it less effective for its packaging purpose. Plasticizer A material added to a plastic during manufacture to improve its processing qualities and/or increase the flexibility of the final product. Plastic Recycling Code Code printed or embossed on the base of plastic containers, or on any other plastic pack, consisting of a triangle formed by three arrows, with a number in the center and distinguishing letters under the triangle. The number codes are: 1) PET = polyethylene terephthalate, 2) HDPE = high density polyethylene, 3) PVC = vinyl, 4) LDPE = low density polyethylene, 5) PP = polypropylene, 6) PS = polystyrene, and 7) Other. Plastics From the Greek “plastikos” meaning “malleable” or “mouldable”. Any of a large group of synthetic materials of high molecular weight consisting of combinations of carbon with oxygen, hydrogen or other elements which while solid under normal conditions can be made to flow into various shapes and sizes, with the application of heat and pressure. The two basic types of plastics are thermoplastic and thermoset, the former plasticizing on heating and the latter becoming rigid. Plate (1) Short name for tinplate, black plate, terne plate, aluminum plate or any other basic rolled metal sheet. (2) (verb) To cover or coat with metal, as to plate steel sheet with zinc, tin, etc. (3) A flat piece of metal, rubber or other material, etched, engraved, embossed or otherwise processed with a design to be used as a transfer medium. The plate may also be curved or cylindrical for use on a printing press, A printing plate. Plug (1) A type of closure designed to be inserted into the opening of a container. May be held by friction or by screw threads. (2) A threaded closure part for metal drums. Usually marketed with a receiving flange which is fastened to the drum body or head by welding or other method. (3) A bung. (4) The removable top furnished with certain types of cans. Ply 1. One of the layers in a lamination. 2. One of the walls in a multi-wall paper sack. 3. One of the layers in a spiral wound can. Plywood Multiple thin layers of wood (veneer) glued together, usually with the grain of adjacent sheets being at right angles to each other. Point-of-purchase packaging Packaging designed to intensify the customer's desire to purchase a product at the place where it is sold or displayed. Advertising can also contribute to the point-of-purchase appeal of a packaged product. ‘Polluter pays’ principle Principle that the producer of a product or package (and other potential wastes) should take financial responsibility for its recovery or disposal after use. Polyallomer A polyallomer is an essentially linear copolymer with repeated sequences of ethylene and propylene. It combines some of the advantages of both polymers. Polyallomer is autoclavable, and offers much of the high temperature performance of polypropylene. It also provides some of the low temperature strength and flexibility of polyethylene. Polyamide (PA) See: Nylon film. Polycarbonate (PC) Polycarbonate is window-clear, extremely strong, and rigid. It is autoclavable, and the toughest of all thermoplastics. PC is a special type of polyester in which dihydric phenols are joined through carbonate linkages. These linkages are subject to chemical reaction with bases and concentrated acids at elevated temperatures (e.g. during autoclaving), and make PC soluble in various organic solvents, raising toxicity concerns about its use in food packaging. For many other applications, the transparency and unusual strength of PC offset these limitations. Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) A plastic resin formed by the reaction of ethylene glycol with terephthalic acid. The resin is extruded into films or bottles in which the material is then oriented to produce the desired properties of strength, temperature resistance and permeability. Polyethylene (PE) A plastic resin of high molecular weight resulting from the polymerization of ethylene gas. The resin can be converted into film, sheet, bottles and injection moulded containers. It represents the largest volume of all plastic resins produced, with approximately 50% used in packaging applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) Thermoplastics resin, of natural origin, essentially startch, and biodegradable, used for producing rigid transparent pacakging suc as salad tray Polymer A large complex molecule formed by chemically binding/linking together a number of identical smaller units (monomers). When different monomers are involved, the product is called a copolymer Polyolefin The general classification of the family of polymers made from unsaturated hydrocarbons. The most common are polyethylene and polypropylene. Polypropylene (PP) Plastic resin derived from the polymerization of propylene. Extremely versatile material in the packaging industry. The resin is noted for its clarity and excellent ability to withstand frequent flexing, relatively high melting point and good strength. PP oriented (OPP) and biaxially oriented (BOPP) films have excellent properties and wide applications in cigarette wraps and snack food pouches. Polypropylene Alloy A physical blend of polypropylene and high density polyethylene resulting in characteristics common to both resins, with additional barrier to migration of essential oils. Polystyrene (PS) Plastic resin derived from the polymerization of styrene. The most transparent of commonly used packaging resins. High permeability of the film permits products to “breathe”. Used frequently to wrap fresh produce. The resin can be made to foam by the infusion of pentane gas. Expanded Polystyrene foam (EPS) is the most commonly used of the plastic foams. For injection moulding, the resin can be formulated to vary its impact resistance. “Long” “Medium” “High” impact grades are available, depending upon the application. Polystyrene is also transformed by extrusion into mono or multi-layer sheets which are then thermoformed into particularly yoghourt pots Polysulphone A polymer containing a specific sulfone linkage. These thermoplastic materials exhibit exceptionally high temperature and low creep properties. Polyurethane (PU) The plastic material formed by the reaction of polyester chains with isocyanates. The result is a foam which can be extruded into relatively thin sheets, moulded into slabs or made to form inside the pack as in situ cushioning at the time of packing. Finally it may be used as adhesive between to layers. Polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) A plastic resin prepared by the polymerization of vinyl acetate. The emulsion of this polymer in water is widely used as an adhesive in general packaging applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) A plastic resin prepared by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl esters. The film is water soluble, but provides a good barrier against moisture and gases. The copolymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is not water soluble and when dry is an excellent gas barrier. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Generally copolymers of vinyl chloride with small quantities of vinyl acetate. Widely used in packaging in the form of film, sheet and bottles. Good chemical resistance but relatively high oxygen permeability. Its incineration may emit hydrochloric acid. This is the reason why it has been displaced by PET in most bottle applications Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) Also known by the proprietary name of SaranTM. In the form of films or coatings has excellent gas barrier properties. Porosity The property of material to allow air to pass through. May be expressed as the rate at which air flows through a given area under specified conditions. Portion pack A package containing a small quantity/portion of product to permit usage without damaging or destroying the remainder of the package and other units of the product. Positioning Planning and designing a product and its package to be suitable for, and appeal to, particular markets and market segments within a competitive situation. Pouch A generally small, flat bag normally pre-made either sealed on three sides, or folded and sealed on two sides, prior to filling. Pouring spout A usually reclosable device attached to a container to facilitate directional dispensing of liquid or powder contents. Pourout Finish A glass container finish with an undercut immediately below the top, so designed to facilitate pouring without dripping. It is used primarily by prescription drug and other pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Preform In plastics conversion, an injection moulded parison which is subsequently blow molded during a second operation to form a plastic bottle. Pre-packaging Packaging, normally of perishable produce, performed at a centralized location rather than at the point of sale. System commonly used for fresh meat and produce sold in supermarkets. Can be used to denote any packaging in advance of goods normally sold loose or packed at the time of sale. Prepping Adding price marking and other codes or labels to a package at the wholesale or retail level. Modifying the package to get it ready for retail sale. Prepress operations All preparation activities required to launch printing press production, starting from finished artwork. Press proof A proof produced by a conventional printing process, including colour separation, stripping, plating, and press operation. Pre-sensitised plates A lithographic printing plate that is coated during manufacture and shipped to the printer in coated form. Pressure forming A process for making hollow plastic articles by forcing heat-softened thermoplastic sheet into a mould cavity, using mechanical or hydraulic (air) pressure. Generally used to make thin-wall, single-use containers and package inserts. Pressure-sensitive adhesive A permanently tacky adhesive which requires only slight pressure at room temperature to adhere to a surface. Often applies to labels or tapes (self-adhesive labels, self-adhesive tapes). Pressure Sensitive Label A die-cut label coated with a pre-applied pressure-sensitive adhesive, requiring only pressure to adhere it to a package or product. Primary package The unit container which is actually in contact with its contents. Primer First coat in a surface finishing process. Main purpose is to promote adhesion of principal coating materials to the substrate. Printability The extent to which the properties of a substrate allow good reproduction of a design (good quality print) by the printing process used. Print gain Increase in the width of a standard printed mark due to sqeezing of the ink. Measured by means of a printability gauge. Print-on-demand Printing system that can be put into full production immediately on receipt of an order. Print registration Accurate placement of a printed image both with other images on which it is superimposed and with the area being printed. Printer-slotter A machine for the successive printing, slotting (the cuts between adjacent flaps), creasing and trimming of corrugated and solid fibreboard blanks. Combined with a Folder-gluer, the machine is called a casemaker. Printing ink A substance used for printing, usually consisting broadly of colouring pigments dispersed in a liquid medium. Drying methods may be by absorption, oxidation /polymerization, evaporation, precipitation, or radiation curing. Process art and printing Printed designs incorporating the complete colour spectrum of shades and tones by using halftones and blending three ‘process colours’, cyan, magenta and yellow (also referred to as CMY), and black (referred to as the “key colour”, K). Process colours Four specially formulated colour pigments used to print process colour separations: magenta (red-blue), cyan (blue-green), yellow (red-green) and black; also called process red, process blue, process yellow, and process black. Promotional package A special package used to introduce a new product or stimulate sales of an existing product. May be of special design and may contain a premium gift, or special offer. Usually produced in limited quantities. Proof (1) Resistant to movement through, impermeable, as in as greaseproof, waterproof, moistureproof, gasproof. This term implies complete resistance, or zero passage; but in packaging, there are no flexible materials, except metal foils free from pin holes, that afford absolute or complete proofness. However, some heavy gauge single films and laminated or coated films can come close to achieving absolute proofness. (2) (verb) To apply special protective qualities. (3) A test photographic print or trial impression from a printing process, produced for examination and necessary corrections. (4) verb: to "pull’, or produce, a proof. Proofing Trials of printing plates and other means of print reproduction by production of a proof, to determine the accuracy and quality of the print in advance of production. Propellant The gas generating the pressure which serves to discharge the product from an aerosol container. Proprietary Package or system which is the intellectual property of a particular material supplier, converter or packer, and so either not commercially available or only available under license. Prototype Mould A simplified mould construction often made from a light metal casting alloy or from an epoxy resin to provide samples of actual moulded article for evaluation and testing prior to production mould manufacture. Pull/Push closure Injection moulded two piece dispensing closure. Closure is opened by pulling up and closed by pushing down the spout. Overcaps are optional. Pulp Wood or other vegetable fibres obtained by chemical cooking or mechanical treatment of wood or other cellulosic materials in a water medium. The raw material for paper, cellophane and other cellulose-based products. Puncture resistance A measure of the ability of a material to resist puncture or penetration. Puncture test Determination of the resistance of fibreboard to puncturing. Usually achieved by using a pyramidal metal point driven into the specimen by the swinging action of a pendulum. Purge To flush a jar, bottle, can, bag, or vial with a gas, such as nitrogen, to remove another undesired gas (usually atmospheric oxygen) prior to filling. Psychographic target Target market selected on the basis of potential customer’s lifestyle, personality and attitudes. Push-up bottom A container base with a central indentation to resist pressure, improve stability and collect residues, as in the case of champagne or wine bottles.

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O Offset printing A method of printing from a plane surface on which the image to be printed is ink receptive and thus carries the ink to the surface being printed, while the non-printing areas are ink repellent. The ink is transferred to the surface being printed by means of a flexible blanket or ink transfer roll — hence the description “offset”. See also: Letterset (dry offset). Oleophilic Oil receptive, ink accepting/receptive surface (of a printing plate, for example). Oleophobic Oil repellent, ink repellent surface. One-way bottles (cans) See: Non-returnable container. Opacity Resistance of a material to the transmission of light. The degree of non-transparency of a material. Open-cell foamed plastic A cellular plastic in which there is a predominance of interconnected cells. Open mesh A woven material with spaces or gaps between the fibres to permit the ventilation. Used for fresh vegetables such as onions, potatoes and fruits, etc. Open time The interval between the application of an adhesive to a surface and the subsequent activation of the adhesive or “set” bonding with another surface. Optical character recognition (OCR) A method of marking price tickets, credit cards and many other retail documents with a set of letters and numbers so they can be read universally by customers, retailers, vendors and others by eye, by wands or price ticket readers. Orange peel Uneven surface fault on moulded plastics, somewhat resembling orange peel. Orientation In the manufacture of plastic films, sheets or bottles, the material is stretched to align the majority of molecules in a particular direction. The stretching may be in the machine direction only — uniaxially oriented — or in both the machine and cross direction — biaxially oriented. If the material is subsequently heat-set, the orientation is effectively permanent, otherwise, it will attempt to return to its original relaxed condition when heated — e.g. shrink film. Orifice Reducer Plug or fitment with a controlled-diameter opening. When inserted in the inside diameter of a bottle neck finish, it reduces the flow of product being dispensed. Outage The amount of vacant space allowed in a drum or other container to accommodate the density variations in the commodity, or for expansion due to temperature variations. In food containers, the outage is called headspace. (2) The vertical distance from the top of the bottle finish to the surface of the liquid directly below the finish. (3) Outage for dry granular products --The distance between the top of the package and the leveled product. Outage varies with the degree of product settling. Outer package An outer container usually made of steel, wood or fibreboard designed to enclose and protect one or more smaller and normally more fragile containers. Out-of-Round A container manufacturing defect, in which a round container is or becomes slightly oval. Outsert A folded printed sheet, leaflet, etc. bearing an advertising message or instructions, affixed to the outer surface of a container or package. Ovenable paperboard package A paperboard container, normally for processed foods which can be heated in a conventional or microwave oven. Typically solid bleached sulphate board. Can be extrusion coated with suitable heat-resistant plastics. Overcap A secondary closure that fits over the primary closure or sealing mechanism. It may protect the primary closure from tampering and/or accidental dispensing. Overcaps are also used to enhance the appearance of a package. Overflow Capacity The capacity of a container to the top of the finish or to the point of overflow. Overpackaging A condition where methods used to package an item exceed the requirements for adequate protection. Overprint The result of printing of one layer over another, such as a varnish printed over an ink film to protect it or make a gloss finish or coat; or one layer of ink printed over another one to form color combinations. Overseal A secondary closure to impede tampering with the primary closure. An example is a tear-off aluminum seal placed over the replaceable closure of a large metal container or drum. Generally used for exports, and more a,d more within the context of consumer protection. Overwrapping The application of a wrapper (film, foil or paper) over a product, a carton or tray. A packaging operation which normally has to be mechanized to achieve good, consistent results.

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N Nailing pattern Specific instructions used to describe location or position of nails used on exterior containers. Narrow Mouth A container mouth having an opening roughly one half the diameter of the container or less. Neck The narrow upper part of a container between the shoulder and the opening. The nozzle containing the dispensing orifice of a collapsible tube. Necked-in container Container, the body of which is abruptly reduced in diameter at top or bottom end to provide for stacking and to economise on the size/cost of end components. Neck Insert Part of the mold assembly which forms the neck and finish. Also called the neck ring. Nested Containers fitted into each other for storage or shipment. The sides are often tapered to permit the empty containers to fit inside one another. Netting (plastic) Continuous extruded netting of plastic material, usually polyethylene, which can be converted into bags, sleeves or wraps. Nitrocellulose An ester of nitric acid and cellulose used in the manufacture of celluloid, and synthetic lacquers. Non-returnable container A container designed for one-trip use, to be discarded or recycled after its first use. Non-serif Plain lettering consisting only of straight lines and curves with no embellishment. Also referred to as ‘sans-serif’ lettering. Non-skid coating Surface treatment of cases or bags to increase surface tension or friction to reduce slippage in stacking or palletizing operations. Nozzle A round fitting or device, forming part of a container and closure to facilitate filling, dispensing or pouring. Nutritional label Statement on a food product’s package concerning its nutritional composition, the format and content of the statement often defined by regulation. Nylon film A thermoplastic film made from polyamide resins; highly transparent, good water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), good resistance to grease and oil and wide temperature range. Can be deep-drawn by thermoforming.

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M Machine direction (1) In the manufacture of paper or board the majority of the fibres tend to align themselves in a direction parallel to the direction of travel through the machine. This direction is known as the "machine," "longitudinaI," or "with the grain" direction, and is at right angles to the "across," "transverse" or "cross" direction. (2) For packaging equipment, a right-handed machine is one through which the packages flow from 1eft to right when the machine is viewed from the front or normal operator location; on a left-handed machine, the package travels from right to left. Machine-glazed (MG) Paper made on a machine with a Yankee drier. The top surface is smooth and can have a relatively high gloss; the reverse side is rough and not glossy. Magnum A glass bottle, sometimes used for sparkling wines, having a capacity of 2.25 litres. A double magnum contains 4.5 litres. In some markets magnum capacities differ from these values. Mailer lock An extra lock tab that is added to the ends or top of a folding carton so that it will remain closed during rough handling. Make-ready (1) (noun) Preparatory operations required prior to actual production, largely with work of a custom nature. (2) In printing plants, preparatory operations prior to going to press, including the adjustment of cutting, creasing and scoring rolls, preparation of the press, etc. (3) (verb) To perform the make ready operations, Manila A paper with colour and finish similar to that formerly obtained with paper made from manila hemp stock. Nowadays the term has no significance as to fibre composition. Manufacturer's joint The seam of a paperboard case or folding carton where the two edges of the blank have been joined by the manufacturer. Marking Application of printed symbols, numbers, etc., to containers or labels for identification, storage, handling, shipment, etc. May be done manually using stencils, pens, stamps or paint, or automatically on the packaging line. Marking ink Ink for marking containers using stencil, a rubber stamp or other marking devices. Master container/pack Shipping container/pack into which other packs are placed, for collation handling and additional protection purposes e.g. for frozen shrimps. Materials handling The concept and technology of conveying, transporting and warehousing of goods. Can be accomplished by manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic means. Matte Finish A surface coating which is not glossy, from whatever angle it is observed. Also referred to as a flat finish. Mechanical artwork Artwork that has been fully prepared and assembled for photographic reproduction. Normally the first step of a printing job; also termed a paste-up. Mechanical wood pulp Pulp produced by grinding logs against a revolving rough stone cylinder to separate the fibres. Melt index A measure of the viscosity of a molten thermoplastic resin, defined as the quantity of product that will flow through a defined orifice in 10 minutes under controlled pressure and temperature. Melting point The temperature at which a solid begins to become a liquid, to melt. Not to be confused with softening point. Membrane Any thin, soft, pliable sheet or layer of animal or vegetable material or thin metals or plastics. Meniscus The curved surface of a liquid at the fill level in a bottle or jar, where the fluid level next to the container wall is higher than in the center. Metal can A rigid metal container made of steel, tinplate, aluminium or other metal. Metallizing Applying a thin coating of metal, usually aluminium, by vacuum deposition onto a non-metallic film or paper surface in a vacuum chamber. Microclimate A term used by climatologists to designate the climate of a small, local area. The term has come into use to describe the "climate" within a package and includes temperature, relative humidity, and chemical composition of the gases within the package. Microcrystalline wax A fine wax with grains so small that they are visible only through a microscope. It therefore has high flow and high penetration characteristics. Microflute Corrugated paperboard employing relatively fine pitch small thickness E flutes; fluting medium. Micron One thousandth of a millimetre. Migration The movement or transfer of a chemical component of the packaging material to the product or a component of the product to or through the packaging material. Mil One thousandth of an inch (25 microns). Mirror imaging When printing on an opaque surface, the design reproduced is the mirror image of that on the printing plate. However, if printed on the reverse side of a transparent material and viewed through it, the image is the same as that on the plate. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Gas-tight package in which the interior mixture of gase is modified to assist in preserving the contents Modular container (1) One of a series of containers so designed that the panels forming the faces can be used interchangeably for several box sizes and the completed containers can be arranged, like blocks, in several patterns to fill the same cubic space. (2) A system of shipping containers designed dimensionally to make up a module for maximum storage and shipping space utilization. The containers are designed to fit given rack and pallet sizes during the distribution cycle. Moebius loop Design of circulating arrows indicating that a product or package is recoverable and recyclable. Moire patterns Interference patterns which can arise in a printed, half tone designs if the halftone dots are slightly misaligned. Moisture content The amount of water in a finished material expressed as a percentage of the original total weight of the test sample. Mould A cavity into which a molten material such as glass, metal or plastic is poured or forced to be formed into a desired shape conforming to the inside of the cavity. Mould join line/seam A line or slight projection formed at the point where the mould halves make contact. The prominence of the line depends on the accuracy with which the mating mould halves are matched. Also known as the mould parting line. Mould Number The number assigned to each mould or set of moulds for identification purposes, usually placed in that part of the container mould that forms the base of the container. Moulded pulp tray Packaging container formed directly from slush pulp moulded into forms that snugly contain, separate or cushion articles — e.g. apples, eggs. Mullen test A test to determine the bursting strength of a flat sample of a corrugated or solid fibreboard. Multifold/multipanel label Label having two or more folded leaves that can be opened out by the customer to reveal additional information (on pharmaceutical packages, for example) and/or mail-in coupons. Multi-layer container A plastic container which is co-extruded with two or more different plastics, to protect and/or contain products such as oxygen-sensitive foods or industrial chemicals. For example, a PA/PE pouch, the polyamide bringing the added barrier, the polyethylene bringing the sealing performance. Multi-pack Multiple units of identical packed items — e.g. a six-pack carton of soft drink bottles or beer cans, held together by a retaining device or material. Multiple ups In printing technology the number of identical copies on the same sheet. In reproduction technology (step and repeat copying) the aligning of spaced, identical designs in one or both directions on the printing plate by means of photographic reproduction or copying. Multi-wall Having more than one wall or ply construction. In multi-wall sacks, generally means more than two walls; a two-ply construction is called duplex or double ply.

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L Label A slip of paper, film or foil to be affixed to a container. The label usually carries a graphic design and printed information about the product. Labeller A mechanical device for applying labels to packages. Adhesives, where used, may be applied to the package or to the label. The machine may be fully or semi-automatic. Label Panel That portion of the body of a container to which labels are affixed or decoration imprinted. Lacquer 1.Coatings of metal cans or other packaging to prevent changes of taste, discoloration and other alterations in the product. Most important types are epoxy-phenolics, acrylic, vinyl, phenolic, oleoresinous. 2.Varnishes applied over printing to give protection to the print or to give it a gloss finish. Lading The load or material packed in a shipping container or vehicle. Laminate 1. (Noun) A product made by bonding together two or more web sheets or layers of material or materials. 2. (Verb) To unite two or more layers or webs of material. Laminating methods 1. Wet lamination — the webs are joined with solvent-based adhesive which must be dried by evaporation after joining. 2. Dry lamination — after the adhesive has been applied and cured on the surfaces to be joined, the webs are bonded with heat and pressure. 3. Extrusion lamination — a molten plastic resin or hot melt adhesive is extruded between the two webs and cools there, binding them together. See also: Co-extrusion. Lap joint A simple seam made by overlapping one layer over the edge of another and sealing together with adhesive, heat or other means. Lap seam or lap seal. Lap seam (seal) See: Lap joint. Latex A chemical compound, usually a rubber derivative, which often serves as the base for an adhesive filler or lining; usually water borne. Layout Preliminary arrangement or drawing showing rough position, sizes, colour and other details of a design. Leaker Any condition at the finish of the container such that the normal sealing device or closure will not retain the air or liquid contents. Leaner A glass container having a manufacturing variance/fault characterized by sloping bottom that causes it to lean when standing alone. Lehr A continuous-belt oven for the fusing of ceramic colours on to glass and the annealing of glass containers. Letterpress A printing process where viscous ink is applied to the surface being printed, from raised inked surfaces made of metal or photopolymer. Letterset (dry offset) A printing process using flexible plates with raised plastic or resin. Ink is transferred from the raised surfaces of the plate to a printing press blanket, then to the surface to be printed. Lever Lock A method of holding a lid on a full open head drum by means of a lever-operated tightening device or ring that can be locked in closed position. Lid A separate top or cover of a box or container. May be hinged or otherwise attached to the body of the container. Lid sealing compound Flowed-in pliable material which forms a rubber-like (often a latex) gasket to seal the joints of metal cans and the seal between bottles and their closures. Life cycle assessment (LCA) Ecological profiling of products and their packaging throughout their useful life, from initial production to disposal, also described as an assessment of their environmental impacts ‘from cradle to grave’. Light stability (1) A measure of the ability of a pigment, dye, or other colourant to retain its original colour and physical properties either alone or when incorporated into plastics, paints, inks and other coloured films or surfaces, upon exposure to sun or other light. (2) Ability of a plastic or other organic film or surface to withstand the deteriorating effect of exposure to sun or other light independently of the stability of any pigmentation it contains. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) A low density resin produced by polymerization of ethylene with other alfa olefins in presence of a catalyst. Offers greater strength and ease of processing, thus giving economic advantages over conventional low density polyethylene made by the high pressure process. Line art Designs consisting only of lines and areas of solid colour. Liner (1) Any lining or non-adhered lining material which separates a product within a container from the container walls. (2) One of the outer faces or the finished surface of laminated or coated paperboard. (3) In corrugated boxes, a creased sheet inserted to cover any four or more panels, resulting in double thickness walls, adding strength and other reinforcement. (4) A bag used inside a barrel to protect the contents from sifting, moisture and contamination. (5) The inner bag of a double bag. (6) A paperboard of high bursting strength used for making fibre drums and for the facings of fibre boxes. (7) In closure manufacture, a specially treated material placed inside a closure to provide a seal that prevents leakage or deterioration of the contents. Liner bag A separate bag inserted into another package to provide special or additional protection properties e.g. greaseproofness. Linerboard Paperboard used to line either side of the corrugated medium. Can be a kraft liner made of virgin sulphate paperboard or a test liner containing recycled waste paper fibres. Linerless Closure A one-component thermoplastic closure incorporating a sealing "fin" which, when applied to a container with the appropriate finish, seals most liquids including volatile ones. Liquid-holding container (LHC) Container laminated from combinations of aluminium foil, paper and plastic films, providing an impermeable barrier pack to contain non-pressurised beverages and liquid food, Normally supplied to packer on reels as a flattened, tubular web and formed, filled and sealed on proprietary vertical filling machine systems such as those of Combibloc and Tetrapack. Lithography See: offset printing. Load A package or group of packages representing one or several shipping units — a pallet load, a truck load. Locking Ring Metal closing ring around the rim of a full-removable-head container intended to retain the cover and form a seal. The ring is a circular modified "V" or "U" section channel, the ends of which are drawn together by means of a bolt and the periphery thus shortened, to develop the closure. Logo An abbreviation for “logotype”. A logotype is an identification name, symbol or mark, including a trade mark or brandmark. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) Polyethylene resin having a density below 0.925 g/cm3, so-called conventional polyethylene, the most common type, having high gloss, high flexibility but relatively low performance.It is mostly used for the production of films, of coating, of molding for flexible lids, and for flexible blow loded containers. Lug (1) A box, basket or other container suitable for handling or shipping fruit or vegetables; usually refers to the relatively shallow, nailed wooden box. Also lug-box. (2) A projection on a part or a package used for fastening or to obtain a fit between two parts. (3) A metal fastener used for securing the top or bottom heads of a fibre drum, steeI drum, or metal pail to the side-wall. (4) Extensions around the circumference of a lid which are crimped down to hold the lid securely in place against the body of the container. Lug cap A metal or plastic closure designed to be secured by engaging lugs on the neck or finish of a container e.g. twist-off caps. Lug Cover A cover for metal drum or pail, with extensions around the circumference that are bent down to hold the cover securely in place against the container body. Lug (Twist-off) Finish A glass container finish identified by intermittent horizontal, tapered ridges that permit the matching shaped lugs on the closure to slide between them and fasten securely with a partial turn.

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K 1. Keg A small cask, usually of about 40 litres (10 gallons) or less capacity. 2. Key colour Black, the fourth ‘colour’(K) customarily used in process printing. 3. Keyline Detailed layout drawing of the shape, dimensions, borders, creases and overlaps of the surface to be printed, thus giving the designer the constraints within which the design must be fitted. Also known as a ‘mechanical’ layout. 4. Key-opening can A can designed to be opened by winding the lid off around a key, e.g. a sardine can. 5. Kiln-dried timber Timber from which the moisture content has been reduced to 12%-18% by weight, used for crates or boxes. 6. Knocked-down (KD) Description applied to cartons and boxes which can be collapsed, stored and shipped in a flattened state. 7. Knot Round, hard defect in timber; a cross section of a branch imbedded in wood. 8. Kraft Paper and paperboard made from virgin wood pulp treated by the sulphate process. The natural colour is brown. 9. Kraft liner See: Linerboard.