Structural Packaging Design Glossary: Unpacking common styles and design elements

Structural packaging refers to the three-dimensional (3D) design and construction of a packaging format. It encompasses the shape, functionality and physical characteristics that determine how a pack looks and performs.

For those outside the packaging industry, understanding the different carton styles and structural terminology can be challenging. With so many packaging formats, closure styles and technical terms, it’s not always easy to know how to describe exactly what you’re looking for.

To help, we’ve created a structural design glossary, which features illustrations of typical carton styles. We’ve also included key terms used throughout the structural design process, giving you a greater understanding of how packaging concepts are developed and brought to life.