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FEFCO 0231

Regular Slotted Container with Width Joint

Available in a wide range of custom configurations & material selection.
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Product details

Top highlights

Manufacturer joint located on the width panel
Changes flat delivery dimensions for machine compatibility
Relies on tape, glue, or stitching for top and bottom closure

About this product

This is a slotted shipping box configured with the manufacturer joint on the width panel. It arrives flat and opens into a rectangular carton with top and bottom flaps that fold inward to close the opening.

While it looks identical to other slotted containers once assembled, the width-panel joint changes the dimensions of the flat, folded box. This specific layout is chosen to ensure the unerected blanks fit correctly into automated packing machinery.

Common uses

Automated fulfillment
Palletized bulk shipping
E-commerce distribution

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Automated packing lines and fulfillment

Automated case erecting and fulfillment

Distribution centers relying on case erecting equipment use this specific layout when their machine hoppers require a narrower or wider flat blank. The width-joint configuration ensures the flat stack feeds smoothly into the machinery.

Palletized bulk distribution for dense goods

Once sealed, the four vertical corners provide top-load resistance for stacked pallet loads. It serves as a reliable outer shipper for dense goods traveling through freight networks.

Secondary master cartons for retail distribution

When packing multiple smaller retail items into a single shipper, this box provides a straightforward enclosure. The joint placement ensures the flat boxes can be loaded into automated packing lines without jamming.

E-commerce shipping with taped closures

For operations shipping individual orders, this box provides a secure enclosure once the top and bottom are taped. The width joint does not affect the final taped closure.

E-commerce, 3PL, and manufacturing distribution

E-commerce and retail distribution

Operations moving thousands of units a day rely on this box because it runs predictably on automated lines. The choice between this and a length-joint box depends entirely on the specific machinery used on the warehouse floor.

Contract packaging and third-party logistics

3PL providers often specify the joint location based on the case erectors installed in their facilities. Matching the box to the equipment prevents downtime during high-volume shifts.

Manufacturing with inline packing

Facilities that pack products directly off the assembly line use this box to maintain continuous throughput. The flat dimensions must align with the magazine limits of their specific packing equipment.

Choosing between width-joint and length-joint boxes

Length-joint boxes for different machine hoppers

If your packing equipment cannot accommodate the flat width of this box, compare it to FEFCO 0230. The 0230 moves the glue joint to the length panel, which changes the flat footprint without altering the final assembled volume.

Full overlap boxes for heavy base loads

This box has a central seam where the outer flaps meet. If you are shipping extremely heavy items that might break through a taped center seam, compare this to a full overlap box (FEFCO 0203), which provides a double-thick floor.

Close variants and lookalike dielines

The closest library neighbors include 0230, 0201, 0201a. Use this as a variant check if a buyer brings an old code, sample, or dieline that looks close. The deciding details are usually the lock, slot, closure, wall build, part count, or fold sequence.

Board thickness, slot tuning, and sealing methods

Matching the flat blank to your equipment

Before requesting a run, verify the maximum and minimum flat blank dimensions your packing machinery can handle. The ratio of the box length to its width will dictate whether a width-joint layout fits your specific hopper.

Outer sealing method

The top and bottom flaps do not lock natively. You must plan for an external seal, typically packing tape, hot melt glue, or industrial stitching, to secure the base before loading and to close the roof before shipping.

Board grade and flute profile selection

The weight of your product and the stacking height on the pallet will determine the necessary board strength. Single-wall board is common for lighter goods, while double-wall board provides extra rigidity for heavier items.

Print surface and orientation

If the box will carry branding or handling instructions, consider how the panels will be oriented during transit and storage. The width joint placement does not restrict printing on the main outer panels.

Flap adjustments and joint options

Slot widening for double-wall board

If your payload requires heavy double-wall corrugated board, the vertical slots between the flaps must be widened. Without this adjustment, the thicker board will bind when the flaps fold inward, slowing down assembly.

Glue versus stitch joint selection

The manufacturer joint on the width panel is typically glued. For extremely heavy or demanding applications, this joint can be stitched with metal staples to provide higher shear resistance.

Crease profile adjustments for automated folding

When running on high-speed case erectors, the score lines can be adjusted to ensure the box pops open squarely. Proper crease definition prevents the box from skewing as the machine folds the flaps.

Board and packing details

Flat delivery and pallet density

Because the flaps are derived directly from the box width, this layout produces very little corrugated waste during cutting. The resulting flat tubes stack densely on pallets, keeping inbound freight and storage footprint low.

Additional notes

Flat blank dimensions and hopper limits

If your box has an extreme aspect ratio, such as being very long but very narrow, placing the joint on the width panel may create a flat shape that exceeds your equipment limits. Always verify flat dimensions against your machinery.

FAQs

Machine compatibility

What is the difference between FEFCO 0231 and 0230?

Both assemble into the exact same rectangular box. The difference is where the factory glues the seam. The 0231 is glued on the width panel, and the 0230 is glued on the length panel. This changes the dimensions of the box when it is lying flat, which determines whether it will fit into your automated packing machinery.

How do I know if I need a width-joint box?

Check the magazine specifications for your automated packing equipment. If you pack by hand, the joint location rarely matters, and a standard 0201 specification is usually sufficient.

Closure and sealing

How is this box sealed for shipping?

The top and bottom flaps meet in the center but do not interlock natively. You will need to apply packing tape, hot melt glue, or industrial stitching to secure the base and roof.

Board and material

Can this be made with heavy double-wall board?

Yes, but the template requires specific adjustments. The slots between the flaps must be widened to accommodate the extra thickness, ensuring the flaps fold cleanly without binding.

Inserts and product fit

Does this box include internal dividers?

No, it is a single open compartment. If you are shipping fragile items or multiple glass bottles, you will need to add separate corrugated partitions or void fill.

Route and shipping

Is this safe for parcel courier networks?

Yes, when properly taped and sized correctly for the product. It is a common outer shipper used in parcel networks, relying on the vertical corners for top-load resistance.

Pallet stacking

Does the width joint affect how the box stacks on a pallet?

No. Once assembled, the 0231 behaves like a standard slotted container. The joint location only affects the flat delivery dimensions, not the vertical load resistance of the finished box.

Packing labor

Can I use this box for hand-packing operations?

Yes. While the specific joint location is usually chosen for machinery, the box can easily be popped open and taped by hand. If you do not use machinery, the standard 0201 is often specified instead.