What the FSC is LDPE?
Acronyms (such as PIN and SWAT) and initialisms (like DIY and UFO) generally make communication faster and life easier. But that only works if you know which words the letters actually represent.
Here’s our handy guide to stretch wrap packaging abbreviations.
1. FSC
At Universal Packaging our cartons are made from FSC-certified cardboard. This means the cardboard is created from trees grown in Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. To be FSC-certified, a forest must be sustainably managed, which means meeting criteria for everything from environmentally appropriate harvesting to health and wellbeing standards for workers.
2. LDPE / HDPE
These assortments of letters are shorthand for the different types of polyethylene used for pallet stretch film. Low-Density Polyethylene is most commonly chosen due to its superior flexibility and transparency. However, High-Density Polyethylene is stronger and, if you’re after overall robustness, HDPE is your best hope.
3. MU
This stands for micron, which is a unit for measuring the thickness of polyethylene. Our wrap ranges from 5 to 30 MU. To complicate things, while the paper industry will use UM to represent microns generally in packaging you’ll see MU. This confusion reminds us of the first stuttering steps of LOL use in text-speak (when some people thought it stood for ‘Lots Of Love’ instead of the generally used ‘Laughing Out Loud’). “Your grandmother has passed away today. I’ll talk more to you about it tonight. LOL, Mum”.
4. PP
While you may not want to use this initialism at the dinner table for fear of being misunderstood, PP is short for polypropylene. One of the common thermoplastics in the world, polypropylene is resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it an easy choice for everything from food to pharmaceutical packaging. At Universal Packaging you’ll find it in use as strapping and tape.
Welcome to the ABCs of packaging acronyms and initialisms.
5. PE
Not to be mistaken for the best or worst subject at high school (depending on your level of strength and agility), in packaging PE stands for polyethylene. This flexible, durable and tear-resistant plastic is often used for packaging heavy items such as machinery parts. It also makes for a strong hand stretch wrap for large or unevenly shaped items.
6. SEDEX
Again, it’s important to enunciate your words when using this term in polite company. SEDEX is an acronym for Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, which is a platform promoting solutions for sustainable and ethical supply chains. Much like FSC, SEDEX provides a clear framework for maintaining (and improving) standards in health and safety and environmental impact.
7. TL,DR
This stands for Too Long, Didn’t Read which, while not necessarily relevant to the packaging industry, is possibly helpful for this article.
So here’s your TL,DR: Acronyms are worth remembering.
Unpacking some of this lingo may help when you’re discussing the ins and outs and around abouts of packaging in New Zealand. Please remember too, if you’re still having trouble communicating, or experiencing ongoing technical difficulties, it could be a PICNIC situation (Problem In Chair Not In Computer).
If you’re ever confused, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification – we’re always ready to help.
