European Carton Makers Association
The European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) , founded in 1960, published the ECMA code, a collection of standardized die-cut packaging and folding boxes. With this collection, almost all types of folding boxes can be developed. The dimensions are variable. By means of the ECMA code and specification of dimensions, a clear basis for communication with printing companies and other processing industries (especially in the packaging area) is possible.
The organization is headquartered in The Hague and has another office in Brussels . As its 500 cartonboard manufacturers belong to almost all countries in the European Economic Area, the ECMA represents 70 percent of the market volume and more than 50,000 employees in the cartonboard manufacturing industry.
Ernst Hammans was the founding and honorary president .
ECMA code
According to the "ECMA Code" classification system for cardboard packaging, six categories of box types are distinguished:
| Box type | ECMA designation (old) (new) |
|---|---|
Standard boxes (old)
Faltschachtel rechteckig mit Längsnahtklebung (neu) |
A. |
Telescopic boxes (old)
Faltschachtel rechteckig ohne Längsnahtklebung (neu) |
B. |
Folding belt boxes (old)
Faltschachtel nicht rechteckig mit Längsnahtklebung (neu) |
C. |
Folding box blanks for unstapled and unglued packaging (old)
Faltschachtel nicht rechteckig ohne Längsnahtklebung (neu) |
D. |
Folding box blanks unsized to be glued when in use (old)
Faltschachtel mit Produktintegration (neu) |
E. |
Special forms and special constructions (cuts) (old)
Sonstige Faltschachteln (neu) |
F.
- Verschlüsse und Hilfsvorrichtungen (neu) X |
A decimal subclassification is made in the individual categories
| A10 | Folding boxes with push-in closures |
| A2420 (old A111) | Folding boxes with insert closures and opposite flaps |
| A2220 (old A112) | Folding boxes with insert closures and staggered flaps |