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Glossary

API

  • An API, which stands for Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. In other words, it defines the methods and data formats that applications can use to request and exchange information. APIs enable developers to create software components that can interact and integrate seamlessly with other systems, services, or platforms.

Base material

  • The bases of substances in the manufacture of packaging materials.

Complete Packaging

  • Components are combined to make complete packaging.

Component

  • A unit made from material / several materials / other components
  • it has form and physical attributes (height/length/depth).

Composite

  • A composite is a material made up of multiple materials, same or different, that are bonded together.
  • Composites are in an unknown and unordered structure; unlike mulitlayer laminates which are in a known, ordered structure.

Controlled List

  • Controlled Lists serve as reference points for key terms and phrases that are commonly used in the packaging industry, which are maintained and administered by the SCB.

CPG

  • Consumer Packaged Goods
  • merchandise that consumers use up and replace on a frequent basis.

CSV

  • Stands for “Comma-Separated Values.” It is a simple file format used to store tabular data, such as a spreadsheet or a database. In a CSV file, each line of the file corresponds to a row in the table, and each field (or column) within a row is separated by a comma.

Data Standard

  • A technical specification that describes how data should be stored or exchanged for the consistent collection and interoperability of the data across systems, users and sources.

DSHB

  • Data Standard Holding Body.

EPR

  • Extended Producer Responsibility.

FBC

  • Fibre based composite.

FSC

  • Forest Stewardship Council
  • international organisation whose goal is to ensure forests are managed in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. Run a certification scheme with logo used by audited members.

GSM

  • Grams per square metre
  • measurement of weight used widely for paper. 80 - 100gsm normal office paper. 170 - 200gsm midpoint between paper and card. Greater than 250gsm usually referred to as card.

Innovate UK

  • Part of UKRI, Innovate UK is the national innovation agency which allocates grants and funding to SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises) to help them commercialise innovative ideas.

JSON

  • JavaScript Object Notation. It is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and for machines to parse and generate. JSON is commonly used to transmit data between a server and a web application, as well as for configuration files and data storage.

Laminate

  • A multilayer laminate is a material made up of multiple layers of materials, same or different, that are bonded together.
  • Mulitlayer laminates are in a known, ordered structure; unlike a composite which in an unknown and unordered structure.

LCA

  • Life Cycle Analysis
  • a compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.

Legacy System

  • A legacy system is an outdated computer system or software still in use, often due to past investments, risk aversion, business criticality, customization, or a lack of resources for replacement.

Material

  • Made from base materials, combining base materials or other materials, a material is the final substance which is used to make components.

Micron

  • μm
  • equal to 1 micrometre which is 0.001millimetres. Common unit of measure for thin flexible films.

Open Data Standard

  • Open Standards are standards made available to the general public and are developed (or approved) and maintained via a collaborative and consensus-driven process.

PEFC

  • Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
  • international organisation promoting responsible forest management. Unlike the FSC which has a single global standard, the PEFC recognises and endorses the use of national and alternative schemes.

Primary Packaging

  • Packaging used to contain a single sales unit to sell to customers.

Relationship List

  • A relationship list is a user-defined list used in data standards to specify the relationships between different data elements. Unlike controlled lists relationship lists are populated by the user to provide context and clarity to the data being recorded.

RIC

  • Resin Identification code
  • Numbers used to identify the type of plastic used in an item
  • usually combined with a mobius loop.

SCB

  • Standard Custodian Board.

Schema

  • Logical structured hierarchy of information.

Secondary Packaging

  • Packaging used to group several units together.

Shipment Packaging

  • Packaging used to ship single or multiple sales units to customers.

Single Source of Truth

  • In information science and information technology, single source of truth (SSOT) architecture, or single point of truth (SPOT) architecture, for information systems is the practice of structuring information models and associated data schemas such that every data element is mastered (or edited) in only one place.
  • Singe source of truth wikipedia article

Tertiary Packaging

  • Used to group secondary packaging units together while being transported or handled. Also known as transit packaging.

UUID

  • Universally Unique Identifier is a 128-bit identifier that is used to uniquely identify information or entities in a distributed computing environment.