Crate, box or harass - what is used for what? The three terms mentioned have in common that they are used for Dimensionally stable, mostly stackable rectangular or polygonal containers can be used.
Packaging terms and their distinguishing features, which are mainly used in the packaging industry, are taken up here. Transport packaging area are to be assigned. This means that they are used as outer packaging for the packaged goods or to group together a number of packs. Due to their stability and acquisition costs, they are generally referred to as Reusable packaging or for the Export used.
Crate
One Crate (According to DIN 55405 „Packaging - Terminology - Terms“, a box is a Full-wall packaging with lid. The word „crate“ is borrowed from the Latin „cista“ and is closely related to the Germanic term „cest“ for box, which means that there is still a close connection in meaning today. In the packaging sector, crates are mainly made from solid wood or wood-based materials, but also from metal or plastic and consist of a base, lid and two side and two end walls. Collapsible folding crates, which are particularly space-saving when transported empty, are also assigned to the characteristic „dimensionally stable“ as all parts are movably connected to each other.
Box
The definition for Box is the same as for the crate in the terminology standard mentioned above, but without lid. In English, there is no distinction between the two terms. This term is used particularly frequently for „bottle crates“, which are usually equipped with compartments, carrying handles or grip holes and are easily stackable.
Harass
As Harass (A crate is a packaging material made of wood consisting of a base, two side and two end sections. In contrast to the aforementioned packaging materials, boards, battens or slats are arranged at certain intervals in a harass and connected to each other by head or corner battens. The term was originally derived from the French „harasse“ (basket for packing glass).
[infotext icon]In our series "Standardised terms" we take a closer look at some (frequently misused) technical terms in the packaging industry.All articles in the series:
Packaging standardisation - development and application
Standardised terms - Part 1: Bag or pouch?
Standardised terms - Part 2: Carton or box?
Standardised terms - Part 3: Can or tin?
Standardised terms - Part 4: Steige or Stiege?
Standardised terms - Part 5: Crate, box or harass?
Standardised terms - Part 6: Drum or barrel?
Standardised terms - Part 7: What actually is a "tray"?
Standardised terms - Part 8: What is a blister pack?
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