4G Packaging Explained

4G Fibreboard Boxes – for use with specific inner packaging

Our UN Approved 4G Fibreboard Boxes have been tested and approved with the use of specific inners.  This means that the inner packaging you use within the 4G box is required to be the exact same inner packaging(s) that the 4G Fibreboard Box was tested and approved with.

Our 4G UN boxes come with a variety of approved inners to choose from. You will find a list of all approved inners on the specific 4G product page.

Should you wish to use your own glass bottles, aluminium containers or other inner packaging, take a look at our alternative UN boxes our 4GV Fibreboard boxes and 4DV plywood boxes.

Assembly Sheets

It is important to point out that 4G packaging must be packed and assembled in the same way as it was during the approval testing process, if packed incorrectly you will invalidate the UN certification. That’s why each of the products in our 4G range come with assembly instructions to guide you through the packing process.

Our 4G range allows for dangerous goods to be shipped up to a maximum gross weight of 31Kg

We also have a range of hazard labels available to ensure that your dangerous goods packaging remains compliant.

FAQs

What does 4G mean in packaging?

4G packaging is a term used for fibreboard boxes that have been UN approved. It is displayed in the UN specification mark that is assigned to the packaging. In this case, 4 denotes that the package is a box and the G denotes that it is made of fibreboard.

UN specification marks indicate that the packaging corresponds to a successfully tested design type and that it complies with the relevant provisions set out in dangerous goods regulations. It allows businesses, shippers, handlers and appropriate authorities to identify the type of packaging and a number of performance related information. Further details of performance criteria which the packaging meets can be found on the test certificate.

You can learn more about UN specification marks here.

What is a 4G cardboard box?

The term 4G cardboard box in relation to UN approved packaging is incorrect. The correct description is 4G Fibreboard Box. It is a form of outer packaging that is used for the shipment of dangerous goods.

What can you use 4G boxes for?

4G boxes are used to house specific inner packaging that dangerous goods are stored in such as glass or plastic bottles or plastic buckets. 4G boxes are tested with specific inners and once approved, those inner types must be used with the 4G box, using any other inner type will invalidate the UN test certification.

For example, if the 4G box was tested and UN certified with 4x 100ml glass bottles, then you must use these inners. You cannot use the same box for 2 x 200ml plastic bottles as these have not been tested for use with this box.

The 4g box would act as a layer of protection for the inner packaging and goods being transported, and prevent damages occurring from knocks or drops during handling and transport.

At the same time, it prevents any leaks from escaping the container and being released. This is especially important when you consider that potentially harmful materials may be being shipped.

4G box specifications

The UN have a specific performance criterion that 4G packages must be able to meet in order to qualify as UN approved 4G packaging.

Tests vary depending on the dangerous goods classification permitted but can include, water, drop, stack, vibration, and leak testing to simulate how the material would perform under real life transport conditions.

As 4G boxes are examples of outer packaging, the materials are often tested and approved for use with specific inner packaging materials (including absorbent materials). If this is the case, then you must ensure that you are using an approved combination of inner and outer packaging before transport.

On top of this, the package must be assembled as it was during testing. We provide accurate assembly instructions with all orders of our 4g boxes so that our customers can rest assured that they are shipping their goods safely.