strippack

Strippack is a term that does not have a single, universally recognized definition. Depending on the context, it may refer to the concept of strip packing in mathematics and operations research, or it may be used as a brand name or product label in packaging technology. The lack of a standard meaning means the precise sense of the term varies by industry and source.

In mathematics and computer science, strip packing describes the problem of placing a set of rectangles, each with a given width and height, into a vertical strip of fixed width with the goal of minimizing the total height required. Rectangles may be allowed to rotate in some variants. The problem is NP-hard, and researchers study a range of offline heuristics and approximation algorithms, from simple shelf-based methods to more sophisticated schemes that aim for provable guarantees. It is related to two-dimensional bin packing and has applications in areas such as layout design and manufacturing.

In packaging and manufacturing contexts, "strip packing" can refer to the use of strip-form materials—such as stretch film, strapping, or bands—to secure, wrap, or bundle items. It may also describe packaging equipment or systems designed to handle strip-fed processes. In commercial usage, "Strippack" can appear as a brand or product name associated with packaging machinery, software, or integrated handling solutions.

Because strippack is not a standardized technical term, precise meaning is best inferred from the surrounding context or clarified with the source. When encountered, noting whether the reference is mathematical, industrial, or brand-related helps determine the intended definition.