For many products custom folding cartons offer the best packaging solutions. Folding cartons keep products secure and display them attractively. Many include custom-made trays inside to hold the products and die-cut windows to display the contents. While every folding carton is custom, there are many standard box types.
All can be printed in full process color, Pantone PMS colors or both. Here are some of the most popular folding carton constructions.
4 Types of Custom Folding Cartons
Straight Tuck End (STE)
The Straight Tuck End (STE) style has four finished edges on the front for best appearance. Like most folding cartons they’re glued but ship flat. This construction and the ones below are ideal for vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, fragrances, personal care and other products.
Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
The Reverse Tuck End (RTE) boxes are economical and can be stacked closely together. One drawback is a weak cut edge on the front panel and the tuck can run into the window if there is one.
Tuck Top, Snap Lock Bottom (TTSLB)
The Tuck Top, Snap Lock Bottom (TTSLB) box, has a stronger bottom than STE and RTE boxes and rests flatter when displayed. Bottom panel has little or no graphics.
Tuck Top, Auto Bottom (TTAB)
Tuck Top, Auto Bottom (TTAB) boxes have the strongest bottom but is also the most costly of the four to produce. One advantage is that auto bottom boxes are fast to assemble, however they cannot be made in all widths and the bottom doesn’t lend itself to graphics.
Additional facts to consider about custom folding cartons
All folding cartons are made of paperboard. This usually comes in white and are coated on one side (C1S board) for best print quality. Case cartons, also known as packers, are usually made of chipboard or Kraft paperboard.
How to Measure a Folding Carton:
Here’s a helpful tip when requesting a quote. There are three dimensions for a basic folding carton: Length (L), Width (W), and Height (H). When written they should appear in that order (L x W x H).
– Length (L) refers to the front panel dimension from left to right.
– Width (W) is the second panel dimension from the front of the box to the back of the box.
– Height (H) is the distance between the two open ends of a carton, or from the top of the box to the bottom of the box.
Clear Pint will help you design your packaging cartons. Please call (818) 709-1220 or email sales@clearprint.com.
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