Choosing Cardboard Packaging for Your Products

5th January 2025

When it comes to folding board, cardboard or corrugate, the right packaging box can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to protect your products, enhance your branding, or optimise cost-efficiency, selecting the best carton type is essential. Each style serves a specific purpose, making it important to choose one that aligns with your product’s needs and industry requirements.

Our packaging experts are here to help you find the perfect solution, one that is both functional and visually appealing. Below are some commonly used packaging box styles.

Common Packaging Box Types

Reverse Tuck End Box

A popular choice in retail packaging, the reverse tuck end box features a top closure that tucks in from the back, creating a seamless front-facing appearance. Design to improve appearance, it offers professional presentation with easy access. Commonly used for beauty products, pharmaceuticals, and small electronics.

Straight Tuck End Box

With openings on both ends, this style offers convenience and ease of use. Perfect for products requiring frequent access, such as cosmetics, small consumer goods, and medical supplies.

Crash Lock Bottom Box

Also known as an auto-lock bottom box, this design is ideal for heavier products. The interlocking, pre-glued base pops into shape instantly, making packing faster and more secure. Great for candles, beverages, and electronics.

Snap Lock Bottom Box

A budget-friendly alternative to crash lock boxes, the snap lock bottom requires simple manual assembly. Designed for shorter production runs, it offers durability while keeping manufacturing costs low. Used for specialty food products, small gifts, and subscription boxes.

Box Sleeves

A cost-effective way to add branding to plain boxes, box sleeves or ribbon sleeves wrap around existing packaging, adding a polished look and allowing for product variations—perfect for brands with multiple scents, flavours, or seasonal editions.

Roll End Box

A secure and sturdy solution, roll end boxes feature self-locking roll-over flaps that eliminate the need for glue. Often made from corrugated cardboard, they provide extra strength for shipping and storage. Ideal for e-commerce, subscription boxes, and takeout food packaging.

Dispenser Box

Perfect for point-of-sale displays, dispenser boxes allow easy access to small items like tissues, sachets, lip balms, or condiment packets. With a front drawbridge or perforated opening, they enhance convenience while keeping products neatly organised.

Five Panel Hanger Box

Designed for retail hanging displays, these boxes are commonly used for small electronics, DIY parts, and healthcare products. The additional hanging panel allows for easy placement on retail hooks, which can have more flexibility for displays over shelving.

Header Card

A simple yet effective packaging solution, header cards are folded pieces of cardstock stapled to poly bags. They are a cost-efficient way to add branding, product information, and barcodes to lightweight items like craft supplies, DIY parts, fasteners, and promotional giveaways.

Seal End Skillet Box

Ideal for high-volume production, this box requires gluing at both ends once filled. Often used in the food, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries for mass-produced products.

Pillow Box

Stylish and easy to assemble, pillow boxes feature a curved design that makes them stand out. They are an excellent choice for gift packaging, promotional items, and small accessories like jewellery or cosmetics. The overlapping ends simply fold in place popping the box into the curved pillow shape.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right packaging isn’t just about aesthetic, it impacts your product’s protection, customer experience, and cost-efficiency. Whether you need a sturdy crash lock bottom box for heavier goods, an elegant pillow box for luxury items, or a practical dispenser box for retail, the right choice can enhance your brand’s presence and appeal.

By understanding your product’s requirements and packaging options, you can make an informed decision that balances functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Need expert advice? Our team is here to help you find the best packaging solution for your business!