Folding carton styles: tuck end, crash lock, trays and sleeves
Most folding carton projects start with the closure. A straight tuck end has both tucks on the same side, so the front panel stays clean and the carton opens neatly at the top. A reverse tuck end places the tucks on opposite sides, which often allows a tighter layout on the printed sheet and can lower the unit cost. Seal-end cartons are glued shut rather than tucked, which suits machine closing.
A crash lock bottom is pre-glued and springs into shape when the carton is opened, so heavier products sit on a secure base and hand packing is faster. 4- and 6-corner trays are glued flat and erected in one movement; they are typically paired with a sleeve or lid for confectionery and gift packs. Display cartons fold out into a small shelf or counter presentation.
- Light retail products: straight or reverse tuck end
- Heavier contents or faster hand packing: crash lock bottom
- Machine-closed packs: seal end
- Chocolates, assortments and gift packs: tray with sleeve
Folding carton printing: board, colour and fine detail
Board choice affects both the look and the price. GC1 and GC2 virgin board have a bright white surface and a clean reverse side, which matters if you plan inside printing. GD2 recycled board has a grey reverse and is generally more economical. SBS is a solid bleached board that is often chosen for premium cosmetic and pharmaceutical work. A grammage between 250 and 450 g/m² is usually selected according to the carton size and the weight of the contents.
Sheet-fed offset printing reproduces fine text, gradients and photography consistently across long runs. Pantone spot colours keep a brand colour identical across different carton sizes and reorders, and a varnish protects the print from scuffing.
Finishes and window patching for printed cartons
Lamination adds rub resistance and a matte, gloss or soft feel. Hot foil and embossing draw attention to a logo or product name, and spot UV creates contrast on a matte surface. Window patching places a clear film behind a die-cut opening, so the product is visible while the carton stays closed. If a fully paper-based carton is important to you, ask whether varnish instead of lamination, and no window film, would suit your product.
Folding cartons wholesale: what to send for a quote
For a range of carton sizes, one brief covering every version is usually priced more efficiently than separate requests. Quotes are answered within 1 business day.
- Product dimensions and weight, or the inner carton size
- Preferred style, and whether cartons are filled by hand or by machine (with the machine specification)
- Board type and grammage, if already decided
- Number of colours, Pantone references and inside printing
- Finishes and window requirements
- Quantity per size or version, and delivery country
