Folded Cartons & Belly Bands

Folded paperboard boxes are packaging boxes made from flat paperboard sheets that are die-cut, scored, printed, and then folded into shape rather than shipped fully assembled. They're one of the most common types of retail and consumer packaging because they're efficient, versatile, and cost-effective.

What Defines a Folded Paperboard Box?

Folded paperboard boxes start as flat sheets that are die-cut, scored, and printed before being folded into their final shape. Unlike corrugated boxes, they're made from single-layer paperboard materials such as SBS (Solid Bleached Sulfate), C1S (Coated One Side), C2S (Coated Two Sides), Kraft Paperboard, or CCNB (Clay-Coated News Back).

Because they ship flat, they take up minimal space and keep freight costs low. Assembly is simple just fold along the pre-scored lines by hand or machine. The seams lock together or are glued to hold the box securely in place.

Common Thickness (Caliper) Options

• 12–14 pt – Lightweight products

• 16–18 pt – Most retail cartons

• 20–24 pt – Heavier or premium items

Embellishment Options

• Aqueous or UV Coatings – A clear coating applied over the surface for protection and finish control. Available in gloss, matte, and satin finishes, these coatings offer increased durability and ink protection.

• Soft-Touch Lamination – A protective layer that feels premium to the touch and enhances the perceived quality of a product.

• Spot UV – A high-gloss coating applied only to specific areas, creating contrast against matte or uncoated surfaces.

• Digital Tactile Varnish – Also known as high-build varnish, this process adds a tangible, raised texture to specific elements, enhancing appearance with a glossy and premium feel.

• Cold Foil Stamping – Allows for high-quality metallic effects with fine details, gradients, and vibrant colors. Thin metallic foil is applied using an adhesive and a UV curing process.

Paperboard Sleeve vs. Belly Band

What's the Difference?

A paperboard sleeve and a belly band are often confused because both wrap around a product but they serve different structural and branding roles. The key differences are coverage, rigidity, protection, and intent.

Paperboard Sleeves

A rigid or semi-rigid paperboard wrap that slides over or tightly fits around a product or inner box. The sleeve acts almost like a mini box without ends and provides structure and light protection.

Paperboard Sleeves
Belly Bands

Narrow strips of paperboard wrapped around the middle of a product. They cover only a portion of the product and are secured with glue, tape, or a tuck fold.

Belly Bands

Types of Folded Cartons

  • Straight Tuck-End Boxes

    Lids tuck in the same direction for quick, symmetrical closure. Ideal for retail packaging, cosmetics, and food products.

  • Pillow Boxes

    Curved box with overlapping flaps. No glue needed. Perfect for gifts, jewelry, and party favors.

  • Reverse Tuck-End Boxes

    Lids tuck in opposite directions to prevent accidental opening. Great for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics requiring extra security.

  • Snap-Lock Bottom Boxes

    Interlocking bottom snaps together without glue. Reinforced base handles heavier products while remaining easy to assemble.

  • Auto-Lock Bottom Boxes

    Bottom pops into place automatically. Pre-glued for instant setup. Fastest option for high-volume packaging operations.

  • Five-Panel Hanging Boxes

    Features integrated hang tab for pegboard display. Maximizes vertical retail space and product visibility.

  • Seal-End Boxes

    Requires glue on top and bottom for fully enclosed, tamper-evident packaging. Best for items requiring sealed freshness.

  • Dispenser Boxes

    Doubles as dispenser with perforated opening. Ideal for single-serve items like straws, sugar packets, and tea bags.

  • Roll-End Boxes

    Self-locking curved flaps create distinctive rounded profile. No glue needed. Attractive for gifts and specialty retail.

  • 4 Corner Display Boxes

    Open-top design with four pre-glued corners. Products stay visible and accessible. Perfect for countertop merchandising.

  • 4 Corner Box

    Hinged lid with four pre-glued corners. Durable construction for repeated use. Excellent for premium products and gifts.

  • Double Wall Tray & Lid

    Two-piece construction with double wall thickness. No glue needed. Enhanced protection for delicate items and gift sets.

  • 6 Corner Box

    Hinged lid with six pre-glued corners for maximum strength. Sophisticated appearance for luxury goods and high-value merchandise.

  • Beverage Boxes

    Designed for 4, 6 & 12 packs using moisture-resistant stock. Integrated handles withstand refrigeration and condensation.

  • Gable Boxes

    Barn-shaped top with built-in handle from interlocking flaps. A staple for takeout meals, party favors, and promotional items.