Custom Belly Band Sleeves
A belly band sleeve is the cheapest branding move in packaging. No tooling, barely any board, and the design changes seasonally without touching the box. We produce a lot of belly band sleeve work at ZEE Packaging and the unit cost brings clients here.
A belly band sleeve brands a box you already buy.
- It wraps a plain box without new tooling
- Far less board than a full printed sleeve
- A belly band sleeve changes without changing the carton
- One box covers several SKUs with different bands
- A belly band sleeve holds a lid closed as well
- Print quality matches a fully printed box
Most brands order a belly band sleeve after pricing printed cartons.
Width Changes What It Does
A narrow band and a wide one behave differently.
- A narrow belly band sleeve is decorative, not structural
- A wider one holds a lid shut properly
- More width means more room for copy and legal text
- Too wide and it costs like a full sleeve
- A third of the box height usually works
- Tell us the box and we suggest a proportion
- Glued seam the standard belly band sleeve we run
- Tuck closed belly band sleeve no glue, just a tab
- Wide version holding a lid securely
- Die cut shaped band following a logo outline
- With a window showing the box beneath
- Seasonal set several designs, one carton
Sizes We Print Regular
Every belly band sleeve is cut to your box, though these run often:
- 2" wide for a small decorative band
- 3" wide for a standard retail box
- 4" wide where it holds a lid closed
- 6" wide for a fuller sleeve look
- 1.5" for a minimal band
- Custom widths for your carton
Send us the actual box. A belly band sleeve cut tight will not slide on, and a loose one slips off.
Board And Print
- SBS C1S at 14pt to 18pt on most belly band sleeve work
- Kraft board for a natural or artisan position
- Uncoated stock where matte suits the brand
- Matte, gloss and soft touch lamination
- Foil, spot UV and blind deboss
- Food grade certified stock where needed
Caliper is lower here than on a carton. A belly band sleeve carries no load, so heavy board adds cost for nothing.
Less Material By Design
- A belly band sleeve uses a fraction of a full sleeve
- Recycled grades for belly band sleeve work
- FSC certified stock, certificate on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Uncoated bands recycle with no film to remove
- Right sizing so nothing is binned
How An Order Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can test a design
- Free 3D mockup and proof before print
- Free dieline by our designer
- Physical sample on request, fitted to your box
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free worldwide shipping included
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide should it be?
A third of the box height as a rule. Wider if the belly band sleeve also holds a lid shut.
Will a belly band sleeve slip off?
Not at the right fit. Loose bands slip, tight ones will not go on, so we sample both.
Is a belly band sleeve cheaper than a printed box?
Considerably at lower volumes. You skip carton tooling and use a fraction of the board.
Can we change designs seasonally?
That is the main advantage. Keep the box and reprint only the belly band sleeve.
How much do custom belly bands cost?
Rough estimate is $0.05 to $0.15 plain, $0.09 to $0.22 printed and $0.16 to $0.38 with finishing at moderate volume. Shipping is included. This is estimate only, so ask us for a exact quote.
Does it hold a lid closed?
A wide one does. A narrow band is decorative and will not hold a loaded lid.
Glued or tuck closed?
Glued sits flatter and cleaner. Tuck closed lets you apply it by hand.
