Custom Beverages Boxes & Beverages Packaging
Drinks are the heaviest thing per unit that we regularly package. A twelve pack of cans weighs more than most people account for, glass bottles break at corners, and condensation from a chilled product attacks board from the inside. It is a demanding category and getting the board grade wrong shows up fast. We produce a lot of beverages packaging at ZEE Packaging and weight is where every spec starts.
Weight And Condensation Together
A beverages box faces two problems at once.
- Liquid is dense, so the base seam carries serious load
- Condensation from chilled stock softens uncoated board quickly
- A coated inner face is worth specifying wherever chilling is involved
- Handle cuts must be reinforced, since these get carried by hand
- Corner strength matters more than lid strength here
- Send us the filled weight rather than only the dimensions
Most failures we get asked to fix are a base that gave way under a full pack.
Cans Versus Bottles
They need different structures entirely.
- Cans stack well and tolerate compression, so a simpler carton works
- Glass needs dividers so bottles never touch each other
- Bottle necks want clearance, since that is where chips start
- Cans need a snug fit or they rattle and dent at the rim
- Multipack wraps suit cans, divided cartons suit bottles
- Growlers and larger formats need a purpose built cradle
- Multipack wrap the standard four, six and twelve can beverages box
- Divided bottle carrier with a handle for glass beverages packaging
- Auto lock bottom carton heavier fills and mixed cases
- Corrugated shipper ecommerce and trade beverages packaging
- Gift box with a divided insert spirits and premium sets
- Sleeve over a can or bottle single serve branding
Sizes We Print Regular
Every beverages box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 5" x 5" x 5" for a four pack of cans
- 8" x 5" x 5" for a six pack
- 8" x 6" x 5" for a twelve pack
- 10" x 7" x 10" for a six bottle carrier
- 4" x 4" x 13" for a single bottle gift format
- 13" x 10" x 12" for a case shipper
Board And Structure
- B flute corrugated as the baseline for a multipack
- Double wall for glass cases and pallet stacking
- E flute for lighter single serve formats
- Litho laminated corrugated for full colour retail print
- Coated inner face for chilled and condensation prone lines
- Reinforced handle cuts on any carry format
Glass in particular deserves over specifying. A single broken bottle in a case ruins the packaging and everything around it.
Lower Impact Options
- Paperboard multipack wraps instead of plastic rings
- Recycled corrugated across most grades we run
- FSC certified board, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Moulded pulp bottle cradles rather than foam
- Right sized beverages packaging so you ship less air
Plastic ring replacement is the biggest shift in this category, and paperboard wraps now handle it well.
How An Order Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brewery or drinks brand can launch
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to test the load and the handle
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flute for a twelve pack?
B flute minimum, double wall if it goes on a pallet. Twelve cans is a genuine load on a small base area.
Will condensation ruin the carton?
Uncoated board will soften. A coated inner face handles chilled conditions without failing, so we would specify it as standard.
Can you replace plastic rings?
Yes, with a paperboard wrap. It is the most requested change in this category right now and it performs well.
How do we stop bottles chipping?
Dividers between every bottle plus neck clearance. Glass touching glass is what causes almost all the damage we see.
What is the rate for a standard box of drinks?
Rough estimate is $0.35 to $0.90 per unit for a can multipack wrap, $0.90 to $2.20 for a divided bottle carrier and $1.60 to $3.60 for a case shipper at moderate quantity. Weight and print move it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Do you supply handles?
We do, reinforced. An unreinforced handle tears under a full six pack, which is the failure we hear about most.
Can you do ecommerce shippers?
Yes, with moulded pulp cradles for glass. Direct to consumer drinks shipping needs considerably more protection than retail.
