Custom Folding Cartons Aka Paperboard Boxes
Folding cartons are the backbone of retail packaging and always have been. Walk down any aisle and nearly everything sitting on that shelf is in one, cosmetics, supplements, food, medicine, electronics. At ZEE Packaging we make these boxes custom for brands who want their retail packaging to actually pull its weight, not just hold the product. Whether you are doing a 100 unit test run or stocking a full retail rollout, we build the carton around what your product and your shelf space actually need.
What We Are Actually Talking About Here
A folding carton is that flat paperboard box you see everywhere, cereal, cosmetics, medicine, candy. It ship flat, pop open in second and cost way less than rigid box. We cut it, we crease it, we print it, you fill it.
- Made from paperboard, not corrugated board
- Ship flat so your freight cost stay low
- Assemble by hand or machine in few second
- Perfect for retail shelf and light weight product
Styles We Run Every Day
- Straight tuck end both flap tuck same direction, nice clean front panel
- Reverse tuck end flap go opposite way, cheaper die cut, very common folding carton style
- Seal end glued top and bottom, used lot for cereal and dry food
- Auto bottom snap lock bottom that pop open, saves your packing time
- Sleeve and tray two piece folding carton for cosmetic and gift
- Gable top that handle style carton for bakery and takeaway
Board, Caliper & Stock Talk
This is where a folding carton live or die honestly.
- SBS C1S and C2S: bright white, best print surface, go to for cosmetic and food carton
- Kraft paperboard: natural brown, very popular right now for organic brand
- CCNB and recycled board: budget friendly carton stock
- Caliper range: 12pt, 14pt, 16pt, 18pt, 24pt, 28pt which is around 230 to 650 GSM
- Heavier caliper for heavier product, our team help you pick right point
Printing, Coating & The Pretty Stuff
We run offset litho for volume, digital for short run and screen when you need something special.
- CMYK process plus Pantone spot color matching
- Gloss, matte and soft touch lamination
- Aqueous coating and UV varnish
- Spot UV, foil stamping, emboss and deboss
- Window patching so buyer see product inside the folding carton
Good For The Planet, Good For You
We do not just say eco because it sound nice. Our folding carton come with real option:
- FSC certified paperboard, certificate provided when you ask
- Soy based and water based ink across all run
- Uncoated kraft carton that recycle easy with no plastic film
- Paperboard insert instead of plastic tray
- Our carton is curbside recyclable in most area
Dieline, Proof, Press, Done
Here is how a job move through our shop:
- You send size and product detail, we build dieline free
- You drop artwork in AI, PDF, EPS or PSD at 300 DPI with 1/8" bleed
- Our prepress team check everything against the die and flag issue
- We send 3D mockup and flat view proof, physical sample if you want
- You approve, we print, cut, crease, glue and QC the folding carton
- Box ship flat to your door, free shipping, tracking number in your inbox
What Makes Working With Us Easy
- Minimum order only 100 piece, no pressure to buy pallet you dont need
- Urgent folding carton run in 5 to 8 business day
- Free design help and free dieline, we dont charge for that
- ISO certified plant, every carton get checked before it leave
- One team handle you start to finish, no getting passed around
Whether you making a lipstick carton, a supplement box or a tea folding carton, we can build it. Send us your idea and lets see what we can do together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom folding carton cost?
It depend mostly on quantity, board caliper and finishing. A simple printed carton at 1000 unit usually land around $0.30 to $0.80 each, while foil and soft touch push it higher. Our price include shipping. For exact number just get a quote from our team, we answer fast.
Whats the difference between folding carton and corrugated box?
Folding carton use single layer paperboard, corrugated use fluted layer between liner. Carton is for retail shelf, corrugated is for shipping and heavy item.
Can I get a sample before full production?
Yes. Free digital 3D mockup for everyone, and plain unprinted or printed physical sample on request. Sample fee usually go toward your order later.
Do you make food safe carton?
We do. We use food grade board and compliant ink, just tell us the product at quote stage so we spec it correct from start.
Will my box arrive assembled?
No, folding carton ship flat. That is the whole point, it save you freight and storage. Auto bottom style assemble in about two second.
How thick should my board be?
For light item like sachet or cosmetic 14pt to 18pt work fine. Heavier product go 24pt or 28pt. Our folding carton specialist will advise once they know your weight.
Can you print inside the box?
Yes, inside printing look great for unboxing. We print both side, just mention it in your quote request.
