Custom Telescope Boxes
A telescope box has a lid that covers most or all of the base rather than just the top edge. That deeper overhang means it adjusts to the height of the contents, and it doubles the board thickness down the sides. It solves a problem that catches most brands out eventually. We produce a lot of telescope box work at ZEE Packaging and the adjustable depth is the real advantage.
A Lid That Adjusts
A telescope box accommodates varying content heights.
- The lid slides down over the base rather than sitting on top
- It stops wherever the contents dictate
- One box can hold products of slightly different depths
- Fewer sizes needed across a range with varying heights
- The doubled sides add real structural strength
- It looks intentional rather than like a badly fitting lid
Most brands choosing a telescope box do so because their products vary in height and stocking six sizes made no sense.
Doubled Walls Add Strength
The overlap does structural work as well as visual.
- Two layers of board down the sides rather than one
- Considerably better stacking strength than a shallow lid
- Corners gain protection where impact usually lands
- It suits heavier contents than a standard lid and base
- The overlap resists crushing during transit
- Deeper overlap means more strength but more board used
- Full telescope the lid covering the entire base
- Partial telescope covering roughly half the depth
- Rigid telescope box greyboard with a printed wrap
- Corrugated telescope for shipping and heavier goods
- With a fitted insert holding contents at a set height
- Nested set graduated sizes with matching lids
Sizes We Print Regular
Every telescope box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 8" x 6" x 3" for a mid size item
- 10" x 8" x 3" for a curated set
- 12" x 9" x 4" for apparel
- 6" x 4" x 2" for a small gift
- 14" x 10" x 5" for a hamper
- 16" x 12" x 6" for larger goods
Tell us the range of heights you need covered, since that determines how deep the telescoping action should be.
Board And Finish
- Rigid greyboard 36pt or 48pt with a litho printed wrap
- Corrugated B flute for shipping applications
- SBS C1S for a lighter folding version
- Soft touch, matte or gloss lamination
- Foil, spot UV and blind deboss on the lid
- Printed interior, seen as the lid comes away
Tolerance matters as much as on any lid. Too tight and it binds on the way down, too loose and it slides off entirely.
Materials Worth Considering
- Recycled greyboard core beneath the wrap
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- One box covering several heights, so fewer SKUs are made
- Aqueous coating rather than plastic lamination
- Right sizing so no board is wasted per unit
Covering multiple product heights with one box is a genuine reduction in what gets manufactured overall.
How An Order Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can order properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to test the telescoping action
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different to a normal lid?
The lid covers most of the base rather than the top edge only. That adds strength and lets it adjust to content height.
How much is a telescope box?
Rough estimate is $2.00 to $4.60 per unit for rigid with a wrap, $0.90 to $2.20 in corrugated and $0.45 to $1.20 for a folding version at moderate quantity. Depth moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
How much height variation can it handle?
An inch or two comfortably. Beyond that the lid either sits too high or bottoms out, so we design to your range.
Does it use more board?
Yes, since the sides are doubled. That is the trade off against needing fewer sizes across your range.
Will the lid bind going down?
Not at the right tolerance. Binding happens when the gap is too tight for the board and wrap combination.
Is it stronger than a standard lid?
Noticeably, since two layers of board run down every side. It stacks and resists crushing considerably better.
Can it ship without an outer?
In corrugated, yes. A rigid telescope box still needs a plain outer to protect the corners.
Can we trial one design?
That is exactly what the 100 unit minimum is there for. Test it across your product heights, then order in volume.
