Custom Window Boxes
Most packaging asks a shopper to trust what is written on it. A window removes that requirement entirely, since they can see the product itself. For anything sold on appearance, color or craft, that is worth more than any amount of descriptive copy. We produce a lot of window box work at ZEE Packaging and the placement of the cut is where the thinking goes.
Seeing Beats Describing
A window box lets the product sell itself.
- Shoppers see color, texture and quality directly
- No description competes with the actual item
- It builds trust, since nothing is being hidden
- Handmade and artisan products benefit enormously
- It reduces the number of packs opened in store
- Food and cosmetics both sell better when visible
Most brands adding a window box do so after realizing their product looked better than their packaging suggested.
Where To Put The Cut
Placement decides whether it works.
- The window must sit over the best part of the product
- Avoid crossing a score line, since the panel splits there
- Keep it clear of load bearing corners
- A large window weakens the structure considerably
- Shape it to complement the product rather than a plain rectangle
- Leave enough board around it to keep the carton rigid
- Front panel window the standard window box
- Wrap around window cutting across two faces
- Die cut shape window following a logo or an outline
- Top window for products viewed from above
- Multiple small windows showing several items
- Open cut without film for dry goods needing airflow
Sizes We Print Regular
Every window box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 2" x 2" x 4" for a cosmetic tube
- 3" x 3" x 4" for a candle or jar
- 6" x 4" x 2" for a small gift
- 8" x 6" x 3" for a mid size item
- 4" x 3" x 6" for a bottle
- 10" x 8" x 3" for a gift set
Board And Film
- SBS C1S at 18pt to 24pt for most window cartons
- Kraft board, where a window contrasts nicely with brown
- PET film, the standard clear patching material
- Compostable film for a plastic free build
- Anti fog film where chilled products are involved
- Rigid greyboard with a windowed lid for premium formats
A large window on a lightweight board bows badly. We usually step the caliper up when the cut removes a lot of the panel.
Reducing The Plastic Involved
- Compostable window film instead of PET
- An open cut with no film at all where the product allows
- Recycled board across most grades we run
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Right sizing so no board is wasted per unit
The window film is the only plastic in an otherwise clean carton, so it is the obvious thing to address.
What Happens On Your Order
- 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 check the window placement
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a window weaken the carton?
It does, particularly a large one. We compensate by stepping up the caliper or repositioning the cut away from corners.
How much is a window box?
Rough estimate is $0.25 to $0.70 per unit with a patched window, $0.35 to $0.90 with a shaped cut and $2.20 to $5.00 for rigid at moderate quantity. Window size moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Can we avoid plastic film?
Yes, with compostable film or an open cut where the product allows it. Both keep the carton far cleaner to recycle.
Will it fog on chilled products?
It can. Anti fog film handles that considerably better and is worth the small extra in a chiller.
Can the window be a custom shape?
Yes, following a logo or outline. There is a small one off tooling cost for the shaped die.
Where should the window go?
Over the most appealing part of the product, and never crossing a score line. That is where panels split.
Does it need film at all?
Not for dry goods that need airflow. An open cut works well for produce and similar products.
