Custom Four Corner Tray
Fold a flat sheet into a tray and the corners are the problem. Left open they gape, taped they look untidy, glued they cost more. The four corner build solves it by folding each corner in on itself so it locks and doubles the board at the same time. We produce a lot of four corner tray work at ZEE Packaging and it is the structure we specify most often for open formats.
Corners That Fold In On Themselves
A four corner tray gets its strength from its own folds.
- Each corner tucks inward and locks against the wall
- That doubles the board thickness at each corner
- Walls stay vertical instead of splaying outward
- No glue or tape is used anywhere
- It ships flat and folds up in seconds
- The finished corner looks tidy from every side
Most operators choosing a four corner tray want vertical walls without paying for a glued build.
The difference shows the moment anything goes in.
- A plain folded tray splays as soon as it is loaded
- Locked corners hold the walls square
- The doubled board resists crushing in transit
- Corners survive repeated handling by staff
- It stacks without the rim collapsing
- Presentation stays acceptable at the end of a campaign
- Open four corner tray the standard build we run
- With a separate lid shipping sealed then displaying
- Front cut down version product visible from the front
- Deep format for taller products
- Divided tray compartments for several SKUs
- Food grade version for bakery and catering use
Sizes We Print Regular
Every four corner tray is built to your product, though these run often:
- 10" x 7" x 3" for a small counter tray
- 12" x 9" x 4" for a standard format
- 14" x 10" x 4" for a larger unit
- 8" x 6" x 3" for compact items
- 16" x 12" x 5" for a bulk tray
- 8" x 8" x 5" for a cake or bakery format
Send us the loaded weight, since corner strength is specified against it.
Board And Print
- E flute corrugated for lighter trays
- B flute where the tray carries real weight
- SBS C1S for a lightweight retail version
- Litho laminated corrugated for full color print
- Kraft corrugated or board for a plain build
- Food grade certified stock where food is involved
The corner fold is only as good as the die. A slightly wrong angle and the tuck will not sit flush, which is why we sample shaped folds before running.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board and corrugated, standard across these grades
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- No adhesive at all in the construction
- No lamination, so it recycles cleanly
- Right sizing so no board is wasted per tray
What Ordering Involves Here
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can test the format
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to test the corners under load
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just use a plain folded tray?
Because it splays outward as soon as it is loaded. The locked corners are what keep the walls upright.
What is the price of a four-corner tray?
Rough estimate is $0.35 to $0.95 per unit in plain board, $0.60 to $1.50 with print and $1.10 to $2.60 for litho laminated at moderate quantity. Size moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Does it need glue?
Not at the corners, since they lock mechanically. Some heavier versions add a small glue point for extra security.
How fast does it assemble?
A few seconds once staff learn the fold. It is quicker than most tray formats of comparable strength.
Can it hold food?
Yes, in food grade stock. It is a common build for cake boxes and bakery trays.
Will the corners hold under weight?
At the right board grade, yes. Failures happen when light board is asked to carry a heavy load.
Does it ship flat?
Completely, with nothing pre glued. Storage takes almost no space as a result.
Can we trial one design?
That is exactly what the 100 unit minimum is there for. Load a few, then order in volume.
