Custom Simplex Tray
A simplex tray is the simplest tray construction in production. One sheet, four folds, and the corners tuck in without any locking feature or glue. It costs less than anything comparable and it assembles in about a second. For light products it does everything you need. We produce a lot of simplex tray work at ZEE Packaging and simplicity is exactly the point.
Nothing More Than Needed
A simplex tray strips the structure back.
- One sheet folded into four walls
- Corners tuck in without a lock or glue
- Assembly takes about a second per unit
- The dieline nests tightly, so board waste stays low
- It ships completely flat with nothing pre assembled
- Recycles as one clean piece with no adhesive
Most operators choosing a simplex tray want the lowest cost tray that will do the job.
Be Honest About The Limits
There is a clear point where it stops working.
- The corners rely on friction rather than a lock
- Heavier products push the walls outward
- It has less rigidity than a four corner build
- Repeated handling loosens the corners over time
- Not suited to long transit or stacking
- Perfect for light static display and short campaigns
- Open simplex tray the standard build we run
- With a separate lid shipping sealed then displaying
- Front cut down version product visible from the front
- Shallow format for flat products
- Divided tray compartments for several SKUs
- Food grade version for bakery and catering use
Sizes We Print Regular
Every simplex tray is built to your product, though these run often:
- 10" x 7" x 2" for a shallow counter tray
- 12" x 9" x 3" for a standard format
- 8" x 6" x 2" for compact items
- 14" x 10" x 3" for a larger unit
- 16" x 12" x 3" for a bulk tray
- 6" x 4" x 1.5" for small products
Send us the loaded weight honestly, since this format suits lighter contents and we would say if it is the wrong choice.
Board And Print
- E flute corrugated for lighter trays
- B flute where a little more rigidity is needed
- 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
Board grade does more here than the structure does. With no locking feature, caliper is what keeps the walls upright under any load at all.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board and corrugated, standard in these grades
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Less board than any locked or glued alternative
- No adhesive at all in the construction
- Right sizing so no board is wasted per tray
How Your Order Runs 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 check rigidity under load
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different to a four corner tray?
A four corner locks each corner in on itself. A simplex simply tucks, which costs less and holds less.
Is it strong enough?
For light product on a counter, yes. For weight or transit we would recommend a locked or glued build.
How fast does it assemble?
About a second. It is the quickest tray we make, since there is nothing to lock or engage.
Will the corners come loose?
Under weight or repeated handling, they can. That is the honest trade off for the lower price.
Can it hold food?
Yes, in food grade stock, provided the contents are light.
How much is a simplex tray?
Rough estimate is $0.28 to $0.75 per unit in plain board, $0.50 to $1.30 with print and $0.90 to $2.20 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 ship flat?
Completely, and it uses less board than any alternative. Storage takes almost no space.
