Custom T Box
The T box gets its name from the shape of the die cut when it is laid out flat. It folds into a compact carton with a distinctive angled closure, and it uses noticeably less board than a conventional tuck end of the same volume. Small products and favors suit it particularly well. We produce a lot of T box work at ZEE Packaging and the material efficiency is what makes it interesting.
Less Board For The Same Volume
A T box uses its dieline efficiently.
- The flat layout nests tightly on a press sheet
- Less board is trimmed away as waste
- The unit cost comes down as a result
- It still folds into a proper enclosed carton
- No glue is needed anywhere in the structure
- It ships completely flat with nothing pre assembled
Most brands choosing a T box want a small carton at the lowest sensible cost.
Where It Suits Best
The format has a clear range.
- Small products and single items
- Favors, samples and promotional giveaways
- Jewelry and small accessories
- Confectionery and small food items
- Anything light enough not to stress the closure
- Less suited to heavy or bulky contents
- Standard T box the everyday build we run
- With a tuck lock a firmer closure
- Window version showing product through a die cut
- With a hang tab for peg display
- With a small insert holding contents steady
- Food grade version for confectionery and small foods
Sizes We Print Regular
Every T box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 2" x 2" x 2" for a small favor
- 3" x 2" x 1" for a slim item
- 3" x 3" x 2" for jewelry or accessories
- 4" x 3" x 2" for a mid size product
- 2.5" x 2.5" x 1.5" for a compact format
- 5" x 4" x 2" for a larger item
Send us the product, since the closure geometry depends on the internal depth.
Board And Print
- SBS C1S at 16pt to 20pt for most applications
- Kraft board for a natural or artisan position
- CCNB and duplex where a grey back is acceptable
- Matte, gloss and soft touch lamination
- Foil, spot UV and deboss on the visible panels
- Food grade certified stock where required
Caliper matters at small sizes. Heavy board resists the folds and the closure will not sit flat, so we usually specify lighter than clients expect.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board grades, widely available here
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Less board than a conventional tuck end format
- No adhesive at all in the construction
- Right sizing so no material is wasted per carton
How Your Order Runs With Us
- 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 the fold and fit
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it cheaper than a tuck end?
The dieline nests more efficiently, so more cartons come off each sheet with less trim waste.
Will it hold heavier products?
Not well. It suits light items, and for weight we would move you to a snap lock or glued base.
How fast does it assemble?
A couple of seconds once learned. The closure takes slightly more thought than a plain tuck.
Which caliper should we use?
16pt to 18pt. Heavy board fights the folds and the closure will not sit flat.
How much is a T box?
Rough estimate is $0.08 to $0.28 per unit plain, $0.14 to $0.40 with print and $0.22 to $0.60 with finishing at moderate quantity. Volume moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Can we add a window?
Yes, on the front panel. It works well for confectionery and small gift items.
Is it suitable for food?
Yes, in food grade stock. It is common for chocolates and small confectionery.
