Product Guides
Folding Cartons: Types, Materials, Costs & Manufacturing Guide (2026)
Cubit Packaging
July 2, 2026
2 min read
Quick Answer: Folding cartons are single-piece paperboard boxes that ship flat, fold into shape, and cost $0.25–$3.50 per unit. Used across food, pharma, cosmetics, and retail. Cubit generates custom folding carton designs with AI in 60 seconds.
Key Takeaways
- $0.25–$3.50 per unit at standard quantities
- Materials: SBS, CCNB, Kraft, Recycled Paperboard
- 620+ searches for folding carton keywords last quarter
Types of Folding Cartons
Straight Tuck End (STE)
Simplest, most economical. Small consumer products, cosmetics, pharma.
Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
Cleanest shelf look. Most popular for retail products.
Auto-Bottom (Snap Lock)
Secure base for heavier products. Food and beverage.
Seal End
Adhesive-sealed. Maximum security. Pharmaceutical.
Display Cartons
Perforated front panel for retail displays.
Materials & Costs
| Material | Use Case | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SBS (C1S) | Premium cosmetics, pharma | $$$ |
| CCNB | Value food, retail | $$ |
| Kraft | Natural/organic brands | $$ |
| Quantity | Cost/Unit |
|---|---|
| 250 | $2.00–$3.50 |
| 1,000 | $0.80–$1.50 |
| 5,000 | $0.40–$0.80 |
| 10,000+ | $0.25–$0.50 |
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