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1-2-3-Bottom
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1-2-3-Bottom

A 1-2-3-bottom box (also called a snap-lock bottom) is named after the three-step folding sequence used to lock the base: fold the first flap, fold the second, then tuck the third flap under to interlock all three. The result is a sturdy base held together by friction and material tension, with no glue or tape. The 1-2-3 bottom sits between a standard tuck bottom and a pre-glued auto bottom in both strength and assembly speed. A packer can fold about 5-8 per minute, compared to 3-4 for a standard tuck bottom and 20+ for auto bottom. The interlocking base handles medium-weight products like glass candle jars, small appliances, and bottled products that would push through a basic tuck bottom. Production costs are lower than auto bottom because there is no pre-gluing step. Standard materials include 300-400gsm SBS, kraft, and white cardboard. Cubit produces custom 1-2-3-bottom boxes from 100 units.

4 Materials Available7 Finishes Available
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Best For:

Bakery & Pastry ShopsFast Food PackagingRetail Counter DisplaysGift SetsEvent Catering
Free Shipping
8-12 Day Production
MOQ 100 Units

Technical Specifications

assembly
Manual fold — no adhesive needed
max size
14 x 10 x 6 inches
min size
3 x 3 x 2 inches
closure type
Interlocking 3-panel bottom
ideal weight range
Up to 8 lbs
material compatibility
SBS Paperboard, White Cardboard, Food-Grade Cardboard

Available Materials

Choose the right substrate for your 1-2-3-Bottom packaging based on product weight, sustainability goals, and print requirements.

SBS Paperboard

Recyclable

White Cardboard

Recyclable

Kraft Paper

Eco Recyclable

Food-Grade Cardboard

Recyclable

Available Finishes

Enhance your 1-2-3-Bottom with premium finishes that add tactile appeal and visual impact.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination applies a clear, reflective polypropylene film over the entire printed surface. The film intensifies CMYK color values, making photographs and gradients look sharper and more saturated. Retail toy packaging, snack food boxes, and consumer electronics cartons use gloss lam because the shiny surface catches store lighting and draws attention at a distance. The trade-off is that gloss shows fingerprints and scratches more than matte. Film thickness runs 12-25 microns. The protective layer resists moisture, scuffing, and ink rubbing during transit. Gloss lamination runs through thermal or wet laminating equipment after printing and before die-cutting.

+10% price

Matte Lamination

Matte lamination bonds a thin non-reflective polypropylene film to the printed surface of the carton. The film eliminates glare, slightly mutes color saturation, and gives the box a smooth, flat appearance that reads as understated and premium. Matte lam hides minor printing imperfections and fingerprints better than gloss, which is why cosmetics and luxury food brands default to it. The lamination layer also protects against scuffing, moisture, and ink transfer during shipping and shelf handling. Film thickness runs 12-25 microns. Matte lamination pairs well with spot UV, where a glossy accent on a matte background creates high-contrast visual interest on logos and typography.

+10% price

Spot UV

Spot UV applies a clear ultraviolet-cured coating to specific areas of the box rather than the entire surface. The result is a glossy, raised accent on logos, typography, or decorative patterns that contrasts against the surrounding matte or uncoated surface. The UV coating cures instantly under ultraviolet light during production, which creates a hard, durable finish that resists scratching. Raised spot UV adds a thicker coating layer (10-20 microns above the surface) that you can feel with your fingertip. This finish requires a separate printing plate aligned precisely to the artwork, so setup costs are higher than full-surface coatings.

+12% price

Embossing

Embossing uses a matched set of metal dies to push the carton material upward, creating a raised three-dimensional pattern or logo on the surface. The male die presses from behind while the female die shapes the front face. The depth of the emboss depends on material thickness and fiber direction, typically ranging from 0.5mm to 2mm of lift. Deeper embossing works better on thicker board (400gsm+) because the fibers have more room to stretch without cracking. Embossing works without ink or foil for a subtle tone-on-tone texture, or combined with foil stamping for a raised metallic effect. Heat is applied during the process (120-160°C) to help the paperboard fibers hold their new shape permanently.

+15% price

Debossing

Debossing is the reverse of embossing: it presses a design into the carton surface to create a recessed, sunken impression. The male die pushes down from the front while the female die supports from behind. The result is a clean indentation that catches shadows and creates visual depth without adding any material to the surface. Debossing works well for brand logos, decorative borders, and subtle patterns where the tactile quality matters more than visibility from a distance. Like embossing, depth ranges from 0.5mm to 2mm depending on board thickness. Debossing pairs well with matte and soft-touch laminations where the recessed areas create a contrast texture against the smooth surrounding surface.

+15% price

Die Cutting

Die cutting uses a custom-shaped steel blade mounted on a wooden board to cut paperboard into specific shapes during production. Every box shape starts as a flat sheet that passes through a die-cutting press where the steel rule die stamps out the carton blank, score lines, and perforation cuts in a single press cycle. The die is custom-made for each box design, which involves a one-time tooling cost. Die-cut accuracy runs within 0.5mm tolerance on modern flatbed and rotary die cutters. Beyond standard box shapes, die cutting creates custom windows, thumb-cut openings, hang-tab holes, and decorative shapes. Complex dies with many cut lines cost more due to the additional steel rule bending.

+10% price

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coating is a water-based clear coat applied to the printed surface to protect against fingerprints, scuffing, and ink smearing. Unlike UV and lamination finishes that use plastic films or chemical curing, aqueous coating dries through evaporation, which makes it the most environmentally friendly protective finish available. The coating adds a subtle sheen without the high gloss of UV or lamination. It runs through the printing press in-line, which means no separate finishing step and faster production turnaround. Aqueous coating is FDA-compliant for indirect food contact packaging and recyclable with standard paper streams.

+5% price

Expert Packaging Guide

1-2-3-Bottom packaging from Cubit is fully customizable with 4 material options including SBS Paperboard, White Cardboard, Kraft Paper and 1 more and 7 finish options. Every order includes free design assistance from our packaging engineers, who will help you select the optimal material weight, finish combination, and structural configuration for your specific product.

Our clients use 1-2-3-Bottom packaging across industries including Bakery & Pastry Shops, Fast Food Packaging, Retail Counter Displays, Gift Sets, and 1 more applications. With a minimum order quantity of just 100 units and standard production turnaround of 8-12 business days, Cubit makes custom 1-2-3-Bottom packaging accessible to businesses of every size—from startup brands to enterprise operations processing thousands of units daily.

All 1-2-3-Bottom packaging is produced using food-safe inks and coatings, and every order undergoes a three-stage quality inspection before shipping. Free ground shipping is included on all orders within the continental United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 1-2-3-Bottom box?

A 1-2-3-bottom box (also called a snap-lock bottom) is named after the three-step folding sequence used to lock the base: fold the first flap, fold the second, then tuck the third flap under to interlock all three. The result is a sturdy base held together by friction and material tension, with no glue or tape. The 1-2-3 bottom sits between a standard tuck bottom and a pre-glued auto bottom in both strength and assembly speed. A packer can fold about 5-8 per minute, compared to 3-4 for a standard tuck bottom and 20+ for auto bottom. The interlocking base handles medium-weight products like glass candle jars, small appliances, and bottled products that would push through a basic tuck bottom. Production costs are lower than auto bottom because there is no pre-gluing step. Standard materials include 300-400gsm SBS, kraft, and white cardboard. Cubit produces custom 1-2-3-bottom boxes from 100 units.

What materials are available for 1-2-3-Bottom packaging?

1-2-3-Bottom packaging is available in SBS Paperboard, White Cardboard, Kraft Paper, Food-Grade Cardboard. Each material offers different properties for strength, sustainability, and print quality.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom 1-2-3-Bottom boxes?

Custom 1-2-3-Bottom boxes start at 100 units with full-color printing, custom sizing, and your choice of materials and finishes. Volume discounts apply for orders of 500+ units.

How long does it take to produce custom 1-2-3-Bottom packaging?

Standard production for custom 1-2-3-Bottom boxes is 8-12 business days after artwork approval. Rush production is available in 5-7 business days for an additional fee. Free shipping on all orders within the continental US.

What products are best suited for 1-2-3-Bottom packaging?

1-2-3-Bottom packaging is ideal for Bakery & Pastry Shops, Fast Food Packaging, Retail Counter Displays, Gift Sets, Event Catering. The structural design and material options make it versatile enough for products ranging from lightweight cosmetics to heavier food items.

Other Box Styles

Seal EndMailer BoxMylar BagsFive Panel HangerSleeve BoxesHanger Boxes

Ready to Order 1-2-3-Bottom?

Get a custom quote with your specifications. Our packaging engineers respond within 15 minutes during working hours with material recommendations, pricing, and structural guidance.