Custom Folding Cartons
Custom folding cartons are printed paperboard boxes that ship flat and fold into shape — the retail boxes on store shelves for cosmetics, food, supplements, and consumer goods. Made from SBS, kraft, or recycled board and offset-printed for sharp shelf appeal, Cubit produces every structural style — tuck-end, auto-bottom, snap-lock, gable, window, and sleeve — from just 100 units with free dieline design.
Key Takeaways — Custom Folding Cartons
Folding Carton Styles
Pick the structure by product weight, fill method, and shelf presentation.
Folding Carton Board Guide
Match board grade to product weight and brand positioning — from economy kraft to premium foil board.
| Board | Weight | Printing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBS C1S 250gsm | Light | Offset CMYK, gloss | Cosmetics, small retail |
| SBS C1S 300-350gsm | Standard | Offset + Pantone | Most retail cartons |
| SBS C1S 400gsm | Heavy | Offset + foil/emboss | Premium, larger boxes |
| Natural Kraft 18-24pt | Standard | Flexo / digital | Organic, eco brands |
| Recycled Board (CRB) | Standard | Offset | Sustainability claims |
| Metallized / Specialty | Standard | Foil board, textured | Luxury shelf standout |
Need a premium structured box that won't fold flat? See our custom rigid boxes.
Order Folding Cartons Online
Configure size, board, and printing on any carton below — instant specs, quotes in hours.
Folding Cartons for Every Shelf
From beauty to bakery — retail cartons matched to your product and fill process.
Custom Folding Cartons FAQ
Expert answers on pricing, styles, board grades, and eco options.
What are folding cartons?
Folding cartons are printed paperboard boxes that ship flat and fold into shape for retail products — the boxes you see on store shelves for cosmetics, food, supplements, and consumer goods. They're made from thin paperboard (SBS, kraft, or recycled board, typically 250–400gsm), offset-printed, die-cut, and glued. Common structural styles include tuck-end, auto-bottom, snap-lock, gable, window, and sleeve cartons.
How much do custom folding cartons cost?
Custom folding cartons range from about $0.35 to $0.85 per unit depending on size, board grade, print, and finish, dropping well below $0.30 at high volumes. A standard tuck-end cosmetic carton at 1,000 units typically runs $0.45–$0.65 each. Because they fold flat and print on efficient offset presses, cartons are one of the lowest-cost custom box options.
What is the minimum order for custom folding cartons?
Cubit produces custom folding cartons from 100 units on industry-specific boxes and 250 on standard structural styles — low enough for launches and small retail runs, with steep price breaks at 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000+ units.
What's the difference between folding cartons and rigid boxes?
Folding cartons use thin paperboard that folds flat, ships cheaply, and suits retail shelf products — they're the low-cost, high-volume option. Rigid boxes use thick 1.5–3mm greyboard that holds a permanent structured shape for a premium, luxury feel. Choose folding cartons for retail volume; choose rigid for gifting and high-perceived-value items.
What folding carton styles do you offer?
Straight and reverse tuck-end, auto-bottom (crash-lock), snap-lock (1-2-3) bottom, gable (handled), window boxes, sleeve-and-tray, five-panel hanger, and display cartons — plus fully custom structures. We recommend the style based on your product's weight, fill method, and shelf presentation.
Can folding cartons be eco-friendly?
Yes. We offer FSC-certified SBS, natural and recycled kraft board, 100% recycled CRB, soy-based inks, and plastic-free water-based coatings. Folding cartons are curbside recyclable by default, making them a strong choice for sustainability-focused brands.
Do you offer folding cartons with windows?
Yes — die-cut windows with clear PET film patches let customers see the product inside. Windows can be any shape and are common on food, candle, and toy cartons. We can also do windowless die-cut reveals and hang-tab cartons for peg displays.
How fast can I get custom folding cartons?
Standard production is 10-14 business days after proof approval, with rush options available. Free USA shipping is included. Digital proofs and 3D mockups arrive within 24 hours, and our AI design studio generates print-ready dielines instantly.
Ready to Create Your Folding Cartons?
Get a free quote in minutes. Our packaging experts will match structural style, board, and printing to your product and shelf.