Custom Sleeve & Tray
Custom sleeve and tray boxes create the premium sliding-drawer unboxing experience. The inner tray holds your product, and the outer sleeve slides off to reveal it — the same format used by Apple, Samsung, and premium DTC brands. We manufacture full-sleeve matchbox styles, partial belly bands, ribbon-pull drawer boxes, and telescope lift-off lids. Available in folding carton (350gsm SBS) or rigid chipboard (1200gsm wrapped). Friction tolerance fine-tuned to ±0.5mm with a free physical prototype. From 500 units.
Sleeve & Tray Configurations
Choose the two-piece format that matches your product and budget.
Full Sleeve (Matchbox Style)
Inner tray slides completely into an outer sleeve that covers all four sides. The classic two-piece design. Friction-fit tension holds the tray in place.
Partial Sleeve (Belly Band)
Narrower sleeve wraps around the center of the tray, leaving top and bottom exposed. Shows the product or inner tray graphics from both ends. Lower material cost.
Drawer Box
Inner tray slides out like a dresser drawer with a ribbon pull or finger notch. One-side opening only. Premium reveal effect preferred by luxury and tech brands.
Telescope Box
Two-piece design where a shallow lid slides over a deeper tray (like a shoebox). Not a sliding motion — a lifting reveal. Ideal for heavy products that need rigid support.
Material Tiers
| Material | Weight | Feel | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Carton (SBS) | 350–400gsm | Slight flex, smooth | $ | High-volume retail |
| Rigid Chipboard | 1200gsm + wrap | Solid, no flex | $$$ | Luxury, tech, gifts |
| Hybrid | Rigid tray + SBS sleeve | Semi-rigid | $$ | Mid-range premium |
Industries Using Sleeve & Tray
Luxury Cosmetics
Perfume, skincare sets, and premium makeup presentations
Electronics & Tech
Phone, headphone, and smartwatch unboxing experiences
Premium Spirits
Whiskey, wine, and craft spirits gift packaging
Jewelry & Watches
Ring boxes, watch cases, and fine jewelry presentations
Gift Sets
Holiday, corporate, and subscription box kits
Artisan Food
Chocolate collections, tea sets, and gourmet gift boxes
Sleeve & Tray FAQ
What is a sleeve and tray box?
A sleeve and tray box is a two-piece packaging structure. The tray is an open-top container holding your product, and the sleeve is a wrap that slides over the tray. This creates a 'drawer' reveal experience — the user slides the tray out of the sleeve to reveal the product. Apple's iPhone box is the most recognized example of this format.
How is sleeve tension controlled?
Friction-fit — the sleeve inner dimensions are 1–2mm smaller than the tray outer dimensions. This creates enough resistance for a smooth, controlled slide that takes 1–2 seconds to fully open (the 'premium' feel). Too tight = frustrating; too loose = falls out. We fine-tune the tolerance after a physical prototype test. Standard tolerance is ±0.5mm.
What materials are used for sleeve and tray boxes?
Three tiers: folding carton (350–400gsm SBS, most economical, slight flex), rigid chipboard (1200gsm greyboard wrapped in printed paper, Apple-style premium), and hybrid (rigid tray + folding carton sleeve for mid-range pricing). Rigid chipboard provides the most premium feel but costs 3–5x more than folding carton.
Can the sleeve be printed inside and outside?
Yes. Outside printing is standard — full-color offset or digital. Inside printing adds $0.05–0.10/unit and creates a 'surprise' element when the tray is removed. Popular choices: brand pattern, thank-you message, or contrasting color. Inside print on the tray is also available for a fully branded unboxing at every angle.
What is the minimum order for sleeve and tray boxes?
500 units for folding carton sleeve and tray. Rigid chipboard starts at 300 units. Digital printing available from 100 units for prototyping. All orders include free structural design, physical prototype with actual friction testing, and continental US shipping.
How does a sleeve box compare to a magnetic closure box?
Sleeve boxes offer a sliding reveal (horizontal motion), while magnetic boxes offer a flip-open reveal (vertical motion). Sleeve boxes cost 20–30% less because they don't need magnets or hinge construction. Magnetic boxes feel slightly more premium for single-item gifts. Sleeve boxes work better for multi-item sets and products that need a 'drawer' presentation.