Folding Carton Types and Their Applications
The type of folding carton you choose has a significant impact on functionality, visual appeal, durability, and even overall costs. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the best folding carton for your needs, from protection during shipping to retail presentation. Here are eight of the most popular types of folding cartons, their characteristics, and common applications for each.
Need a custom folding carton? Priority Packaging can create tailored solutions based on your product, drawings, or examples you find.
1. Straight Tuck End (STE)
This type of folding carton features top and bottom tuck flaps that close in the same direction on the front panel. Easy to assemble and relatively inexpensive, straight tuck end cartons are versatile options for light- to medium-weight items.
Straight tuck end cartons are often used for consumer goods such as:
- Food packaging (snacks and confections)
- Health and beauty products
- Small electronics
- Toys
- Household products
- Essential oils
- CBD products
2. Reverse Tuck End (RTE)
Reverse tuck end folding cartons are similar to straight tuck ends except the tuck flaps close in opposite directions, making them more secure. They’re likewise easy to assemble and perfect for light- to medium-weight products such as:
- Food packaging
- Health and beauty
- Toys
- Gifts
- Nutraceuticals
- Electronics
3. Auto-Lock Bottom (ALB)
Simply press opposite ends together and the bottoms of these folding cartons lock into place automatically, hence the name “auto-lock bottom.” The tops close with simple tuck flaps.
Auto-lock bottom folding cartons are advantageous for their rapid assembly, strength, and durability. Their solid structure is ideal for packaging heavier products (ALBs are even stronger than snap lock cartons).
Auto-lock bottom cartons are commonly used for heavier applications such as:
- Beverages (wine bottles, craft beer, etc.)
- Candles
- Glass jars
- Household products
- Industrial items
4. Snap Lock
Snap lock cartons feature bottom flaps that push securely into place, offering quick assembly and strong, secure bases that are suitable for heavier products (though they’re not as strong as auto-lock bottom cartons).
Common applications include:
- Food
- Health and beauty products
- Beverages such as wine and spirits
- Metal and glass containers
- Electronics
- Printer ink
- Large candles
- Household products
5. Four-Corner Box
Four-corner boxes feature an open top and four glued corners. Tops and bottoms can be used together to create a closed box.
These cost-effective folding cartons make products more accessible, as consumers can view them in the box, so they’re ideal for retail display and shelf-ready packaging. Folded corners provide extra strength, and four-corner boxes can be shipped flat to save space.
Common applications include:
- Food products such as confections
- Retail products
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Toys
6. Six-Corner Box
Six-corner boxes are like four-corner boxes, but they add a “hinged” lid with two additional corners. The lid can be windowed to reveal the products inside for an attractive display, so they’re perfect for confections and baked goods (think doughnut boxes).
Six-corner boxes are easy to assemble yet offer greater strength and stability than four-corner boxes. Common applications include:
- Food packaging
- Health and beauty products
- Clothing
- Retail
- Toys
7. Pillow Pack
Pillow packs feature a curved, pillow-like shape that consumers squeeze to open. They’re ideal for small items and offer an attention-grabbing presentation.
Cost-effective and fast to assemble, pillow packs make it easy to switch from plastic to eco-friendly paper for small and disposable items. For example, a major company recently switched its earplug packaging from plastic to pillow packs because they’re a more eco-friendly option.
Pillow packs are best for lightweight, small products such as:
- Earplugs
- Jewelry
- Cosmetics
- Samples
8. Stay Flat
Stay flats are rigid, durable mailers that protect documents and keep them in pristine condition during shipping. They’re cost-effective, quick to assemble, and can feature interactive openings such as zip strips, tear tape, and peel & seal.
Stay flats are commonly used to ship and protect:
- Documents
- Artwork
- Photos
- Promotional items
Your choice of folding carton impacts product presentation, brand identity, and customer perception. It also plays a significant role in product protection and overall costs. Priority Packaging can help you choose the perfect carton for your unique needs. Need a custom folding carton design? Bring us your product, drawing, or examples, and we’ll bring it to life!
