Folding Carton Styles Explained – find the right choice for your product

Carton manufacturing is a very innovative industry, although we have a few structurally universal carton types. The aesthetics can vary depending upon the product to be packaged, but the core skeleton of the carton more often than not remains the same.

So what are the different types of folding cartons?

Broadly we can classify the folding cartons in 5 categories as mentioned below

1
Straight Tuck-in
2
Reverse Tuck-in
3
Self-lock bottom
4
Lock-bottom
5
End glue

Straight Tuck-in

More commonly known as STI amongst packaging manufacturers. Straight tuck-in boxes are one of the most common types of boxes that work for a variety of industries. The top and bottom closure panels are attached to the same main panel.

A straight tuck box folds from front to back in the same direction. Usually, a straight tuck-in box has slit locks that secure the tucks in place.

Straight Tuck-in Box Features

Ideal for light weight and medium weight products.
Zero assembly needed.
Compact storage (boxes come in flat).
Can hold cutouts without. compromising integrity.
Slit locks for secure closing.
Cost per piece a bit higher than Reverse Tuck because they don’t “nest” on the paper sheet as well, and thus more paper is used.

Reverse Tuck-in

More commonly known as RTI amongst packaging manufacturers. Reverse tuck-in boxes are very similar to straight tuck-in boxes, except for the closing panels. One closing panel is attached to the back of the box, while the other closing panel is attached to the front. They fold in opposite directions.

Reverse Tuck-in Box Features

Ideal for light weight and medium weight products.
Zero assembly needed.
Compact storage (boxes come in flat).
Can hold cut-outs without compromising integrity.
Slit locks for secure closing.
Cost per piece lower than straight tuck boxes - RT “nest” better, maximizing costs and efficiency on the printing sheet.

Self-lock bottom cartons

Also called 1-2-3 bottom boxes or self-lock bottom boxes in the packaging manufacturers circle, are especially designed to hold heavier items. The bottom flaps push into each other, forming a very sturdy base that won’t open under the weight of the product inside. For the top closure, they generally have a tuck top panel with either friction locks or slit locks.

Lock Bottom Box Features

Ideal for heavier products (candles, glass jars)
Usually with a tuck top closure
Easy three-step assembly
Compact storage (boxes come in flat)
Can hold cutouts without compromising integrity
Items stack perfectly thanks to the flat bottom

Lock bottom cartons

Lock bottom, are another good choice to package heavier items that need extra bottom support. They are also referred to as auto-lock bottom boxes, or auto-bottom boxes amongst the packaging manufacturers.

Lock bottom Box Features

The strongest option for heavy products
Pre-glued bottom for extra strength
Usually with a tuck top closure
Zero assembly needed, just "pop" them open
Compact storage (boxes come in flat)
Can hold cut-outs
Items stack perfectly thanks to the flat bottom

End Glue Cartons

These cartons are essentially used for packaging of food products on automatic packaging lines. Both ends of these cartons are glued after filling the product in the carton.

End glue carton features

Items stack perfectly
Pilferage and adulteration can be controlled
Packing has to be on automatic lines
Liners with barrier properties can be used to avoid moisture or any other contamination
Compact storage (boxes come in flat)

Folding cartons are the workhorse of the modern-day product packaging industry. They’re cheap to produce, easy to work with, and are environmentally sustainable. Near limitless options for customization ensure your product packaging reflects your brand’s personality perfectly.