What Are Folding Cartons?
Folding cartons are printed cardboard boxes or containers that are used for packaging, shipping, and storage. They are designed to be folded into shape, packed, sealed, and shipped to their destination. Folding cartons come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. The most common materials used to make folding cartons are corrugated cardboard, paperboard, and plastic.
Why Are Folding Cartons so Popular?
Folding cartons are popular because they provide a versatile packaging solution that is cost effective and easily customized to meet various product packaging needs. They are also lightweight and can be conveniently shipped and stored, providing manufacturers with a convenient way to package and market their products. Folding cartons also feature a higher level of print quality with graphics and text standing out in relief, making them an attractive and eye-catching packaging solution.
Types of Folding Cartons
- Corrugated Folding Cartons: Corrugated folding cartons are the most popular and most widely used type of folding carton due to their strength and lightweight nature. These cartons are made with two or more flat sheets of corrugated cardboard, with interior structures which include flutes and creases, allowing it to hold its shape once built and filled with product. These are great for storing and shipping heavier products due to their durability.
- Plastic Folding Cartons: Plastic folding cartons are constructed using thermoformed plastic that is heat-sealed to create a container with multiple panels, such as a two-piece clam-shell style. These are best for products that require visual appeal and/or a secure closure, as plastic won’t be vulnerable to puncture like cardboard.
- Polyethylene Folding Cartons: Polyethylene folding cartons are also constructed of plastic, but the material used is slightly different from the plastic used for plastic folding cartons. This material is waterproof and can be found in multiple colors, allowing companies to include branding on their packages if desired.
- Die-cut Folding Cartons: Die-cut folding cartons are designed with multiple panels to make a multi-dimensional shape that is functional and attractive. These cartons offer the most branding potential as they can be printed on in several different colors and can be customized according to the product.
- Paperboard Folding Cartons: Paperboard folding cartons are made of thick paperboard material. These are excellent for storing lightweight items, and require less material to construct than corrugated or plastic folding cartons. These boxes are particularly useful for storing products such as beverages, candy and other food items, as paperboard is food-safe.
- Slipcase Folding Cartons: Slipcase folding cartons are often used to store books, as the slipcase and lid are designed to fit snugly together, enclosing the book in a rigid protective package. This type of packaging offers very good protection and is a good option for books with delicate pages.
- Display Folding Cartons: Display folding cartons are constructed like a regular folding carton but designed with added features such as a built-in display panel or header. This is an ideal type of packaging for products that need to be visible to customers, as it allows all of the information and branding to be seen without any additional effort or cost.
