Built around your product
Plan your carton around product fit, shelf presentation, packing and artwork, then send the measurements and project details needed to review specifications, pricing and timing.
A folding carton is a paperboard package that folds into shape around your product. Start with the packed product, then plan the carton’s usable space, construction, artwork and role in retail or shipping.
Folding cartons generally fold flat for storage and shipping before assembly. They differ from rigid set-up boxes, which use thick board with a paper wrap. The Paperboard Packaging Council’s overview of paperboard packaging explains this construction difference.
Decide whether your carton is mainly for retail presentation, shipping protection or a combination of the two. For shelf presentation, plan the product, brand and required information across the panels. Assess transit protection separately; a retail carton is not automatically a shipping container.
When shipping protection is the main concern, compare corrugated packaging. For a non-folding presentation format, review rigid boxes. You can also explore the broader range of custom packaging formats handled through project enquiries.
Measure the product as it will be packed. Record its full height, width and depth, including caps, pumps, closures, protruding parts, protective wrapping and other components that change its footprint. Also record the intended orientation and how the customer will remove the product.
For example, measure a skincare tube with a tall cap while it is fully closed. Include the complete tube and closure rather than measuring only the main body. These are your product measurements, not a stock carton size.
Check usable internal space and loading clearance rather than a tight fit on paper. If the pack contains several items or needs an insert, include the dimensions and intended arrangement of every component so the carton, clearance and insert can be reviewed together.
The way your carton closes and assembles can affect its internal space, artwork and packing process. Decide how the carton will be filled and opened, then include these questions in the project review:
Confirm the paperboard, closure and assembly method for your product before finalizing its artwork.
Plan the front, back, sides, top and bottom as one connected layout. Begin with the approved structural layout so folds, cuts, tuck areas and glue areas are accounted for before artwork is finalized.
Choose which panel will carry the product name, instructions and required copy. Avoid placing important artwork where it depends on exact alignment across a fold. Select a barcode panel only after the structure and final size have been established. Review PakMagik’s artwork guidelines when preparing your files, and use the approved project layout as the final reference for panel placement.
There is no configured online price for this category. Specifications, pricing and timing are confirmed for each project after its requirements are reviewed.
Record these details before submitting your project:
Review these inputs together. A change to the packed product, insert or structure can also change the space, layout and assembly requirements.
Use the folding carton project form to send your measurements and packing plan. If you need help before submitting, contact PakMagik.
Send the dimensions and intended packed arrangement for every component, plus what the insert needs to hold apart, support or present. Insert type and clearance should be reviewed with the full carton construction before specifications, pricing and timing are confirmed.
Identify whether every dimension is internal or external. Internal usable space is the key fit reference, while paperboard thickness and construction can affect external dimensions. Submit product measurements too so the proposed carton can be reviewed against the packed item.
Share the product, dimensions and decisions you need help making.
