Retail packagingMOQ500 pcs Sampling7-day sampling MaterialsSBS, CCNB, kraft
Custom Folding Cartons
Custom folding cartons for skincare, makeup and retail beauty products. Printed paperboard cartons that ship flat, with tuck or lock-bottom styles and optional inserts and windows.
Artwork preflightDieline, bleed and print risk checks.
Supplier routeStructure, material and MOQ guidance.
Short answer
Custom folding cartons are single-layer printed paperboard boxes that ship flat and are folded when packed. They start from 500 pieces per design, with samples in about 7 days and bulk production in about 20 days after approval.
Start with product dimensions, quantity, destination country, artwork status and reference photos for a faster first reply.Specifications
Practical packaging specs
Use these fields to prepare a quote request and compare supplier feasibility.
MaterialsSBS, CCNB, kraft
MOQ500 pcs
Sampling7-day sampling
ApplicationsRetail brands, retail and e-commerce
PrintingCMYK, Pantone, foil, UV and embossing options
ShippingExport carton packing and global delivery support
Box selection
Pick the carton style by product weight and retail use
A folding carton is the economical choice for volume SKUs. Choose the style by the weight of the product, how it is displayed and whether it needs an insert or a window.
| Decision point | Practical guidance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tuck-end carton | Light products such as tubes, small bottles and compacts. | From 500 pieces per design. Check the tuck closure and the fit to the product. |
| Lock-bottom carton | Heavier bottles and jars that put weight on the base. | From 500 pieces per design. Confirm the base holds with the filled product. |
| Carton with insert or window | Products that must stay upright or be visible. | From 500 pieces per design. Check the insert fit and window film on the sample. |
Fit and approval
Board, closure and print checks
Review the physical sample with the intended product before releasing bulk production.
- Choose the board by the product weight: lighter board suits tubes and compacts; heavier products need stiffer board or a lock-bottom.
- Check the closure: confirm the tuck or lock holds, opens cleanly and does not split at the folds.
- Map the required text: reserve room for the product name, ingredients, net contents, batch code and barcode on the dieline.
- Approve print and finish on the folded sample: color, foil and varnish can look different once the carton is folded.
- Test the packing step: pack real products into folded cartons and into the outer carton, because flat cartons are folded at the packing site.
Quote planning
What changes the price of a folding carton?
Start with the box type, quantity and email. Add product dimensions with closures, the number of SKUs and quantity per design, the destination and any finishes. Artwork can follow once the structure is agreed.
| Decision point | Practical guidance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity per design | The unit price falls with quantity, and the minimum applies per design. | List units per artwork, not only the range total. |
| Board and print | Board thickness, inside printing and coverage change material and processing. | Choose effects that support the retail use. |
| Insert and window | An insert or a window adds material and a production step. | Add them only where the product needs them. |
| Finishes | Foil, embossing and spot UV add steps and setup. | Use finishing on the logo or one feature. |
Project preparation
Guides for this packaging route
Use the cost guide, selection guide and planning example when you need more detail.
Material details
Explore the relevant material and finish options
Select material against your product and sample requirements. Claims and specifications must be agreed in the quote.
Need workshop or inspection references?
Review the existing workshop references and the sample, inspection and packing checks to agree for your order.
FAQ
Custom Folding Cartons questions
Use these answers when comparing custom packaging suppliers.
What is the MOQ for custom folding cartons?
Folding cartons start from 500 pieces per design.
Is the minimum the same for rigid boxes and folding cartons?
Yes, every structure starts from 500 pieces per design. Unit price still differs by structure: folding cartons ship flat and need less handwork, so they usually cost less per piece at volume.
Do folding cartons ship flat?
Yes. They ship flat and are folded when you pack, which keeps freight and storage small.
Can a folding carton have an insert or a window?
Yes. A paperboard insert can hold a bottle or jar upright, and a window shows the product. Confirm both on a sample.
How long do samples and production take?
About 7 days for samples after the dieline and artwork are confirmed, and about 20 days for bulk production after sample approval. Door-to-door delivery is typically 30-40 days from order.