A folding carton is a box made from a single sheet of paperboard that is printed, cut, creased, and then folded into shape. It ships and stores flat and is assembled when needed, which makes it the low cost, high volume choice for most retail packaging you see on a shelf.
How a folding carton is made
A flat sheet of paperboard runs through printing, then a die cuts the outline and presses the crease lines. The flat blank folds along those creases and glues at one seam. Because it ships flat, it is cheap to store and ship in bulk, unlike a rigid box that arrives pre formed.
Folding carton vs rigid vs corrugated
A folding carton uses thin paperboard and folds flat, best for retail cartons and light products. A rigid box uses thick board and holds its shape for a premium feel. Corrugated uses a fluted board for shipping strength. For the full comparison see corrugated vs folding carton and what a rigid box is.
Common uses
Folding cartons suit cosmetics, food, supplements, and most boxed retail goods. Explore our seal end boxes, mailer boxes, and full custom retail packaging range, all no minimum order.
More packaging explainers: rigid boxes, corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, mylar bags, dielines, mailer boxes, stand up pouches, spot UV, embossing, foil stamping.