A sleeve and tray candle box has an outer printed sleeve and an inner tray that slides out like a drawer, with the candle seated inside. The Best Price Boxes prints them custom to your vessel with no minimum order, and we beat a written quote for the same specs.
How the sleeve and tray work together
The two parts do different jobs. The tray is a simple open-top carton that holds the candle, usually with a shaped insert that grips the jar. The sleeve is a loop of printed board that slides over the tray and holds it closed. All the artwork goes on the sleeve, which means you can change the design without touching the tray, and a plain kraft tray with a coloured sleeve is a cheap way to run seasonal editions. The customer pulls the tray out to reveal the candle, which feels more deliberate than lifting a lid.
Getting the fit right
Fit is the whole game. If the sleeve is too tight, it scrapes the tray every time and wears the print at the edges. If it is too loose, it slides off in a shipping box. Measure the candle vessel at its widest point and its height with the lid on, then tell us whether the lid is a lip, a cork or a metal cap. The tray is sized to the vessel with a small clearance, and the sleeve is sized to the tray with a fraction more. A thumb notch on the tray helps customers pull it out cleanly. A sample is the quickest way to settle the sleeve tension.
Candles are heavy for their size. A filled 8 oz jar can weigh over a pound, so the tray needs a firm base, not a flimsy panel, and an insert that stops the jar from shifting inside.
Board and print
Sleeves are normally printed paperboard in the 16 to 24 pt range, with the tray in the same stock or in heavier board for larger vessels. Kraft trays suit an eco look. A white or coloured sleeve takes full CMYK or Pantone print, and the usual finishes are matte aqueous, soft-touch lamination, foil stamping and spot UV. Put foil and spot UV on the sleeve, where the customer sees the first impression, and keep the tray plain. You are responsible for any warning labels, burn-time or safety copy required for candles. Send it with your artwork and we print it.
- Printed paperboard sleeve with a separate inner tray
- Insert or tray cut-out shaped to your jar, tin or vessel
- CMYK or Pantone print, matte, gloss or soft-touch coating
- Foil, spot UV or embossing on the sleeve
- Optional thumb notch on the tray for easy opening
Choosing between candle box styles
The sleeve and tray style is not always the right call. If you ship the candle by itself and want a fully enclosed box, look at our two-piece candle boxes. For retail shelves where you want the candle visible, a candle window box lets shoppers see the vessel. For a straightforward carton, see our general candle boxes. Compare the options in the candle boxes category before you decide.
One thing to remember is that a sleeve and tray box is a presentation package, not a shipping box. Pack it inside a corrugated shipper if it travels by courier. Send the vessel dimensions and the quantity, even if it is one, and we draw the dieline and quote it. There is no minimum order, so a prototype is easy.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sleeve and tray candle box?
It is a two-part package with an inner tray that holds the candle and an outer printed sleeve that slides over it. The tray pulls out like a drawer to reveal the candle. All of the branding goes on the sleeve, so you can change the design without redesigning the tray.
Do you have a minimum order for sleeve and tray candle boxes?
No. There is no minimum order, so you can order a single prototype or thousands for a retail launch. Send the vessel dimensions and the quantity, even if it is one, and we draw the dieline and quote it. The price-beat guarantee applies when you hold a written quote for the same specs.
How do I measure my candle for the tray?
Measure the vessel at its widest point and its height with the lid on, and note the lid type, such as a cork, a lip or a metal cap. We size the tray with a small clearance around the vessel and add an insert that stops the candle from shifting.
Can a sleeve and tray box be shipped on its own?
It is better as a presentation package inside a corrugated shipper. The sleeve is a paperboard loop, and under courier handling it can slide, scuff or crush at the corners. Heavier jars especially need outer protection. We can help you size a shipper to match.
What finishes work best on the sleeve?
Soft-touch lamination with foil on the logo is a common premium choice, and spot UV adds shine to a pattern. A matte aqueous coating is the lighter, cheaper option. Put the finishes on the sleeve and keep the tray plain, since the sleeve is what the customer sees first.
Who is responsible for candle warning labels?
You are. Candle warnings, burn-time guidance and safety copy must be supplied by you and checked with your own adviser. We print the artwork you provide and do not make safety claims. If you are unsure of the label layout, send your text and we can leave space for it.
More Custom Sleeve Boxes
See the full Custom Sleeve Boxes range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
