A tray box is an open or lidded carton built from a shallow base, with low walls that let you see and reach the product easily. Bakers use them for cookies, retailers use them for display, and shippers use them as a tidy inner pack. The trick is choosing the right wall height and the right closure for what you are putting in.
Main tray styles
- Simple tray. Four walls, no lid. Used inside a larger box or behind a shrink wrap.
- Tray with a sleeve. A printed band slides over the tray and holds it closed. Good for gift sets.
- Tray with lid. A matching shallow lid on top, often with a window.
- Auto-bottom tray. The base snaps into position when opened, so it ships flat and sets up quickly.
Choosing wall height
Wall height is the number most people get wrong. A tray that is too shallow lets items slide out when tilted. A tray that is too deep hides the product. As a starting point, make the walls about half the product height for display trays and the full product height when the tray is a shipping pack. Test with your actual product before committing.
Material
Folding paperboard handles most trays: kraft for a natural look, white board for full-color print. Corrugated is used for heavier trays and shipping packs. For food, a grease-resistant coating protects the board. Always confirm that the board, coating, and ink you choose are suitable for food contact, as that responsibility sits with the brand.
Where trays fit in your lineup
Trays pair with sleeves, lids, and inserts. A tray holding six cookies slides into a sleeve printed with your logo, and the same tray can ship inside a mailer. Because the parts are simple, you can reuse one tray size across several products and change only the sleeve print.
Order with TBPB
There is no minimum order. Our team lays out print files for free, sends free samples, and ships free. Browse tray boxes to see sizes, or compare with custom food boxes. If another supplier quotes less for the same spec, send it over and we will beat it.
Questions buyers ask
What is a tray box?
A tray box is a shallow carton with low walls that holds products openly or under a lid or sleeve. It is used for bakery, display, gifting, and as an inner shipping pack.
How tall should the walls on a tray box be?
For display trays, about half the product height is a common start. For shipping packs, match the full product height. Test with the real product.
Can tray boxes be printed with my logo?
Yes. Trays, sleeves, and lids can all be printed. Printing the sleeve is a common way to brand a plain tray.
Can I order a small number of tray boxes?
Yes. TBPB has no minimum order.
Are tray boxes food safe?
Food-contact suitability depends on the board, coating, and inks. Confirm requirements for your food and state.
