What are the different Types of Carton Boxes?

Different types of products are packaged or shipped in different types of carton boxes. Depending on the item, the carton box will be designed to protect it from damage during transit. Alternatively, a type of carton box will be chosen for its ability to allow high quality printing, sometimes for its versatility. Learn about the different carton box types and their best applications below.

What are Carton Boxes?

A carton is a type of box or container made from paperboard which is also sometimes known as carton board or boxboard and made from wood pulp or recycled paper. This is a paper-based material that is lightweight but strong to use for packaging products.

Because products vary in terms of size and weight or protection needs, different types of carton boxes have been designed to hold and ship these items securely. For example, a book will need a different type of carton box than a mobile phone.

Likewise, products that are going to be shipped internationally will need a different type of carton than locally shipped items. These needs give rise to the different styles or designs of the carton box. The most common types are explained below.

Types of Carton Boxes

Different types of cartons are designed for different purposes and business owners must select the most appropriate for their needs. To help you understand your options for packaging and product shipping needs, we have listed and explained the 7 most common types of carton boxes.

1. Folding Carton Box

The folding carton box is by far the most popular type. It is made from a single sheet of paperboard that is then cut and creased to create a box shape. When required, the paper may be laminated. This type of box is easy and quick to assemble, which makes it ideal for mass production.

The folding carton is also very versatile and can be used for a wide range of products. Because it features a single sheet of paperboard, the carton can easily be folded to create endless box designs, both for branding and product protection purposes.

Folding cartons usually use paperboard with a GSM, grams per square meter, of 250 and higher. The lower the GSM, the thinner the paperboard will be. For example, a shoe box will require a thinner paperboard than an electronic device box.

Folding cartons are commonly used for packaging food, cosmetics, and small electronics. Most of the time, you’ll find them printed with colorful designs and images to make them more eye-catching on store shelves.

2. Rigid Carton Box

Also called set up carton box, the rigid carton box is different from the folding type in several ways. For starters, this type of carton is often made from multiple sheets of recycled paper glued or laminated together to create a thicker and more rigid box.

In terms of construction, the rigid carton is usually a telescoping design with two separate pieces, a larger and smaller piece, as can be seen in the image above. This design makes rigid cartons collapse-proof.

Rigid carton boxes are commonly used in the packaging of luxury or expensive items such as jewelry, high-end cosmetics, and collectibles. Because of their solid construction, rigid cartons are also often used to in heavy duty packaging requirements in the retail sector.

3. Slotted Carton Box

A slotted carton box is a type of folding carton box that is, as the name suggests, designed with slots and creases made during the manufacturing process. This design process a carton with flaps at either end. It also means a box that produces little waste during production.

The slotted carton is easy to erect or pack, plus it can and can be constructed from paperboard with a lower GSM or grammage. The box also comes in a broad range of sizes and designs. Common styles include the half slot, full slot, and tuck end.

Slotted carton boxes mostly find use in the food industry as they are ideal for packaging products such as baked goods, snacks, and cereals. They can also be used for other types of products such as cosmetics, small electronics, and jewelry.

4. Corrugated Carton Box

Corrugated boxes are known for being strong and durable which makes them ideal for shipping heavier and larger items. The corrugated carton box is a similar construction and made from two layers of paperboard with a fluted or wavy layer in between.

The only difference is that the flute in carton box is smaller and not meant to support a lot of weight. For that reason, the corrugated carton is often used as an inner box that is then placed inside a larger box for extra protection, or what’s called primary packaging.

The corrugated carton is easy to print on. It’s also easy to make in a wide range of sizes and designs. These types of carton boxes are commonly used for packaging food, beverages, and electronic devices but more popularly to ship items.

5. Paperboard Cartons

These types of carton boxes do not have corrugations and are, instead, made of a single sheet or multiple layers of paperboard. As a result, they are not as strong as the other types of carton boxes but still offer the level of rigidity required in the retail industry.

Paper board cartons are mostly used for packaging food and cosmetics. They are also popularly used as gift boxes because of their clean appearance. Other common uses include packaging for small electronics and shipping documents.

The main advantages of paperboard cartons are that they are lightweight and easy to print on. They can also be made in a wide range of sizes and shapes to accommodate different products.

6. Braille Cartons

Braille cartons are a special type of carton box that is used for packaging products that are intended for the blind or visually impaired. These boxes have Braille text on them so the user can identify the contents without having to see it.

This type of carton box is not as common as the others but is still used by some businesses. When choosing a braille carton, it is important to select one that is large enough to fit all the necessary information.

7. Aseptic Carton

An aseptic carton is a type of packaging that is used to store liquids, such as milk or juice, in a sterile environment. The standard ascetic carton is made from paperboard and layered with a plastic film or foil. The leak-free walls then serve to protect and preserve the box contents.

Aseptic carton boxes are commonly used for storing beverages, such as milk or juice, but can also be used for other liquids such as soup or sauce. They are often used in place of glass bottles because they are lighter and more durable.

Examples of ascetic containers are: some juice cartons, milk cartons, and some soup or broth cartons. These represent the most common types of carton boxes for liquid foods, but there are many more specialized types for specific products.

Conclusion

Carton boxes are a very versatile type of packaging that can be used for a wide variety of products. Different types of carton boxes are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and constructions to suit the needs of any business. When selecting a carton box, it is important to choose one that is the right size and construction for the product being packaged. That way, the contents will be protected and the box will be easy to use.