Packlogic produces custom kraft paperboard boxes for retail brands, online sellers and small businesses across the United States. Every order is made to the dimensions you give us, so you are not paying for empty space or forcing a product into a stock size. You choose the material, the structure and the finish; we print your artwork and send you a proof to approve before anything goes to press. Below you will find the options in plain terms.
Who uses custom kraft paperboard boxes
Most orders for custom kraft paperboard boxes come from retail brands, online sellers and small businesses. The right specification depends on how the product reaches the buyer. A pack that sits on a retail shelf needs a strong front panel and a barcode in an easy place. One that ships direct to the customer needs to survive handling. One that is given as a gift needs to open well. Tell us how you sell and we will point you to the structure and material that suit it.
Materials
The material sets the strength, the feel and the print quality of the finished box. These are the options we use most for custom kraft paperboard boxes.
- SBS cardstock (14pt to 24pt). The all-round folding carton board with a smooth white print surface.
- Kraft board. Brown, recyclable and strong for its weight.
- Corrugated E-flute. Adds crush resistance for heavier items and displays.
- Rigid board. For premium presentation boxes that are kept and reused.
Styles and structure
The structure you pick affects how the pack opens, how much weight it carries and how fast it can be filled. Common options for custom kraft paperboard boxes include straight tuck end, reverse tuck end, auto-lock bottom, snap-lock bottom, sleeve and window box. Simple tuck-style and fold-over closures are quick to assemble by hand and cost the least. Locking bases, inserts and two-piece or magnetic constructions add strength and presentation value. If you have a sample of packaging you like, send a photo and the measurements and we can work from that.
Kraft board is unbleached, so it keeps its brown color and visible fibres. It is recyclable and compostable in most programmes, and it takes black, white and dark spot colors well. Full-color photos print darker on kraft than on white board, so designs built from line art and solid shapes usually look best.
Printing and finishes
We print in full-color CMYK and can add Pantone spot inks when a brand color has to match exactly. Printing can cover the outside only or both sides. After printing, a coating protects the surface: gloss makes color brighter, matte removes glare, and soft-touch gives a velvet feel. Extra finishes include foil stamping in gold, silver or other metallics, embossing and debossing, and spot UV, which adds gloss to selected areas such as a logo. Each finish adds cost and some production time, so most brands choose one feature and use it well.
Sizes
There is no fixed size list for custom kraft paperboard boxes; every order is cut to the dimensions you supply. The table shows common starting points so you can see what is typical. Use it as a reference, then measure your own product, because containers and products with the same stated capacity often differ by several millimetres.
| Size | Typical dimensions | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2 x 2 x 2 in | jewellery, samples, small accessories |
| Small tall | 2 x 2 x 5 in | bottles, tubes |
| Medium | 4 x 4 x 4 in | candles, mugs, gifts |
| Medium flat | 6 x 4 x 2 in | accessories, soap sets |
| Large | 8 x 6 x 4 in | apparel accessories, kits |
| Extra large | 12 x 9 x 4 in | clothing, bundles |
What to check before you order
The right structure depends on weight and how the box is handled. Light items do well in tuck-end cartons; heavier ones need an auto-lock or snap-lock bottom so the base does not open when the box is lifted.
Custom packaging is worth the effort because small details add up. A pack that fits closely needs less filler and costs less to ship. A panel that states clearly what the product is reduces questions and returns. A consistent look across your range makes each product easier to find the next time a customer shops. None of this requires an expensive specification, only one that has been thought through.
Artwork
For the best print result, supply artwork as a vector PDF, AI or EPS file with fonts outlined and images at 300 dpi or higher. Add 0.125 in of bleed beyond every cut line and keep text at least 0.125 in inside it, so that small movements during cutting do not leave white edges or trim your text. If you do not have a dieline, we will send one in the correct size for your designer to work on.
How ordering works
Ordering is straightforward. Send us the size, quantity, material and any finishes you want, along with your artwork if it is ready. We reply with a quote. Once you approve it, we prepare a dieline, which is the flat template of your box, and place your artwork on it. You receive a digital proof showing every panel, fold and cut. Nothing is printed until you approve that proof, so check spelling, colors, barcodes and required text carefully. Unit price depends mostly on quantity, size, material and finishes, and it falls as quantity rises because setup costs are shared across more pieces. Minimum quantities and production time vary with the specification, so ask about both when you request your quote.
Questions about custom kraft paperboard boxes
How long does production take?
Lead time depends on quantity, structure and finishes such as foil or embossing. We confirm the schedule with your quote, and the clock starts when you approve the proof.
Are there eco-friendly options?
Yes. Kraft and recycled materials, water-based coatings and plastic-free structures are available for most products. Ask for these when you request a quote.
Will I see a proof before printing?
Yes. You receive a digital proof on the dieline showing all panels. Production starts only after you approve it.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Minimums depend on the material, size and print method. Tell us the quantity you have in mind when you request a quote and we will confirm what is possible.
What file format do you need for artwork?
A print-ready PDF, AI or EPS file is best, with fonts outlined, images at 300 dpi and 0.125 in bleed. If you need a dieline template, ask and we will send one.