{"id":232856,"date":"2022-05-04T20:34:06","date_gmt":"2022-05-04T20:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/?p=232856"},"modified":"2022-05-10T19:33:36","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T19:33:36","slug":"what-are-custom-boxes-the-complete-guide-packlane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/what-are-custom-boxes-the-complete-guide-packlane\/","title":{"rendered":"What are custom boxes? The complete guide | Packlane"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&rdquo;1&Prime; _builder_version=&rdquo;3.22&Prime;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&rdquo;3.25&Prime; background_size=&rdquo;initial&rdquo; background_position=&rdquo;top_left&rdquo; background_repeat=&rdquo;repeat&rdquo;][et_pb_column type=&rdquo;4_4&Prime; _builder_version=&rdquo;3.25&Prime; custom_padding=&rdquo;|||&rdquo; custom_padding__hover=&rdquo;|||&rdquo;][et_pb_text admin_label=&rdquo;Text&rdquo; _builder_version=&rdquo;4.4.0&Prime; text_text_color=&rdquo;#000000&Prime; background_size=&rdquo;initial&rdquo; background_position=&rdquo;top_left&rdquo; background_repeat=&rdquo;repeat&rdquo;]\n<\/p><h1><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-232862 alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/TiledBoxes_BLUE-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"4800\" height=\"3200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/TiledBoxes_BLUE-1-1.jpg 4800w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/TiledBoxes_BLUE-1-1-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/TiledBoxes_BLUE-1-1-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/TiledBoxes_BLUE-1-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 4800px, 100vw\"><\/h1>\n<h1><strong style=\"font-size: 52px;\">What Are Custom Boxes?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gone are the days when all you had to do was find the cheapest plain cardboard box to ship an item to your customer. Today&rsquo;s clients are attracted to what they see before opening a package. In this case, how you package it will tell a lot about your company. Wouldn&rsquo;t you want to make that first impression, especially on first-time buyers? This is where custom boxes come in!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a nutshell, custom packaging boxes are specially designed to meet the company&rsquo;s needs. They impress customers with amazing graphics, ensure product safety, complement advertising strategies, and build brand loyalty.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The client can request specific shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and box styles when ordering a custom box. In most cases, the product will determine the customization needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let&rsquo;s delve deeper and discover more about custom boxes and what they offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-232863 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lizzie-darden-packlane-focus-bullseye-original-1-e1651693888952.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"3308\" height=\"909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lizzie-darden-packlane-focus-bullseye-original-1-e1651693888952.jpg 3308w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lizzie-darden-packlane-focus-bullseye-original-1-e1651693888952-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lizzie-darden-packlane-focus-bullseye-original-1-e1651693888952-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/lizzie-darden-packlane-focus-bullseye-original-1-e1651693888952-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 3308px, 100vw\"><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>How Are Custom Boxes Made?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are made from different materials, but these two are the primary options for this type of packaging:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paperboard SBS (solid bleached sulfate): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a virgin fiber grade whiteboard. It&rsquo;s available coated or uncoated. It&rsquo;s also light and usually flat, making it perfect for printing. It&rsquo;s easy to cut, fold, emboss, or hot foil stamp. This material is suitable for pharmaceutical, retail packaging, and other forms of high-end packaging.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corrugated board: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a paperboard laminated with fluted paper in the middle. The fluted paper protects the main product by giving the box a cushioning effect. You can choose from either single-wall or double-wall construction, depending on the frailty of your product.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what materials are used to make custom packaging boxes let&rsquo;s dive into the making process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Design and Graphics<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must first provide the design of your custom printed boxes before the manufacturing process begins. After all, you know what you want to show your customers or what appeals to them. Packlane offers a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">custom design configurator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help customers create designs based on their desired colors, sizes, and graphic elements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designers recommend thicker or bolder fonts for legible prints. This also ensures fine details such as serif fonts, which are pretty subtle, are not lost during printing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Printing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next stage is printing. Several printing techniques are used for creating custom boxes: digital printing, flexographic printing, and litho laminating. You can choose your desired type of printing based on your specific business needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-232868 alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Print-Methods_Group-4-e1652119391216.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8651\" height=\"4368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Print-Methods_Group-4-e1652119391216.jpg 8651w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Print-Methods_Group-4-e1652119391216-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Print-Methods_Group-4-e1652119391216-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Print-Methods_Group-4-e1652119391216-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 8651px, 100vw\"><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexographic Printing (Relief Printing)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most common printing method for corrugated boxes. A flexible printing plate is attached to a large rotating cylinder. The plate artwork is printed on the board as it is fed through the machine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is ideal for edge-to-edge printing, flood coating, and text-based custom designs. It&rsquo;s also the choice for line art with only one or two colors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexographic printing is not recommended for designs with complicated graphics and many different colors. This can be expensive due to the number of printing plates required for the colors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the main drawbacks of flexo printing is the &ldquo;minimum dot.&rdquo; Small halftone dots on flexographic plates, which are made of a thick, flexible polymer substance, cannot be reliably reproduced on the paperboard. These dots print larger than what is on the plate, a condition known as dot gain. For this reason, there is a cutoff point: the minimum dot. The practical result of this is a restricted tonal range that can be printed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithographic Printing (Offset Printing or Litho Lamination)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Litho lamination is the process of mounting offset lithographic printing onto a corrugated board. After lamination, the manufacturer will cut the box to the final dimensions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique is great for making very detailed and high-resolution graphics. It gives you many options and flexibility when it comes to images, colors, and other finishes. Unfortunately, litho lamination is the most expensive technique of printing, which is why suppliers recommend it for projects quantities in the thousands.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Printing<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-232869 alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Poopourr_Print-Methods_Digital-1-e1652119842399.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"7538\" height=\"2186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Poopourr_Print-Methods_Digital-1-e1652119842399.jpg 7538w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Poopourr_Print-Methods_Digital-1-e1652119842399-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Poopourr_Print-Methods_Digital-1-e1652119842399-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Poopourr_Print-Methods_Digital-1-e1652119842399-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 7538px, 100vw\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital printing is an alternative to traditional methods, such as lithography and flexography, because it&rsquo;s fast. It eliminates many physical stages required in traditional printing, such as creating films and color proofs, stripping the pieces together, and making plates. It&rsquo;s also ideal for short to medium print runs. The prints can be directly applied on the corrugated board, and there&rsquo;s no need to mix different ink colors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One downside of digital printing is that it doesn&rsquo;t have economies of scale like analog print methods, so it doesn&rsquo;t get more affordable as the volume goes up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Types of Custom Boxes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are the types of custom boxes you can choose from depending on your line of business:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mailer Boxes<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/mailer-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mailer box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an easy-to-assemble piece of paperboard packaging with interlocking tabs and dust flaps that hold together without tape or glue. Mailer boxes use corrugated cardboard, usually E flute ( 1\/16&Prime;) or B flute (1\/8&Prime;). The box is more sturdy and damage resistant than other types of paperboard packaging due to its double sidewalls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mailer boxes are ideal for gift and retail packaging. They are also an excellent option for subscription boxes and other promotional kits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping Boxes (RSC or Regular Slotted Carton)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the most common types of custom boxes. Like a mailer box, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/shipping-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shipping box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> uses corrugated cardboard, typically B flute or C flute.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping boxes are used for larger and heavier products, such as food items, electronics, and fabrics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping boxes are stackable, making them ideal for warehouse storage. However, they also require taping and more effort to assemble.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product Boxes (Folding Cartons)<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/product-boxes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product boxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> come in various sizes and shapes and are common on retail shelves. They&rsquo;re usually made of paperboard and printed with art and graphics before being cut, folded, and glued together.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The customer gets the finished product unassembled. They have to assemble the boxes and then fill them with products for sale. Common items packaged in folding cartons include beauty products, alcohol, and luxury goods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to other custom boxes, folding cartons are the lightest. They are also easy to fill, seal, and ship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setup Boxes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A unique type of product box is the two-piece rigid setup box. One piece holds the product, whereas the other acts as the lid. This box is very sturdy and common in high-end product packaging&mdash;phones, jewelry, and expensive watches. There are limitless ways to make a rigid box design completely unique to your brand&rsquo;s voice and objective.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Econoflex Shipping Boxes<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packlane launched the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/eco-friendly-shipping-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Econoflex shipping box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2020, and it stands out as the most modern and eco-friendly type of packaging. Econoflex boxes are sturdy, biodegradable, and affordable, made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable materials. The Econoflex printing technology is comparable to flexography printing, although Econoflex is cheaper because it does not require setting up charges or color plates. It&rsquo;s cost-effective in both small and bulk orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-232864 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/scott-snyder-summersale-01-2x1-1-e1651696054972.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2050\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/scott-snyder-summersale-01-2x1-1-e1651696054972.png 2050w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/scott-snyder-summersale-01-2x1-1-e1651696054972-1280x558.png 1280w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/scott-snyder-summersale-01-2x1-1-e1651696054972-980x551.png 980w, https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/scott-snyder-summersale-01-2x1-1-e1651696054972-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 2050px, 100vw\"><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Benefits of Custom Boxes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several benefits come with custom packaging:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Make Your Brand Stand Out<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many businesses ship items in plain kraft corrugated cardboard boxes, meaning all packages look alike and do not present your brand to the world. Custom boxes allow you to showcase your brand to customers using logos, messages, and artwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Create an Experience<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great packaging is one way of communicating to your clients that you care about what you offer them. Even better, customers love that &ldquo;unboxing experience.&rdquo; Imagine their delight if they receive the product in a cute custom box with glittering colors and perfect 3D graphics of your company logo? Your business will benefit more if people experience and share the great unboxing moments with friends, family, social media followers, and fans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Secure Your Products<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No business wants to package products in damage-prone boxes. These include oversized boxes and poor-quality finishes. Custom boxes ensure safety because they come in the right size, preventing movement or sliding that can damage delicate products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designers of reputable makers and sellers of custom boxes understand this and work with brands to ensure a lasting impression on consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Protect the Environment<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are made of biodegradable materials, meaning they&rsquo;re safe for the environment. They can be recycled several times, thus saving the trees, the primary raw material source in box making.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Save Money<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of damaged goods can be detrimental to any business. You can lose money remaking or replacing the damaged products. Custom boxes come with the right fit and cushioning to protect delicate products. You can also invest in a custom paper that provides extra cushioning while making that first impression of safety and care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<h3><strong>How Much Does a Custom Box Cost, and What Impacts Pricing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are more expensive than standard boxes. The cost varies depending on the type of box, material, dimensions, and custom box design.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, the more material or color used to make the box, the more expensive it will be. The printing technique used will also impact pricing, but for the most part, cost depends completely on quantity level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s worth noting that most custom printed boxes are shipped flat and reassembled by the customer before packaging. Therefore, you may need some help to assemble the boxes if you order a large quantity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Custom Boxes<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are common questions customers ask about custom boxes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Is Custom Packaging Worth It?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the cheapest packaging option may seem desirable. Still, it&rsquo;s not good for your product&rsquo;s safety, especially if the material is not made in the right size or lacks proper cushioning. Choosing custom packaging solutions is a proven strategy to assure the security of your products while also saving on costs in the long term. More importantly, a higher-quality, well-designed custom box will provide your consumer a better shopping experience, allowing you to stay in their minds and encourage repeat purchases, resulting in more sales. So it&rsquo;s worth it!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: large; color: #000000;\">Are Custom Boxes Environmentally Friendly?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes use corrugated paperboard (made from wood pulp), which is biodegradable. In addition, paperboard is recyclable before the fibers degrade completely. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling\/paper-and-paperboard-material-specific-data\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 68 percent of paper and paperboard<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are recycled every year in the United States alone. Furthermore, the fact that custom packaging boxes allow customers to pack products in perfectly sized boxes prevents wastage of material. If less material is used, less paperboard is manufactured, saving more trees from being cut down for packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">Where Do I Order Custom Boxes?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packlane is your to-go place for all your custom orders. We make custom packaging boxes that satisfy you and your customers, from mailers to shipping and product boxes. Our state-of-the-art online design tool and live preview technology enable customers to unpack their creativity and design exactly how they want and get real-time quotes. We also have technicians to assist you with the best designs in the market. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/about\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order your custom printed boxes online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Custom boxes will speak for your brand, enhance product safety, and create a superior customer experience. Find out what they are and how they\u2019ll help your business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":232862,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h1>\u00a0<\/h1><h1><strong>What Are Custom Boxes?<\/strong><\/h1><p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gone are the days when all you had to do was find the cheapest plain cardboard box to ship an item to your customer. Today\u2019s clients are attracted to what they see before opening a package. In this case, how you package it will tell a lot about your company. Wouldn\u2019t you want to make that first impression, especially on first-time buyers? This is where custom boxes come in!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a nutshell, custom packaging boxes are specially designed to meet the company\u2019s needs. They impress customers with amazing graphics, ensure product safety, complement advertising strategies, and build brand loyalty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The client can request specific shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and box styles when ordering a custom box. In most cases, the product will determine the customization needed.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now let\u2019s delve deeper and discover more about custom boxes and what they offer.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Are Custom Boxes Made?<\/span><\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are made from different materials, but these two are the primary options for this type of packaging:<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paperboard SBS (solid bleached sulfate): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a virgin fiber grade whiteboard. It\u2019s available coated or uncoated. It\u2019s also light and usually flat, making it perfect for printing. It\u2019s easy to cut, fold, emboss, or hot foil stamp. This material is suitable for pharmaceutical, retail packaging, and other forms of high-end packaging.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corrugated board: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a paperboard laminated with fluted paper in the middle. The fluted paper protects the main product by giving the box a cushioning effect. You can choose from either single-wall or double-wall construction, depending on the frailty of your product.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what materials are used to make custom packaging boxes let\u2019s dive into the making process.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Design and Graphics<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must first provide the design of your custom printed boxes before the manufacturing process begins. After all, you know what you want to show your customers or what appeals to them. Packlane offers a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">custom design configurator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help customers create designs based on their desired colors, sizes, and graphic elements.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designers recommend thicker or bolder fonts for legible prints. This also ensures fine details such as serif fonts, which are pretty subtle, are not lost during printing.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Printing<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next stage is printing. Several printing techniques are used for creating custom boxes: digital printing, flexographic printing, and litho laminating. You can choose your desired type of printing based on your specific business needs.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexographic Printing (Relief Printing)<\/span><\/h4><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most common printing method for corrugated boxes. A flexible printing plate is attached to a large rotating cylinder. The plate artwork is printed on the board as it is fed through the machine.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is ideal for edge-to-edge printing, flood coating, and text-based custom designs. It\u2019s also the choice for line art with only one or two colors.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexographic printing is not recommended for designs with complicated graphics and many different colors. This can be expensive due to the number of printing plates required for the colors.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the main drawbacks of flexo printing is the \u201cminimum dot.\u201d Small halftone dots on flexographic plates, which are made of a thick, flexible polymer substance, cannot be reliably reproduced on the paperboard. These dots print larger than what is on the plate, a condition known as dot gain. For this reason, there is a cutoff point: the minimum dot. The practical result of this is a restricted tonal range that can be printed.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithographic Printing (Offset Printing or Litho Lamination)<\/span><\/h4><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Litho lamination is the process of mounting offset lithographic printing onto a corrugated board. After lamination, the manufacturer will cut the box to the final dimensions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This technique is great for making very detailed and high-resolution graphics. It gives you many options and flexibility when it comes to images, colors, and other finishes. Unfortunately, litho lamination is the most expensive technique of printing, which is why suppliers recommend it for projects quantities in the thousands.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Printing<\/span><\/h4><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital printing is an alternative to traditional methods, such as lithography and flexography, because it\u2019s fast. It eliminates many physical stages required in traditional printing, such as creating films and color proofs, stripping the pieces together, and making plates. It\u2019s also ideal for short to medium print runs. The prints can be directly applied on the corrugated board, and there\u2019s no need to mix different ink colors.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One downside of digital printing is that it doesn't have economies of scale like analog print methods, so it doesn't get more affordable as the volume goes up.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of Custom Boxes<\/span><\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are the types of custom boxes you can choose from depending on your line of business:<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mailer Boxes<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/mailer-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mailer box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an easy-to-assemble piece of paperboard packaging with interlocking tabs and dust flaps that hold together without tape or glue. Mailer boxes use corrugated cardboard, usually E flute ( 1\/16\") or B flute (1\/8\"). The box is more sturdy and damage resistant than other types of paperboard packaging due to its double sidewalls.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mailer boxes are ideal for gift and retail packaging. They are also an excellent option for subscription boxes and other promotional kits.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping Boxes (RSC or Regular Slotted Carton)<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the most common types of custom boxes. Like a mailer box, a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/shipping-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shipping box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> uses corrugated cardboard, typically B flute or C flute.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping boxes are used for larger and heavier products, such as food items, electronics, and fabrics.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipping boxes are stackable, making them ideal for warehouse storage. However, they also require taping and more effort to assemble.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product Boxes (Folding Cartons)<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/product-boxes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product boxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> come in various sizes and shapes and are common on retail shelves. They\u2019re usually made of paperboard and printed with art and graphics before being cut, folded, and glued together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The customer gets the finished product unassembled. They have to assemble the boxes and then fill them with products for sale. Common items packaged in folding cartons include beauty products, alcohol, and luxury goods.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to other custom boxes, folding cartons are the lightest. They are also easy to fill, seal, and ship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setup Boxes<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A unique type of product box is the two-piece rigid setup box. One piece holds the product, whereas the other acts as the lid. This box is very sturdy and common in high-end product packaging\u2014phones, jewelry, and expensive watches. There are limitless ways to make a rigid box design completely unique to your brand\u2019s voice and objective.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Econoflex Shipping Boxes<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packlane launched the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/products\/eco-friendly-shipping-box\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Econoflex shipping box<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2020, and it stands out as the most modern and eco-friendly type of packaging. Econoflex boxes are sturdy, biodegradable, and affordable, made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable materials. The Econoflex printing technology is comparable to flexography printing, although Econoflex is cheaper because it does not require setting up charges or color plates. It\u2019s cost-effective in both small and bulk orders.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of Custom Boxes<\/span><\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several benefits come with custom packaging:<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Make Your Brand Stand Out<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many businesses ship items in plain kraft corrugated cardboard boxes, meaning all packages look alike and do not present your brand to the world. Custom boxes allow you to showcase your brand to customers using logos, messages, and artwork.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Create an Experience<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great packaging is one way of communicating to your clients that you care about what you offer them. Even better, customers love that \u201cunboxing experience.\u201d Imagine their delight if they receive the product in a cute custom box with glittering colors and perfect 3D graphics of your company logo? Your business will benefit more if people experience and share the great unboxing moments with friends, family, social media followers, and fans.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Secure Your Products<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No business wants to package products in damage-prone boxes. These include oversized boxes and poor-quality finishes. Custom boxes ensure safety because they come in the right size, preventing movement or sliding that can damage delicate products.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Designers of reputable makers and sellers of custom boxes understand this and work with brands to ensure a lasting impression on consumers.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Protect the Environment<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are made of biodegradable materials, meaning they\u2019re safe for the environment. They can be recycled several times, thus saving the trees, the primary raw material source in box making.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Save Money<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of damaged goods can be detrimental to any business. You can lose money remaking or replacing the damaged products. Custom boxes come with the right fit and cushioning to protect delicate products. You can also invest in a custom paper that provides extra cushioning while making that first impression of safety and care.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does a Custom Box Cost, and What Impacts Pricing?<\/span><\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes are more expensive than standard boxes. The cost varies depending on the type of box, material, dimensions, and custom box design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this case, the more material or color used to make the box, the more expensive it will be. The printing technique used will also impact pricing, but for the most part, cost depends completely on quantity level.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s worth noting that most custom printed boxes are shipped flat and reassembled by the customer before packaging. Therefore, you may need some help to assemble the boxes if you order a large quantity.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Custom Boxes<\/span><\/h2><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are common questions customers ask about custom boxes.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Custom Packaging Worth It?<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the cheapest packaging option may seem desirable. Still, it\u2019s not good for your product\u2019s safety, especially if the material is not made in the right size or lacks proper cushioning. Choosing custom packaging solutions is a proven strategy to assure the security of your products while also saving on costs in the long term. More importantly, a higher-quality, well-designed custom box will provide your consumer a better shopping experience, allowing you to stay in their minds and encourage repeat purchases, resulting in more sales. So it\u2019s worth it!<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Custom Boxes Environmentally Friendly?<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Custom boxes use corrugated paperboard (made from wood pulp), which is biodegradable. In addition, paperboard is recyclable before the fibers degrade completely. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling\/paper-and-paperboard-material-specific-data\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 68 percent of paper and paperboard<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are recycled every year in the United States alone. Furthermore, the fact that custom packaging boxes allow customers to pack products in perfectly sized boxes prevents wastage of material. If less material is used, less paperboard is manufactured, saving more trees from being cut down for packaging.<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where Do I Order Custom Boxes?<\/span><\/h3><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packlane is your to-go place for all your custom orders. We make custom packaging boxes that satisfy you and your customers, from mailers to shipping and product boxes. Our state-of-the-art online design tool and live preview technology enable customers to unpack their creativity and design exactly how they want and get real-time quotes. We also have technicians to assist you with the best designs in the market. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/packlane.com\/about\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order your custom printed boxes online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today.<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-232856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-custom-packaging-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=232856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/232862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=232856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=232856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/packlane.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=232856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}