18 Popular Types of Packaging Boxes You Should Know

From a luxurious diamond bracelet housed in a magnetic closure container to a hot, appetizing crispy burger that comes in a gable box. Every product is delivered in packaging boxes, customized into astonishing styles and shapes. However, the actual challenge is the variety. Faced with a wide variety of packaging boxes, retailers often choose the wrong one for their products. Choosing the right packaging can be a game-changer for business. Because it can provide ultimate product safety, reduced shipping cost, and hassle-free shopping experience.
Therefore, in this blog, we will explore 18 different types of packaging boxes. We will discuss their unique features and their functional purpose. So that next time when you order custom boxes, you should be clear about your box type.

popular types of packaging boxes you need to know

The packaging industry has categorized custom boxes into four types on the basis of their functionality. Under these four categories come the subtypes. So, with no further delay, let’s turn our attention to the box’s details.

Essential shipping & transport boxes

These boxes are durable containers made from robust packaging materials. The purpose of shipping boxes is to handle rough transit and protect the fragile contents from breaking. Moreover, these boxes are used as storage containers to protect the products from moisture in warehouses. The sub-types of these boxes are:

Regular Slotted Containers (RSC)

Regular slotted containers are standard corrugated cardboard boxes. Their structural design is simple and the most stable one. These boxes have four folding flaps (all of the same length) on the top and the bottom. To seal the flaps, you may need a glue or a stapler but overall the entire assembling process is efficient. The simplicity of their structural form makes them the most cost-effective shipping solution.

Full Overlap Containers (FOL)

Full overlap boxes are heavy-duty corrugated cardboard containers. Just like RSC, these boxes also have four flaps on the top and four on the bottom. The only difference between the two designs lies in their closing mechanism. In FOL, out of the four flaps, the opposite two flaps overlap each other by one inch when closed. In this way a double-layered protection is created on the top and the bottom. You can use these boxes to ship heavy and fragile goods.

Mailer Boxes

Mailer boxes are the most cost-effective shipping containers. Because they are designed with a self-locking mechanism which diminishes the additional cost of glue or tape to seal the lid. Since these boxes are used to deliver mail, that’s why they are specially engineered to maintain their rigidity. You can use mailer packaging to deliver your e-products and subscription packages.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are the best shipping containers due to their exceptional durability. The reason behind their robust nature is their fluted structure made from corrugated fiber board. The wavy flutes of these boxes provide additional cushioning and act as shock absorbers. This makes the corrugated boxes highly resistant to breaking and crushing. To increase the durability, you can customize these boxes into double or triple-walled structures, too.

Telescoping Boxes

These boxes are also called two-piece containers because of the separate lid and base. A telescopic box is closed by sliding the lid over the base. This gives a tight fit and prevents the free movement of the packed goods during shipping.

Retail & product display boxes

Although the primary function of retail boxes is product protection. However, these boxes also serve as a marketing tool. Therefore, they are specifically designed to provide ample space for the branding. Their common examples include:

Folding Carton Boxes

These boxes are lightweight paperboard containers with a large front panel. This wide panel can be used to print branding elements and convey product details. The best feature of folding carton boxes is sustainability. You can manufacture them from biodegradable and plant-based materials both. And recycle them, too, to reduce environmental pollution.

Straight Tuck-End Boxes (STE)

These boxes are popular for the self-locking style. Their structural design is simple, where the top and bottom flaps both tuck in from the same direction. This secured closing mechanism gives a neat and sleek look to the packaging and makes the product more appealing. You can customize these custom tuck end boxes as per your product shape and size and use them to pack lightweight retail goods. Like food items or cosmetic products.

Reverse Tuck-End Boxes (RTE)

Reverse Tuck-end boxes are a mirror copy of straight tuck-end packaging. The only difference is that in reverse tuck-end boxes, the top and bottom flap tuck in from the opposite direction. These boxes are best suited for toys and pharmaceutical items.

Auto-Lock bottom Boxes

These boxes have another name, that is crash lock bottom boxes. Unlike STE and RTE, auto-lock boxes have a pre-glued, self-locking mechanism on the bottom. Therefore, they have a sturdy base and can hold fragile products that come in glass bottles. Like perfumes. These boxes can minimize your shipping cost because they are easy to assemble and are flat shipped.

Premium and Specialty Boxes

Premium packaging boxes are used to display luxury. They go beyond their functional capacity to increase the product’s perceived value. The defining feature of these boxes is the captivating visuals and unique style that offer a memorable unboxing experience. These boxes can set a brand apart and make a positive impression on the customers, which fosters loyalty. The sub-types of these containers are:

Rigid Boxes

Rigid boxes are known as set-up boxes, too. They are one-piece containers, that’s why they are non-collapsible. These boxes have a premium look because they are made from thick chipboard. If you are a luxury goods retailer, such as jewelry, apparel or electronics. Then, these boxes are for you.

Drawer-Style Boxes

The structural design of these boxes is divided into two parts. An outer sleeve and an inner tray that slides out. The sliding mechanism supports interactive unboxing along with premium product protection. You can use these boxes for high-end jewelry, tech gadgets, and limited-edition cosmetic products.

Hinged-Lid Boxes

What makes these boxes appealing is their unique opening mechanism. Hinged-lid boxes have a stable base with a lid attached to it by a hinge. For closing this lid, you can use a magnetic closure or a ribbon tie. This creates a secure seal and makes the opening and closing of a box convenient for the customers.

Display Boxes

Display boxes are specifically designed for counter shelves. Their purpose is to introduce new products in the market and encourage impulsive purchases. Therefore, they have a perforated tear-off lid that converts into a display header. You can place small items like gums, chocolates, homemade cookies, and power batteries.

Industry-specific & unique boxes types

In contrast to shipping, retail and premium packaging, these boxes are designed to serve a certain brand or product. The common examples include:

Pillow Boxes

A rectangular-shaped box with curved ends, this unique packaging container resembles a pillow. There is no design complexity, its structural form and easy to assemble. It has plenty of room for branding elements and can incorporate a window to provide a clear view of the product inside. This box is best suited for cosmetic items, party favors, and gift cards.

Gable Boxes

Gable boxes are the epitome of functionality, aesthetics, and convenience all in one. These boxes have a triangular-shaped roof with a built-in handle. They are the best example of portability and, therefore, are often used as takeaway containers for food items like burgers.

Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are typical rectangular-shaped foldable containers made from corrugated cardboard. Since their sole purpose is to ease delivery, that’s why they are easy to stack and are designed with ventilation holes to prevent pizza from becoming soggy.

Die-cut Boxes

Die-cut boxes are custom-made containers that you can design into a complex and unconventional structure. These packaging boxes offer a high degree of customization in shape and size. Therefore, you can craft these containers into a hexagonal, octagonal, pyramid or prism shape. You can use these boxes for artisanal goods like scented candles, handmade soaps, and baked items.

Partition/Divider Boxes

Well this doesn’t count as a box style or type, but its unique interior qualifies it as a packaging container. A divider box is designed with a cardboard grid that creates compartments inside the packaging container. Thus, you can conveniently organize and place multiple items in these boxes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right packaging container is essential for building a reputable brand image. As it protects the product, ensures safe transit, and offers a memorable unboxing experience. So, are you ready to order the right custom printed boxes wholesale for your product? If yes, then contact Boxit Packages and pick an amazing box style from our innovative catalog.