No matter what type of packages you want to send, there are boxes out there that will fit your needs perfectly. Knowing which type of box to choose, however, is another story. 

There are several elements that all quality custom boxes have in common, that work to enhance your customer’s overall brand experience.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the most common types of boxes and how they work to keep your product safe and protected while delivering a great branding experience. 

Folding Carton Boxes

If you can believe it, folding carton boxes used to be used to simply package expensive products. Today, folding carton boxes are one of the most common and popular types of boxes available — and it’s easy to see why.

Commonly known as custom product boxes, these paperboard boxes are used for most product packaging that you’ll see in stores. These carton boxes usually have a tuck flap on one of both ends of the box. Whether you’re shipping clothes, candles, or other lightweight items, folding carton boxes are a great way to securely and safely make sure your package gets into the hands of your customers. 

Rigid Boxes

Rigid boxes offer a stronger, more durable option for your product. They’re made from stronger materials, so they cannot be collapsed like traditional boxes can. To help soften it up a bit, and make it more attractive to consumers, rigid-style boxes are often separately wrapped with something else that allows a bit more design freedom and add a touch of “brandability” to the look. 

Full Overlap Boxes

These styles of boxes have outside flaps that overlap the width of the box, adding incredible durability and providing an excellent service on which you can be fully creative. A true “best of both worlds” when it comes to packaging. 

Telescope Boxes

These types of boxes come in two parts, and much in the same way that a telescope lid covers the lens, this box can have its lid removed in a similar fashion. Many luxury products are boxed this way to give a sort of unboxing feel and sophistication to the moment. 

Collapsible Boxes

Collapsible boxes are popular with manufacturers and consumers alike. For product manufacturers, they offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of how they can be designed, and they lend themselves well to branding initiatives. Customers love them because they can easily be collapsed and possibly reused. In addition, their collapsible feature helps you save more on shipping costs.

Roll End Tuck Top Boxes

Although the name of this type of box is rather complicated, the way it works is anything but. You can build the box without the need for glue or even tape, and the box holds well just by folding the ends and tucking them into the front. Baked goods are often shipped using this style of box, and the design possibilities are immense. The top of the box can even be transparent to showcase the goods inside, making it a popular choice for delectable food. 

Mailer Boxes

These types of boxes are retail-ready and can be shipped directed in the mail, with no need for additional packaging. \When you receive those beautiful subscription boxes from FabFitFun and the like, these are delivered to you in stunning mailer boxes.

Shoulder Boxes

This unique style of box isn’t seen often, but that’s also what makes it stand out more when you do see it. The lid and the base of the box don’t touch, and the middle of it is where the product is stored. This part is known as the shoulder. Using contrasting colors with the product in the middle is a great way to make the box eye-catching and help it stand out even more. 

Regular Slotted Container Boxes

With these types of boxes, the flaps are the same length, so they can easily ship smaller and lightweight items one at a time. Unfortunately, this convenience comes at the cost of some design features, since only the external and print design can be edited. 

Corrugated Boxes

Although heavy products are often shipped in rigid boxes, if an item is too heavy for even a rigid box, a corrugated box will do nicely. Rigid boxes are made using corrugated material, so they keep their structural integrity intact even when stacked up. This, in turn, helps prevent more damage to the items stored inside. These features make these types of boxes ideal for moving. 

The Versatility of Foldable Carton Packaging

One of the most popular choices for packaging is the foldable carton. Since its entrance into the world of packaging over one hundred years ago, this simple yet profound shipping method has become a billion dollar industry. By folding different types of fiberboards or paperboards, one can create a whole host of unique packaging setups. Whether the packaging contains windows to see the product inside, or it contains a built in locking system that adds structure and protection, it’s easy to see how convenience and ease of use have combined to create the packaging system we know and love. 

What if I Just Want a Basic Box? 

If you thought about your product packaging and thought it was a matter if just ordering a bulk amount of “basic boxes”, you may be surprised to learn just how varied and unique every box can be. From regular slotted containers where all of the sides of the box are the same size (ideal for shipping things like coffee mugs), to corrugated trays and half-slotted containers (often used to ship appliances), the sheer range of possibilities with packaging is endless. 

Take a deeper dive into different types of boxes and materials, check out our definitive guide on custom boxes and branded packaging. The more you learn, the more you’ll see that there is no such thing as a “basic box”. 

Consider the Customer Experience

If you’ve ever been the proud owner of a new iPhone, you’ll already remember that the unboxing was a legendary experience in itself. Apple didn’t do that by chance. Every part of an iPhone unboxing, from the very first models until today’s super sleek and sophisticated designs, has been designed to create a complete experience surrounding the smartphone. 

The sleekness of the box itself, and the way every item inside was carefully placed and wrapped exuded a sense of luxury and high-tech sophistication. Even the simplicity of the logo was there to demonstrate how the name “Apple” didn’t even need to be a part of the process. The logo itself already told you everything you needed to know about the name behind the brand. 

Even the color itself (or in this case, the lack of it) created an impression. The iconic Apple on a background of white gave the impression of something clean, evolved and immensely powerful.  Countless iPhone unboxings later, that impression still carries over today — part of Apple’s key packaging strategy to build up their brand as the de facto leader. 

Conversely, if you wanted to create a more natural, “home grown” style of design, you might opt for packaging that was made with recyclable paper or even kraft paper to give it that sort of eco-friendly, “from the earth” vibe. Using earthy colors further lends to its natural appeal, showcasing a company that wants to do good for the earth and help minimize waste. 

Who Knew Packaging Could Do So Much? 

If your head is already spinning with the countless possibilities available when it comes to packaging — don’t worry. It can feel overwhelming to try to choose what might be right for your needs, but you certainly don’t have to go it alone.  At Refine Packaging, our years of experience working with brands large and small has given us the insights needed to help you plan a custom packaging strategy that uses the perfect combination of packaging technology and design to create a flawless first impression for your customers. 

So whether you’re shipping donuts or designer watches, or anything in between, it pays to work with a company that not only understands packaging but has the skills and the ability to help bring your vision to shipping fruition. We invite you to learn more about our comprehensive packaging consulting and fulfillment services. Let’s work together to create a look and style for your packaging that makes an incredible impression.

Last Updated: December 6, 2022