Folding boxes are an ideal packaging solution for lightweight products, offering both practicality and a chance to make a strong visual impact. From tear strips to vibrant patterns and creative, ad hoc designs, folding boxes are versatile and can be tailored to meet various needs. Here are eight folding carton box designs to inspire your next packaging project.
Folding boxes are the perfect solution for packaging a wide range of lightweight products, from cosmetics and fragrances to toys, candles, and books. These boxes not only offer a visually appealing design but are also eco-friendly, as they are 100% recyclable (especially when using sustainable inks). And the best part? They provide all these benefits without straining your budget. Whether you’re looking for functionality or aesthetics, folding carton boxes deliver it all at an affordable cost.
What are folding boxes?
Folding boxes, also known as product boxes, are typically made from paperboard. The process begins with printing the dieline, which is the design and shape of the box, and then cutting it into that shape. True to their name, these boxes are folded into their final form and glued together. A major advantage is that you can have your supplier ship these boxes flattened, which saves storage space and makes them easier to handle. When it’s time to package your items, you simply unfold, fold the box into shape, and it’s ready for use!
Folding Carton Box Design
Focusing on packaging design can significantly shift your customer’s attention back to your products. In fact, 30% of brands have reported that their packaging design played a key role in refocusing customer attention. Product boxes provide the freedom to customize both the inside and outside, allowing you to express your brand’s unique story. This gives you creative flexibility to make your products more eye-catching, ensuring they stand out and attract more customers.
To spark your creativity, we've put together a list of ideas that can help your packaging make an impact, whether on a store shelf or in front of a screen.
Functional ideas
- Folding cartons with windows
Folding boxes with windows offer a clever way to give customers a sneak peek of the product inside while still maintaining the excitement of the unboxing experience. These boxes are perfect for products like nail polish and makeup, as they allow you to showcase the shades and colors, making it easier for customers to identify their preferences. For example, Nail Deck uses folding boxes with windows to package their vegan nail paints. The transparent windows allow the bottles to show through, adding a vibrant pop of color that draws attention and enhances the packaging’s appeal.
2.
Folding cartons with tear strips provides a convenient and efficient unboxing experience. The tear strip is integrated during the printing and cutting process, allowing the customer to open the box quickly and easily. When designed properly, the tear strip ensures a clean opening while maintaining the box’s shape, which can be useful for customers who prefer to keep the packaging for storage rather than discarding it immediately.
Note: While the photo above shows a corrugated mailer box with a tear strip, the same concept applies to folding carton boxes as well.
3. Folding boxes with custom inserts
Custom inserts not only improve the unboxing experience but also provide added security by holding the product in place, preventing any movement during shipping. These inserts offer extra protection, ensuring that the product arrives safely and in perfect condition. Custom inserts are tailored to the size and shape of the product, as well as the box’s dimensions, ensuring a snug fit.
For example, Honoka uses a custom insert to secure nail clippers, keeping them firmly in place while enhancing the product's presentation. This approach adds a touch of sophistication and professionalism to the packaging.
Aesthetic Ideas
1. A pop of color
Color schemes are a crucial element in packaging design. They not only make your packaging stand out but also create a visual association with your brand. However, it's important to use colors thoughtfully. Overloading packaging with too many colors can make it look cluttered and confusing. A great example of effective color usage is Kylie Cosmetics’ lipstick packaging. The vibrant colors represent the lipstick shades, while the neutral white background makes those colors pop.
In addition, Kylie Cosmetics ships their lipstick packaging inside a larger mailer box. Since folding cartons are thinner and lighter than rigid boxes, they can easily get dented or scratched during shipping. The larger mailer box protects the packaging and ensures the product arrives in perfect condition. Plus, Kylie Cosmetics adds a personal touch with a custom thank-you note, enhancing the customer experience.
2. Add-ons such as stickers
Source: Great Northern Wilderness
Ordering different colored boxes for each product can lead to complicated and costly orders. A more cost-effective solution is to order a “classic” or “base” box and then customize it for each product. For instance, the box in the image above is a plain brown folding carton. Depending on the product, the brand uses a custom sticker with relevant information to personalize the packaging. Not only does the sticker provide product details, but it also serves a functional purpose by sealing the box and securing the product inside. Since each product has a different sticker, the overall packaging can look unique for each item while maintaining consistency and reducing costs.
3. Playful, witty, and creative ideas
Creative packaging design can leave a lasting impression on your customers. When thinking about your product, brand values, and the beliefs of your customers, you can elevate even the simplest items, like light bulbs, with thoughtful packaging. Take CS light bulbs, for example: their packaging design incorporates insects, inspired by the firefly, which is believed to have influenced Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb. This connection between the product and its packaging creates a deeper narrative that resonates with customers, enhancing both the product and the unboxing experience.
4. Reflecting on your brand and your product
Making your packaging relevant to the product is a great strategy for creating a lasting connection with your customers. When the design of your folding box reflects the product inside, it becomes more memorable, increasing the likelihood of repeat purchases. This is particularly effective for everyday items like sketching pencils. E.A.S.E., for example, uses its packaging as a canvas, both literally and metaphorically, to showcase what its product can do. This not only highlights the functionality of the product but also helps differentiate the brand from competitors, making it stand out in a crowded market.
5. Product information and marketing tools
Your packaging is more than just a protective barrier for your product; it’s also a valuable marketing tool. It can communicate essential information about your brand and products while creating an engaging experience for your customers. Ilo, for example, utilizes part of their packaging to provide customers with key details about their purchase, as well as information on their social media handles and hashtags. This not only educates customers but also encourages them to share their product and unboxing experience online, boosting brand visibility and fostering a sense of community around the product.
Now that you understand what folding carton boxes are and how to design packaging that reflects your brand, it’s time to bring your vision to life. Ready to get started?
评论
发表评论