Custom Folding Carton Buying Guide: Materials, Cost, MOQ & Printing

SBS, CCNB, natural kraft, or metallic board, typically 250–400 gsm.

SBS (solid bleached sulfate) is the premium retail default with the brightest print and FDA approval for food contact. CCNB (clay-coated newsback) is a cost-down alternative. Natural kraft suits eco positioning. Metallic board gives a mirror finish without foil. FSC-certified and recycled-content boards are available for sustainability claims.

250–400 gsm is standard; the right value depends on product weight, size, structure, and print.

Folding cartons are built in the 250–400 gsm range. Choose toward the lighter end for small, light cartons at higher print volume, and toward the heavier end for larger cartons or heavier products. GSM is not the only variable — product weight, carton size, structure, and print all matter. If you are unsure, give the manufacturer your product and dimensions and let them recommend a board.

50 units per SKU.

The MOQ is 50 units per SKU. The MOQ applies per SKU, so a multi-SKU launch counts each SKU. At 50 units we use digital printing; offset becomes more economical from 1,000 units and flexo from 10,000 units. Sample fees are credited against your first production order.

Depends on board, size, printing, finishes, structure, and quantity — confirmed in a tailored quote within 24 hours.

There is no flat price list because every folding carton is custom. Cost is driven by quantity (unit cost falls from 50 to 10,000 units), board type, carton size, printing method, finishes, structure, and any window or insert. A tailored quote shows unit cost at 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 units so the volume curve is visible before you commit.

Yes — a die-cut window sealed with PET or compostable cellulose film.

A folding carton can carry a window so the product shows through on the shelf, common for food, bakery, and electronics. The window is a feature of the carton, not a separate material — a die-cut opening sealed with PET or compostable cellulose film. It adds die-cut tooling and film material and reduces the printable surface.

Yes — inserts can be added to position and protect the product inside the carton.

Folding cartons can include inserts such as card or foam holders that position the product and add structure at unboxing. Confirm the insert on your brief so the carton and insert are designed and quoted together. Inserts add material and assembly, so they are quoted separately from the carton itself.

Yes — flat, pre-glued, and erection-ready.

Folding cartons ship flat in cases, pre-glued at the side seam and ready for erection at your filling line by hand or machine. For faster light-up lines, crash-lock bottom variants auto-erect from a flat blank. Flat shipping keeps freight volume low and the per-carton carbon footprint smaller.

Email us or use the contact form with your product, dimensions, structure, and quantity.

Send a complete brief — product dimensions and weight, carton dimensions, structure, quantity, SKU count, and any material/GSM you have — and we will confirm the board, printing, finishes, and unit cost at your volume within 24 hours. If you do not know the material or GSM, that is fine; give the product and dimensions and our team will recommend a board.