Rigid boxes or folding cartons: which fits your product?

Rigid boxes and folding cartons often compete for the same product. The choice usually comes down to three questions.

1. What is the price point?

Rigid boxes are assembled by hand and cost more per unit. They make sense when the box is part of the product experience, such as gifts, beauty and limited editions.

2. How many will you order?

Folding cartons are printed flat on large sheets, so they get cheaper as volumes rise. They also ship flat, which saves warehouse space.

3. How is the product sold?

• Shelf display favours folding cartons that stack neatly.
• Gifting and unboxing favour rigid boxes that are kept afterwards.

A rigid box is remembered; a folding carton is efficient. Many brands use both.