Folding Carton Structures Defined

The following images and their associated descriptions will give you a better understanding of some of the more common types of paperboard folding carton structures. Click on the images below to see enlarged versions.

Seal End

A carton which is glued along the depth dimension by the manufacturer. Its top and bottom flaps are folded over the open end and glued after it is filled with the product.

Tuck Top Auto Bottom

A pre-glued folding carton with bottom construction having multiple folded flaps which position themselves to form a composite bottom panel when the carton is erected. The extended top flap is tucked in and held in place by friction or locked in position. Tucks may have either friction fit or shore locks for a more secure closure.
• Tuck Top Auto Bottom demo

Tuck Top 1-2-3 Bottom

(Also referred to as a Snap Lock and Houghland Bottom) This carton is a more secure carton than the Tuck Ends and requires a little more labor than an auto-bottom. Bottom flaps interlock for closure. Tabs may also be added to bottom flap on panels one, two and three, to increase the strength of the bottom. The extended top flap is tucked in and held in place by friction or locked in position. Tucks may have either friction fit or shore locks for a more secure closure.

Tuck End

(Can be a Reverse Tuck End or a Straight Tuck End) A carton which is glued along the depth dimension by its manufacturer. The extended top and bottom flaps are tucked in and held in place by friction or locked in position. Tucks may have either friction fit or shore locks for a more secure closure.

Sleeve

A tubular form made of various materials, usually open at both ends, made in various shapes, which is slipped over or in an item. This style is used as a decorative cover on corrugated cartons, foam trays, rigid products and folding cartons. With modifications, it is also used for food and beverage containers (cans, bottles, etc.).
• Sleeve demo

4 Corner Beers Tray

A folding tray of paperboard having glued corners. The tray is folded flat during manufacturing for economy of shipping and storage space. Each corner has a diagonal score that allows the sides of the tray to fold inward into a collapsed position.
• 4 Corner Beers Tray demo

Lock Corner Tray

This style is a non-glued tray used most frequently as a bakery and garment carton. There are many styles of Lock Corner Trays, for instance, Klicklok.
• Lock Corner Tray demo

Kwikset Tray

This style is also called a Fitforme or Simplex Style Tray. The carton can be used as a single tray or as a two-piece carton (Telescoping Box). The Kwikset Tray has glued rollover sidewalls, which make it the most aesthetically pleasing and durable of all the trays.
• Kwikset Tray demo

Walker Lock Tray

This style is also referred to as a Double End Walls with Foot Locks, Double Turnover End, or Trunk Style. This is a non-glued carton and can also have an attached lid.
• Walker Lock Tray demo