12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

24/06/2025

In the increasingly diverse world of paper packaging, Folding Boxes (Folding Cartons) remain the most widely used solution thanks to their design flexibility, mass-production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Made from commonly used paper types such as couche, ivory, duplex, and kraft, folding boxes can be easily produced on modern printing and die-cutting lines, enabling rapid fulfillment for large-scale marketing campaigns as well as high-volume packaging needs.

Beyond their functional role, folding boxes have been significantly “upgraded” with advanced post-print finishing techniques such as foil stamping, embossing, spot UV, and metalize lamination. These technologies create striking surface effects, delivering a premium visual experience and enhancing the perceived value of the product. As a result, folding boxes not only protect the contents but also serve as an effective and sophisticated medium for brand communication.

In this article, Newlifepack introduces the 12 most common types of Folding Boxes, accompanied by professional U.S. / U.K. terminology, while providing detailed analyses of technical structures, practical applications, and critical design considerations. This guidance helps businesses select the most suitable and optimized packaging solutions for their specific needs.

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Content may be shared for reference with proper attribution to Newlifepack.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

1. Seal End Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Dán Hai Đầu, Hộp Dán Nắp Đáy
🇨🇳 黏合式封口盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Seal End Box (SE), also known as a Skillet Box, is a type of folding carton in which both ends are designed with flaps that are folded inward and permanently sealed with adhesive. The carton body is formed by a longitudinal glue seam, while the top and bottom flaps are closed and secured using automatic gluing machines. This structure provides high structural integrity and effectively protects the contents from dust, moisture, and tampering throughout the distribution process.

Seal End Boxes are commonly used for food products, pharmaceuticals, FMCG goods, face masks, medical supplies, and other high-volume pre-packed items. Thanks to their full compatibility with high-speed automated packaging lines, this box type is especially well suited for manufacturing environments that demand high efficiency, consistency, and production stability.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)
  • Specifications & Considerations

Seal End Boxes are supplied in flat-packed form, optimizing storage space and transportation costs. The structure is designed for fully automated assembly, covering body gluing, product filling, and sealing of both ends within a closed production line. As a result, this is one of the fastest packaging formats among folding carton solutions.

However, Seal End Boxes are not suitable for manual assembly and are not ideal for heavy products unless additional reinforcement is applied, as the load-bearing capacity of the base relies primarily on adhesive bonding. In addition, production requires high dimensional accuracy, precise flap design, and optimized layout planning to ensure compatibility with automatic gluing and packaging machinery.

 

2. Straight Tuck End Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Nắp Gài Thẳng
🇨🇳
正插盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Straight Tuck End Box (STE) is a folding carton structure in which both the top and bottom tuck flaps are oriented in the same direction. This configuration allows for smooth and intuitive opening and closing, while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted front panel free from visible tuck openings—an important aesthetic advantage for retail display and brand presentation.

Straight Tuck End Boxes are commonly used for cosmetics, electronic devices, premium food products, gift packaging, and other display-oriented applications where visual consistency and brand visibility are key priorities.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Straight Tuck End Boxes are supplied flat-packed, enabling efficient storage and transportation. They can be assembled manually or on semi-automatic packing lines, offering flexibility across different production scales. Thanks to the same-direction tuck design, the box supports quick and convenient packing, particularly when products need to be inserted from either end.

Compared to Reverse Tuck End (RTE) boxes, the Straight Tuck End structure is less material-efficient. Due to flap orientation and layout constraints during imposition, this box style typically results in higher paper waste in mass production, which may impact overall cost efficiency for large-volume orders.

 

3. Reverse Tuck End Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Cài Nắp Đáy Ngược Chiều
🇨🇳 反插盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Reverse Tuck End (RTE) Box is a folding box structure in which the top and bottom tuck flaps are oriented in opposite directions: the top flap tucks into the back panel, while the bottom flap tucks into the front panel. This opposing orientation improves nesting efficiency during print imposition, allowing better sheet utilization and reduced paper waste, while still maintaining ease of opening and secure product containment.

However, because the two tuck openings are positioned on opposite faces, the box does not maintain a fully continuous display surface. This may slightly limit its suitability for packaging designs that require a perfectly seamless front-facing presentation.

Reverse Tuck End Boxes are widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and retail gift packaging, where fast packing, cost efficiency, and sufficient printable surface area are key considerations.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Like Straight Tuck End Boxes, Reverse Tuck End Boxes are supplied flat-packed for efficient storage and transportation, and can be assembled manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically. In high-volume production environments, RTE boxes are sometimes categorized as “zero-assembly” cartons when used with automatic tuck-in machines, helping to significantly reduce packing time.

Precise die-cutting of the tuck flaps is essential to ensure proper fit and closure, preventing edge pop-up or visible gaps. For heavier products or items subject to vibration during transport, reinforcing the bottom panel or upgrading to an auto lock bottom box should be considered to enhance stability and product protection.

 

🔍 Quick Comparison: Straight Tuck End vs. Reverse Tuck End Boxes

CriteriaStraight Tuck End Box (STE)Reverse Tuck End Box (RTE)
Aesthetic AppealHigh – ideal for retail display with a clean, uninterrupted front panelModerate – tuck opening may affect front-facing design
Production EfficiencyLess efficient due to directional tuck requirementsHighly efficient for mass production and fast packing
Material OptimizationSlightly higher paper consumptionBetter material utilization, more cost-efficient
Suitable Product TypesCosmetics, electronics, premium food, gift packagingPharmaceuticals, FMCG, e-commerce packaging
Brand PositioningStrong premium brand presentationFunction-driven, speed- and efficiency-focused

 

Selection Summary

Need a seamless, premium display surface—even with slightly higher material usage?
→ Choose Straight Tuck End Box (STE)

Prioritize cost optimization, high-speed packing, and accept a visible tuck opening on the front?
→ Choose Reverse Tuck End Box (RTE)

 

4. Snap Lock Bottom Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Đáy Khóa Tay
🇨🇳 扣底盒 

  • Definition & Applications

The (Manual) Lock Bottom Box (LB)—also known as Snap Lock Bottom Box (SLB) or 1-2-3 Bottom Box, is a folding box designed with a pre-glued bottom structure that automatically locks into place as soon as the carton body is erected. The bottom consists of a set of flaps that are glued at the factory; when the carton is opened, these flaps instantly interlock in a cross-locking mechanism, forming a strong and stable base without any manual bottom folding or on-site adhesive.

Auto Lock Bottom Boxes are widely used for medium- to heavy-weight products that require a high load-bearing bottom while maintaining fast packing speed. Typical applications include cosmetics, bottles and jars, pharmaceuticals, jarred foods, household products, electronic devices, and e-commerce packaging.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Auto Lock Bottom Boxes are delivered flat-packed, with the bottom pre-glued during production. In use, operators simply erect the carton vertically, allowing the bottom to lock automatically into position. This significantly reduces assembly time, making the structure ideal for semi-automatic packing lines or labor-efficient packaging operations.

Compared to standard tuck-end cartons and snap lock bottom boxes, Auto Lock Bottom Boxes involve higher manufacturing costs due to the pre-gluing process and more complex finishing requirements. Additionally, high die-cutting accuracy is essential to ensure precise engagement of the bottom flaps, guaranteeing consistent structural performance under real-world handling and transportation conditions.

 

5. Auto Lock Bottom Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Đáy Tự Động
🇨🇳 自动锁底盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Auto Lock Bottom Box (ALB), also known as the Crash Lock Bottom Box, is a folding box designed with a pre-glued bottom structure that automatically locks into place as soon as the carton body is erected. The bottom consists of a set of flaps that are glued at the factory; when the carton is opened, these flaps instantly interlock in a cross-locking mechanism, forming a strong and stable base without any manual bottom folding or on-site adhesive.

Auto Lock Bottom Boxes are widely used for medium- to heavy-weight products that require a high load-bearing bottom while maintaining fast packing speed. Typical applications include cosmetics, bottles and jars, pharmaceuticals, jarred foods, household products, electronic devices, and e-commerce packaging.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Auto lock bottom boxes are delivered flat-packed with the glued base already in place. During use, the box is simply pushed open, and the bottom locks itself into position, significantly reducing assembly time. This makes the box ideal for semi-automated packing lines or labor-saving operations.

While this structure offers superior convenience and strength, it generally involves higher manufacturing costs than standard tuck or snap lock boxes due to its complex bottom design and pre-glued assembly. Additionally, precise die-cut engineering is required to ensure that all flaps lock seamlessly under real-world packing conditions.

 

🔍 Quick Comparison: Lock Bottom Box vs. Auto Lock Bottom Box

CriteriaLock Bottom BoxAuto Lock Bottom Box
Bottom structureFour bottom flaps folded diagonally and interlocked by frictionPre-glued bottom flaps that automatically lock when the box is erected
Assembly speedModerate – requires correct manual folding sequenceVery fast – bottom locks instantly upon opening
Load-bearing capacitySuitable for medium-weight productsExcellent – ideal for heavy products and bottles
Adhesive requirementNot requiredPre-glued at the factory
Production costLower – simpler structureHigher – complex bottom design and additional gluing process
Labor efficiencyRequires manual time per boxSignificant labor savings
Typical applicationsCosmetics, light household goods, hand-packed food productsPremium cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, bottled products
Compatibility with semi-automatic linesYesHighly suitable

 

6. Sliding Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Trượt, Hộp Tay Áo
🇨🇳 抽拉盒 , 套袖盒

  • Definition & Applications

A Sliding Box, also known as a Sleeve Box, is a two-piece folding box structure consisting of an outer sleeve and an inner tray (inner box) that slides in from one or both ends. This structure delivers a refined unboxing experience and is widely favored in premium packaging where presentation and brand value play a key role.

The sleeve functions as a snug outer shell, typically formed from a single sheet of paper glued at the seam to create a hollow tube. During use, the inner tray is pulled out from one or both ends of the sleeve, creating a smooth, controlled sliding motion that conveys a professional and high-end feel. This box style is especially suitable for cosmetics, gift sets, souvenirs, and consumer technology products.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Sliding Boxes can be supplied flat-packed or pre-assembled, depending on production and packing requirements. In flat-packed form, the sleeve and inner tray may be delivered as separate components or as pre-creased die-cut pairs, allowing for manual assembly or semi-automatic packing lines. Dimensional accuracy is critical to ensure a proper fit—an overly loose sleeve reduces perceived quality, while an overly tight fit affects usability.

Sliding Boxes can be designed with single-end or double-end openings and typically do not incorporate locking mechanisms. As a result, they are not recommended for products requiring high resistance to dust, moisture, or strong impact. Packaging and logistics processes should be carefully controlled to prevent component mismatch or loss. For color consistency, it is advisable to produce the sleeve and inner tray within the same production batch, minimizing color deviation across reprints.

 

7. Two-piece Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Âm Dương, Hộp Nắp Rời, Hộp Nắp & Đáy, Hộp Hai Mảnh
🇨🇳 天地盒

  • Definition & Applications

A Two-piece Box, also known as a Lift-off Lid Box or Base & Lid Box, is a folding box composed of two separate parts: the tray base and a removable lid. The lid is designed to fit over the base vertically. When opening, the lid is lifted straight up, offering a luxurious unboxing experience reminiscent of rigid boxes.

This two-piece structure is commonly used for gift sets, cosmetics, chocolates, small product sets, or any packaging that aims to convey a premium, high-end impression. There are three common lid variants:
Full-cover lid – lid height matches the base, offering full coverage and protection.
Partial-cover lid – lid is shorter than the base, creating a visual contrast between lid and base.
Shallow lid – lid covers approximately 20% of the base height, allowing easy and quick access to the product.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Two-piece Boxes can be supplied flat-packed or pre-assembled. In flat-packed form, the lid and base may be delivered separately or as pre-creased die-cut pairs. Assembly involves folding and gluing seams if required, followed by placing the lid on the base—no complex locking mechanism is necessary. Dimensional accuracy is critical to ensure a snug fit, avoiding looseness or misalignment.

Because the lid and base are separate components, careful handling during packaging and logistics is essential to prevent mismatched sets or missing parts. For consistent color and appearance, it is recommended to produce lids and bases in matched quantities within the same print batch, minimizing color variations across multiple production runs.

 

8. Clear Lid Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Nắp Kiếng, Hộp Trưng Bày
🇨🇳 透明盖盒

  • Definition & Applications

A Clear Lid Box, also known as a Display Box, is a two-piece folding box that combines a paper-based box body with a transparent plastic lid. This design allows direct product visibility without opening the box, providing a premium, professional, and transparent presentation at the point of sale.

The box base is made from papers such as Couche, Ivory, Duplex, or Kraft, while the clear lid is crafted from transparent plastics like PET, PVC, or PP, designed to fit snugly over the box. This combination ensures both aesthetic appeal and product protection, helping the packaging stand out on shelves while effectively communicating the brand through the product itself.

Clear Lid Boxes are suitable for a wide range of products including confectionery, chocolates, cosmetics, gift sets, handmade goods, souvenirs, and small product sets, particularly for premium items or products that benefit from enhanced visual presentation at retail.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

The box base is typically supplied flat-packed, allowing for manual or semi-automatic assembly. The clear lid can be delivered in two forms:
▸ Flat-packed – the manufacturer folds and inserts the lid into the base during assembly.
▸ Pre-assembled – ready to place onto the box base, saving time.

Designing a Clear Lid Box enhances product reliability and perceived value, leveraging the principle of “design sells” by allowing customers to see the actual product. It also supports effective display and promotional activities at events, holidays, or premium retail points.

Ensure a snug fit between the paper base and the plastic lid to avoid looseness or misalignment. For heavier products, consider reinforcing the structure or using stronger materials. Additionally, transparent plastic lids are prone to scratches, dust, and fingerprints, so handle packaging carefully and protect surfaces to maintain a pristine, premium appearance.

 

9. Hinged Lid Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Nắp Liền
🇨🇳 翻盖盒

  • Definition & Applications

A Hinged Lid Box, also called a Flip-Top Box, is a folding box in which the lid and body are cut from a single sheet of paper and connected via a folded hinge. The lid is typically folded from the back over the front, covering the box opening. This design provides a flexible and quick opening experience, while maintaining both aesthetic appeal and user convenience.

Hinged Lid Boxes are commonly used for products such as food, confectionery, cosmetics, small items, gift sets, tray-packaged goods, or products that require repeated opening and closing. The integrated lid prevents the risk of losing the lid during distribution or daily use, making it practical and reliable.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Hinged Lid Boxes can be supplied either flat-packed or pre-assembled. In the flat-packed form, they are easy to assemble manually and may not require adhesive if using a lock bottom, auto-lock bottom, or rolled body design. The hinged lid enhances user convenience and ensures consistency in packaging appearance.

The structural strength of a Hinged Lid Box largely depends on the paper material used, and is generally moderate. For heavier products or items requiring higher protection, consider switching to corrugated boxes or rigid boxes (chipboard) to ensure safety and durability during transport and use.

 

10. Roll-end Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Cuộn
🇨🇳 卷边盒 , 邮寄盒 , 飞机盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Roll End Box is a common type of Mailer Box, also known as an Aircraft Box (commonly referred to as 飞机盒 in the Chinese market, named after its flat-packed appearance). Its structure features dual roll-end side panels, forming a robust box body combined with a tuck-top or tuck-front lid, allowing the box to close securely without glue. To assemble, the side panels are rolled up and the lid is tucked in — resulting in a tight, easy-to-open box that delivers a premium unboxing experience.

Thanks to its versatile construction, Roll End Boxes are widely used for high-end gift packaging, fashion boxes, personal care kits, luxury goods, or limited-edition products. Optional inserts, dividers, or protective padding can be added to enhance product presentation and elevate the overall sensory experience for the end user.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese) 12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Roll End Boxes are typically supplied flat-packed, optimizing storage and shipping costs. Assembly is straightforward: pre-creased fold lines guide the formation, and locking tabs secure the box in place after a few simple steps. The roll-end design ensures stability and durability, while delivering efficiency in packaging and an elegant user experience.

Variants within the mailer box category include:
▸ 4-corner Box with Lid and 6-corner Glued Box – compatible with automated folding and gluing machines, enabling high-speed production and reduced labor costs.
▸ N-shiki / N-type Mailer (N式盒) – features two interlocking side panels. Popular in Japan’s e-commerce and courier industry due to quick assembly and glue-free construction.

However, both roll-end box and N-shiki mailer generally require more material and slightly longer assembly time compared to simple tuck boxes. Precision in die-cutting and fold design is critical to ensure locking tabs engage correctly, preventing accidental opening or misalignment during handling.

 

11. Hanging Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Móc Treo
🇨🇳 吊卡盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Hanging Box is a type of folding box integrated with a hang tab punched directly into the paper of the box body. This design allows products to be displayed on hooks or specialized retail pegboards, optimizing shelf space and enhancing product visibility. It is a highly effective packaging solution for modern retail environments, particularly suited for multi-tier displays and convenience stores.

Structurally, Hanging Boxes are often derived from standard box types such as tuck-end boxes, lock-bottom boxes, or auto-lock bottom boxes, ensuring durability and quick assembly while maintaining a stable shape when hung. They are commonly used for phone accessories, small electronic devices, handheld tools, stationery, personal care items, cosmetics, mini toys, small packaged food items, and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Hanging Boxes are typically supplied flat-packed, suitable for manual or semi-automatic assembly depending on the design. The hang tab is pre-punched according to standard technical specifications (round hole or Euro hole), ensuring compatibility with retail hooks.

During the design process, it is important to ensure that box dimensions fit the product snugly and align properly with the hang tab structure, tolerances are calculated to allow easy hanging without deformation, loosening, or bending, and the hanging load capacity is designed to withstand at least 1.5 times the product weight, ensuring safety and durability throughout the display period.

 

12. Handle Box

🇻🇳 Hộp Quai Xách
🇨🇳 手提盒

  • Definition & Applications

The Handle Box features an integrated carrying handle directly formed from the box structure, allowing users to transport the product easily without an additional bag, while enhancing convenience and shelf appeal. Its characteristic gable-shaped top adds a friendly, playful aesthetic that attracts attention.

This type of box is commonly used for pastries, takeaway foods, gifts, cosmetics, handmade products, wedding favors, event items, or premium packaged foods. Its easy-to-carry design makes it a popular choice in retail and marketing campaigns, particularly for gifting purposes.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

  • Specifications & Considerations

Handle Boxes are delivered flat-packed for efficient storage and transport. Assembly is quick and can be done by hand without glue when paired with a lock bottom or auto-lock bottom structure. Once assembled, the two large flaps meet, the small flaps fold diagonally and hook into the gable structure, while the handle slots on the large flaps align to form a sturdy, functional carrying handle.

Recommended materials include couche, duplex, or ivory paperboard with a minimum weight of 300 gsm to ensure durability. For heavier products, switching to corrugated carton or chipboard is advised to increase load-bearing capacity. The handle and structure should be designed to support at least 1.5 times the actual product weight, ensuring safety during transport, display, and use.

 

✅ Choose the Right Box – Elevate Brand Value – Optimize Costs

Each folding box / folding carton style featured in this guide is compatible with a wide range of commonly used paper stocks such as coated paper (couche), ivory, duplex, and kraft, allowing for versatile applications across different markets and packaging objectives. At Newlifepack, we utilize our “KIM CƯƠNG” KOMORI offset press to deliver sharp image quality, accurate color reproduction, and high-volume production with exceptional consistency.

12 Common Types of Folding Boxes (English / Vietnamese)

🎁 Overview of 12+ Common Folding Carton Styles

No.English NameTên Tiếng Virj中文名稱Technical Term
1Seal End Box / Skillet BoxHộp Dán Hai Đầu黏合式封口盒SE – Seal End Carton
2Straight Tuck End BoxHộp Nắp Gài Thẳng正插盒STE – Straight Tuck End Carton
3Reverse Tuck End BoxHộp Nắp Gài Ngược反插盒RTE – Reverse Tuck End Carton
4Lock Bottom Box / Snap Lock Bottom BoxHộp Đáy Khóa Tay扣底盒SLB – Snap Lock Bottom Carton
5Auto Lock Bottom Box / Crash Lock Bottom BoxHộp Đáy Tự Khóa自动锁底盒ALB – Auto Lock Bottom Carton
6Sliding Box / Sleeve BoxHộp Trượt / Hộp Tay Áo抽拉盒 / 套袖盒
7Two-piece Box / Lift-off Lid Box / Lid & Base BoxHộp Âm Dương / Hộp Nắp Rời / Hộp Nắp & Đáy / Hộp Hai Mảnh天地盒
8Clear Lid Box / Display BoxHộp Nắp Kiếng / Hộp Trưng Bày透明盖盒
9Hinged Lid Box / Flip-top BoxHộp Nắp Liền翻盖盒
10Roll End Box / Mailer Box / Aircraft BoxHộp Cuộn卷边盒 / 邮寄盒 / 飞机盒
11Hanging BoxHộp Móc Treo吊卡盒
12Handle Box / Gable BoxHộp Quai Xách手提盒

 

All packaging products from Newlifepack are crafted with refined finishing techniques including hot stamping, embossing, UV coating, lamination, and metallized film application—enhancing durability, visual impact, and brand recognition down to the finest details. Selecting the right folding box structure not only helps optimize production costs, but also creates a memorable unboxing experience that effectively communicates the value of your brand.

 


 

Newlifepack Co., Ltd.

Professional Paper Packaging Manufacturer (since 2008)
ISO 9001:2015 · ISO 14001:2015 · GMI · GSV · FSC · SMETA

Industrial design · printing · manufacturing
▸ Tet gift boxes · Mooncake boxes · Gift boxes · Packaging boxes · Custom packaging
▸ MOQ: Rigid boxes 500–1,000 | Corrugated boxes 1,000–2,000 | Folding cartons >5,000 / design

Core strengths: Chipboard & Metalize
▸ Fully integrated rigid box production line (chipboard / greyboard), no outsourcing
▸ High-quality Offset printing & Metalize printing on KOMORI press – USD 2 million investment
▸ Effects signature: Metallic Knockout, Drip-off / Sand-like, 3D Embossing, Sculpted Foil Stamping.

Consultation · Quotation · Orders
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