Custom Tuck Boxes vs Mailer Boxes Which One Fits Your Product

Product packaging boxes are designed and manufactured for different purposes. The food packaging industry uses different types of food packaging boxes suitable for their products. The boxes are made of varied kinds of materials which have the capacity to carry materials ranging from heavy to light. They are customised according to the needs of retail shops, large super stores and e-commerce businesses. The packaging boxes are also best for promotion and branding of the products. Custom tuck boxes and custom mailer boxes are commonly used by small and large businesses for product packaging. The information about the features, functions and use of these two kinds of boxes will help you to better understand which packaging box fits your product.

What Are Custom Tuck Boxes?

Custom tuck Boxes are commonly used for confectionery, cosmetics, medicine, bottles and skin care products. They are made of paperboard, kraft paper or cardboard material. The materials are durable and protective for the items mentioned above. They are eco-friendly and compostable. They are best for lightweight packaging. Tuck boxes come in multiple sizes and shapes, customised for the relevant product.

What Are Custom Mailer Boxes?

Mailer boxes are best for e-commerce shipping and subscription packages. Corrugated cardboard material is used for making these boxes. The smooth texture of these boxes is due to the outer and inner liners. The flute is inside the inner and outer layers, and the structural strength of the box depends on the type of flute. Mailer boxes come in different sizes and shapes such as:

  • Standard mailer
  • Deep square mailer
  • Cube mailer
  • Slim mini mailer

Material Specification Matters

When a box is manufactured, the material is used according to the size, shape and functionality of the box. Selection of the wrong material can call into question the durability of the box and the protection of the product placed inside. The material used in tuck boxes and mailer boxes is different according to their use.

Making of Tuck Boxes

Tuck boxes are used for lightweight products. Usually, the material is taken from natural sources, following sustainability standards. The production process is satisfactory for environmentally conscious people and organisations.

Kraft paperboard: Kraft paper is made with wood pulp without bleaching. It is a brown paper with a natural appearance. It is used for retail products.

Chipboard: It is a recycled board and is cost-effective.

SBS Paperboard: It is a smooth white board paper. It is ideal for luxury items. Cosmetics, perfumes, pharmaceutical products and electronics come into this category.

Making of Mailer Boxes

Mailer boxes are designed for heavier products like e-commerce shipments and promotional packages. The structural strength of corrugated cardboard material, with pressure absorption capacity, is ideal for this purpose. The flute is a wavy liner inside the cardboard. Different types of flutes are used for different weights.

Flute Thickness Use
E-Flute Compact E-commerce packaging
B-Flute Thicker Pressure resistant
C-Flute Heavier Large products shipping
F-Flute Thin Retail packaging

Closure Option for Protection

One of the main functional features of packaging boxes is their closure. The perfect design and die-cut make the lock of a box efficient.

Mailer Box Locks

Tuck Top: The mailer box lid has side flaps that tuck exactly to the side walls of the box. This feature provides high friction and structural strength. This ear-lock is the standard closure method of the e-commerce industry.

Front Tab Lock: The front lid panel of the box can be one tab in the centre or two side tabs. They are pressed down into matching slotted cuts on the front wall of the box base.

Snap Lock: The four interlocking panels are snapped together manually while assembled. The purpose is to lock the bottom base of the box.

Tuck Box Locks 

Reverse Tuck Closure: The top flap of the tuck box folds one way. The bottom flap folds the opposite way. This closing method saves manufacturing material as well as lowers production costs.

Straight Tuck Closure: The top and bottom flaps of the tuck box fold in the same direction. They fold towards the back of the box. A clean and smooth surface with customise front display makes the product visible.

Auto-Bottom Tuck Closure: This closure works for heavy products compared to lighter ones because of its interlocking feature. When this box is opened, the interlocking base snaps into place automatically.

Printing For Different Purposes

Printing is the most important step in the making of packaging boxes. Printing quality defines the durability of the material. Customers can identify whether the product is worth noticing by looking at the colours and images of the boxes. Both types of boxes are printed according to their packaging purpose. However, for whatever purpose they are printed, printing plays a key role in brand promotion with bright colours, amazing design and captivating logos.

Mailer Box Printing

The high-resolution printing options are offset printing and digital printing with CMYK or spot colours. Offset printing is best for large e-commerce boxes. It is cost-effective if production is in bulk orders. The printed images are of high quality and accuracy. The process of offset printing includes:

  • Creation of a metal plate
  • Mixing of ink and water on the plate
  • Transfer of the plate on a rubber roller cylinder
  • Printing of the sharp image onto the cardboard paper

Digital printing does not require design plates. The computer images can be printed quickly, whether for large orders or for small quantities.

Tuck Box Printing

The printing of these boxes also involves offset and digital printing techniques. The difference is in the material and design. Screen printing or flexoprinting is also common for tuck box printing. However, its vibrant colours and thick ink layers work on kraft paper with simple graphics, not with complex photographic details.

Which Is One Better?

From all the discussion, you have realised that both types of boxes are used for different purposes. Now you will decide which one fits for you according to the specifications of your product. If you are doing business in cosmetics, skin care, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, health care or stationery, tuck boxes are suitable for you. Similarly, mailer boxes fit for you if you are doing e-commerce business or deliver your products locally and globally.

Final Words!

If you are searching for manufacturers who provide you with high-quality custom tuck boxes and custom mailer boxes, Premium Custom Boxes UK is one of the best printing companies in the UK. We provide you with state-of-the-art tuck and mailer boxes with unique designs and customised logos. What you have to do is just take the size and weight of your product and discuss it with us. We are just a call away to provide our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a mailer box without any extra covering?

Yes, you can ship mailer boxes as they are with a shipping label directly onto the box.

What does RETT stand for?

Roll-End Front Tuck (RETT) is the design of the mailer box. It is manufactured with a single piece of cardboard and includes distinct sections.

Are mailer boxes sturdy enough for heavy products such as electronics?

E-flute corrugated cardboard is good for heavy products.

How to assemble a Tuck Box? 

Tuck boxes are shipped flat for minimalist purposes. They are assembled with custom interlocking joints. They do not require extra glue or tape and are reliable.

Do mailer boxes need tape to stay closed during shipment?

The front flaps lock into their place securely. However, people use brand stickers or a little tape for extra protection

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