Hover to zoomCustom Auto Lock Bottom Boxes with a Pop-Up Base
From £0.25 per unit Price confirmed on your written quote
An auto lock bottom box has a base that is pre-glued at the factory and locks itself shut the moment you open the carton. Fill it, tuck the top and it is done. We print it to your inside size after a free digital proof.
Quick answer
What are auto lock bottom boxes?
Auto lock bottom boxes, also called crash lock boxes, are cartons with a pre-glued base that forms automatically when the flat box is pushed open. The base is stronger than a simple tuck flap, so it suits heavier products. The top usually closes with a standard tuck flap.
Key facts
- Base forms itself on opening
- Pre-glued crash lock bottom
- Holds heavier jars and glass
- Fast to fill on a packing line
- From £0.25 per unit
- Free digital proof
Auto Lock Bottom Boxes specifications
18 rows| Style | Crash lock base with a tuck flap lid |
|---|---|
| Typical board | White or kraft folding board; E flute for heavy items |
| Typical sizes | From candle jars up to boxed food and bottles |
| Base | Pre-glued panels that interlock as the box opens |
| Inside print | Available on the inner face of the board |
| Inserts | Card dividers or cradles for bottles and sets |
| How it ships | Flat, with side seam and base already glued |
| Assembly | Push open, base locks itself, fill, tuck the top |
| Board options | Single wall B, C or E flute; double wall BC flute; kraft or white folding board |
| Printing | Plain, one or two colour, or full colour CMYK; inside and outside print available |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Uncoated kraft, matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil stamping, embossing |
| Sizes | Made to your inside length, width and height in mm, cm or inches |
| Artwork files | PDF, AI, EPS or SVG preferred; high-resolution PNG or JPG accepted |
| Design help | Free layout help from our design team |
| Proof | Free digital proof before anything is printed |
| Production | 4–6 business days after proof approval |
| Delivery | Tracked, 2–3 business days; free across the UK |
| Misprints | Reported within 10 days with photos: reprinted or refunded |
Common sizes
| Inside size (L × W × H) | Good for |
|---|---|
| 70 × 70 × 70 mm | Small candles and cosmetic jars |
| 80 × 80 × 120 mm | Larger candle jars and honey |
| 90 × 90 × 260 mm | Wine, spirits and oil bottles |
| 160 × 100 × 120 mm | Baked goods and boxed food |
What is an auto lock bottom box?
It is a folding carton with a clever base. The four base panels are glued at the factory so that, when the flat carton is pushed open, they swing round and lock together.
You do not fold anything at the bottom. The base simply appears, firm and flat, as the box takes shape.
Our photos show the style in use: a kraft bakery box, a cube carton with a black inside, a tall printed carton and a kraft box with a crash lock base on show.
Because the base is ready made, the carton suits anyone who packs a lot of the same product. It is also kinder to staff who would otherwise fold hundreds of bases by hand.
Why choose an auto lock base over a tuck base?
A tuck base relies on a single flap held by friction. That is fine for light items but can push open under a heavy jar.
An auto lock base has overlapping, glued panels. It spreads the weight across the base and stays shut when the box is lifted.
It is also quicker to pack. On a busy day, skipping the bottom fold on every carton saves real time.
If your product is light and you pack only a few at a time, a tuck base may be enough. As weight or volume grows, the crash lock usually pays its way.
| Base type | How it forms | Strength | Packing speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuck base | Flap folded and tucked by hand | Suits light items | Slower |
| Snap lock base | Panels folded and pushed to lock | Good for medium weight | Moderate |
| Auto lock base | Pre-glued, forms on opening | Best of the three | Fastest |
Which products suit an auto lock bottom box?
Anything heavy for its size, or anything that must not fall through the base, is a good fit. Glass is the most common example.
It also suits gift sets where several items share one carton. The combined weight of a few jars can be too much for a single tuck flap.
- Candles in glass jars or tins
- Bottles of oil, sauces, spirits or wine
- Honey, jam and preserves
- Baked goods packed in a carton for sale
- Supplements in heavy tubs
- Cosmetic jars and refill pouches
How do I measure for an auto lock bottom box?
Measure the product at its widest and tallest points, with the lid fitted. Those three figures become the internal size of the carton.
The crash lock panels sit flat inside the base, so they do not take much height. Still, allow a little room at the top so the tuck lid closes without pressing on the product.
For bottles, add room for a card divider or cradle. Our box measuring guide for inside sizes explains tolerances in more depth.
Which board is best for a crash lock carton?
Folding board is the standard choice for retail cartons. It takes fine print, folds neatly and keeps the box light.
For heavier items such as large candles or bottles, E flute corrugated, about 1.5 mm, adds stiffness. The base becomes very firm and the walls resist bulging.
White board brings out bright colours. Kraft board suits food, candles and natural products where a brown, honest look fits the brand.
If you are unsure which to pick, send us the product weight and a photo. We will suggest the board that keeps the base firm without adding bulk.
How should an auto lock box be printed?
Every outside panel can be printed in full colour CMYK. The base panels can carry a barcode or batch area, but keep text clear of the glued overlaps.
Inside print, such as the black interior in our photos, gives a strong contrast when the lid is opened.
Laminates in matte or gloss protect the print, while foil, spot UV and embossing pick out a name or logo. Keep those effects to the front and lid where they will be seen.
How do I set up and pack these cartons?
Auto lock cartons are the fastest folding cartons to pack. Here is the routine most of our customers settle into.
Open a small batch of cartons before you start filling. The bases need no attention, so a stack of open boxes can sit ready on the bench.
- Take a flat carton and squeeze two opposite edges together.
- Push the box open until the base panels click into place.
- Press the base gently from inside to settle it flat.
- Place the product, plus any insert or leaflet.
- Fold the dust flaps and tuck the top flap in.
Can an auto lock box be used for food?
Yes, many bakeries and food makers use them, as the kraft bakery box in our photos shows. The secure base makes them easy to carry.
For greasy or moist foods, wrap or bag the product first, then place it in the carton. The box then acts as the printed outer pack.
A window can be cut into the front if customers need to see the food. Mention it with your sizes and it will appear on the proof.
A handle can be added on some food cartons too, which makes cake and pastry boxes easier to carry home.
What mistakes happen with auto lock bottom boxes?
Most issues come from sizing or artwork in the wrong place. These are the ones to look out for.
Most of these are easy to catch at proof stage. Hold the real product next to the flat drawing and check where each panel will land.
- Forgetting a cap or pump when measuring height
- Placing a barcode across the glued base panels
- Choosing thin board for a tall, heavy bottle
- Leaving no room for a divider between two glass items
- Forcing the base open from below instead of letting it lock
How do I order auto lock bottom boxes?
Send your product size, board choice and artwork by email or WhatsApp. If you have no artwork yet, our designers will set out your logo and text without charge.
It helps to tell us roughly what the product weighs. That guides our advice on board and base strength.
We send a free digital proof showing every panel. Production runs 4–6 business days from approval, and tracked delivery takes 2–3 business days. You can also get a written trade quote for cartons first.
What do auto lock bottom boxes cost?
Crash lock cartons begin at £0.25 per unit, and the written quote states your exact price before anything is made. Size, board and finish set the figure.
Delivery is free for every UK order. Report misprints or transit damage with photos inside 10 days and the affected cartons are reprinted or refunded.
Auto Lock Bottom Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is a crash lock box?
It is another name for an auto lock bottom box. The base is pre-glued so it crashes into place and locks when the carton is opened.
Is an auto lock base stronger than a tuck base?
Yes. The glued, interlocking panels spread the weight and stay shut under heavier products.
Do I need to glue the base myself?
No. The base and side seam are glued before the cartons are shipped flat to you.
Can an auto lock box hold a wine bottle?
Yes. Choose a size that fits the bottle and consider E flute board for extra stiffness.
Is the top also auto locking?
Usually not. The top closes with a standard tuck flap, which keeps it easy to open.
Can I print the base of the box?
Yes. Keep barcodes and text away from the glued overlap areas so they stay readable.
Are auto lock boxes good for candles?
Yes. The firm base supports the weight of glass jars, and kraft or white board both suit candles.
How quick are they to pack?
Very quick. The base forms as the carton opens, so you only fill it and close the top.
Can I add a window?
Yes. A cut window can be added to the front panel and will show on your proof.
What board thickness should I choose?
Folding board suits most retail items. For heavy bottles or large jars, E flute at about 1.5 mm adds strength.
Do you offer free design help?
Yes. Our designers lay out your artwork for free and send a digital proof for approval.
How long until my cartons arrive?
Allow 4–6 business days for production after approval, then 2–3 business days for tracked delivery.
Not covered here? Message the trade desk on WhatsApp or email info@ordercardboardboxes.co.uk.
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Send us the full brief
Give us the size, the board and the print. A packaging specialist replies within one business day with a written price and a free digital proof.
- Free digital proof before anything is printed
- Production 4–6 business days after proof approval
- Free tracked delivery across the UK