Hover to zoomCustom Tuck End Boxes in Straight and Reverse Tuck
From £0.25 per unit Price confirmed on your written quote
Tuck end boxes are the folding cartons you see on every chemist and gift shop shelf, closed by a flap that tucks in at each end. We print them to your inside size in white or kraft board, after a free digital proof.
Quick answer
What are tuck end boxes?
Tuck end boxes are folding cartons with a closing flap at the top and bottom that tucks into the box. In a straight tuck both flaps tuck in from the same side, and in a reverse tuck they tuck from opposite sides. They are usually made from folding board and ship flat with one glued seam.
Key facts
- Straight or reverse tuck ends
- One glued side seam
- Folds into shape in seconds
- Fine print on smooth board
- From £0.25 per unit
- Free digital proof
Tuck End Boxes specifications
18 rows| Closure | Tuck flap at both ends, straight or reverse |
|---|---|
| Typical board | White or kraft folding board; E flute for heavier items |
| Typical sizes | Slim cartons for vials up to boxes for candles and jars |
| Glued seam | One side seam glued, so the carton pops open flat |
| Inside print | Possible on the inner face of the board |
| Inserts | Card cradles or partitions for bottles and sets |
| Hang tab | A tab with a hole can be added for peg displays |
| Assembly | Push open, fold in the base flaps, fill and 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 |
|---|---|
| 35 × 35 × 100 mm | Dropper bottles and lip products |
| 50 × 50 × 150 mm | Serums, perfumes and small sprays |
| 95 × 65 × 30 mm | Soap bars and bath bombs |
| 80 × 80 × 100 mm | Candles and small jars |
What is a tuck end box?
A tuck end box is a printed carton with a closing flap at each end. The flap folds over and its tongue slides inside the box, holding it shut by friction.
Our photos show the range. There is a slim white carton with a line drawing, a row of kraft soap boxes, a purple carton standing open and a plain kraft box with its lid lifted.
It is one of the most widely used retail carton styles because it is quick to fill, cheap to store and easy to print.
What is the difference between straight and reverse tuck?
Both styles close with a tuck flap at each end. The difference is which side the flaps hinge from.
On a straight tuck end, the top and bottom flaps both hinge from the back panel. On a reverse tuck end, the top flap hinges from the back and the bottom from the front.
That small change affects how the box looks and how the artwork is laid out.
| Feature | Straight tuck end | Reverse tuck end |
|---|---|---|
| Flap hinges | Both from the back panel | Top from the back, base from the front |
| Front panel | Clean, unbroken front at both ends | Flap edge visible at the base front |
| Look | Slightly more premium on a shelf | Practical, very common for cosmetics |
| Good for | Gift items and presentation cartons | Everyday retail and multi-packs |
Who uses tuck end boxes?
Almost any small, light product sold in a shop can go in a tuck end carton. The style suits brands that want a neat retail look without the cost of a rigid box.
Online sellers use them too, packing each carton inside a printed corrugated mailer box for the journey. The carton then arrives clean and ready for a shelf or a gift.
- Skincare and beauty brands boxing bottles, tubes and jars
- Soap makers who want a carton that shows the scent and ingredients
- Candle makers packing votives and small jars
- Tea and coffee producers boxing loose leaf or pods
- Supplement and wellness brands that need room for directions
How do I size a tuck end box?
Measure the product with its cap or lid fitted. Length and width form the base of the carton, and height runs up to the tuck flap.
Allow a little clearance on each side, plus a few millimetres of height so the tuck closes without pressing on the product. Too much headroom lets the item drop and knock the flap open.
For glass bottles, add room for an insert from the start. It is far easier than resizing later. Our common UK box sizes guide shows typical carton dimensions for comparison.
Which board suits a tuck end carton?
Folding board is the standard choice. It is smooth, folds cleanly along creases and takes small text and barcodes well.
White board gives the brightest print and suits cosmetics and colourful brands. Kraft board has a natural brown face that suits soap, candles and handmade goods.
If the product is heavy or the carton will be posted on its own, E flute corrugated, about 1.5 mm, adds strength. For heavier jars, an auto lock base is often a better choice than a tuck at the bottom.
Board weight matters as well as colour. A tall, thin carton needs a slightly stiffer board so the sides do not bow when it is picked up.
How should a tuck end box be printed?
Tuck end cartons are usually printed in full colour CMYK on the outside. The large front and back panels carry the brand, and the sides carry details.
Remember the tuck flap is seen first when the box is opened. A logo or short line there is a nice touch.
For finishes, matte or gloss lamination protects the print. Spot UV or foil stamping on the product name helps it stand out on a busy shelf. Embossing adds texture you can feel.
Plain or one colour print on kraft is a sensible choice for a first run. You can move to full colour later without changing the carton shape.
Can a tuck end box hang on a display?
Yes. A hang tab with a hole can be added to the top so the carton hangs from a peg hook. This is common for small accessories and gadgets.
The tab adds height to the flat sheet, so mention it when you request a quote. We will show it on the proof so you can check where the hole sits.
A window can also be cut into the front panel if customers need to see the product. It works well for colourful items such as lip balms or socks.
How do I pack tuck end boxes quickly?
Tuck end cartons arrive flat with the side seam already glued. Squeeze the edges and the box opens into a tube.
Fold in the bottom dust flaps, then tuck the base flap in. Drop the product in, fold the top dust flaps and tuck the lid.
If you are packing many, set up a small batch of opened cartons first. Filling and closing in rounds is faster than doing one box from start to finish.
Store flat cartons in their bundles until you need them. Loose cartons pick up creases and scuffs that show on a shelf.
What goes wrong with tuck end boxes?
Most problems show up when the box is filled for the first time. These are the usual causes.
Each of these is easy to spot on the proof if you hold the real product next to the flat layout and check every panel.
- Measuring the product without its cap or pump
- Choosing a tuck base for a heavy jar, so the bottom pushes open
- Putting text or a barcode where the tuck flap hides it
- Leaving too little height, so the tuck flap bulges
- Picking reverse tuck when a clean front panel mattered
How do I order tuck end boxes?
You can send your sizes and artwork by email or WhatsApp. Our designers lay it out on the carton shape for free.
- Measure the product with all closures fitted.
- Choose straight or reverse tuck, and white or kraft board.
- Send artwork or ask our designers to lay out your logo and text.
- Review the free digital proof showing every panel.
- Approve it, and production runs 4–6 business days.
- Your flat cartons reach you tracked in 2–3 business days.
How much do tuck end boxes cost?
Tuck end cartons are priced from £0.25 per unit. Your size, board and finish are confirmed on a written quote before production starts.
Shipping is free to any UK address. Cartons that arrive misprinted or damaged, shown in photos within 10 days, are reprinted or refunded.
Tuck End Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is a reverse tuck end box?
It is a carton where the top flap tucks in from the back and the bottom flap from the front. It is the most common style for cosmetics.
What is a straight tuck end box?
Both end flaps hinge from the back panel and tuck in the same direction. It leaves a clean, unbroken front at both ends.
Can a tuck end box hold glass bottles?
Yes, especially with a card insert. For heavier glass, an auto lock base gives more support underneath.
Do tuck end boxes come glued?
Yes. The side seam is glued, so the carton arrives flat and opens into shape with a squeeze.
Can you add a hang tab?
Yes. A hang tab with a hole can be added to the top for peg display hooks.
Is kraft or white board better for tuck end boxes?
White board makes print brighter and suits cosmetics. Kraft gives a natural look that suits soap and handmade goods.
Can I print on the tuck flap?
Yes. The flap is part of the printed sheet, so a logo or short message can go there.
Will a tuck end box survive the post on its own?
Folding board cartons are best packed inside an outer box. For posting alone, ask for E flute corrugated instead.
Can I order tuck end boxes in several sizes?
Yes. Each size gets its own quote and proof, and we can keep the design consistent across them.
How do I stop the tuck flap popping open?
Leave enough height so the flap is not pushed out by the product. Locking slits on the flap also help it stay shut.
What finishes suit tuck end boxes?
Most customers pick a matte or gloss laminate. Foil, spot UV and embossing can then highlight the product name.
Can I see every panel before printing?
Yes. The free digital proof shows the full flat layout, so you can check every panel and flap.
Not covered here? Message the trade desk on WhatsApp or email info@ordercardboardboxes.co.uk.
Design Your Box
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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