Custom Mailer Boxes
Custom Shipping Boxes
Custom Cardboard Boxes
Custom Kraft Boxes
Custom Product Boxes
Custom Retail Boxes
Custom Tuck End Boxes
Custom Pillow Boxes
Custom Window Boxes
Custom Rigid Boxes
Custom Gift Boxes
Custom Magnetic Boxes
Custom Sleeve Boxes
Custom Printed Boxes
Custom Boxes with Logo
Custom Box Inserts
Custom Tuck End Boxes
Folding cartons that close with a tuck flap at each end. Light, quick to pack and printed on every panel, they are the standard box for cosmetics, supplements, candles and small products.
- Design proofFree, approved by you before printing
- PriceCustom quote by email within one working day
- Production4–7 working days after proof approval
- DeliveryFree and tracked, UK mainland, 2–3 working days
- Misprints or damageReported within 10 days, reprinted or refunded
The Simplest Carton There Is
A tuck end box is a tube of card with a flap at the top and a flap at the bottom. Each flap tucks into the box to close it, held by friction and a small slit lock. That simple design is why tuck end boxes are everywhere: they are cheap to make, ship flat, and a packer can fold and fill one in seconds.
There are two common layouts. In a straight tuck, both flaps fold from the same side, so the front panel stays clean of folds. In a reverse tuck, the flaps fold from opposite sides, which uses card more efficiently. For heavier products, a crash-lock base folds into place automatically when the box is opened and takes more weight than a tuck.
What Goes in a Tuck End Box
- Skincare bottles, creams and serums
- Supplements, teas and coffee pods
- Candles, diffusers and soap bars
- Small electronics, cables and accessories
Which Tuck Is Right?
Straight tuck for retail boxes where the front panel matters most. Reverse tuck for cost-conscious runs. Crash-lock base for anything heavy or quickly packed. If the box is for one hero item, compare with our custom product boxes.
Straight Tuck or Reverse Tuck
Both styles are folding cartons with a tuck flap at each end. The difference is which side the flaps fold from:
| Style | Flaps | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Straight tuck end | Both tucks from the back panel | Clean front panels and window cartons |
| Reverse tuck end | Top and bottom tucks from opposite sides | Economical cartons, cosmetics, supplements |
| Tuck top, crash-lock base | Tuck lid, self-locking base | Heavier products and fast packing |
| Tuck top, snap-lock base | Tuck lid, folded lock base | Medium weight products |
Compare more styles of folding carton in the guide to choosing a box style.
Packing a Tuck End Box
Tuck end boxes are among the fastest boxes to pack by hand, which is why they are used for products sold in quantity.
- Open the flat carton along its glued side seam so it forms a tube.
- Fold and close the bottom tuck, or press the crash-lock base into place.
- Slide the product in, with any card insert or leaflet.
- Close the top dust flaps, then push the tuck flap in until it holds.
- Add a seal sticker across the tuck if you want a tamper-evident closure.
Sizing for Bottles, Tubes and Jars
Measure the product at its widest point, including caps, pumps and labels. For bottles, give the diameter and the height with the cap on; for tubes, the crimp end is often the widest part. Allow 1 to 2 mm each way for a snug fit, or more if a leaflet goes inside.
Glass products benefit from a card insert or a collar that holds the neck, so the bottle does not move against the carton walls. If the carton is posted, pack it inside an outer box. For dropper bottles and skincare, see printed cosmetic boxes for skincare.
Straight tuck keeps the front panel clean.
Popular Tuck End Boxes Sizes
Internal sizes in mm. Tuck end boxes are made to order in any size.
| Length × Width × Depth | Often used for | Board |
|---|---|---|
| 40 × 40 × 100 mm | Lip balm, small serums | Folding carton |
| 50 × 50 × 150 mm | Dropper bottles, tubes | Folding carton |
| 60 × 60 × 120 mm | Creams, supplement tubs | Folding carton |
| 90 × 60 × 30 mm | Soap bars | Folding carton |
| 80 × 80 × 100 mm | Candles, jars | Folding carton |
| 120 × 80 × 200 mm | Bottles, heavier items | Crash-lock base |
Measure the product, then add a little room so it slides in easily.
Board
White or kraft folding carton card, chosen in thickness for the product. E flute is available for tuck boxes that need more protection.
Full colour on white card, or 1 to 2 colours on kraft. Every panel can be printed, including the inside of the flaps.
Finish
Matt or gloss lamination, soft touch, spot UV and foil. A hang tab or a window can be added.
Kraft card with one colour print.
Production and Delivery
Production takes 4–7 working days after you approve the free design proof. Tuck end boxes are glued on the side seam and delivered flat. Delivery to the UK mainland is free and tracked, and arrives in 2–3 working days once the boxes leave production. The tracking link comes to you by email.
Reprints and Refunds
Check the boxes when they arrive. If any are misprinted or damaged, report it within 10 days with a photo and we reprint or refund the boxes affected. Read the full returns and reprints policy.
Boxes arrive flat, glued and ready to fold.
Tuck End Boxes Specification
| Style | Straight tuck end, reverse tuck end, or tuck top with crash-lock base |
|---|---|
| Size | Made to your internal length, width and depth in mm |
| Board | Folding carton card, white or kraft; E flute on request |
| 1 colour to full colour; outside, inside or both | |
| Finish | Matt or gloss lamination, soft touch, spot UV, foil, embossing |
| Inserts | Card, corrugated or foam, cut to your product |
| Minimum order | Low, quoted per job |
| Price | From £0.25 a box; custom quote by email within one working day |
| Proof | Free design proof before printing |
| Production | 4–7 working days after proof approval |
| Delivery | Free tracked UK mainland delivery, 2–3 working days |
Design Your Tuck End Box
Choose the box photo closest to your tuck end boxes, add your logo, drag it into place and set the size. Send it with your sizes and we reply with a custom quote and a free design proof.
Drag the logo, or select it and use the arrow keys (Shift moves faster, + and − resize).
Related Boxes
Other carton styles for shelves and counters.
Custom Product Boxes
Folding carton boxes that hold and present a single retail product.
Custom Retail Boxes
Shelf-facing boxes printed to hold their own next to other brands.
Custom Kraft Boxes
Natural brown board left plain or printed with dark inks.
Custom Window Boxes
A die-cut window so the product shows without opening the box.
Tuck End Boxes Questions
What customers ask before ordering tuck end boxes.
What is the difference between straight tuck and reverse tuck?
In a straight tuck both end flaps fold from the same side. In a reverse tuck they fold from opposite sides. Straight tuck looks cleaner from the front; reverse tuck uses less card.
What is a crash-lock base?
A base that is pre-glued so it locks into place as soon as the box is opened. It takes more weight than a tuck and speeds up packing.
Can tuck end boxes hold heavy products?
Light and medium products, yes. For heavier items choose a crash-lock base or E flute board.
Are tuck end boxes glued?
Yes. The side seam is glued and the box is delivered flat. You fold it open and tuck the ends.
Can a tuck end box have a window?
Yes. A die-cut window, with or without clear film, can be added to the front panel.
Can a tuck end box take an insert?
Yes. A card insert keeps bottles upright and stops them moving. See custom box inserts.
Do you print on the inside of tuck boxes?
Yes. Inside print is available on card, though most customers use it for a short message or pattern.
How do I measure for a tuck end box?
Measure the product width, depth and height in mm and add a couple of mm each way. Send those as internal sizes.
What is the minimum for tuck end boxes?
Low and quoted per job. Tuck boxes are one of the most economical styles in larger runs.
How long do tuck end boxes take?
Production takes 4–7 working days after proof approval, and free tracked delivery to the UK mainland takes 2–3 working days.