A corrugated box that closes with a tuck-in tongue and prints full color inside and out. The tongue folds into the front panel to seal without tape and reopens cleanly, and keeping the box uncoated with water-based inks makes it both recyclable and compostable. It suits food and bakery items, cosmetics, gifts, and direct-to-customer products where the eco story and the printed unboxing both matter.
Specifications and customization
| Option | Standard | Customizable range |
|---|
| Box style | Tuck-top corrugated box, tongue closure | Tuck-front, auto-bottom, self-locking mailer |
| Board and flute | E, F, or B flute | Grey-back or kraft face, double-wall for heavier contents |
| Print | Full color (CMYK), inside and out | 1 to 2 colors, plain |
| Ink | Water-based, for the compostable spec | Standard offset inks for high-volume color |
| Finish | Uncoated, keeps the box compostable | Aqueous varnish; film lamination only if the compostable claim is dropped |
| Closure | Tuck-in tongue, no tape | Tear-strip, glued seam |
| Size | Engineered to your product | Any size, custom dieline |
| Eco options | Recyclable; compostable when uncoated with water-based inks | FSC board, food-grade board, compostable certification support |
Tuck closure, no tape
The closure is a tuck-in tongue, not tape or glue. The lid folds over and the tongue slots into the front panel, so it seals by hand and reopens without tearing, which suits both packing speed and a customer who reuses the box. There is nothing to peel and no adhesive to separate at disposal, so the whole box stays in one clean material stream.
Printed inside and out
The print carries the brand on every face the customer sees. Full color runs across the lid, sides, and the inside of the flaps, so opening the box is part of the experience rather than a plain interior. Color is managed to G7 with a signed proof so it holds across reorders. For the compostable version we print with water-based inks and leave the board uncoated, so the finish stays compostable rather than sealed under film.
Recyclable and compostable, done honestly
The box is single-material paper, so it recycles in the standard stream. It is also compostable, but only when it is specified the way this sample is made, uncoated board with water-based inks and no film lamination. A laminated film finish makes the box no longer compostable, which is why we keep the eco versions uncoated. We build to the compostable material conditions, and the compostable mark itself is certified by an external body on the final spec. FSC-certified board is available on request.
Ordering
Send your product, dimensions, quantity, and artwork, and we return an engineered dieline, a recommended board, and a price, with a blank sample or a printed proof before the run. For food use we spec food-grade board and low-migration inks matched to the food type. There is no strict minimum, though unit cost drops with volume. FSC chain of custody, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and G7 color management are on file.
FAQ
What makes the box compostable?
Uncoated paper board, water-based inks, and no film lamination. In that spec the whole box breaks down in composting, and it can be certified home or industrial compostable by an external certifier. A film-laminated or plastic-window version is recyclable but not compostable, so we keep the two specs separate.
Can I use it for food?
Yes, with food-grade board and low-migration inks. Tell us the food type, since dry, greasy, and moist foods need different board and coatings. A grease-resistant coating can affect the compostable claim, so we advise on the trade-off before you commit.
Does it ship flat?
Yes. It ships flat to save freight and sets up by hand, with the tongue closure folding shut in one motion. No tape or gluing is needed at your packing line.
What order quantity makes sense?
There is no strict minimum, but print plates and setup spread over the run, so small batches carry a higher unit cost and the price falls with volume. Tell us your launch quantity and reorder forecast and we will advise on the break points.