Sleeve and drawer
Sleeve and drawer boxes
A drawer that slides out of a printed sleeve. Slower to open, which is the point.
Rigid board
Sleeve and drawer · Paperboard
Custom box sleeves
Custom box sleeves are printed paperboard bands that slide around a plain box. They're the lowest-cost way to brand stock packaging, and we make them from 50 units per design.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Printed band
- Board
- Paperboard or kraft
- Best for
- Branding stock boxes
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Paper-first materials
- 100% recyclable
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a box sleeve?
If a stock box already fits your product, don't replace it. Sleeve it. You keep the box you have and add the print.
A box sleeve is a printed paperboard tube, open at both ends, that slides over a box, tray or product. It carries the brand, the product name and anything else that would otherwise need a printed box.
Because it's one flat piece, it's cheaper to print than a full box, and you can change the sleeve without changing the box underneath.
- Band. Printed paperboard, glued into a tube.
- Window (optional). Die-cut, to show the box or product.
- Tear strip (optional). Doubles as a seal.
Specifications
Custom box sleeves: specifications
Every box is drawn to your product, so these are the options, not a fixed catalogue. Your specialist confirms the exact spec on the proof.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Open-ended sleeve, full or partial wrap |
| Board | White paperboard or kraft |
| Outside, one color to full color | |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window, tear strip, hang tab |
| Size | Drawn to the box or product it wraps |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable |
| Minimum order | 50 units per design |
| Structural design | $0. We draw the dieline around your product |
| Proof | Digital proof on your dieline, checked for bleed, folds and barcodes |
| Production | 10–12 days on most orders, from proof approval. Shipping time is on top |
| Default finish | Aqueous coating on every box. Water-based, and it recycles with the box |
| Point of contact | One packaging specialist, from first sketch to delivery |
Board and build
Full or partial sleeve?
How much of the box it covers.
| Style | Covers | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Full sleeve | Four sides | Full branding over a plain box |
| Belly band | A strip around the middle | Seal and label at low cost |
| Windowed sleeve | Four sides with a cut-out | Showing the product or box color |
If a stock box fits and you don't need the box itself printed, buy stock. It's cheaper and faster, and a sleeve carries the brand.
Compare
Sleeve or fully printed box?
The question is whether the box itself needs to change.
| Sleeve over stock box | Fully printed box | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Change the design | Reprint the sleeve only | Reprint the box |
| Fit | Stock sizes | Drawn to your product |
When the fit matters, a custom folding carton or drawer box is the better choice.
Sizing
Measure the box, not the product
Measure the outside of the box the sleeve goes around: length, width and height. We draw the sleeve with a slip fit so it slides on without bowing.
Send a photo of the box on a ruler if it isn't a standard shape.
Who uses box sleeves
- Food and drink brands. Sleeves over trays and stock boxes.
- Candle and home brands. Seasonal sleeves over a standard box.
- Clothing. Belly bands around folded garments; see custom apparel boxes.
- Soap. See custom soap boxes.
Finishes
One finish, front and center.
Aqueous coating goes on every sleeve by default.
Foil stamping
The logo on the front.
Spot UV
Gloss on matte.
Aqueous coating
Default.
Quote
Get a quote for custom box sleeves
One measurement and a quantity is enough to start. Your specialist replies with a structure, so you can see the box before you commit to anything.
How it works
Four steps, one person.
The specialist who picks up your first email stays with the project until the boxes arrive.
Step 01
Tell us what you're packing
Send the product dimensions, how it ships and how many you need. A photo on a ruler is enough to start.
Step 02
We draw the structure
Your packaging specialist builds the dieline around your product. Structural design is free.
Step 03
You approve the proof
Drop your artwork onto the dieline. We check bleed, folds and barcodes, and send a digital proof.
Step 04
We make and ship
Production takes 10–12 days on most orders. Boxes ship flat, packed in cartons, to your door.
FAQ
Custom box sleeves: questions.
What is the minimum order for custom box sleeves?
50 units per design.
Can I put a sleeve on a stock box?
Yes. That's the most common use. Send the stock box's outside dimensions.
Do sleeves ship flat?
Yes, folded flat and glued, ready to open and slide on.
Can I change the sleeve design each season?
Yes. Each design has its own 50-unit minimum, but the box underneath stays the same.
How long do custom box sleeves take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
Your stock box doesn't fit the product
A sleeve brands a box but can't fix the fit. If the product rattles, get a box drawn to it.
You need fewer than 50 boxes
Our minimum is 50 units. For 10 or 20, a stock box with a printed sticker will cost you less.
You need boxes next week
Production runs 10–12 days before shipping. If your launch is sooner, buy stock boxes now and switch to custom for the next run.
You want plain brown boxes
If nothing gets printed, a stock box supplier is cheaper and faster. We're worth it once the box carries your brand.
What box is it going around?
Send the outside dimensions of the box and how many sleeves you need.
Start a projectPopular boxes
Related boxes.
Folding carton
Folding cartons
Tuck-end cartons for the shelf. Ship flat, fold in seconds, print edge to edge.
Paperboard
Folding carton
Mailer box
Apparel boxes
Shallow mailers sized for folded garments. Tissue and a sticker finish the job.
Corrugated