Sleeve and drawer
Printed box sleeves
A printed band around a plain box. The cheapest way to brand stock packaging.
Paperboard
Sleeve and drawer · Paperboard
Custom ice cream cone sleeves
A cone sleeve, also called a cone jacket, is a printed paper sleeve that wraps an ice cream or waffle cone, so the cone stays clean and your brand is in the customer's hand. We make them in food-contact paperboard, draw the structure for free, and production takes 10–12 days from proof approval.
- Over 30 years in print and packaging
- Free structural design
- From 50 units
- Plastic-free options
- Style
- Printed paper sleeve
- Board
- Food-contact paperboard
- Best for
- Ice cream and waffle cones
- Best value starts at
- 50 units
- Typical production window
- 10–12 days
- Quote reply time
- 12–24 hours
- For structural design
- $0
Overview
What is a cone sleeve?
The catch is drip. A sleeve that sits too low or too loose catches melting ice cream and goes soggy. The cone's taper decides the sleeve's shape, so send the cone's height, top diameter and the type of cone.
It's a flat sheet of printed board that wraps round a cone and holds with a glued seam or a tab. It protects the customer's hand from cold and drips, and the printed outside turns every cone into a small ad.
Cones come in different tapers. A sugar cone, a waffle cone and a cake cone are shaped differently, so each needs its own template.
- Sleeve body. Printed paperboard wrapped to the cone's taper.
- Seam. Glued or tabbed to hold the sleeve round.
- Drip guard. A short flare near the base for soft serve and fast melt.
- Printed outside. Your logo, a pattern or a flavor panel.
Specifications
Custom ice cream cone 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 | Wrap-around cone sleeve, glued or tabbed seam |
| Board | Food-contact paperboard |
| Full color outside | |
| Add-ons | Drip guard flare, die-cut shape |
| Size | Drawn to your cone's height and top diameter |
| Ships to you | Flat, packed in cartons |
| Compatible cones | Waffle, sugar, cake. Tell us which |
| Recyclability | Clean paperboard recycles. Wax or plastic coatings stop that |
| Order size | Best value from 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. Smaller orders can be considered |
| 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
Which cone sleeve shape?
Pick by the cone you serve.
| Cone | Sleeve | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waffle cone | Tall taper | Often rolled fresh, so sleeves need slack |
| Sugar cone | Medium taper | Rigid, easy to sleeve |
| Cake cone | Straight sided | Flat-bottomed, smaller sleeve |
Send a cone and we'll match the template. Food-contact paper in the US falls under FDA 21 CFR 176.170.
Compare
Cone sleeve or paper cup?
Both serve ice cream. The sleeve costs less and takes less room.
| Cone sleeve | Paper cup | |
|---|---|---|
| Holds | A cone | Scoops or soft serve |
| Storage | Flat, small | Stacked, bulky |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Walk-up counters | Sit-down or takeaway tubs |
For other sleeves, see custom box sleeves.
Sizing
Sizing a cone sleeve
Send the cone's height and the diameter at the top and the base, plus the type. Hold the cone as the customer would, and say how high you want the sleeve to sit.
We add the seam allowance and tab when we draw the dieline.
Who uses cone sleeves
- Ice cream shops and gelaterias. A branded cone at every counter.
- Waffle and crepe vendors. See food packaging.
- Events and festivals. A one-off design for a weekend.
- Franchise operators. One design across many sites. See wholesale packaging.
Finishes
Keep it simple, keep it food safe.
Aqueous coating goes on every box by default. Anything more should suit food contact.
Aqueous coating
Water-based and on every box by default. It recycles with the box.
Spot UV
Gloss on one area of a matte box. Good for a logo, bad for small text.
Quote
Get a quote for custom ice cream cone 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 ice cream cone sleeves: questions.
What is the minimum order for cone sleeves?
Best value starts at 50 units per design, because of logistics and shipping. If you need fewer, tell us: we can consider smaller orders.
How long do cone sleeves take?
10–12 days on most orders, counted from proof approval. Shipping time is on top and depends on where the boxes are going.
Do you charge for structural design?
No. Structural design is $0. We draw the dieline around your product, and you only pay once you order boxes.
Are cone sleeves food safe?
We use food-contact paperboard. Check the FDA rules for your product, and tell us if the sleeve touches the cone.
Can I order cone sleeves in bulk?
Yes. Cone sleeves are used in volume, and bulk is where per-sleeve cost comes down. Tell us the quantity and we'll quote it.
Do sleeves fit waffle cones?
Yes, with a template drawn to the cone. Send a cone or its dimensions.
Honest fit
When not to hire us.
You only need a few for an event
A short run is possible, but per-sleeve cost is higher. For a one-day event, a stock cone holder with a sticker may cost less.
You only need a handful of boxes
Best value starts at 50 units, because of logistics and shipping. For 10 or 20 we can consider it, but the cost per box is higher and a stock box with a printed sticker may 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.
Which cone do you serve?
Send the cone's height and top diameter, and how many sleeves a month you use.
Start a projectPopular boxes
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Folding carton
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Shallow food-contact boxes with windows and inserts for a half dozen or a dozen.
Paperboard
Gable box
Display box