What is Turned Edge Packaging?
When someone says “I love the iPhone box!”, they are talking about turned edge packaging.
Turned edge packaging is often referred to as rigid paper packaging or casemade packaging. It is generally a thin sheet of paper with high quality printed graphics that is then adhered and wrapped around a thicker chipboard or graphic board.
Typically ranging from 60 point (0.060”) up to 120 point (0.120”) chipboard, it can be wrapped with many different materials. From printed paper to various fabric materials to synthetic leathers, you can create turned edge packaging that attracts your target audience.
Some of the decoration options are:
- Offset printing
- Screen printing
- Foil stamping
- Spot UV coatings (gloss UV, textured UV, raised UV)
- Debossing
- High gloss lamination
- Scratch resistant matte lamination
- Soft touch / soft feel lamination
The benefits of turned edge packaging are improved customer perception of your product, as well as an increase in customer interaction with your product. Turned edge packaging is often held on to by your customer to use as a keepsake, display or for storage of your product.
It differs from paperboard packaging in that it offers a much more solid package for your product, giving it an upscale look and feel as well as offering improved protection. The unboxing experience is improved with turned edge packaging as it is more tactile and incites extra participation while unpacking the product. With turned edge packaging, oftentimes the box itself becomes an integral part of your brand identity.
One style of turned edge packaging is a two piece telescoping box, just like the iPhone box. Also known as set up boxes, the lid is made slightly larger than the base and fits over top with some friction to keep it together.
Like this:
Another style is a magnetic closure box.
This style takes a turned edge tray and attaches a 3 or 4 panel turned edge lid with a front flap magnetic closure. This is a very popular option with us as everyone loves the feel and sound of the magnets as they ‘snap’ closed.
Clamshell or “cigar box” style boxes are when two turned edge trays are hinged at the spine, similar to a book.
Like this:
The box in the photo above was for an award ceremony and doubles as display packaging for the award. Wrapped with a synthetic leather and decorated with a gold foil stamp, it offers the award recipient a timeless display for their achievements.
Finally, unique and customized shapes are also possible.
Like this:
and this:
To stand out, sometimes you have to look at nontraditional shapes and structures. These uncommon structures are often hand-made due to size and the fact that automated manufacturing equipment is only designed for the standard structures. This adds cost to these projects, so make sure to evaluate the promotional benefits against your goals and budget.
If you have any further questions or would like to collaborate on a project, please feel free to reach out.
