10 Top Folding Carton Trends for 2025
As the packaging industry shifts toward more sustainable and efficient solutions, folding cartons are set to play a significant role in 2025. From eco-friendly materials to smart packaging designs, brands are leveraging folding cartons to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory demands. Below are the top folding carton trends to watch for in 2025:
Sustainable Materials
Folding cartons in 2025 will prioritize eco-friendly materials, including recycled paperboard and plant-based alternatives. Brands are expected to shift toward FSC-certified materials and other renewable sources, reducing their environmental impact while still offering durable packaging solutions.
Advanced Digital Printing
With the advancement of digital printing technology, brands will be able to create intricate, high-quality designs on folding cartons more cost-effectively. In 2025, short-run digital printing will become more accessible, allowing for rapid production without sacrificing detail or color, and enabling small businesses to customize their packaging easily.
Custom Design and Personalization
Consumers increasingly expect personalized experiences, and folding cartons will be a key player in delivering on this expectation. Custom designs, limited-edition packaging, and personalized messaging will be central trends, helping brands create unique, memorable unboxing experiences.
Minimalist and Clean Aesthetic
Simplicity in packaging design continues to be a dominant trend. The minimalist approach, with clean lines and neutral colors, reflects a focus on sustainability and appeals to consumers seeking eco-friendly, waste-conscious brands. Expect folding cartons with less ink and fewer materials for a streamlined, eco-conscious look.
Enhanced Durability and Protection
As more products are being shipped globally, folding cartons will evolve to offer better protection without adding excess material. By integrating reinforced corners and innovative structural designs, folding cartons will ensure that fragile items are protected during transit while maintaining sustainability goals.
Smart and Connected Packaging
Smart packaging will also play a role in folding cartons, with the integration of QR codes and NFC tags allowing consumers to engage with the product or brand directly through their smartphones. This tech will provide information on product authenticity, freshness, and even sustainability efforts, giving consumers a more interactive experience.
Flexible Packaging Solutions
The demand for more flexible folding carton solutions is growing. In 2025, expect to see more cartons designed for multi-use purposes, such as packaging that can transform into a display or storage container, giving the product’s packaging a second life and minimizing waste.
Recyclable and Compostable Cartons
Recyclability and compostability will remain top priorities in folding carton trends for 2025. More brands will move towards mono-material designs that enhance recyclability or use compostable materials that break down easily in commercial or home composting environments, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Lightweight and Efficient Designs
Lightweight folding cartons will grow in popularity as companies seek to reduce transportation costs and emissions. Cartons that use less material but maintain strength and durability will be highly valued by brands focused on optimizing shipping while still protecting their products.
Cost-Effective Packaging
As the cost of raw materials fluctuates, brands will increasingly seek cost-effective folding carton solutions that balance affordability with sustainability. Innovations in production efficiency and material sourcing will allow companies to maintain high-quality packaging without increasing costs significantly.
Folding cartons are evolving to meet the demands of a more sustainability-focused, cost-conscious market. In 2025, businesses that adopt these trends will be better positioned to align with consumer preferences and regulatory requirements while maintaining the flexibility and durability needed for their products.
If you’re interested in folding cartons for 2025, whether they are custom or stock, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started.
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Folding cartons are one of the most versatile forms of retail packaging—and how you print on them can make the difference between a product that blends in and one that commands attention. Strategic printing isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about communicating value, increasing shelf appeal, and making your packaging work harder without adding cost. Here’s how to use print effectively to elevate your folding cartons—whether you’re working with skincare, supplements, food, electronics, or lifestyle products. Use Print to Create Visual Hierarchy Your folding carton only has a few seconds to make an impression on the shelf. Strategic printing helps guide the customer’s eye to what matters most. Tips: Use bold, contrasting colors or finishes (spot UV, foil) to highlight your brand name or logo Place key selling points (benefits, claims, features) front and center using larger font sizes Use typography and spacing to separate messaging and improve readability ✅ Helps the customer immediately understand what your product is and why it matters ✅ Improves visual impact without changing the structure ✅ Reduces reliance on costly redesigns by making the most of layout Match Print Quality to Product Value Your packaging should reflect the value of the product inside. Low-quality print on a premium item creates confusion—or worse, distrust. Use printing to reinforce brand perception. Recommendations: For high-end products, use offset or digital printing with high-resolution artwork Consider soft-touch coating, foil stamping, or embossed logos to enhance tactile appeal For entry-level products, clean flexo printing with sharp colors and simple messaging works well ✅ Aligns packaging with price point ✅ Builds customer trust and perceived quality ✅ Supports brand consistency across SKUs Make the Most of Every Panel Most folding cartons have six printable panels—front, back, two sides, top, and bottom. Don’t waste the real estate. Strategies: Use side panels for storytelling: sustainability efforts, brand values, QR codes Use bottom or inner flaps for certifications or required disclosures Add interactive elements (e.g., scan-to-learn codes) to drive post-purchase engagement ✅ Adds value without extra packaging ✅ Keeps primary panels clean and uncluttered ✅ Improves consumer education and brand connection Use Print to Simplify SKU Management For brands managing multiple SKUs or flavor/variant lines, digital printing or smart layout choices can reduce production complexity. Tactics: Create a shared dieline with only small design changes per SKU (e.g., color blocks, product names) Use black plate changes to keep core branding consistent while personalizing each version Leverage short-run digital printing for seasonal or promotional packaging ✅ Reduces setup and plate costs ✅ Increases flexibility for new launches ✅ Speeds up time to market for new variants Print for Retail Compliance Many retailers—especially in food, supplement, and cosmetic categories—have strict requirements around what’s displayed and where. Best practices: Print barcodes and expiration dates in scannable, clearly defined areas Use appropriate font sizes and spacing for ingredients, warnings, or supplement facts Leave space for lot coding or labeling if filled after printing ✅ Helps avoid costly chargebacks or relabeling ✅ Ensures legal compliance and customer clarity ✅ Streamlines vendor approvals Create a Memorable Unboxing Moment Folding cartons aren’t just for shelves—they also deliver an unboxing experience. The inside of the carton is an underutilized branding space. Ideas: Print a thank-you message or tagline inside the top flap Include hidden branding, illustrations, or QR codes inside the box Use the interior to reinforce key product benefits or cross-sell other products ✅ Turns packaging into a brand moment ✅ Encourages sharing and customer loyalty ✅ Adds value without structural changes Keep Production Methods in Mind Not every finish or design choice works with every printing method. Knowing the strengths of each helps you make the most cost-effective decision: Digital printing is perfect for small batches, personalized runs, or multiple SKUs Offset printing is ideal for high-quality retail packaging in larger volumes Flexographic printing is budget-friendly for basic folding cartons or larger quantities with simpler designs ✅ Ensures print decisions align with volume, speed, and budget ✅ Reduces production delays and unexpected costs Final Thoughts Your folding carton is more than just a box—it’s your on-shelf sales rep, brand ambassador, and customer touchpoint all in one. Strategic use of print can transform ordinary packaging into a powerful marketing tool, helping you communicate, connect, and convert. Need help making your folding carton print work harder? We’ll help you choose the right design, layout, and print method to bring out the best in your packaging—without overcomplicating your process or budget. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Folding Carton Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS), often used under the umbrella term “paperboard,” is a common packaging material used in North America to package everyday consumer good products such as personal care, pharmaceuticals, snacks, confectionery, electronics, and other items. Typically, SBS material is used to manufacture folding cartons in addition to pads and packaging inserts. What is Solid Bleached Sulfate? SBS material is manufactured from hardwood and chemically pulped fibers that are bleached, refined, and formed into one or multi-ply board on fourdrinier-type paperboard machines. Once processed, the material is produced in to double sided white plain sheets. They are coated 1 side or both sides. Coating helps to create a better surface for printing. It can be manufactured into a variety of densities to help manage material costs and strength required for product support. Solid Bleached Sulfate Properties SBS folding cartons have an ultra-smooth surface since the material is made with short hardwood fibers that are coated and polished, which makes a high level of quality offset lithography, flexography, and digital printing. SBS material is extremely versatile, high in quality and can be used for films, metalized foil laminations, embossing and other finishes, gluing and high-speed filling. In addition, this material can easily be manufactured in to a folding carton as it can be cleanly cut and printed with high speed. Solid bleached sulfate is typically more costly to produce than other folding carton materials such other paperboard substrates. The durability of SBS folding cartons is adequate to hold small and lightweight items for long periods of time. However, overtime the material is susceptible to yellowing if exposed to sunlight or UV rays. Despite have good stiffness and compression capabilities, SBS folding cartons are not the most prominent in being tear resistant. Solid Bleached Sulfate Folding Carton Applications SBS folding cartons are highly versatile and made with quality material which makes it popular in a wide variety of packaging applications. However, due to its durability and strength limitations, SBS folding cartons are primarily used to package non-expensive, nonfragile, lightweight, and small items. SBS folding cartons can come in many styles to help accommodate products. The most popular styles include straight tuck end (STE), reverse tuck end (RTE), auto bottom and full seal. See images below to compare the visual differences between the styles. Straight Tuck End (STE) Folding Carton with hanging tab Reverse Tuck End (RTE) Folding Carton with locking tab Auto Bottom Folding Carton Full Seal Folding Carton Many industries such as food, electronic, medical, cosmetic use these folding cartons to display, ship and protect their products, as SBS material provides an ultra-surface and high-quality print options. Common food packaging applications include: snacks, confectionary, cereal, bakery products and other items. For food applications, there are versions which are laminated with poly film for grease resistance. Electronics packaging applications consist of accessories, toys, devices and more. Medical applications include medicine, devices, and other consumer goods. Beauty and personal care products supply such as eyeshadow, lipstick, lotion, face cream, serums and oils are packaged into SBS folding cartons. Summary: Solid Bleached Sulfate Folding Cartons Ultimately, SBS folding cartons are extremely versatile in customization and are primarily used by different industries to package a wide variety of items in highly competitive retail environment with its high visual graphics and smooth quality surface. If you are interested in folding cartons, bringing your product to retail or improving an existing product’s packaging, then contact Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Folding Carton Display Packaging Rigid Box Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Folding Cartons Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
When it comes to maximizing shelf space and capturing buyer attention, few pairings are more effective than folding cartons and POP displays. Whether it’s a full-size floor display or a compact countertop display, using folding cartons within your display system brings structure, brand consistency, and a retail-ready finish that helps your product stand out—and sell. Here’s how and why folding cartons and POP displays work so well together—and how you can use both to your advantage in-store. What Each Does Best Understanding the strengths of each packaging component helps you combine them more effectively: Folding Cartons are primary packaging. They hold, protect, and present your product, while also delivering branding, compliance, and consumer communication. POP (Point-of-Purchase) Displays are secondary packaging built for retail presentation—designed to showcase multiple products in high-traffic areas like endcaps, aisles, and counters. Used together, they create a powerful presentation system that delivers both structure and shelf appeal. Folding Cartons Add Structure Inside the Display When placed inside a POP display, folding cartons help: Keep products organized and upright Prevent movement and scuffing inside the display Maintain a clean, uniform look throughout the lifespan of the promotion This is especially important for countertop displays, where customers may interact directly with the packaging—grabbing one item at a time. ✅ Prevents messy or slouched displays✅ Improves shopability and perceived value✅ Ensures product presentation stays consistent Cartons Enhance Branding Within the Display The display may carry your logo and key messages—but the folding carton is what customers will take home. That’s why it’s important to align the carton design with the display artwork. Tips: Match color palettes and typography between the carton and display Include consistent messaging across both components Ensure front panels of cartons are fully visible and legible within the display tray ✅ Reinforces brand identity✅ Creates a seamless shopper experience✅ Builds brand recall after purchase Essential for Club Stores, Retail Chains & Promotions Many retail and club store environments require retail-ready packaging that combines display and individual packaging. Folding cartons placed in POP displays are perfect for: Multi-pack promotional kits Trial-size or travel-size programs New product launches Seasonal or endcap promotions In club stores, countertop displays or tray packs with folding cartons make it easy for stores to place the product on display without repackaging—saving time and increasing compliance. ✅ Satisfies retail guidelines✅ Makes setup easier for staff✅ Streamlines logistics for brand and retailer Great for High-Volume, Low-Footprint Selling Countertop displays are used in checkout lanes, convenience stores, cafes, and specialty boutiques—anywhere space is tight and impulse purchases are common. Folding cartons in countertop displays are perfect for: Supplements or wellness shots Candy, snacks, or gum Small beauty items or trial kits Electronics accessories or travel essentials These cartons provide structure and protection while still being compact and lightweight—ideal for high-turnover items. ✅ Encourages grab-and-go sales✅ Protects product without adding bulk✅ Gives retailers a neat, self-contained unit Cartons Make Replenishment and Restocking Easy Retail staff love displays that are easy to restock. Folding cartons simplify the process: Easy to count, refill, or rotate Stackable within the display tray Protect the product even after multiple interactions You can even use numbered or color-coded cartons to help identify flavors, formulas, or SKUs within the same display. ✅ Reduces downtime at shelf✅ Keeps displays neat throughout their lifecycle✅ Makes multi-SKU management easier Final Thoughts Folding cartons and POP displays—especially countertop displays—go hand in hand when it comes to boosting product visibility, protection, and in-store performance. While the display grabs attention, the carton delivers branding, clarity, and trust. Need help designing folding cartons that work with POP displays?We’ll help you create a cohesive packaging system that blends structure, design, and in-store efficiency to drive retail success. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. POP Displays Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts