A Complete Guide to Collapsible Rigid Box for Your Product Packaging

Collapsible rigid boxes offer a strong and attractive packaging for various types of businesses. By folding flat, a custom foldable rigid box requires less room, a cost-saving measure in storage and transit. 

E-commerce and premium businesses experience fewer product returns as the collapsible rigid boxes offer better protection. We explain in detail why you should use a collapsible rigid box for packaging. 

What Is a Collapsible Rigid Box?

A collapsible rigid box is a kind of packaging that can be flattened for easy storage when it's not being used. Also known as a foldable box, you have to assemble it first to package your products or gifts. You only have to unfold it, and it becomes firm enough to hold items.   

The boxes are ideal as you can customize them to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes. Most are made from chipboard and are therefore durable and space-saving. 

Types & Styles

Choosing the ideal foldable rigid box packaging will depend on your budget, desired client experience, and the product value. Fortunately, foldable rigid boxes are practical and flexible, allowing them to fit a broad range of products. 

1.Magnetic Closure Boxes

Most businesses prefer to use magnets or strong glue to keep the foldable rigid boxes closed securely. When you close the box, the magnet clicks together, keeping it securely shut. 

Magnetic closure boxes are stylish, strong, and easy to use. Consider them for high-end products. 

2.Two‑piece Box

A two-piece box is the simplest option, yet it also provides an elegant and clean look. It has a base and a lid, and you can customize it to be collapsible. 

Most businesses use a two-piece box for packaging products for special occasions. 

3.Hinged Lid Boxes

A hinged lid box features a lid at the base, which is attached by a hinge or fold. Unlike the two-piece box, the lid here stays attached and opens and closes like a book. 

Not only do hinged boxes give your corporate clients an exceptional “ unboxing experience”, but the boxes look neat and professional. They are ideal for packaging electronics, jewelry, or small gadgets.

4.Book Shaped Boxes

Designed to look like a book, they open from the side, and you can include a magnet for secure closure. It's one of the few collapsible rigid box designs that allows you to add compartments to securely hold multiple items. 

Book-shaped boxes are a good option for collectible items or beauty products. Decorating them with prints or embossing them adds a luxurious feel. 

Finishing of Rigid Boxes

The types of finishes you use communicate value and quality. Using well-thought-out finishes helps you to stand out from your competitors. 

Partial Finish:

When you only want some parts of the rigid boxes to be decorated, such as the outside, you can apply a partial finish. Consider partial finishing on collapsible rigid boxes when packaging clothes or electronics.

Partial finishing is one way to save on packaging costs while maintaining a stylish appearance. 

Full Finish:

Alternatively, if you want to cover all parts (inside and outside), consider choosing a full finish for the custom boxes. Collapsible rigid boxes with a full finish have a clean, smooth, high-end look. 

Customizing full-finish collapsible boxes by adding logos, textures, and magnet closures gives a rich and elegant finish. 

Exterior Add-Ons:

If you want your packaging to look elegant, consider designing collapsible rigid boxes with beautiful coatings such as matte or soft-touch. The coatings protect the boxes from dirt or scratches, preventing colors and prints from fading. However, coatings are not the only solutions to exterior add-ons. 

• Lamination: In this process, a thin plastic film is used to cover the foldable rigid box, protecting it from moisture, scratches, and fading. 

• Hot foil stamping: Using heat and pressure to apply a shiny foil on the surface of the box. It is a popular printing method for adding logos and unique designs.   

• Embossing and debossing: Use either of these two methods to create a raised effect on the surface of the box. Embossing pushes the design out, while debossing pushes into the material. 

• Flocking: You can also add a soft velvet layer either on the inside or outside of the boxes using flocking. However, this method is more commonly used for lining compartments or holding delicate items, such as jewelry. 

How They’re Made

Most collapsible rigid boxes are made from paperboard or chipboard (thick cardboard). Either of the two materials gives the box a strong base. 

You can then cover the boxes with a specialty wrap to make them look attractive. Apply glue to stick the wrap to the chipboard. Consider adding logos, brand names, or colors to enhance the design. Magnetic closures will also help to keep the boxes secure. 

1. Die cutting: The first step in making collapsible rigid boxes is cutting the chipboard into the desired sizes and shapes. The process is known as die-cutting and uses a sharp metal mold(die). Die cutting is ideal for making the base parts and side panels. 
2. Folding: Add special folding lines to make it easier to flatten the box when not in use.
3. Wrapping: Using glue, wrap the printed or decorative paper around the boxes. 

Key Benefits

While they offer the premium look of a traditional rigid box, being foldable, the boxes offer more benefits. 

Space & Cost Efficiency: 

By folding flat, you can save on storage space as the box takes up little room, making it easier to store and cheaper to ship. Your supplier should ensure that the collapsible custom rigid boxes have pre-creased lines and locking panels in place. 

Because folding rigid boxes use less material and are easier to recycle, they are more eco-friendly. 

Sturdiness & Protection: 

The use of chipboard, which is stronger than paperboard, ensures that the products have enough protection. Adding quality wrapping paper helps to increase protection. 

Collapsible rigid boxes are the ideal choice for delicate items such as electronics or jewelry. 

Premium Branding & Unboxing: 

When you choose high-quality materials and finishes, a custom foldable rigid box offers a luxurious look and feel. Most businesses use foldable rigid boxes for high-end luxury products because of their practicality and convenience. 

They also offer a hassle-free setup, which is ideal for many businesses. 

Classy and Elegant Look:

Collapsible rigid boxes have clean edges and a smooth finish, helping improve the image of the brand. A broad range of finishes and extra features allows the boxes to stand out. 

By making a good first impression, you create a memorable unboxing experience for your corporate clients. All these features make the boxes suitable for luxury products. 

Customization: 

Foldable rigid boxes are easily customizable. You can choose the size, shape, and design that will best fit your brand.

Customizing collapsible rigid boxes helps to make a strong brand statement, especially when launching a new product. 

Sustainability: 

Most collapsible rigid boxes are crafted using eco friendly materials, leading to environmentally sustainable packaging. Some manufacturers, such as Brothersbox, use sustainable wrapping paper and biodegradable coatings. 

Using sustainable and biodegradable materials also means a reduction in wastage, often eliminating landfills. 

Design & Usability Tips

When designing the ideal collapsible rigid gift boxes, it is essential to consider if the design will interfere with their function. While the box should be stylish and strong, it should also be easy to fold and use. 

A good supplier should include a flat outline (die line) showing how businesses should fold the boxes. An Adobe Illustrator user ensures the use of correct sizes and also ensures each panel has a correct label (top, bottom, front). 

The artwork should also match the box’s opening direction, i.,e the logo should face up when clients open the boxes. The products should also fit perfectly inside the box. The box size should protect the product while at the same time using the least materials.

Drawbacks to Consider

While collapsible rigid boxes are stylish and strong, you might have to consider their drawbacks. The use of thicker materials, stronger wraps, and unique finishes means that you will encounter a higher unit cost. 

Collapsible rigid boxes require manual assembling so as to put the products in. You’ll need workers to fold and attach add-ons, leading to an increase in labor costs. 

Bigger boxes are often weak and unstable upon folding. They also occupy more space when flat-packed. 

Use Cases & Industries

Gucci is one of the brands that uses collapsible rigid boxes to package accessories such as belts, perfumes, or sunglasses for their clients. Foldable rigid boxes help them optimize global shipping and reduce storage costs. The boxes are beautiful and reusable, aligning with the brand's eco-friendly mission. 

Estée Lauder uses collapsible rigid boxes for seasonal gift sets and limited-product launches. The company can be able to scale packaging production without requiring extra storage space. Their clients also love the elegant boxes and their reveal experience.  

Choosing a Supplier

Choosing the right supplier is the only means to get high-quality and functional collapsible rigid boxes. Consider a manufacturer who can accommodate large and small order batches. An ideal supplier should also supply the boxes on time. 

Brothersbox offers various customization options, ensuring that your brand is not only known for quality but also stands out.

Conclusion

One advantage of using collapsible rigid boxes is the increased exposure and recognition they offer for your brand. Incorporate high-quality finishing and add a few features for that premium and luxurious look. 

Brothersbox is one of the few suppliers that can meet all your requirements. Consider us for the best collapsible rigid boxes on the market.