What closure systems are available for cardboard boxes?
4min read
16/05/2019
Choosing the right size, shape and channel type of cartons for your business is very important, but so is selecting a closure system that is easy to handle and, at the same time, keeps the goods secure during handling and shipping.
In the packaging market there are different ways to close a cardboard box, taking into account both the elements of its structure (flaps, tabs and lids) and the reinforcing materials that help to prevent the box from opening during transport (adhesive tapes, straps, staples…). Let’s analyse what possibilities exist and how they can be combined to achieve 100% reliable packaging.
1.closure systems for cardboard boxes: flaps
Cardboard boxes with flaps or American boxes exhibit the most iconic type of closure: four flaps attached to the sides that are folded with the larger pair overlapping the smaller pair.
The peculiarity of this closure system for cardboard boxes is that it requires the use of other materials to ensure that the contents are perfectly secured: adhesive tape, strapping or industrial staples.
Closing cardboard boxes with adhesive tape
Most often, adhesive tape is used to effectively close cardboard boxes with flaps. Depending on the volume and weight of the package, a more or less strong adhesive tape made of solvent paper, PVC or polypropylene will have to be chosen:
- Standard adhesive tape (28 micron thickness): for light packages, up to 20 kg.
- 32 micron thick adhesive tape: suitable for medium weights, up to about 30 kg.
- 35 micron thick adhesive tape: recommended for packages up to 35kg.
- Extra quality tape (38 microns thick): for heavier packages.
how is adhesive tape applied to American cardboard boxes?
Adhesive tape can be applied to the carton in four ways, in order from most to least gripping:
- L-shaped, covering the edges of the box where the top flaps rest. This is the cheapest system – it saves tape – but also the least secure.
- U-shaped, going all the way around the box, starting at one of the sides and passing over the longitudinal opening left by the top flaps.
- U-shaped and L-shaped, combining the two previous methods.
- H-shaped, by carrying out a U-shaped closure at the top and bottom, and complementing it with an L-shaped cover, also at the top and bottom, extending to the corners.
Closure of cartons with strapping
When cardboard boxes are to be palletised or have a long way to go before they reach their destination, strapping can provide the essential extra to ensure that the packaging remains unaltered for as long as necessary. It should be placed perpendicular to the opening of the two top flaps.
Closing cartons with industrial staplers
Another option is to close the flaps by stapling the edges of the flaps together. In the Rajapack online shop we have several models of industrial staplers to carry out this task.
2.closing systems for cardboard boxes: lids
Cardboard boxes with lids are made up of two parts: lid and bottom. They are very quick to close and also to open by the receiver without having to give up the protection of the contents. You can choose between two types of lids:
Normal lid
It covers the upper part of the box, with sides measuring a few centimetres in height. This closing system for cardboard boxes is usually complemented with a few turns of strapping.
Telescopic lid
The telescopic lidthe lid fits over the bottom of the box until it completely covers the sides of the box. If the volume of the contents raises the lid and makes the fit less than perfect, it is possible to add strapping to prevent it from moving.
3.closure systems for cartons: tabs
Tabs are a closing system for cardboard boxes that can be operated with a single gesture and also offer a sober, elegant and discreet presentation for your shipments. Boxes with tabs are the most popular for online shops, as they are ideal for shipping electronic products, cosmetics, perfumes or jewellery. Depending on the position of the tabs on the lid, cardboard boxes of this type are divided into:
Boxes with tabs on the front
They are usually used for cups, glasses, watches, jars with packaged food, etc. They are usually self-assembly boxes, which considerably reduces the preparation time for orders.
Boxes with tabs that are inserted into the inner slots
They offer extra reinforcement compared to boxes that only have a tab on the front. They are perfect for electronic devices and drugstore and parapharmacy products.
Remember that at Rajapack you can order your personalised cardboard boxes with the closure system that best suits your needs. Call us or send us an email and we will prepare a quote for you in just 24/48 hours.
