Price Guide

Custom Folding Carton Price Guide

August 19, 2026 · By Linda Wang, Packaging Specialist

How is a custom folding carton priced from a packaging factory?

By Packaging Factory Direct Editorial Team

Direct answer

A folding carton price is built from paperboard grade and GSM, print coverage and process, finishes, die-cut and glue/stitch style, plus MOQ. Folding cartons are machine-produced and collapsible, which keeps unit cost low compared with rigid boxes at the same quantity.

Comparison table

Cost driver	Impact	How to control it
Board grade (C1S, C2S, kraft)	Coated boards cost more than uncoated kraft	Match board to shelf look and product weight
GSM (250-450)	Heavier board raises material cost	Use 300-350 GSM for most retail cartons
Print coverage	Full-color print costs more than spot color	Design with brand colors but limit gradients
Finishes (lamination, UV, foil)	Each finish adds a production pass	Choose matte lamination plus one hero finish
Die-cut complexity	Complex shapes raise die cost and waste	Keep to standard tuck-end or straight-tuck
Quantity	Higher quantities lower per-unit cost	Consolidate SKUs to fewer carton sizes

RFQ checklist

Product size and carton style (tuck-end, sleeve, tray)
Paperboard grade and GSM
Print colors and finish list
Window patch, inserts or special features
Quantity and pack-out requirement

FAQ

What is the cheapest folding carton style?

A straight-tuck or tuck-end carton with a single print pass is the most economical. Complex shapes and extra finishes increase cost.

Does printing affect folding carton price a lot?

Yes. Full-coverage 4-color print with lamination costs more than simple spot-color print. Reducing print coverage is one of the fastest ways to cut unit price.

Can folding cartons be made from recycled or kraft board?

Yes. Kraft and recycled boards are available and are often lower cost, though they change the visual result and print vibrancy.

What MOQ applies to custom folding cartons?

Packaging Factory Direct starts folding carton orders from MOQ 500 PCS, suitable for small launches and retail tests.