Mug box
20pt SBS, fitted interior support300 minimum · 10 to 12 business daysA mug box is a folding carton built with a fitted interior support, either a molded pulp cradle or a die-cut paperboard divider, that holds a ceramic mug securely so it doesn't shift and crack against the box walls during shipping. We produce them on 20pt SBS from 300 units, ready in about 10 to 12 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a mug box when you're shipping ceramic mugs direct to customers and need genuine protection against breakage, not just a printed box, since a mug with no interior support is one of the most commonly damaged items in transit.
Choose a simple sleeve or a multi-item gift box instead if you're selling mugs for in-store pickup only or bundling them with soft goods that provide natural cushioning, since the fitted interior support here is built specifically to prevent shipping damage.
Specifications
| Board | 20pt SBS paperboard, printed and die cut |
|---|---|
| Interior support | Molded pulp cradle, or a die-cut paperboard divider |
| Fit | Sized to a standard 11 or 15 oz mug, tell us your exact mug dimensions |
| Closure | Tuck-top or auto-lock bottom carton |
| Offset CMYK, matte or gloss finish, foil accents available | |
| Minimum | 300 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 12 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 3.5 x 3.5 x 4 in (standard 11 oz mug) 4 x 4 x 4.5 in (15 oz or oversized mug) custom size to your mug |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Does the interior support actually prevent breakage in shipping?
A well-fitted cradle or divider substantially reduces breakage from normal carrier handling by preventing the mug from shifting and impacting the box walls. It isn't a guarantee against being crushed under much heavier packages, which is a broader shipping risk.
Molded pulp or die-cut paperboard, which support is better?
Molded pulp gives a snugger, more cushioned fit and a slightly more premium unboxing feel. A die-cut paperboard divider costs less and still provides solid support. Tell us your budget and priorities and we'll recommend.
Does the box fit both 11 oz and 15 oz mugs, or do I need separate boxes?
Each mug size needs its own box and interior support sized to that specific mug, because the two sizes differ enough in diameter that one box won't securely fit both.
Can this go directly into a shipping mailer, or does it need an outer box?
For direct-to-customer shipping we'd suggest an outer shipping mailer around this box for an extra layer of protection. For retail or local pickup, the mug box alone is sufficient.
Can different mug designs share one box structure with different labels?
Yes, if your mugs are all the same size, one box and interior structure can work across different print designs or added labels. Each distinct box print design still runs as its own job with its own 300-unit minimum.
What's the lead time difference between the pulp and paperboard interior options?
Molded pulp typically adds a bit more lead time than a die-cut paperboard divider due to the molding process, ask us for exact timing once you've chosen your interior option.
How is a mug box different from a molded pulp insert?
The mug box is the complete package: a 20pt SBS carton sized to an 11 or 15 oz mug with a molded pulp cradle or a die-cut paperboard divider inside, printed offset, from 300 units in 10 to 12 business days after proof. A molded pulp insert is only the tray, pressed from recycled fiber to your product's shape, for a box you already have, from 200 units in 10 to 14 business days with its own tool. If you need a printed box for retail, order the mug box. If you already have a mailer and only need the cradle, order the insert.
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Ready to price your mug box?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.