Window carton
18pt SBS, PET window200 minimum · 10 to 14 business daysA window carton is a folding carton with a die-cut opening glued over with a clear PET film, so the product shows through and the carton stays sealed. We produce them on 18pt SBS from 200 units in 10 to 14 business days after proof, with the window cut in any shape you draw. Common sizes run 3 by 3 by 5 to 8 by 4 by 10 inches.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a window carton when the product sells itself and the buyer wants to see it before they pay. Baked goods, chocolate, soap, candles, toys, small electronics and anything with color or texture do better through a window than behind a photo of themselves. A window also cuts returns on color-sensitive items like cosmetics and yarn, because the shopper checks the shade on the shelf rather than at home.
Choose a plain straight tuck end carton if the product is light sensitive, since PET blocks very little UV and a cream or an oil will fade behind a window. Choose a hanging tab carton without a window if the pack hangs high on a peg where nobody looks in, and spend the money on the front panel instead.
Specifications
| Board | 16, 18 or 24pt SBS, or kraft, food-contact grade SBS available; documentation supplied with the quote |
|---|---|
| Offset CMYK or digital, one color, Pantone match | |
| Finish | Matte or gloss aqueous, soft-touch or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil |
| Closure | Straight tuck, reverse tuck, auto lock or crash lock bottom |
| Insert | Optional paperboard platform to lift the product to the window |
| Window | Clear PET film, 4 or 6 mil, glued inside, any die-cut shape |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 14 business days after proof |
| Ships | Flat, glued, window fitted, in bundles of 50 |
| Sizes we run | 3 x 3 x 5 in 4 x 2 x 6 in 6 x 4 x 8 in 8 x 4 x 10 in any size from 2 x 2 x 2 to 14 x 10 x 14 in |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
What is the window made of?
Clear PET film, 4 mil as standard and 6 mil on windows over about 5 inches across so it does not ripple. It is glued to the inside of the carton with a 1/8 in margin around the opening. PET stays clear, does not yellow and does not crack on the fold. A plant based cellulose film is available if you need a paper recycling stream.
Can the window be any shape?
Yes. Circles, arches, letters, a product silhouette, or a window that wraps around a corner onto a second panel. The only rules are a 3/16 in margin to any fold and a 1/8 in margin of board around the film for the glue. Draw the shape on the dieline we send you, or describe it and we draw it.
Is the window food safe?
The film is a food-contact grade PET and the board can be a food-contact grade SBS, so yes for dry and wrapped food. For bakery items that touch the board directly ask us for the grease resistant board we use on bakery boxes. For anything wet, the product should be in its own wrap or liner inside the carton.
Will the product be visible if it sits at the bottom?
Only if the window is low or the product is tall. For a small product in a tall carton we add a die-cut paperboard platform that lifts it to the window line and holds it there. This also stops it sliding around. The platform is cut from the same sheet and adds no lead time.
Does a window weaken the carton?
A little, in proportion to how much board you remove. A window that takes more than about half the front panel makes the carton easier to crush. We compensate by moving to 24pt or by adding a platform inside that braces the walls. Windows under about 40 percent of a panel need no change.
How is a window carton different from the window rigid box?
A window carton is a folding carton on 16 to 24pt SBS or kraft with clear PET film glued behind a die-cut opening; it ships flat and is opened once. The window rigid box is wrapped 1200 gsm board with 8 mil PET behind the wrap, a lift-off, magnetic or drawer closure, and it arrives assembled, so it is kept. Both start at 200 units in 10 to 14 business days after proof. For shelf products sold in volume, the carton. For a gift or a chocolate assortment where the box stays on the table, the rigid box.
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Ready to price your window carton?
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.