Egg carton
Molded pulp or printed paperboard250 minimum · 12 to 14 business daysAn egg carton holds and protects eggs for farm, market or retail sale, built either as molded recycled pulp with a printed paper wrap, or as a fully printed paperboard shell for a more premium retail look. We produce them from 250 units in half-dozen, dozen, and 18-count formats, ready in about 12 to 14 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a custom egg carton for a farm stand, farmers market or retail egg brand that wants shelf presence and traceability on the carton itself: name, location, pasture claims, a QR code to your farm story.
Choose a plain stock carton instead if you're supplying eggs wholesale to a distributor or grocer who will rebrand or repack them, since the print investment only pays off when the carton reaches the end consumer with your name on it.
Specifications
| Structure | Molded recycled pulp (standard) or 24pt SBS paperboard shell (premium) |
|---|---|
| Wrap | Printed paper band around a pulp carton, or direct offset print on a paperboard shell |
| Egg counts | 6, 12 or 18 count cavities |
| Egg size | Sized for large or jumbo eggs, tell us your size for a cavity fit check |
| Closure | Friction-fit snap lid or a die-cut tab closure |
| Ventilation | Optional vented cavities for farm-fresh, unwashed eggs |
| Minimum | 250 units |
| Lead time | 12 to 14 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 6-count 12-count (standard dozen) 18-count |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Can you print directly on molded pulp, or does it need a paper wrap?
Direct print on molded pulp is possible but comes out coarse and low-contrast because of the fiber texture. We usually suggest a printed paper band wrapped around a plain pulp carton instead, which gives sharp, full-color print at a lower cost than a paperboard shell.
Do you offer USDA-compliant grading and size labeling?
We print whatever grading, size class and any required state or USDA labeling text you provide, but confirming the correct regulatory wording for your state and grade is on your side. We're not a food-labeling compliance service.
What's the difference between vented and sealed cavities?
Vented cavities have small air holes molded into each egg pocket, which some farm-fresh, unwashed egg sellers prefer for airflow. Sealed cavities are standard for washed, refrigerated eggs and give slightly better cushioning.
Can the carton go in the fridge and stack safely?
Yes, both the molded pulp and paperboard shell options are built to stack in a standard refrigerator shelf without crushing, up to about 6 cartons high under normal handling.
Is molded pulp actually more sustainable than plastic egg cartons?
Molded pulp is made from recycled paper fiber and is both recyclable and compostable, which is the main reason most farm and specialty brands choose it over foam or clear plastic clamshells.
Can you build a 6-pack for smaller households or gift sets?
Yes. The 6-count is one of our standard formats and suits gift sets, farm-share add-ons, or smaller household packs alongside a standard dozen.
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Ready to price your egg 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.