Packaging sleeve
18pt SBS, open-ended wraparound band500 minimum · 8 to 10 business daysA packaging sleeve is a printed paperboard band, open at both ends, that slides over a plain box or case to add branding without printing the box itself. We produce them on 18pt SBS from 500 units, ready in about 8 to 10 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a sleeve when you want to add seasonal or promotional branding to a plain stock box without reprinting the box itself, or when you're running a limited edition on top of a standard packaging line.
Choose a fully printed box instead if the branding is permanent and always the same, since a sleeve adds an assembly step and a per-unit cost on top of the box it wraps, which only pays off when the branding needs to change or vary.
Specifications
| Board | 18pt SBS paperboard, printed and die cut |
|---|---|
| Fit | Open-ended band, slides over the box, no glue needed to attach |
| Offset CMYK, matte or gloss finish, foil accents available | |
| Coverage | Wraps two or four sides depending on band width |
| Fit tolerance | Sized to your exact box dimensions for a snug, non-slipping fit |
| Minimum | 500 units |
| Lead time | 8 to 10 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | fits boxes 3 to 12 in wide band height 1.5 to 4 in custom fit to your exact box dimensions |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Does the sleeve need glue or tape to stay on the box?
No, it's sized to slide on with a snug friction fit that holds itself in place without glue or tape, as long as we have your exact box dimensions to size the band correctly.
Can a sleeve go over any box shape, or does it need to be a certain style?
It works best over a straight-sided box, square or rectangular, since the band needs consistent dimensions to slide on evenly. An irregular or tapered shape isn't a good fit for a sleeve.
What's the point of a sleeve if I could just print the box directly?
A sleeve lets you keep a plain stock box for your base packaging and only print the sleeve for a specific run, campaign, or seasonal variant, so you're not committing to a full custom box print for something temporary.
How wide can the printed band be?
From about 1.5 inches up to 4 inches tall is typical, covering anywhere from a narrow branding band to most of the box height. Tell us what you're wrapping and we'll confirm the right proportions.
Will the sleeve slip or shift during shipping?
A properly sized sleeve fits snugly enough to stay in place through normal handling. We size every sleeve to your specific box dimensions rather than using a generic size to avoid a loose fit.
Can I order sleeves without ordering boxes from you?
Yes, sleeves are sold on their own. You're welcome to use them over boxes sourced elsewhere as long as you can give us the box dimensions to size the band correctly.
How is a packaging sleeve different from a belly band?
Coverage and fit. The sleeve is 18pt SBS formed into an open-ended band cut to your exact box size, so it slides on and covers two or four faces with no glue or tape, which turns a stock box into a branded one. A belly band is a narrower strip of art paper or 18pt SBS wrapped around the item and closed with a glued overlap, a tuck tab or tape, and it can hold a lid shut. The sleeve starts at 500 units in 8 to 10 business days after proof; the band at 200 units in 10 to 14 business days. Pick the sleeve for full-face branding, the band for an accent or a seal.
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Ready to price your packaging sleeve?
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.