Which box styles work best for eco & shipping food boxes? We compare the common structures and the products they suit.
Browse the full Eco & Shipping Food Boxes range alongside this guide.
An overview of eco & shipping food boxes
Box formats and materials for shipping food and for brands that want recyclable or compostable packaging. They are used by online food brands, subscription services and businesses moving away from plastic, and the right choice depends on what you're packing, how far it travels and how you want it to look.
The biggest practical challenge with this category is courier handling, stacking pressure and temperature swings in transit. Getting the board, coating and structure right for those conditions matters more than any finish or print effect.
You can browse every product in our Eco & Shipping Food Boxes range, each made to order from 100 units.
Box styles compared
Across our eco & shipping food boxes range, these structures come up again and again:
| Style | What it does well |
|---|---|
| Kraft clamshell | The lid and base are one piece joined by a hinge, which makes packing fast and closing secure. |
| Kraft tuck box | Flaps tuck in to close the box without glue or tape, which keeps unit cost down. |
| Kraft window box | A window shows the product and lets it sell itself on the counter or shelf. |
| Uncoated kraft box | A practical folding format that balances protection, presentation and packing speed. |
| Plant-based lined box | A barrier lining on the inside keeps grease and moisture off the outer print. |
| Roll-end mailer | A roll-end mailer locks without tape, survives courier handling and opens like a present. |
| Mailer with insert | A roll-end mailer locks without tape, survives courier handling and opens like a present. |
| Printed mailer | A roll-end mailer locks without tape, survives courier handling and opens like a present. |
| Box with dividers | Dividers hold each item upright and apart during carrying. |
| Regular slotted carton | A regular slotted carton is the most economical shipping box for bulk orders. |
Most businesses end up with two or three styles that cover the whole menu. Fewer styles means simpler storage and faster packing.
Types of eco & shipping food boxes
Here are the products in this range and what each one is designed to do:
- Kraft Food Boxes: Unbleached kraft board looks natural, prints simply and is widely recyclable when clean.
- Compostable Food Boxes: Boxes can be specified to meet Australian compostability standards where your waste stream accepts them.
- Food Mailer Boxes: Self-locking mailer boxes survive courier handling and open like a present.
- Food Subscription Boxes: Printed inside and out, subscription boxes make every delivery feel like an event.
- Corrugated Food Shipping Boxes: Corrugated board is chosen by flute and strength to suit the load and the journey.
- Tuck End Food Boxes: The most economical folding carton style, quick to fill and easy to print.
- Food Packaging Sleeves: A printed sleeve brands a plain tray or container for a fraction of a full box.
- Gable Food Boxes: A built-in carry handle makes gable boxes easy to hand out and carry.
Standard sizes for eco & shipping food boxes
These are the sizes customers ask for most often. They are a good starting point, but every box can be made to your exact dimensions.
| Popular size | Common use |
|---|---|
| 200 x 150 x 50 mm | kraft food boxes |
| 300 x 220 x 100 mm | compostable food boxes |
| 350 x 250 x 120 mm | food mailer boxes |
| Custom | Any size to suit your product |
As a rule, allow 5 to 10 mm of clearance on each side of the food and more on top if it has icing, toppings or a domed shape. Too much space lets food slide around; too little crushes it or smears it on the lid.
Freshness, grease and moisture
Match the box strength to the courier journey and add void fill or inserts so contents don't shift. The box should protect the food without trapping the things that ruin it.
- Use vent holes for hot, crisp or steamed food.
- Use a barrier coating or liner where there is oil, sauce or moisture.
- Use inserts where individual pieces could slide into each other.
- Store flat, unused boxes somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight. Humidity in places like Brisbane and Darwin can soften board before it is ever used.
Box formats and materials for shipping food and for brands that want recyclable or compostable packaging.
Understanding the cost
There's no single price for custom eco & shipping food boxes, because every quote is built from a few variables:
- Quantity: the unit price falls quickly as runs get bigger, because setup costs are shared across more boxes.
- Size and board: bigger boxes and thicker or corrugated board use more material.
- Print: the number of colours, printing inside and out, and whether you need exact Pantone matches.
- Finishes: foil, spot UV, embossing and windows each add a step.
- Inserts and tooling: a new cutting die is a one-off cost for a new shape.
- Freight: boxes ship flat, but delivery to regional areas costs more than metro.
The easiest saving is to standardise sizes across your range and reuse the same dieline for seasonal artwork.
Checklist before you order eco & shipping food boxes
Run through this list before you ask for a quote on eco & shipping food boxes:
- Inside dimensions measured, in millimetres
- Box style chosen, or a sample to copy
- Board chosen: kraft, white or corrugated
- Grease or moisture barrier needed?
- Print colours and sides (outside, inside or both)
- Finishes, windows or inserts
- Quantity and how often you'll reorder
- Delivery address and the date you need them by
With these answers ready, a quote is quick and accurate.
Common ordering mistakes
Most problems with eco & shipping food boxes can be traced back to a handful of decisions made at the ordering stage:
- Guessing the size instead of measuring the actual food with toppings and packaging.
- Ignoring courier handling, stacking pressure, which can stain or weaken boxes that look perfect on the proof.
- Skipping the proof check: typos and phone numbers are the classic errors.
- Ordering too close to peak season. Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day fill print schedules early.
- Over-finishing a box that will be thrown away within the hour.
- Forgetting spares for mis-folds, samples and busy weeks.
A five-minute check of these points saves weeks of reprinting.
Frequently asked questions about eco & shipping food boxes
Can you print on the inside of eco & shipping food boxes?
Yes, we can print inside and out. Keep inside print away from direct food contact, or use a barrier coating.
Do you deliver eco & shipping food boxes outside the major cities?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide. Regional freight can take a little longer, so allow extra time.
Can I get a sample of my eco & shipping food boxes?
Yes. Plain samples help you check size and fit, and printed samples can be arranged before a full run.
Do you make eco & shipping food boxes in custom sizes?
Every box is made to order, so any size is possible. We draw a dieline around your measurements.
The bottom line
The best eco & shipping food boxes are the ones that fit the food, suit the way your team works and look like they belong to your brand. Measure carefully, choose board for the conditions the box will face, and keep the design clear and consistent.
When you're ready, see the full specification on our Eco & Shipping Food Boxes page or request a free quote. We'll send a dieline and price for your exact size.
Get a price for your boxes
Send your size and quantity. We reply with a dieline and quote.