Sliding Drawer Boxes: Specification Guide
A drawer box turns opening the pack into a small reveal, which is why it is a favourite for tea, confectionery, candles and jewellery.
At a glance
- Separate wrapped sleeve and tray
- Declared sliding clearance
- Jig-controlled assembly tolerance
- Reinforced sleeve edges
Overview
A drawer box turns opening the pack into a small reveal, which is why it is a favourite for tea, confectionery, candles and jewellery. The engineering challenge is friction: too tight and it sticks, too loose and the tray slides out in transit.
Our export desk can expand any point here into a written specification for your project.
Sleeve and Tray
The outer sleeve and inner tray are built as separate wrapped components, with a declared clearance between them. We set that clearance on the approved sample and hold it with a tolerance on the assembly jig.
- Separate wrapped sleeve and tray
- Declared sliding clearance
- Jig-controlled assembly tolerance
- Reinforced sleeve edges
We document the agreed approach on the dieline or the quotation, not in a separate note.
Pulls and Inserts
Ribbon pulls, thumb notches and foil-stamped tabs are specified on the dieline so they survive production. Die-cut card, EVA or moulded pulp inserts locate each component and stop rattling.
- Ribbon, notch or tab pulls
- Die-cut card, EVA and pulp inserts
- Multi-compartment layouts for sets
- Inside printing on the tray
The same standard applies to a first pilot run and to a full seasonal programme.
When to Choose a Drawer
Choose it where the reveal matters and the product is relatively flat; choose lid-and-base for tall or heavy contents. Drawer formats use more board and more hand assembly, so the unit cost is higher than a simple two-piece box.
- Best for tea, confectionery, candles and jewellery
- Higher board and labour content
- Consider a lid-and-base box for tall items
- MOQ typically 500 pieces
We document the agreed approach on the dieline or the quotation, not in a separate note.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you stop the drawer sticking?
- By setting a declared clearance on the sample and controlling it with an assembly jig.
- Can I add a ribbon pull?
- Yes, with length and colour specified on the dieline and confirmed on the sample.
- Is a drawer box more expensive than a two-piece?
- Usually yes, because it uses a separate sleeve and tray plus more hand assembly.
Ready to specify your packaging?
Send your artwork, target size and quantity. Our engineering team replies with a structural suggestion, an FOB price and a sampling plan within one working day.
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