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Custom reverse tuck end (RTE) boxes are the folding-carton construction where the top and bottom tuck flaps close in opposite directions — the assembly detail that gives the box its structural bite and its cleaner face on the retail shelf. RTE is the most-specified tuck-end variant across US cosmetics, supplements, tech accessories, and specialty food. We print RTE cartons from 100 units in SBS, kraft, and specialty stocks.
For US retail brands in cosmetics, supplements, tech, food, and specialty consumer goods that need a fast-to-assemble, print-friendly folding carton with clean shelf presentation.
About Custom Reverse Tuck End Boxes
What RTE is and why it matters
Reverse tuck end is a folding-carton engineering choice, not a shape choice. In a straight tuck end (STE), both top and bottom tuck flaps close on the same side of the box — usually toward the back. In a reverse tuck end (RTE), the top flap tucks to one side and the bottom flap tucks to the other. That opposition gives the carton a structural bite that resists sprung-open flaps, keeps the front face clean of visible tuck seams, and makes the box more secure without adding glue or tape. It is the reason most US retail folding cartons — from serum boxes to protein-bar packs — are RTEs rather than STEs.
When to spec RTE vs. STE
- Spec RTE when: the box is retail-facing and shelf-visible, needs a clean front face without a tuck seam, is holding a moderately weighted product, and will be assembled by hand or on a semi-auto line.
- Spec STE when: the product is light, the top opens more often than the bottom (STE is faster to open and reclose), or the box is running on high-volume auto-cartoning where STE assembly is marginally faster.
- Step up to seal-end when: tamper evidence is required (food, pharma, supplements) or the product is heavy enough to need glued flaps.
Design and finish
RTE cartons print full-color CMYK on all six panels, with Pantone spot matching included at no extra cost. Matte, gloss, soft-touch, or textured lamination sets the tactile feel; add foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV to elevate for retail. Our US-based designers dieline to your product with the correct board-caliper allowance so the box holds the product snug without bulging or gaping.
Where RTE cartons sell
RTE is the everyday folding carton across most retail categories: cosmetics, supplements, tea and beverage, small electronics and tech accessories, artisan food, and specialty retail. For deeper alternatives, see our tuck-end boxes pillar (both STE and RTE), seal-end, and sleeve formats.
Ordering, MOQ, and lead time
Minimum order is 100 units. Standard production is 7–10 business days; rush 3–5 available. Every order includes a free 3D mockup, free dieline support, a physical sample on request (refunded on your first order), and free US shipping. Request a tiered quote for exact price breaks at 100 / 250 / 500 / 1,000+.
Why US brands choose us for custom reverse tuck end boxes
Custom Box Printing manufactures custom reverse tuck end boxes from our US production facility, with free standard shipping anywhere in the contiguous United States and a 7–10 business day turnaround. We've printed custom reverse tuck end boxes for solo founders launching their first product line, growing direct-to-consumer brands placing 5,000-unit runs, and established retail brands with 50,000+ unit production schedules — and we treat all three the same: low MOQs (100-unit runs), free design support, no setup or die-plate charges, and a 3D digital mockup before anything goes to press.
Every custom reverse tuck end boxes order includes free in-house dieline and artwork support — our US-based designers will polish your existing files, or build a custom dieline from scratch to fit your exact product dimensions. We send you a 3D mockup to confirm look and proportions before production. For color-critical work, request a physical sample free — let’s talk about a customized sample so you can confirm the look before a full run.
Materials, print, and finish options
Reverse tuck end cartons are folding cartons — the standard for retail-shelf paperboard packaging. Board weight follows the product: 14pt SBS for small cosmetic and supplement RTEs; 18pt as the everyday retail default; 20pt to 24pt for larger footprints or heavier product. Kraft is available in the same weights for an eco-forward brand voice. Any of these stocks takes the full finish range — matte, gloss, soft-touch, foil, spot UV, embossing — and RTE dielines print cleanly on all six panels.
Available finishes include:
- Lamination: Gloss, matte, soft-touch, or velvet finish for a premium hand-feel.
- Foil stamping: Gold, silver, copper, or custom foil colors for high-visibility brand marks.
- Embossing & debossing: Tactile raised or recessed surface effects on logo or key artwork.
- Spot UV: Selective gloss coating that creates contrast against matte areas.
- Eco-friendly options: Recycled kraft, widely recyclable paperboard and water-based inks.
- Compliance: soy-based inks; child-resistant-style constructions for CBD/cannabis on request.
If you're not sure which combination will work best for your custom reverse tuck end boxes, mention it in your quote request — our team will recommend the right material, print spec, and finish based on your product, budget, and brand positioning.
How to order your custom reverse tuck end boxes
- Request a quote — use the "Get Free Quote" button on this page, or call (855) 792-3890 (toll free). Tell us your box style, dimensions, quantity, material preferences, and any deadline.
- We respond within 1 business day with pricing, lead times, and material recommendations. No pressure, no commitment.
- Free design + 3D mockup — we build your dieline (or polish your existing artwork) and send you a 3D digital mockup to approve.
- Optional physical sample — request a custom sample (refunded on your first order) to hold the real box in hand — let’s talk it through.
- Production & free US shipping — once you approve, we print and ship in 7–10 business days, free anywhere in the United States.
Custom Reverse Tuck End Boxes guides
Custom Reverse Tuck End Boxes Weight and Price Calculator
Get an instant weight estimate (per box, total order, and shipping dimensional weight) and a per-unit price estimate for your custom reverse tuck end boxes. Enter dimensions in inches or centimeters — the calculator converts automatically. For a firm quote, request a free quote.
Pick your box material
Choose the stock first — each calculator below has its own length × width × height inputs.
Part 1 Weight calculator
Finished box weight and the dimensional weight US carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) use for shipping.
Dim weight uses the US domestic divisor of 166 (L × W × H ÷ 166 in pounds). Carriers bill the greater of actual or dimensional weight.
Part 2 Price calculator
Instant per-unit and total estimate in the US-market range for the spec below. Firm pricing requires your artwork and exact spec.
US-market estimate based on 2026 rates. Exact pricing depends on artwork, exact stock, Pantone requirements, and finish combinations. No setup, die, or plate fees at any quantity.
Custom Reverse Tuck End Boxes — Frequently Asked Questions
