Answers

Is a tuck-top auto bottom better than a straight tuck?

A straight tuck is a simple carton with both tucks on the same side. A tuck-top auto bottom pops open and holds more weight. Neither is better until you know what goes in it and how it gets packed.

A straight tuck (STE) folds both tucks from the same panel, so they close in the same direction. The front face stays cleaner for graphics. It uses a little more board than a reverse tuck, and someone still has to close the bottom by hand.

A tuck-top auto bottom (TTAB) has a tuck at the top and a crash-lock bottom. Squeeze the sides and the bottom locks. It sets up fast and holds bottles, jars, and kits better than a tuck bottom. It costs more board and a more expensive die than a straight tuck.

Pick the TTAB when the carton has to pop open on a packing line or carry weight. Pick the straight tuck when the face has to stay clean and the packer can close a tuck. If you do not know the style, the carton styles page shows both folded and flat.

All answers · Straight tuck · Tuck-top auto bottom

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