Auto-lock boxes: the base clicks shut by itself
An auto-lock box has a pre-folded base that locks itself the moment you open the box out. No tape underneath, no separate bottom insert, and considerably fewer actions per parcel.
With an ordinary folding box you close four bottom flaps and tape over them. In an auto-lock box those flaps are already glued together in a folded pattern. Open the box out and the flaps pull each other into the locked position, and the base is fixed. In practice that saves a few seconds per box and a roll of tape per so many parcels.
That difference only really counts at volume. If you ship ten parcels a day you will hardly notice it. If you ship hundreds, it becomes a saving in labour time that can offset the higher unit price. The box is more expensive than an ordinary folding box, because a gluing step is added.
There is another advantage that is often overlooked: the base closes the same way on every box. With tape, strength depends on who is packing and how many strips they use. With an auto-lock base that is not up to the packer, which can reduce the risk of a base tearing open.
What you use this packaging for
Where the time saved is recovered fastest.
- Web shops with many orders a day
A few seconds per parcel sounds like little, but at a few hundred orders a day it adds up to hours a week.
- Packing lines with changing staff
The base closes the same way on every box, regardless of who is packing. As a result, the strength of your packaging depends less on experience.
- House moves
Boxes store flat and are ready to use in a single movement. Useful when many boxes have to be set up at once.
- Situations where tape is awkward
Cold rooms, dusty environments or damp board: exactly the conditions in which tape adheres poorly.
Specifications
Everything is produced to your internal dimensions; the table shows the limits within which that is possible.
Price, minimum order and lead time
We work with tailored quotes, because the price depends on size, board grade and print run.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need tape at all?
Not for the base. You do still close the top, with tape or a sealing strip. The time saved is in the base, which takes the most handling on an ordinary box.
Is an auto-lock box just as strong?
With the same board and correct assembly, the base construction is comparable in practice and often more predictable, because the closure does not depend on how someone applies tape. For very heavy contents a five-ply version remains the advice.
Why is this box more expensive?
A production step is added: the bottom flaps are folded and glued. You can recover that surcharge per box in packing time and tape, but only if you have enough volume.
Can it be printed?
Yes, full colour in your brand style. Bear in mind that unprinted board is easier to recycle, which counts towards what you need to be able to substantiate about your packaging.
Calculate or read further
Request a price for auto-lock boxes
Tell us the internal size you need and how many you want. If you do not know the size yet, fill in what you do know — we will think along. You will usually receive a free quote within a week.
Request a quoteRather see a sample first? Request a sample — delivery in 3 to 4 weeks