How to fold the package correctly

Even high-quality packages can be damaged if they are folded incorrectly. Here are some important tips on how to avoid damaging your package while folding it.

Cardboard packaging

If you are folding a cardboard box, first check which side of the cardboard is the exterior (visible) side. If this is difficult to understand because the cardboard (such as black decorative cardboard) looks the same on both sides, then look for the fold lines. The “right” side of the cardboard is where the indentations for the fold line is.

What if you mixed up the interior and exterior, and your folded box is now inside-out? First of all, evaluate the result. By bending the product in a wrong way, unwanted bulges may appear and the box won’t look as good. If your package comes as a two-part box, check that the parts are flush with each other. If you are happy with the results, it is better to leave the package as is.

We recommend thoroughly folding along all the guide lines of unglued cardboard packages by placing them on a flat surface (e.g. table). The product can then be assembled according to its design. Carefully fold the parts with small elements or protrusions, as they can bend and wrinkle, making the package look unattractive. Sometimes small structural parts play a big role in the overall construction. If they are folded incorrectly, the package may not work at all; for example, the lid will not close, etc.

Corrugated cardboard packaging

Do not store corrugated cardboard packages in rooms with relatively high ambient temperatures and low humidity, or close to heaters or radiators. After a few hours, the corrugated cardboard will dry out and warp, making it more difficult to fold and causing some bent parts to malfunction. Cardboard that is too dry can also crack at the fold lines, resulting in shallow yet visible minimal dents. Do not place heavy or sharp objects on corrugated cardboard or lean on it with your elbows, as this can damage the cardboard surface and cause unwanted dents. Fold packages with clear plastic windows in clean rooms and on clean, dust-free surfaces only. Otherwise, the windows may become dirty and will be difficult to clean.

The “wrong” side of corrugated cardboard packages (i.e. unprinted) is the side that has the indentation of the fold line.

Be sure to fold the layout on a flat surface! Start by folding carefully along the fold lines. Corrugated cardboard has internal corrugations: try to bend it so that the corrugated cardboard corrugations do not break inside the cardboard, as wrinkles will form in those places. Be extra careful when folding where the double fold lines run parallel to the corrugated cardboard fluting, as the box may “want” to bend between the two folding lines in those places.

Corrugated cardboard packages with print are folded so that the print remains on the “right” side of the box. In this case, there is no need to pay attention to the indentations and protrusions of folding lines, as this is highly dependent on the printing technology used.

Precise, careful folding of corrugated packaging not only determines the beautiful appearance of the product, but also ensures that the external measurements of the packaging will be as intended by the designer. Let’s say we have a two-part package with a bottom part and an upper sleeve. Poorly folded parts can make it so the package doesn’t close at all. If the bottom has to be pushed into the sleeve/lid with force, it can crush the package and cause irreparable damage.

Packages with laminated surfaces

Sometimes the surface of a package is coated with glossy or matte laminates. Fingerprints may appear on laminated surfaces when folding packages with dark designs, so be sure to fold them with dry hands or wear gloves. Be careful: if the layout is carelessly rubbed against a rough surface or if it is scratched with nails when folding, even a slight scratch can appear on the surface.

Remember, improper folding can ruin the package, even if it was designed flawlessly.

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