Specification for Paperboard Inserts

Specification Project input
Product dimensions and weight Use the complete product, including protrusions and accessories, when defining support.
Contact points and cavities Mark load-bearing points, delicate surfaces and areas that must remain clear.
Insert material Identify the material or grade and review the required contact and handling conditions.
Removal access Allow a practical way to insert and remove the contents without forcing sensitive parts.
Outer-box fit Check the insert-to-box interface with the actual board, product and closing arrangement.
Quantity Quantity per style, size and artwork design. Standard MOQ is 500 pieces; higher quantities may apply.
Artwork PDF, AI or CDR artwork where available; JPG/PNG references and Excel specifications can support the brief. Files are reviewed for their intended use.
Delivery Destination, target date and whether packaging should arrive assembled or flat, where applicable.

Insert materials and contact surfaces

The quotation confirms the selected grade and compatible options.

Material option Specification and confirmation
White paperboard Discuss a printed or plain paper face where the insert will be visible.
Kraft paperboard Consider the paper appearance with the outer pack and product.
Board weight and folds Confirm cut-outs, folding and locking tabs together with the required support.

Molded Pulp · Foam Materials · Greyboard

Open kraft box with a circular insert and dark printed lettering.

Product geometry and outer-box fit

Outer-box cavity and the profile, depth and spacing of every product position.

  • Measurement reference: Give units and label product, internal or external dimensions. Include a drawing or reference sample if available.
  • Multiple sizes: List quantities by size. A size change may require a revised structure, artwork or sample.

Custom size planning

Visible insert surfaces

Identify visible printed areas and keep artwork away from locking tabs and cut-outs.

Print preparation Specification and confirmation
Print areas Mark printed faces, unprinted areas, text and codes. The material and order requirements determine the printing method.
Colour reference Provide CMYK artwork or a Pantone reference where available. Approve colour on the agreed material and sample; screen previews show layout.
Files and versions Send PDF, AI or CDR artwork if available; JPG/PNG references and Excel specifications or data can support the brief. Files are reviewed before production.

Artwork and dieline support · Colour management

Front view of an open kraft box with a circular insert opening.

Visible surfaces and coverings

Availability depends on the material, structure and intended use.

  • Contact surface: Identify delicate coatings, edges and areas that should not be rubbed or compressed. Review them with the proposed insert sample.
  • Visible presentation: Describe the colour and appearance needed around the product. Printed paper faces or separate branded cards can be assessed where appropriate to the insert type.
  • Edges and access points: Review cut or formed edges, finger access and the way the product is lifted out. A decorative surface must not obstruct removal or support.

Discuss the appropriate customization

Cavity layout and component fit

Select retention points around the actual product shape and removal motion. Creases and locking tabs must fit inside the outer box after assembly.

Choose folded platforms, cut-out supports or dividers around loading and removal; confirm assembly within the actual box.

  • Working layout: Send a drawing, reference or actual product. Identify fixed requirements and options to compare.
  • Supply and assembly: Agree stacked, nested or fitted supply where the insert design allows it. Identify matching outer boxes and the assembly work expected at the packing site.
  • Component matching: For a multi-part pack, list component sizes, assembly order and which parts the quotation includes.

Packout and shipping planning

Sample checks: tabs, cut-outs and removal points

Pack and remove the product several times, checking friction and visible surfaces. Compare dividers if simple separation is enough and close contouring is unnecessary.

Choose the right sample stage

  • Structural sample: Check dimensions, assembly, fit and opening or application with the actual contents where relevant.
  • Printed sample: Check print areas, colour and finish. Record any differences between the sample process and bulk production.
  • Production reference: Approve the sample and artwork version before production. Recheck affected parts after changes to dimensions, materials or functional components.

Sample fees, shipping and timing are quoted per project. A visual proof cannot replace physical checks.

Quotation, approval and production

Confirm the brief and quotation

Agree quantities by size and artwork, materials, printing, finishes, components, and any tooling or assembly charges.

Approve samples and files

Record the approved sample and artwork. Scheduling follows the required sample, artwork, deposit and order confirmations.

Produce and inspect

Agree inspection methods and acceptance criteria for materials, dimensions, print, appearance and relevant assembly or fit.

Pack and deliver

Production and transit times are assessed separately. Confirm the destination, transport arrangement and delivery responsibilities.

Related packaging options

Open white box viewed from the front with its lid upright.

Custom Corrugated Inserts

Folded or die-cut corrugated components provide support and separation inside a carton. The insert layout is selected around the product and packing sequence.

View Corrugated Inserts

Open pale green box with a white shaped insert.

Custom Molded Pulp Inserts

Formed pulp cavities follow selected parts of the product profile. Its geometry must balance support, access and the available outer-pack space.

View Molded Pulp Inserts

Open black box with a dark fitted insert and white lid graphic.

Custom EVA Foam Inserts

Cut or shaped EVA cavities organise products inside a box. Cavity dimensions and contact areas affect support and removal.

View EVA Foam Inserts

Compare Paperboard Inserts with related formats

Option When to consider it
Custom Paperboard Inserts Folded paperboard can locate products through tabs, cut-outs and supporting panels.
Custom Corrugated Inserts Corrugated components can support products with folded walls, pads or layered positions inside a shipping pack.
Custom Molded Pulp Inserts A shaped pulp tray can locate products through formed cavities and support surfaces.

Request pricing for paperboard inserts

Send your product details, measurements, quantity per version and artwork direction to info@elevapack.com. Include the destination and any material, finish or assembly requirement you want us to review.

Discuss Your Packaging

Custom Paperboard Inserts FAQ

Select retention points around the actual product shape and removal motion. Creases and locking tabs must fit inside the outer box after assembly.

Pack and remove the product several times, checking friction and visible surfaces. Compare dividers if simple separation is enough and close contouring is unnecessary.

Specify outer-box cavity and the profile, depth and spacing of every product position. Identify visible printed areas and keep artwork away from locking tabs and cut-outs. Compatible materials and finishes are confirmed in the quotation.

The standard MOQ is 500 pcs per style, size and artwork. Special materials, constructions or multi-component sets may require more. Combined orders are assessed individually; the quotation confirms the applicable quantities.