Overview & Specifications
What Are Promotional Packaging Sleeves?
Promotional packaging sleeves are open-ended paperboard tubes printed with a promotion and slid over a product's regular box. The box underneath stays in the range; the sleeve carries the offer, bundle or sample for as long as the promotion runs.
Promotional Packaging Sleeves sit in PR & Promotions and are built on Custom Box Sleeves.
What it has to do
What a Promotional Sleeve Has to Do
A promotional sleeve changes what a box says, sometimes what it holds, without changing the box. Each need below is matched to how it is met.
01
Keep
Keep a Bundle Together
A sleeve can group two or more boxes into one offer, such as buy two. Whether the packs stay together in handling depends on fit, board and pack weight, so retention is confirmed by a packed handling test.02
Carry
Carry the Offer
Front, side and back panels carry the offer, a call to action, a QR code and the terms. Space for terms is reserved on the artwork from the start.03
Slide
Slide On at Packing
The sleeve is sized to the actual packed box, with enough clearance to slide on by hand but not so much that it slips off.04
Leave
Leave the Box Unchanged
The regular box stays in stock and in use. When the promotion ends, sleeves stop being applied.
Promotional vs Campaign Packaging Sleeves
Promotional sleeves carry ongoing offers, bundles and sampling; campaign sleeves carry artwork for a defined campaign with a start and end date. The table compares them.
| Attribute | Promotional Packaging Sleeves | Campaign Packaging Sleeves |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Offers, bundles, multipacks, samples, retailer promotions | A defined campaign or initiative |
| Duration | Ongoing or repeating | Set start and end |
| Typical message | "Buy two", "free sample", partner offer | Launch, cause, awareness, political or limited run |
| Base box | Regular box stays in use | Regular box stays in use |
| Page | This page | Campaign Packaging Sleeves |
Promotional Packaging Sleeves Specifications
Promotional Packaging Sleeves are specified around the packed box, the promotion, the board and the finish. Review the specifications below to plan the sleeve.
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Promotional sleeve over an existing box |
| Category | PR & Promotions |
| Structure | Custom Box Sleeves |
| Dimensions | Custom, sized to the finished outside dimensions of the packed box or bundle |
| Core Construction | Four-panel tube closed at a seam per approved dieline, open ends |
| Board | White SBS, kraft or recycled paperboard; corrugated board; metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured cardstock |
| Board Caliper | Paperboard from about 14 pt to 28 pt, or E/F-flute corrugated; matched to the box and handling |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window (with or without film), tear strip, tongue lock |
| Retention | Bundles and attached samples confirmed by a packed handling test |
| Print Coverage | Exterior only, or exterior and interior |
| Print Methods | Offset, digital, UV or screen printing; CMYK and Pantone spot colors |
| Finishes | Matte, gloss or soft-touch lamination, aqueous coating, foil stamping, emboss/deboss, Spot UV and raised 3D UV |
| Content | Offer terms and disclosures supplied by the brand |
| Starting Price | From $1.25 / unit; final price depends on size, board, print, finishes and quantity |
| Minimum Order | 500 units |
| Standard Production | 7 days from approved proof |
| Rush Production | Available on request |
| Shipping | Ships flat, USA and worldwide |
What Size Promotional Sleeve Do I Need?
Measure the packed box, or the bundle of boxes stacked as they will be sold, on the outside. Final dimensions are set on the approved dieline.
| Measurement | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Box or bundle | Outside length, width and height as packed |
| Packs per sleeve | One, two or more |
| Sample | Size and position, if one is attached |
| Weight | Total packed weight of the bundle |
Measure the Packed Box
Measure a filled, closed box, not the dieline size. Lamination and bulging contents change the outside size.
What to Check Before Bulk Production
Review sleeves on the real packed boxes and run a packed handling test for bundles and samples. Record the approved board, fit and finish on the signed-off sample. Where a sample shows a problem, review the cause, revise the specification and confirm it on another packed sample.
| If the sample shows | Cause to review |
|---|---|
| Bundle separates when lifted | Fit, board and pack weight; retest |
| Sleeve slides off | Clearance against the packed box |
| Sleeve scuffs the box print | Clearance and sleeve finish |
| Terms unreadable | Panel space and type size |
Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately, so count back from the promotion start date.
