Automatic Cardboard Boxes
Useful tips for Automatic Cardboard Boxes
Learn more about materials, selection criteria and specific features of this category.
Does an automatic box fit?
- Yes, if your daily shipping volume is in double digits and gluing the bottom takes too long per box.
- Yes, if you ship light to medium-weight goods and need a reinforced base.
- Yes, a variable-height model, if your shipments vary in height and you don't want to cut the box down.
- No, choose double-wall boxes instead if you ship very heavy goods or expect high point loads.
Automatic boxes pay off when you ship double-digit volumes daily and send light to medium-weight goods. The bottom locks itself when you unfold the box, no tape needed at the base. The range covers lengths from 160 to 540 mm, with variable-height options and the Mail-Box system in five sizes.
What to look for when choosing
Inner dimensions and required height
The inner dimensions need to fit your goods plus cushioning. Don't go by the outer dimensions in the product title.
- Measure the longest edge of your goods.
- Add 5 to 10 mm tolerance for cushioning.
- Treat height as critical, not just length and width.
- For shipments with strong height variation: consider a variable-height model.
- Distinguish inner and outer dimensions in the product title.
Variable height or fixed height
Pre-scored height creases save you a height cutter and a utility knife. They only pay off if your shipments actually vary in height.
- Do your shipments vary in height?
- Is two-step height adjustment enough or do shipments stay homogeneous?
- Does the height crease interfere with the closure?
- Will you also seal with tape or an adhesive strip?
- Would the next-larger fixed-height model do the job instead?
Closure and returns
All models with a VP code have a self-adhesive strip plus tear-open perforation on the lid. Models from VP 20 upwards add a second adhesive strip for the return shipment. Models without a VP code have an adhesive strip and tear-open perforation, but no return strip. The Mail-Box system uses a tuck closure, which you can secure with tape if needed.
- Should the recipient open the box without tools? Use the tear-open perforation.
- Should the recipient send the box back? Pick a model from VP 20 upwards with a return strip.
- Light, short-distance shipping? The Mail-Box with tuck closure is enough, optionally secured with tape.
- For high-vibration transport: choose a self-adhesive strip over a tuck closure.
Closure position and manual height adjustment
Models with a VP code are sealed on the side because the lid is built longer. This gives the contents more protection and lets you adjust the height manually within limits. Models without a VP code are sealed on top in the classic way.
Base structure
All automatic boxes in this category are single-wall. The auto-bottom is formed at unfolding from two overlapping layers of corrugated board, giving the base stability without extra glue or tape.
- Is single-wall enough or do you need double-wall?
- Will the box be transported in a stack?
- Are you expecting point loads or distributed loads?
- Will the box be turned or transferred often?
Color and outward appearance
Fixed-height and variable-height models come in brown. Color options come exclusively through the Mail-Box system, which lets you choose between yellow, white and brown.
- Should the box stand out in logistics?
- Will it be printed on or labeled later?
- What effect should it have on the recipient?
- Consistency with other shipping packaging in your set?
Pack size and quantity tiers
The pack size (VP) determines stocking logic and unit price. The range includes VP 10, VP 20, VP 30, VP 35 and VP 40. A larger pack size pays off when consumption stays constant.
- How high is your weekly consumption?
- Is there enough storage space for a large bundle?
- Do you order frequently or rarely?
- Can you take advantage of the pricing tiers?
Variants you'll find in this category
Small fixed-height. Suitable for small, light shipments such as accessories, cosmetics or small parts. Limit: goods with varying heights rarely fit without padding ballast. Useful when your shipments are very homogeneous and you want a compact standard SKU. Lengths approx. 160 to 230 mm.
Medium fixed-height. Suitable for medium-sized shipping items of consistent size, such as standard-volume apparel or compact electronics. Limit: hits its limit with flat DIN-format shipments or very high item counts per box. Useful as an all-rounder for a homogeneous shipping line. Lengths approx. 300 to 350 mm.
Large fixed-height. Suitable for bulky single items such as larger electronics, household goods or bundled shipments. Limit: lacks the second flute for very heavy goods, those belong in double-wall boxes. Useful for consistently large but light to medium-weight contents. Lengths approx. 400 to 540 mm.
Variable-height. Suitable for shipments with fluctuating fill height, three sizes available, one in DIN A4 format. Limit: not a substitute for a double-wall solution with heavy goods. Useful when you want one SKU to cover several heights and need flexibility while packing.
Mail-Box system with five sizes and color choice. Suitable for tiered shipping from XS extras to XL parcels in yellow, white or brown. Limit: tuck closure instead of an adhesive strip, secure with tape for high-vibration transport. Useful when you need a continuous size range with consistent outward appearance.
Use cases
Return-friendly shipping
If the recipient is supposed to send the original box back, you need a model from VP 20 upwards. The return strip makes a separate return packaging unnecessary in most cases. The box is built for one round-trip return.
Unboxing for branded shipping
Tape residue on the lid spoils the look. The tear-open perforation is present on every model with an adhesive strip and lets the recipient open the box cleanly without a utility knife.
Heterogeneous shipments with fluctuating fill height
If the same base footprint covers several shipment types, a variable-height model can significantly reduce your SKU list in the packaging store. Padding ballast goes down because the height adapts to the goods.
Branded shipping
If you're looking for color options in the fixed-height or variable-height range, you won't find them. Color comes only through the Mail-Box system or through printed shipping packaging from the printed boxes category.
Common purchasing mistakes and how to avoid them
- Outer dimensions confused with inner dimensions. Fix: measure your goods, check the inner dimensions in the product title. See Inner dimensions and required height.
- Variable-height model bought for homogeneous goods. Fix: choose fixed height, the box is more stable along the side walls without height creases. See Variable height or fixed height.
- VP 10 ordered for return shipping. Fix: choose a model from VP 20 upwards, that's where the return strip is. See Closure and returns.
- Mail-Box used for high-vibration transport without securing it. Fix: add tape or switch to a model with an adhesive strip. See Closure and returns.
- Single-wall assumed for very heavy goods. Fix: use a double-wall box. See Base structure.
- Color option searched for outside the Mail-Box system. Fix: pick the Mail-Box or have boxes printed via the printed boxes category. See Color and outward appearance.
- Small pack size with constantly high consumption. Fix: do the math on quantity tiers and a larger pack size. See Pack size and quantity tiers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really not need any tape?
None at the base. On the lid, the self-adhesive strip is enough. With the Mail-Box system and its tuck closure, tape is recommended as a safeguard, especially for high-vibration transport.
Which models work for returns?
Models from VP 20 upwards. They have a return strip for the round trip back.
Can the boxes be stored flat?
Yes, they ship flat and only set up when you unfold them.
How long does setup actually take?
The bottom snaps into place as you pull the box open, the whole setup takes seconds per box.
Can automatic boxes be printed with a logo?
Yes, through the printed boxes category, usually with a minimum order quantity.
Can I mix VP sizes to hit quantity tiers?
Quantity tiers apply per item. You can mix several sizes in one order, but each size is tiered on its own.
What does the pack size code (VP 10/20/30/35/40) mean?
The number of units per bundle. It controls unit price and storage footprint.
Why are some models sealed on the side and others on top?
Models with a VP code have a longer lid and are sealed on the side, which gives more protection. Models without a VP code are sealed on top in the classic way.