Custom Card Sleeves
Card sleeves are often overlooked until problems start showing up. Corners catch during packing, cards shift inside loose sleeves, or stock arrives marked after a short trip through distribution. Once that happens, card value drops immediately. For retailers and distributors, that means returns and time lost resolving avoidable issues. At Healey Packaging, we have supplied custom card Sleeves to UK trade buyers for years, and most failures come down to fit, material behaviour, and how sleeves perform when handled in volume rather than individually.
When a Sleeve is a Liability, Not Protection
A card sleeve that is slightly oversized creates movement. That movement wears edges and softens corners over time.
A tight fit causes different problems. Cards snag during insertion, slowing down packing lines and increasing handling damage. With card sleeve production, tolerances matter more than thickness alone. We size sleeves to the actual card dimensions; not nominal measurements pulled from a catalogue.
This is especially important for trading and collectible products where condition affects resale value.
The High-Volume Friction That Bends Cards and Deadlines
In a warehouse environment, sleeves are handled thousands of times a week. What works for a single collector does not always work on a packing bench.
For clients using trading card sleeves at volume, we focus on how the sleeve opens, how rigid the edge is, and how quickly cards can be inserted without bending. Small changes in sleeve structure can remove seconds from each pack, which adds up fast over large runs.
Matching Sleeve Structure to the Product’s Journey
Not every card needs the same level of protection. Using the wrong type can create unnecessary cost or handling issues.
We commonly supply:
- Soft sleeves for standard retail protection
- Semi rigid card sleeves where added stiffness helps during sorting
- Hard card sleeves for premium or graded products
Choosing the right structure depends on how the cards are stored, shipped, and displayed, not just how valuable they are.
Custom Sleeves For Branded Decks And Games
For game publishers and promotional decks, custom playing card sleeves need to balance protection with usability. Sleeves that are too thick make decks hard to shuffle. Sleeves that are too thin wear out quickly.
We regularly produce custom deck sleeves for tabletop games, branded promotions, and limited releases. These are sized to the deck format and tested for repeat handling, not just initial appearance.
Where Micron-Level Consistency Protects Dollar Value
Condition is everything in collectibles. A damaged corner or surface mark can reduce value instantly.
Clients supplying custom mtg sleeves and other collectible formats usually want consistency above all else. Sleeve dimensions, clarity, and edge finish must remain stable across batches. That consistency is what protects resale value and avoids customer complaints months after purchase.
Credit And Non-Standard Card Formats
Not all cards are paper-based collectibles. We also supply credit card sleeves and sleeves for access cards, membership cards, and ID formats.
These require different material behaviour. Flexibility matters less than abrasion resistance and clarity. Edges need to remain clean even when cards are removed repeatedly from wallets or holders.
Sustainable Options That Do Not Compromise Clarity or Fit
Where required, we can supply sleeves produced using recyclable materials. This is typically requested for promotional runs or corporate card use rather than collectibles. As with any packaging, sustainability only works if the sleeve still protects the card properly.
| Dimension (L + W + H) | All Custom Sizes & Shapes |
|---|---|
| Quantities | No Minimum Order Required |
| Paper Stock | 210gsm, 250gsm, 280gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm, 420gsm, 460gsm, 500gsm, Bleach Card (SBS), Eco-Friendly Kraft, E-flute Corrugated, Bux Board, etc. |
| Printing | No Printing, CMYK, CMYK + 1 PMS color, CMYK + 2 PMS colors |
| Finishing | Gloss Lamination, Matte Lamination, Gloss AQ, Gloss UV, Matte UV, Spot UV, Embossing, Foiling |
| Included Options | Die Cutting, Gluing, Scoring, Perforation |
| Additional Options | Eco-Friendly, Recycled Boxes, Biodegradable |
| Proof | Flat View, 3D Mock-up, Physical Sampling (On request) |
| Turnaround | 7 – 10 Business Days, RUSH |
| Shipping | FLAT |
Are your card sleeves sized to exact card dimensions?
Yes. All sleeves are produced to match the actual card size, not generic standards.
What sleeve types do you offer?
We supply soft, semi-rigid, and hard sleeves depending on handling and protection needs.
Are these suitable for high-volume packing?
Yes. Many clients use our sleeves on production lines and packing benches.
Do you supply custom printed or branded sleeves?
Yes, where required for decks, promotions, or retail presentation.
Can sleeves be used for long-term storage?
They are designed to maintain shape and clarity during extended storage.
What are typical order volumes?
Volumes vary by sleeve type and specification. We support both trade runs and repeat bulk orders.
Why Brands Trust Us
We are not just box manufacturers. We help brands package smarter, ship safer, and sell better, without unnecessary complexity.
- Packaging Specialists Industry-focused structures, not generic templates.
- Low MOQ Support Start small, scale confidently.
- Material-First Engineering Right board, right strength, right finish.
- UK & Global Fulfilment Flat packed, secure, and delivery-ready.
Our Process
Share your product size, quantity, and use-case.
We recommend structure, material, and finish.
Approve dieline or sample before production.
Manufacturing, quality check, and delivery.
