Match Boxes

Custom Match Boxes With or Without Matches

Choose the contents before deciding how the box should look. An empty box for your own packing process needs a different brief from a filled order. State which version you require and the number of boxes.

For filled enquiries, include the match length, intended count and arrangement. If you already have the matches, provide measurements including the heads. State any match-head colour preference for availability to be checked; a box photograph does not confirm the contents or capacity.

Plain or Printed Sleeves for Your Setting

Plain match boxes have no printed branding. A personalised sleeve can carry your venue name, logo or event design. Plain supply does not, by itself, establish whether a striker panel is included.

Restaurants may want a name that stays readable on a small table item. Candle brands may need artwork that works alongside an existing carton. Event favours can feature initials or a date without crowding the sleeve. Choose a main viewing face so the closed box presents the key detail clearly.

Match Length and Count Guide the Format

Compact rectangular, square and longer rectangular formats can be assessed around the contents. Longer candle or fireplace matches need a different tray layout from short matches. Length alone does not establish the required width or depth.

Provide measurements in millimetres, the intended count and the arrangement inside the tray. Internal tray dimensions describe usable space; external dimensions include the sleeve and board. If the box must fit a candle gift pack or decorative holder, supply the available space too.

Other products using a drawer may also need a different specification; our tray-and-sleeve packaging provides a separate starting point.

Paperboard Selected for the Sleeve and Tray

White folding paperboard is a practical starting point for printed sleeves. Suitable SBS stock can be assessed for logos, text and full-colour artwork. The inner tray needs firm, foldable board with corners and folds that work with the sleeve clearance.

Kraft paperboard offers an optional brown appearance. The same artwork can look different on brown and white stock, so review the colour treatment before approval. Brown board alone does not establish recycled content or recyclability.

Board thickness affects usable space, folds and the sliding fit. Agree the grade and thickness for the complete structure rather than prescribing one GSM for every box. Recheck the fit if the material changes.

Rigid construction may suit a larger presentation-style brief. Corrugated board is more relevant to bulk shipping outers than ordinary compact matchboxes. Neither should replace folding paperboard in an existing dieline without reviewing the structure.

Printing and Finishes for Small Sleeves

CMYK printing suits full-colour illustrations and event artwork. Pantone or spot colours can be considered for simple logos and specific brand references. Small type needs enough contrast and space to remain readable.

Matt or gloss coatings and laminations can be assessed for the chosen board. Foil stamping can highlight initials or a logo, while embossing, debossing and Spot UV offer optional detail. Check these treatments against folds and sliding clearance; adding a finish should not make the tray bind inside its sleeve.

Plan the Striker Before Placing Artwork

For a filled safety-match brief, agree the compatible striker, its inclusion and its position alongside the match specification. Empty-box enquiries should also state whether a striker is required. Do not assume that every supplied box has the same functional panel.

Reserve the agreed striker area on the layout. Decorative print, foil, coating and lamination must remain clear of that working surface.

Check the Dieline, Artwork and Sliding Fit

A dieline shows where the board is cut, folded and joined; a visual mock-up shows how the artwork may look. Our dieline guidelines explain the structural layout. Keep key text away from folds, glue areas and the agreed striker position.

Use the artwork guidelines when preparing files. A digital proof can help review wording and panel placement. Where needed, agree a physical sample for checking the tray, sleeve and opening action. Agree what the sample will show and any charges before approval.

Quantities, Bulk Packing and Delivery

There is no minimum order quantity. For wholesale match box enquiries, give the total quantity and identify each size, artwork version and filled or empty format. Include any bulk outer-carton requirements for distribution.

Upload image references through the quote form. Email print-ready PDF, AI or PSD artwork to sales@healeypackaging.co.uk with your enquiry reference. Reference images explain appearance; they are separate from print-ready files.

Production takes 7–10 working days after artwork approval. Allow separately for transit and share any event or launch deadline. Free shipping covers the UK and USA, including all US states, with Healey covering applicable import duties and taxes. Confirm the destination and delivery arrangements for filled orders before placing the order.