Multi Purpose Header Cards

Multi Purpose Header Cards: Hang, Brand, Identify

Multi purpose header cards are printed paperboard components attached to the top of a product, bag or small retail pack. They provide a hanging point for peg displays and space for branding, product identification, barcodes and essential information.

Depending on the packaging design, header cards may be folded over a bag opening, secured with staples or adhesive, or incorporated into a custom hanging arrangement. The attachment method should suit the product’s weight and how it will be handled. They are one of several hanging and display structures available in our packaging box templates library.

Header Cards for Products Without Full Enclosure

Header cards are particularly useful for products that do not need the additional enclosure of a folding carton. They allow customers to see the contents while giving retailers a consistent hanging format.

Typical applications include:

• Jewellery and fashion accessories
• Craft supplies and sewing accessories
• Small stationery products
• Hair accessories
• Lightweight hardware components
• Toys and novelty items
• Promotional merchandise

For products supplied in clear bags, a printed header can provide brand identification without covering the main viewing area. Where a product requires a complete carton with an integrated hanging panel, custom five panel hanger boxes offer a different structural approach.

How Header Cards Attach to Packaging

The most appropriate attachment depends on whether the header is supporting a bag, enclosing its opening or simply providing a hanging feature. A folded header card typically wraps over the top of a bag, with its front and back sections secured together. This creates a printable area on both sides and can help close the bag.

Other designs use a single card panel with a suitable attachment method. The position of the hanging hole matters. It should be aligned with the pack’s centre of gravity to reduce leaning or rotation when displayed.

Hanging Holes, Card Size and Retail Fit

A header card needs enough space for the hanger aperture, branding and product information without becoming unnecessarily large. Common hanging arrangements include round holes and Euro slots. The correct choice depends on the retailer’s display fixtures and the intended product load.

When developing the dieline, consider the hole’s distance from the top edge, the board remaining around the aperture and the strength of the attachment to the product pack. For heavier items or products requiring more substantial support, five panel hanger auto bottom boxes combine an extended hanging panel with a complete carton and pre-glued base.

Header Cards Printing for Simple Printed Hanging Panel

Header cards are often small, so artwork needs to be organised carefully. The front should prioritise the brand, product name and information customers need to identify the item. The reverse can accommodate barcodes, instructions, product details or other required information.

CMYK or Pantone printing can be specified according to the artwork and production requirements. Matt or gloss finishes may also be considered, provided they suit the board and intended application.

Keep important text clear of fold lines, attachment areas and the hanging aperture. If the product only needs a printed hanging panel rather than a more specialised attachment arrangement, header cards printing is another relevant option to compare.

Header Cards: Confirm Width, Height & Hang Hole

The key measurements are the header width, finished height, fold position and hanging-hole location. For folded cards, the bag width and sealed area must also be considered. Product weight is equally important. A header that works for lightweight accessories may not be suitable for a heavier multipack. Testing a finished sample on the intended retail hook helps confirm hanging balance, attachment security and visibility.