Open Ended Tray Boxes

Custom Open Ended Trays: Visible, Accessible, Packable

Open ended tray boxes are tray-style cartons with one or both ends left open, allowing products to slide in easily while remaining partially visible. Unlike fully enclosed folding cartons, this structure focuses on accessibility, product presentation and organised packing rather than complete enclosure.

The design is commonly used as an inner tray inside sleeve packaging, a presentation tray for premium products or a retail display inserts where customers need to see or remove the product without dismantling the entire pack.

As part of our packaging box styles collection, open ended tray boxes can be manufactured around your exact product dimensions and intended packing process.

How an Open Ended Tray Box Works

The structure begins as a flat die-cut sheet that folds into a rigid tray. Instead of closing every side with tuck flaps, one or both ends remain open, allowing products to be inserted directly.

Depending on the application, the tray may be used:

• As a standalone retail tray
• Inside a printed outer sleeve
• Within a two-piece presentation pack
• As part of a promotional gift set
• As an internal component for organised packaging

The open design simplifies loading while keeping products neatly positioned during storage and display.

Where Open Ended Tray Boxes Are Used

This structure is chosen when products benefit from easy access or partial visibility. Common applications include:

• Chocolate and confectionery trays
• Cosmetic gift sets
• Electronics and accessories
• Candle presentation packs
• Jewellery displays
• Stationery collections
• Sample kits
• Promotional packs
• Subscription boxes
• Luxury retail packaging

The tray can also support products that are later wrapped with a sleeve or enclosed within another carton.

Tray Boxes for Quick Loading and Easy Customer Access

The value of open ended tray boxes lies in their simplicity and versatility.

Quick Product Loading

Products slide directly into the tray without navigating multiple closure flaps, helping speed up manual packing.

Easy Customer Access

Customers can remove products from the tray without completely unfolding the packaging.

Organised Presentation

Multiple items can be arranged neatly inside one tray using dividers or custom inserts.

Flexible Packaging Design

The tray can function independently or work alongside sleeves, lids or outer cartons depending on the packaging concept.

Efficient Storage

Before assembly, trays are supplied flat to reduce storage space and transport volume.

Finger Cut-Outs, Thumb Notches, Raised Side Walls

Every product has different packaging requirements, so the tray can be adapted in several ways.

Available options include:

• Bespoke dimensions
• Reinforced corners
• Product dividers
• Folded-board inserts
• Finger cut-outs
• Thumb notches
• Raised side walls
• Double-wall edges
• Sleeve compatibility
• Multi-product layouts

Rather than relying on a standard tray size, the structure is developed around the dimensions and weight of the packed product.

Balanced Tray Fit Delivers Multiple Benefits

Although the design appears straightforward, several structural details influence performance. Before production, it’s worth considering:

• Product weight
• Loading direction
• Sleeve clearance
• Internal fit
• Stacking requirements
• Product removal
• Retail display orientation

A tray that’s too loose may allow products to move during handling, while one that’s too tight can slow packing or make product removal difficult.

Compare Tray Styles: Double Wall, Sleeve & Open End

If you’re comparing tray constructions, you may also want to explore:

• Double wall tray boxes for additional structural strength.
• Tray and sleeve boxes where an outer sleeve provide complete enclosure.
• Open End Boxes for alternative open-access packaging.
• Browse our complete box templates and structural designs to compare different tray styles and folding carton constructions.