Mug Boxes are custom-printed paperboard folding cartons that hold and protect a single mug, made for coffee brands, gift shops, and merch teams shipping drinkware to customers. We manufacture each carton in the US and print it inside and out.
A snug folding carton keeps a mug from rattling in transit and turns the unboxing into part of your brand story, so retail gifts and subscription drops arrive looking finished. Roasteries pairing beans with branded mugs and online stores selling ceramic drinkware use these to package a single mug for shipping or shelf display.
Materials & Specifications
- Material: SBS white or kraft paperboard folding carton
- Weight: 300-400gsm paperboard
- Printing: full-color CMYK, print inside and outside
- Finishing: matte, gloss, or soft-touch lamination; spot UV; foil; emboss or deboss; window cutout
- FSC option: FSC-certified paper available
Best Used For
- Coffee roasters bundling branded mugs with beans
- Gift shops and retailers selling ceramic drinkware
- Merch and subscription teams shipping mugs to customers
Printing & Finishing
Print full-color CMYK inside and out so the carton looks intentional when opened. Add soft-touch lamination for a velvet feel, spot UV or foil for contrast, an emboss or deboss for texture, or a window cutout to show the mug on the shelf.
Why Order from Teal
We are a US-based custom packaging supplier with a 50-unit minimum. Free design help and free US shipping are included, and you can pick a rush service (from about 4 to 7 business days after proof approval on qualified ready-to-print jobs) over our standard production from about 7 business days after proof approval. Mug Boxes print in full-color CMYK with an FSC-certified paper option. Order a free sample kit (just $19.99 shipping, credited to your first order).
FAQ
What's the minimum order quantity? The standard minimum is 50 units.
How long is production? Standard production runs from about 7 business days, with a rush option (from about 4 to 7 business days after proof approval on qualified ready-to-print jobs) when you need them faster.
Can I get a sample? Yes. The free sample kit (just $19.99 shipping) ships to you and is credited to your first order.
Are these recyclable? The paperboard is recyclable, and an FSC-certified paper option is available.
Request a free quote and we'll get back to you within 4 business hours.
Protecting Handles in Bulk Mug Box Programs
Every mug breaks in the same place, which is where the handle meets the body. An insert that supports the handle rather than just surrounding the body prevents most damage in transit. Retail mug boxes can use lighter board with a window; courier versions need corrugated walls and a suspended or die cut fitment that keeps the ceramic away from the outer face.
| Boxes ordered | Insert and wall guidance |
|---|---|
| 50 | Drop test with your actual mug and insert. |
| 500 | Retail format holding a fitted paperboard cradle. |
| 1,000 | Retail and courier variants built on one layout. |
| 5,000 | Corrugated fitments across the shipping range. |
| 10,000+ | Merchandise programs from about $0.44 per unit at volume. |
Planning window: about 7 business days for in-house eligible mug box runs and about 12 weeks where a specialty imported build applies. Fitment tooling usually sets which. A no cost dieline maps the insert cavity to your mug profile, handle included.
Include mug height, diameter, handle projection, weight, shipping method and boxes per drop.
How to Order Mug Boxes
Ordering custom mug boxes is simple:
- Submit a quote request with your dimensions, quantity, and design references
- Receive quote guidance within one business day
- Send your artwork or work with our design team (free dieline + 2 revision rounds)
- Approve the digital proof and production begins
- Standard production runs from about 7 business days after proof approval; complex or high-volume orders take longer
