Quick answer
Three: an outer base box, an inner box (the neck) and an outer lid box. We glue the inner box into the base; the part that rises above forms the neck, and the line of that raised edge is the shoulder the lid rests on. It belongs to the rigid box family and is called a shoulder or neck box.
A shoulder box, also known as a neck box, is a model in the rigid box family. For us what sets it apart is that it is not a single box but one assembled from three separate boxes. In this article we explain, from a maker's side, how we join those three parts, which board thicknesses we use, and on which jobs we suggest a base-and-lid instead of a shoulder box.
- A shoulder box is built from three wrapped boxes: an outer base box, an inner box (the neck) and an outer lid box. We glue the inner box into the base to form the three-piece build.
- Three parts mean three separate production labours plus an assembly step, so it is not the right choice on every job.
- We can make each layer between 1.5 and 4 mm; our common range is 1.5-2 mm.
How do we build a shoulder box?
We prepare all three parts the way we do a rigid box, by wrapping paper over board, each one separately. Then, at assembly, we glue the inner box into the outer base. The part of the inner box that rises above the rim forms the neck, and the line of that raised edge is the shoulder the lid rests on. The outer lid box seats over that shoulder.
If asked, we place a stopper piece inside the lid; this leaves a visible gap between the lid and the base. Without it, the lid comes down onto the base. Either way, the box is still made of three parts.
This three-piece logic is also closely related to the back-glued (back-hinged) model. When we join the parts at the back, we get a hinged model; at heart both are built on a similar die-line logic.
How do we choose the board thickness?
We can make each layer of the shoulder box at a different thickness: 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2, 3 or 4 mm. We use the 1.5-2 mm range most often. Thinner board gives a lighter, more economical box, while thicker board gives a sturdier, fuller feel. We set the thickness together based on the product's weight and the feel you want.
When do we suggest a shoulder box versus a base-and-lid?
The strongest point of a shoulder box is that its three-piece build allows taller, more upright boxes. It stands out for long, slim products that need to stay upright. But those three parts mean three separate labours, assembly and the material of three boxes on the cost side.
| Model | When we suggest it |
|---|---|
| Shoulder box (3 parts) | When a tall, upright, premium stance is needed |
| Base-and-lid (2 parts) | When height or a shouldered presentation is not needed; less labour and material |
So if the product does not call for vertical height or a shouldered presentation, on most jobs we suggest the two-piece base-and-lid; it is faster to produce and more economical. A shoulder box makes sense where that tall, upright stance is genuinely needed.
How quickly do you get a quote?
When we receive your request we price it with PackPrice, our AI-powered packaging cost system. PackPrice is our own application and we're one of the companies using it most effectively, so once we have the size and quantity we can come back with a price quickly.
For a line-by-line look at shoulder box costs, see PackPrice's shoulder box guide. For other members of the family, read our rigid box, drawer box and collapsible magnetic box articles.
See our shoulder box and other rigid box models on the products page, or get in touch with your size and quantity.