Hexagon boxes get chosen for how they look and then cause a series of practical surprises in fulfilment. All of them are manageable if you plan for them at specification time. This guide covers that; the food hexagon boxes product page is where to order.
Two widths, one source of confusion
A regular hexagon is described either across flats (panel to opposite panel) or across corners (point to opposite point). The across corners figure is always the larger of the two, and for a regular hexagon it is exactly twice the panel width. When you tell a supplier your box is a given number of inches wide, say which measurement you mean. A shipper sized from an across flats figure will not take the box.
| Measurement | What it describes | What it decides |
|---|---|---|
| Panel width | The width of one of the six sides | How much artwork fits on a face |
| Across flats | Panel to opposite panel | Internal fit for the product |
| Across corners | Point to opposite point | Shipper size, shelf footprint, fixture fit |
| Height | Base to lid | Stacking and product depth |
What goes inside
Hexagons suit round products and loose items and waste space on rectangular ones. If you are packing a round cake, a candle, a jar or a loose assortment, the shape works with the contents. If you are packing something rectangular, the corners become dead space that the product rattles into, and you will need a partition or a fitted tray to hold it still. A hexagonal tray with a central recess is a common solution and can be die cut alongside the box.
Food contact, grease and moisture
Board on its own is not a grease or moisture barrier. For anything oily, wet or warm, plan a liner, a wrapper, a sealed inner bag or a coated board, and confirm food contact requirements for your market with your own adviser. We build to the specification you give us and do not certify compliance. Coatings also change how the box behaves in print and in folding, so decide the liner before the artwork is finalised rather than after.
Freight, because hexagons do not tile
Six sided boxes leave gaps in a rectangular case and on a pallet. Two practical approaches: nest them in a fitted outer case with a die cut divider, or ship them flat and assemble at the point of packing. Flat shipping is far cheaper and is normally the right answer if your team can assemble. If they arrive assembled, the outer case has to be designed around the across corners dimension, which means planning the case at the same time as the box.
Materials and finish
Standard white cardstock gives accurate colour for food photography. Kraft eco friendly brown cardstock suits bakery and artisan positioning. Corrugated stock is the choice when the hexagon has to carry weight or travel alone. Textured, coloured, foil metallic and holographic stocks are available for gifting. Finishing includes gloss and matte lamination, spot UV, foil stamping and embossing. A window in one or two panels shows the product and needs a film patch if the contents are loose.
Ordering
The minimum is 100 boxes and pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes, confirmed on your written quote, with the die, plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof included. Turnaround is quoted per job in three lanes, rush (expedited production plus air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days, plus 2 to 5 for delivery.
Order on the food hexagon boxes page, or send your across flats and height requirement to the quote form. Related: hexagon box dimensions.
