How Are Cylinder Boxes Made? | Custom Paper Tube Packaging Explained
How Are Cylinder Boxes Made?
A Complete Guide to the Craft of Premium Tube Packaging
Cylinder boxes — also known as paper tube boxes or round boxes — are widely used in luxury packaging, especially for cosmetics, candles, tea, wine, and more. Their elegant appearance and structural integrity make them a favorite among premium brands. But have you ever wondered how these sophisticated round boxes are actually made?
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the professional production process of custom cylinder boxes.
🔍 Custom Cylinder Boxes Process
📌 Step 1: Material Selection
The foundation of a durable and visually appealing cylinder box lies in choosing the right materials. Typically, the structure consists of:
Rigid cardboard (chipboard or greyboard): Used for the inner tube body and lid.
Kraft paper or specialty art paper: Used for wrapping and finishing.
Inner linings (optional): Can include foil paper, velvet, or food-grade paper.
The material thickness usually ranges from 1.2mm to 2.0mm depending on the box's size and the desired sturdiness.
📌 Step 2: Tube Winding & Shaping
The heart of the production lies in spiral winding or curl forming:
• A large sheet of kraft or chipboard is fed into a winding machine, which coils it around a metal mold to form the cylindrical shape.
• The tube is then cut into the desired height for the body and lid sections.
• Precision here ensures a tight and smooth fit between lid and base.
📌 Step 3: Surface Printing & Decoration
Depending on brand needs, the outer surface paper is printed using:
• Offset printing (for vibrant CMYK colors)
• Foil stamping (gold/silver for a luxury touch)
• UV spot varnish or embossing (to highlight logos or textures)
This printed wrap is then laminated (matte/glossy) and carefully glued onto the rigid cylinder using semi-automatic wrapping machines.
📌 Step 4: Assembling the Lid and Bottom
A separate chipboard disc is glued into both ends of the cylinder to create:
• A fully sealed bottom
• A semi-sealed lid with a thumb-cut (optional for easy opening)
If it's a telescopic-style box, the lid is slightly larger in diameter than the base to slide on and off smoothly.
📌 Step 5: Insert Application (Optional)
To enhance product protection or luxury feel, you can add:
• EVA foam inserts (for candles, cosmetics)
• Velvet-lined interiors (for jewelry or watches)
• Cardboard dividers (for tea sets or snack items)
📌 Step 6: Quality Check & Packing
Every box is checked for:
• Shape consistency
• Smooth lid/bottom fit
• No visible glue marks
• Clean printing with no smudges
Once approved, the boxes are packed in layers with protective separators and are ready to ship.
Why Choose Custom Cylinder Boxes?
🌿 Eco-friendly – Most are made from recycled cardboard and biodegradable paper
💡 Branding-ready – Perfect canvas for premium print techniques
🎁 Unforgettable unboxing – Unique round shape offers a luxury feel
Final Thoughts
Making a high-end cylinder box is a craft — combining precise machinery with careful hand assembly. Whether you’re launching a new candle line or need a tea box that stands out, cylinder packaging is one of the most versatile and elegant options out there.
Want to explore custom tube packaging for your brand?
👉 Contact us here for free mockups and a design consultation.
