How Much Corrugated Boxes Cost in UK?

If you’ve ever requested a quote for corrugated boxes and wondered why prices can vary so much, you’re not alone.

One supplier quotes £0.45 per box. Another quotes £1.20. A third asks questions about board grade, dimensions, printing, and order quantities before giving you a price.

So what’s actually driving the cost?

The truth is that corrugated box pricing isn’t based on a single factor. The size of the box, the strength of the board, printing requirements, order volume, and delivery needs all influence the final cost.

Whether you’re launching a new ecommerce brand, shipping products across the UK, or reviewing your current packaging costs, understanding these pricing factors can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what affects corrugated box prices and show you how to get the best value without compromising protection or presentation.

What Is the Average Cost of Corrugated Boxes in the UK?

There is no universal price because every packaging project is different.

However, as a rough guide:

Box Type	Typical Price Range
Small plain corrugated box	£0.20 – £0.80
Medium shipping box	£0.50 – £2.00
Large corrugated box	£1.00 – £5.00+
Printed corrugated box	£0.50 – £8.00+
Custom die-cut corrugated box	£1.00 – £10.00+

The actual cost depends on several variables, which we’ll cover below.

If you’re still deciding what type of corrugated packaging you need, our Corrugated Packaging Boxes: Complete Guide for UK Businesses provides a detailed overview of materials, styles, and applications.

The Biggest Factors That Affect Corrugated Box Pricing

Most businesses focus only on box size.

In reality, several elements combine to determine the final cost.

1. Box Size

This is often the most obvious factor.

Larger boxes require:

More corrugated board
More printing area
Higher shipping costs
Additional storage space

A box that is twice the size does not necessarily cost twice as much, but larger dimensions almost always increase production costs.

One of the most common mistakes businesses make is choosing oversized packaging.

Not only does it increase material costs, but it also increases courier charges and requires more void fill.

That’s why selecting the right dimensions is crucial.

2. Board Strength

Not all corrugated boxes are created equal.

A lightweight box for clothing requires less material than a heavy-duty shipping box designed for glassware or industrial products.

The stronger the board, the higher the material cost.

Common options include:

Lightweight corrugated board
Standard single wall board
Heavy-duty single wall board
Double wall board

If you’re unsure which strength level you need, our upcoming Corrugated Box Strength Guide explains ECT ratings, board grades, and stacking performance in detail.

3. Single Wall vs Double Wall Corrugated Boxes

The number of layers inside the corrugated board has a major impact on pricing.

Single Wall

Single wall boxes contain:

One fluted layer
Two liner boards

They are cost-effective and suitable for:

Clothing
Cosmetics
Retail products
General ecommerce shipments

Double Wall

Double wall boxes contain:

Two fluted layers
Three liner boards

These offer greater protection and are commonly used for:

Electronics
Glass products
Bulk shipments
Industrial applications

Double wall packaging costs more upfront but can significantly reduce damage claims and returns.

Need help choosing the right box strength? Read our full guide on single wall vs double wall corrugated boxes to see which option suits your products best.

4. Printing Requirements

Printing can dramatically change the price of a corrugated box.

Plain Boxes

The most affordable option.

Suitable for businesses focused purely on product protection.

Single Colour Printing

A simple logo or text printed on the box.

Offers branding without a significant cost increase.

Full Colour Printing

Ideal for businesses wanting premium branded packaging.

Often used for:

Subscription boxes
Ecommerce brands
Retail packaging
Promotional campaigns

Want your packaging to do more than protect the product? Read our guide on printed corrugated boxes to explore custom branding options for UK businesses.

5. Number of Colours

Many businesses don’t realise that printing costs often increase with colour complexity.

For example:

Printing Type	Relative Cost
One colour	Low
Two colours	Medium
Four colour process	High
Full coverage artwork	Highest

Simple branding can often deliver excellent results without the cost of full-colour coverage.

6. Finishing Options

Additional finishes increase production costs but can improve presentation.

Examples include:

Gloss coating
Matte coating
Spot UV
Embossing
Debossing
Foil stamping

For shipping boxes, these finishes are often unnecessary.

For retail packaging, they can help products stand out.

7. Inserts and Dividers

Many businesses need more than just a box.

Protective additions such as:

Cardboard inserts
Corrugated dividers
Product trays
Custom compartments

can increase costs but provide better protection during transit.

This is particularly important for fragile items.

Learn more about shipping protection in:

Corrugated Shipping Boxes: How to Protect Products During Delivery

8. Order Quantity

One of the biggest pricing factors is volume.

Generally speaking:

Quantity	Cost Per Unit
100 boxes	Highest
500 boxes	Lower
1,000 boxes	Lower again
5,000+ boxes	Best value

Manufacturing setup costs are spread across larger production runs, reducing the cost per box.

Businesses that order in bulk typically achieve the best value.

9. Custom Die-Cut Designs

Standard FEFCO box styles are usually cheaper because production tooling already exists.

Custom die-cut boxes often require:

Additional design work
Custom cutting tools
More production setup

These costs are usually justified when branding or presentation plays a key role.

10. Delivery and Logistics

Your delivery requirements also affect pricing.

Factors include:

Delivery location
Pallet quantities
Urgent production schedules
Split deliveries
Warehousing requirements

Rush orders generally cost more than planned production runs.

How to Reduce Corrugated Packaging Costs

Many businesses assume the solution is simply finding a cheaper supplier.

In reality, there are smarter ways to reduce costs.

Use the Correct Box Size

Oversized packaging wastes materials and increases courier charges.

Choose the Right Board Grade

Over-specifying board strength can increase costs unnecessarily.

Order Larger Quantities

Higher volumes generally lower the unit cost.

Simplify Printing

A clean logo design often delivers excellent branding without premium printing costs.

Work With a Packaging Specialist

An experienced manufacturer can recommend more cost-effective alternatives without compromising performance.

Related Reading:
How to Choose a Corrugated Box Manufacturer in the UK

Corrugated Boxes vs Cardboard Boxes: Which Offers Better Value?

Businesses often compare cardboard and corrugated packaging based purely on cost.

However, lower upfront costs do not always mean lower overall costs.

Corrugated boxes generally offer:

Better protection
Lower damage rates
Improved stacking strength
Greater durability during transport

Learn more in:
Corrugated Boxes vs Cardboard Boxes: What’s the Difference?

Why the Cheapest Corrugated Box Isn’t Always the Best Option

Saving a few pence per box may seem attractive.

But consider the hidden costs:

Product damage
Returns
Replacements
Customer complaints
Negative reviews

A properly designed corrugated box often pays for itself through improved protection and customer satisfaction.

The goal should never be to find the cheapest box.

The goal should be to find the most cost-effective packaging solution.

FAQs

How much do custom corrugated boxes cost in the UK?

Prices vary depending on dimensions, board grade, printing requirements, and order quantity. Small runs typically cost more per unit than large volume orders.

Are printed corrugated boxes more expensive?

Yes. Printing adds production costs, especially for full-colour designs and premium finishes.

Does box size affect pricing?

Absolutely. Larger boxes require more material and often cost more to ship.

Are double wall corrugated boxes worth the extra cost?

For heavy, fragile, or valuable products, double wall boxes often reduce damage and returns, making them a worthwhile investment.

Can ordering in bulk reduce costs?

Yes. Larger production runs generally lower the unit price because setup costs are spread across more boxes.

Where to Order Custom Corrugated Boxes in the UK

Choosing the right packaging partner can make a significant difference to both product protection and overall costs.

At PackagingX, we help UK businesses create custom corrugated boxes tailored to their products, shipping requirements, and branding goals. Whether you need plain shipping cartons, printed ecommerce packaging, or heavy-duty corrugated solutions, our team can help you find the right balance between performance and price.

Need a quote? Contact PackagingX today to discuss your packaging requirements and receive expert guidance on the most cost-effective solution for your business.

Final Thoughts

Corrugated box pricing is influenced by far more than just dimensions.

Board strength, printing, quantity, design complexity, and logistics all play a role in determining the final cost.

By understanding these factors, businesses can make informed decisions, reduce unnecessary expenses, and invest in packaging that protects products while supporting their brand.

The best packaging isn’t always the cheapest option. It’s the one that delivers the right balance of protection, presentation, and value.

What factor has the biggest impact on your packaging costs right now? Let us know below.