Short answer: A neck box is a three-piece specialty box: a rigid set-up box cover and bottom of the same length and width, plus a “neck” glued into the bottom that supports the cover. Choose one when you want a layered, decorative look, such as a band of contrasting color, texture or material peeking out between the lid and the base.

What is a neck box?

Neck boxes are specialty three-piece boxes that Brimar Packaging manufactures here in the USA. The cover and the bottom are both rigid set-up box trays, made to the same length and width. The third piece, the neck, is glued into the bottom and holds the cover up.

The neck can be made a few different ways:

• Another rigid set-up box tray
• A diecut and glued sleeve
• A vacuum formed insert
• Any other item that, once glued into the bottom, will support the cover

When the box is closed, the bottom and cover can either kiss together, so they meet edge to edge, or sit apart so a strip of the neck shows between them. That gap is where a lot of the design possibilities come from.

Why neck boxes were invented

Neck boxes started out as a practical fix. Older rigid set-up box equipment had a limited maximum depth, often around four or five inches. Adding a neck made it possible to build much deeper boxes affordably.

Modern machinery can make deeper boxes, so a neck isn’t as necessary for depth as it used to be. Today, people choose neck boxes mostly for how they look and feel.

When a neck box is a good choice

• You want a design statement. Mixing colors, materials, textures and forms lets a neck box become a small work of art. A contrasting neck color that shows between lid and base is an easy way to make your package stand out.
• You want a premium unboxing moment. The cover lifts off a base that has its own finished edge, which feels more crafted than a basic two-piece box.
• Your product needs a deep box. Depth is less of a limit than it once was, but a neck is still one way to build a deep, rigid package. Ask us what makes sense for your size.

Who uses neck boxes?

Brimar makes neck boxes for a variety of retail and industrial markets, including candy companies, industrial parts manufacturers, carpet and tile manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. You can see examples on our Neck Boxes page.

How a neck box compares to a standard set-up box

A standard two-piece rigid set-up box has just a lid and a base. A neck box adds that third piece, which gives you more room to play with color and form. If you mainly need a sturdy, good-looking box, a standard set-up box may be all you need. If you want the package itself to be part of the display, a neck box is worth a look. Because it has an extra component, ask us to quote both options so you can compare.

Planning your neck box

• Measure your product carefully. See our knowledge base for how to measure your product and write box dimensions.
• Think about what shows. Decide whether the cover and bottom should kiss together or leave a band of the neck visible, and what color or material that band should be.
• Consider an insert. A neck box can still hold a custom insert to keep your product in place.
• Add finishes. The cover and bottom are rigid set-up trays, so ask us which wraps and finishes, such as foil stamping or embossing, fit your design.

Frequently asked questions

Is a neck box the same as a shoulder box?

People use different names for layered boxes. The simplest way to be sure we’re talking about the same thing is to send us a photo or sketch of what you have in mind.

Can the neck be a different material than the box?

Yes. The neck can be a rigid tray, a diecut and glued sleeve, a vacuum formed insert, or another item that supports the cover, so it doesn’t have to match the cover and bottom.

Talk to Brimar about your neck box

Neck boxes are one of our favorite ways to help a brand stand out. Call us at 800-696-3080 or send us your files and request a quote, and our team will help you work out the right construction and look for your product.