Custom card stock candle boxes, USA-made with zero MOQ, free design & free shipping. Smooth SBS cartons that print bright for jar & pillar candles. Free quote!










Six simple steps stand between your idea and stunning custom packaging landing at your doorstep. No guesswork, no stress — just results.
Card stock cartons give you a smooth, bright-printing carton that protects the candle and looks sharp on any retail shelf.
Card stock is the workhorse of candle packaging: light, affordable and beautiful to print on. At Apexio Packaging, we make custom card stock candle boxes in the USA for jar, pillar, votive and gift candles. With zero MOQ, free design, a free 3D mockup and free US shipping, you can order a single carton or a full run.
Get your free quote and free 3D design proof today – email sales@apexiopackaging.com.
Card stock is a smooth, coated paperboard, usually SBS, measured in points (pt) and chosen for sharp printing and clean folds.
These cartons use solid bleached sulphate (SBS) board, a bright white stock that takes ink cleanly and folds without cracking. We build it as a tuck-end or two-piece carton in weights from 12pt for light votives up to 24pt for larger jars. The smooth surface means logos, gradients and photos print crisp, and it laminates well for a premium feel, which is why card stock is the default for retail candle cartons.
Card stock suits any candle brand that wants bright print and a clean retail look at a sensible cost.
Retail candle lines use card stock cartons for vivid shelf artwork, subscription brands use them for lightweight, printable mailers, and gift brands laminate them for a premium finish. Startups love the low cost per unit, and our zero-MOQ policy lets a new maker print a single carton before scaling up.
Card stock boxes are cut to the candle, and the chart below shows the most requested dimensions.
| Box size (L x W x H) | Fits | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 in | Votive and tealight | Lightweight multipacks |
| 3.25 x 3.25 x 4 in | 8 oz jar candle | Standard retail jars |
| 3.75 x 3.75 x 4.5 in | 12-16 oz jar candle | Signature jar lines |
| 3.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 in | 3 x 6 in pillar | Pillar and column candles |
Each carton is built around the exact candle, with heavier stock for larger jars so the box stays crisp. For fitted jar cartons, see our custom jar candle boxes.
We choose the card stock weight by candle size, so the carton feels substantial without waste.
| Card stock / board | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SBS cardstock (light) | 12-16pt (300-400 GSM) | Votive, tealight, light jars |
| SBS cardstock (standard) | 18-20pt (450 GSM) | Most jar candles |
| SBS cardstock (heavy) | 22-24pt (500 GSM) | Large jars and gift cartons |
| Kraft alternative | 14-24pt | Natural, eco look |
Lighter card stock keeps small candles affordable, while 22-24pt gives a large jar a solid, premium hand. If you want a natural look instead, compare our custom kraft candle boxes. Card stock is measured in points (pt), and FSC-certified board is available across every weight.
We print card stock boxes by two methods, chosen by run size, artwork and deadline.
| Printing method | Best for | Main strength |
|---|---|---|
| Offset printing | Larger runs | Sharpest detail, steady color at scale |
| Digital printing | Short runs, samples | No plates, fast and affordable |
Card stock shines under both methods: offset gives the crispest detail for big runs, while digital is plate-free for samples and short batches. Tell us your quantity and artwork, and we recommend the cheaper route free.
We print in full CMYK for photos and artwork and match exact Pantone (PMS) colors for logos, then confirm every color on your digital proof. Our color guide explains CMYK, PMS and RGB in plain terms.
Card stock takes finishes beautifully, and most brands pair one base finish with one or two accents.
| Finish | Effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Matte / gloss / soft-touch lamination | Sets the base surface feel | Every card stock box |
| Foil stamping (gold, silver) | Metallic logo shine | Gift and premium candles |
| Spot UV | Glossy accent on a matte base | Logos and artwork |
| Embossing / debossing | Raised or recessed texture | Tactile, high-end feel |
Soft-touch lamination gives card stock a premium hand, gloss makes color vivid, and foil or spot UV lifts a logo. The smooth board holds a crisp emboss, so branding reads sharp.
Add-ons keep the candle secure and complete the retail or gift presentation.
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Die-cut or foam insert | Holds the jar so it never shifts | Fragile glass in transit |
| PVC or die-cut window | Shows the candle and its color | Retail shelf appeal |
| Printed interior | Adds branding inside the carton | Unboxing moments |
| Ribbon, QR code, printed insert | Gifting and safe-burn notes | Presentation and engagement |
A die-cut insert keeps the jar centred inside the light carton, and a window turns the printed box into a display. A QR code links to your scent notes or safe-burn guide.
Ready to build yours? Get a free quote and a free 3D proof now – email sales@apexiopackaging.com.
Card stock hits the sweet spot of bright print, clean folds, low weight and low cost.
For most jar and pillar candles, card stock does everything: it prints vivid, folds crisp, laminates premium and ships light, which keeps freight low. If a candle needs maximum crush protection add corrugated, and if it is a luxury keepsake step up to rigid greyboard, but for everyday retail candles card stock is the practical default.
There is no minimum order; wholesale pricing starts at 100 units and most orders ship in about 8-12 business days.
Order one card stock carton to check the print, then scale to 100 or more for wholesale pricing. Most orders ship in about 8-12 business days after proof approval, with a RUSH lane for tight dates. Explore every structure on our custom candle boxes hub, or coordinate with custom cosmetic boxes for a full line.
Order now with zero MOQ and free US shipping – get your free quote today.
We review every card stock box for print sharpness, fold quality and jar fit before it goes to print.
We check color accuracy, registration, fold strength and insert fit, and we confirm the carton holds up to retail handling. Brands that print on quality card stock typically get brighter shelf artwork and cleaner folds than they saw on cheaper board.
Helpful reading: our guide to luxury candle packaging ideas.
Give your candle a carton that prints as good as it looks. Start with zero risk: no minimums, free design, a free 3D mockup and free US shipping. Send us your candle and artwork, and we build a bright, retail-ready card stock box. Get your free quote now – email sales@apexiopackaging.com.
| Box Style | Custom Card Stock Candle Boxes |
| Dimension (L + W + H) | All Custom Sizes & Shapes |
| Quantities | No Minimum Order Required |
| Paper Stock | 10pt to 28pt (60lb to 400lb) Eco-Friendly Kraft, E-flute Corrugated, Bux Board, Cardstock |
| Printing | No Printing, CMYK, CMYK + 1 PMS color, CMYK + 2 PMS colors |
| Finishing | Gloss Lamination, Matte Lamination, Gloss AQ, Gloss UV, Matte UV, Spot UV, Embossing, Foiling |
| Included Options | Die Cutting, Gluing, Scored, Perforation |
| Additional Options | Eco-Friendly, Recycled Boxes, Biodegradable |
| Proof | Flat View, 3D Mock-up, Physical Sampling (On request) |
| Turnaround | 8-12 Business Days, RUSH |
| Shipping | FLAT |

14pt cardstock is a lightweight yet sturdy paperboard commonly used for product packaging, postcards, and promotional prints that require flexibility with reliable durability.

16pt cardstock offers a thicker, more durable structure than standard paperboard, making it ideal for business cards, premium packaging, and high-quality printed materials.

18pt cardstock provides enhanced rigidity and strength, perfect for luxury packaging boxes, product tags, and marketing materials requiring a premium and durable feel.

24pt cardstock is an ultra-thick paperboard delivering maximum strength and premium quality, commonly used for rigid packaging, luxury boxes, and high-end product presentation.

Thin yet durable E-flute corrugated cardboard (1/16") provides a smooth printing surface and reliable protection, making it ideal for lightweight retail and ecommerce packaging boxes.

B-flute corrugated board (1/8") offers excellent strength and cushioning, perfect for shipping boxes, product displays, inserts, and durable custom packaging solutions.

Strong white kraft corrugated stock with a clean printing surface enhances branding while delivering reliable protection for custom printed shipping and retail packaging boxes.

Eco-friendly brown kraft corrugated material provides excellent durability and strength, making it ideal for shipping boxes, inserts, sleeves, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Copper foil stamping adds a warm metallic shine that enhances logos and designs, giving packaging and printed materials a premium and sophisticated appearance.

Gold foil creates a luxurious metallic finish that highlights branding elements and adds an elegant touch to premium product packaging and marketing materials.

Silver foil stamping delivers a sleek metallic effect that enhances packaging aesthetics and makes logos or design elements stand out.

Holographic foil produces vibrant rainbow reflections that create eye-catching packaging designs and add a modern, futuristic look to products.

Debossing presses the design into the material surface, creating a subtle recessed effect that adds texture, depth, and elegance to packaging.

Embossing raises design elements above the surface, creating a bold 3D effect that enhances brand visibility and packaging appeal.

Fluorescent inks produce brighter, glowing colors that instantly grab attention and make packaging designs stand out on shelves.

Spot UV applies a glossy coating to selected design areas, creating contrast on matte surfaces and highlighting logos or graphics.

Matte lamination provides a smooth, non-glossy finish that enhances durability while giving packaging a sophisticated and elegant look.

Gloss lamination adds a shiny protective layer that boosts color vibrancy and makes packaging designs appear bright and eye-catching.

Velvet lamination creates a soft-touch texture that feels luxurious and enhances the premium look of high-end packaging.

Uncoated paperboard offers a natural, eco-friendly texture ideal for sustainable packaging and brands seeking an organic appearance.