Retail, produce, and kitting applications
Retail shelf displays for fast-moving goods
The open top and clean double-wall ends present products clearly on the shelf. The stacking columns allow multiple trays to be stacked securely in the aisle or backroom before being placed on the display.
Ventilated produce and agricultural stacking
The open top allows for ventilation, while the raised columns provide the load support needed to stack heavy produce on pallets without crushing the contents below.
Work-in-progress parts organization
For manufacturing environments, these trays can be erected on demand at a pack bench. They stack neatly on carts, keeping parts organized and accessible without the need for shelving.
Transporting baked goods and catering trays
The rigid double-wall ends and stacking columns prevent delicate items from being crushed when multiple orders are stacked for delivery.
Supply chain and retail environments
Retail and grocery distribution
Store employees can quickly move stacked trays from the backroom directly to the shelf. The open top eliminates the need to cut away outer packaging during replenishment.
Manufacturing and assembly lines
Packers can assemble the trays flat at their stations as needed. The friction-lock tray keeps the pack bench free of adhesive dispensers.
Farm-to-market supply chains
Field workers can erect the trays on site, load produce, and stack them immediately on pallets. The columns keep the stacks aligned during short-haul transport.
When to compare closed boxes or flat trays
Standard roll-end trays without columns
If the trays will not be stacked, or if they will be stacked inside a perfectly fitted master carton that bears the weight, the raised columns may be unnecessary. A standard roll-end tray offers a simpler die-cut profile.
Direct parcel shipping
The open top and friction locks make this tray vulnerable in rough courier networks. If the primary goal is shipping individual orders, compare this to a closed mailer or standard slotted box, or plan to pack these trays inside a master shipper.
Board, assembly, and transit choices
Pack-bench assembly time
This tray is designed for manual assembly. The short ends fold over the corner flaps and lock into the base using tuck tongues. Packers will need time to erect the trays before or during fulfillment.
Flute profile for vertical load
While E-flute provides an excellent print surface for retail, B-flute or C-flute is often chosen when vertical load support is the priority. Thicker boards require precise adjustments to the fold clearances to ensure the locking tabs seat correctly.
Pallet wrapping versus master shippers
Because the trays are open, a stacked pallet usually requires stretch wrap or corner boards to secure the load for transit. For mixed-carrier shipping, the trays should be packed inside a closed master carton.
Coatings for refrigerated environments
If the trays will hold produce in cold storage, the corrugated board may need moisture-resistant coatings to prevent the stacking columns from softening.
Adjusting columns, cutouts, and clearances
Stacking column height and nesting depth
The height and shape of the stacking columns can be adjusted based on the product clearance needed and how deeply the trays should nest into one another.
Ventilation and handling cutouts
Hand holes can be added to the outer short walls to make lifting easier, provided they are placed carefully to avoid interfering with the internal roll-over locking panels.
Lock-hole adjustments for thicker board grades
When moving from a thin E-flute to a thicker C-flute, the base slots and tuck tongues must be resized so the friction lock remains secure without tearing the board.
Packing details
Flatbed die-cutting profile
The complex profile of the stacking columns, tuck tongues, and base lock holes involves flatbed die-cutting. This provides clean, precise edges but is a different production route than standard slotted boxes.
Additional notes
Print surfaces on double-wall ends
The short ends of the tray fold over to create a double wall. This means both the inside and outside of those ends can display graphics printed on the same side of the flat corrugated blank.
Related trays and shippers
FAQs
Does this tray require adhesive to stay together?
The tray uses a roll-end mechanism where the short walls fold over and lock into slots in the base using tuck tongues. It holds its shape entirely through friction.
Can this tray ship directly through a parcel carrier?
Because it has an open top and relies on friction locks, the tray is vulnerable in rough courier networks. Direct parcel delivery usually involves packing these trays inside a closed master carton.
How much weight can the stacked trays hold?
The load capacity depends heavily on the chosen board grade (such as B-flute or C-flute) and the environment (like refrigerated storage). If stacking heavy items like produce, the board combination should be physically tested.
Can this tray run on automated folder-gluer lines?
This is an unglued, flat-delivered tray designed for manual assembly at the packing station. The complex column profile also involves flatbed die-cutting rather than standard rotary slotting.
Can double-wall corrugated be used for extra strength?
Double-wall board provides extreme stiffness, but it can make the roll-over panels difficult to fold and lock. If double-wall is chosen, the template's fold clearances should be carefully adjusted and prototyped to ensure the tabs still fit into the base slots.
Can the stacking columns be removed?
Removing the columns is possible, but if stacking alignment is unnecessary for the application, switching to a standard roll-end tray (like FEFCO 0432a) offers a simpler die-cut profile.
Can internal dividers be added to the tray?
Internal partitions can be added to separate products. The base panel can be modified with slots to anchor the dividers, keeping them stable during transit.
Are hand holes possible on this tray?
Cutouts for lifting can be added to the outer short walls. They should be placed carefully to avoid interfering with the internal roll-over locking panels.
