FEFCO 0702

Auto-Bottom Open Tray

The auto-bottom open tray arrives flat and snaps into a rigid, locked shape the moment you push the opposite corners together. Because the factory pre-glues the interlocking base, your packing team skips bottom taping entirely, saving critical seconds on every unit.

This instant assembly makes it a strong choice for high-volume kitting, retail displays, and inner sorting trays. The complex base requires specific folding equipment, meaning it makes the most sense for repeat programs rather than short trial runs.

At a glance

  • Base locks automatically when squared, requiring no tape or stitching
  • Open top allows immediate product loading, retail display, or use as an inner pack
  • Best for repeat fulfillment programs where labor savings offset the factory preparation time

Common uses

  • Multi-component kitting lines
  • Open-top retail presentations
  • Master shipper organization
  • High-speed fulfillment sorting

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Multi-component kitting and retail presentations

Multi-component kitting lines

When packing speed dictates daily output, the instant assembly removes manual flap folding. Operators can pop the tray open with one motion and immediately begin loading parts.

Open-top retail presentations

The open top provides immediate product visibility, while the flat, dual-layer locked bottom keeps the tray stable on store shelves.

Master shipper organization

Industrial suppliers use these to organize parts or components before sliding the entire loaded tray into a larger transit box.

High-speed fulfillment sorting

Warehouse teams use these rigid trays to group loose items on the pack bench before transferring them to their final shipping cartons.

High-throughput fulfillment and distribution

High-throughput fulfillment centers

Operations teams use these trays to accelerate pick-and-pack lines. The fraction of a second saved on each tray compounds across thousands of orders.

Industrial parts distribution

When combined with interlocking corrugated dividers, the rigid base supports heavy metal or plastic components during palletized transit.

Fast-moving consumer goods retail

Brands supplying high-turnover retail environments rely on these trays to move products straight from the pallet to the shelf without requiring store employees to fold or tape displays.

Short trial runs and mixed-carrier transit

Short trial runs and early-stage programs

If you are testing a new product or ordering a low volume, the factory preparation for an auto-bottom tray can be prohibitive. A snap-lock base (0711) takes slightly longer to fold by hand but avoids the multi-point gluing requirement.

Mixed-carrier parcel transit

The open top provides no containment for courier networks. If the tray will ship individually, a crash-lock box with a top closure (0701) provides the necessary containment.

Board caliper and production routing

Board thickness and lock clearance

The interlocking tabs rely on precise clearances. Heavy single-wall or double-wall boards increase the risk of the base binding or requiring extreme manual force to pop open. Fine to medium flutes generally perform best.

Order maturity versus factory preparation

The complex diagonal creases and glued base require a flatbed die-cutter and a multi-point folder-gluer. This routing requires specific factory preparation, making the tray a better fit for mature, high-volume programs rather than early-stage trials.

Print placement on diagonal folds

Heavy ink coverage directly over the 45-degree base creases may crack during the folding and gluing process. Keep critical graphics away from these high-stress fold lines.

Payload density and center support

The interlocking bottom resists downward pressure well, but concentrated point loads from very dense objects should be physically tested to ensure the center interlock does not slip.

Tray dimensions and cutouts

Base flap proportions

The exact contour of the interlocking tabs can be adjusted to accommodate specific board calipers, ensuring the tray opens smoothly on the pack bench.

Wall height ratios

The depth of the tray can be modified to balance product containment during transit with immediate visibility on a retail shelf.

Hand-hole additions

Cutouts can be added to the side panels for easier lifting when the tray is fully loaded with dense components.

Board and packing details

Pack-bench ergonomics

While the auto-bottom saves time, operators must apply inward pressure to opposing corners to snap the tray open. If the board is too stiff, this repetitive motion can cause fatigue during long shifts.

Gluer envelope limits

Extremely long or unusually wide trays may exceed the physical limits of standard multi-point folder-gluers. If your product requires extreme dimensions, the factory will need to verify their equipment capacity.

Tray modifications

Alternate locking tab profiles

Converters may adjust the exact hook and notch geometry to match their specific flatbed stripping limits.

Additional notes

Manual pop-up force

The resistance felt when opening the tray depends entirely on the board grade. Always request an unprinted structural sample in the exact production board to verify that your packing team can open the trays comfortably.

FAQs

Route and shipping

Can this tray ship through parcel networks on its own?

No. The open top provides no containment. It must be placed inside a master shipper, fitted with a separate lid, or wrapped before entering a mixed-carrier courier network.

Packing labor

Does the base require any tape to stay closed?

No. The factory pre-glues the bottom flaps. When you square the tray, the flaps swing inward and interlock mechanically, forming a secure floor without pack-bench tape.

Production path

Why do short trial runs often use a different base?

Because the diagonal creases and glued base require specific factory preparation, buyers testing a new package often start with a manual snap-lock base to avoid the initial commitment.

Board and finish

Can we use heavy double-wall board for extra strength?

It is risky. Heavy boards increase the force required to pop the tray open and can cause the interlocking tabs to bind. If you need maximum rigidity, the tray must be carefully adjusted and physically tested with the exact production board.

Inserts and product fit

Does the interlocking base create an uneven floor?

The base forms a dual-layered floor that is relatively flat, but there is a slight seam where the flaps overlap. If you are packing very small, loose components, you may want to add a flat bottom pad.

Samples and prototypes

Will a digital prototype prove how easily the tray opens?

A digital cut sample can test the physical pop-up force, but because it is glued by hand rather than crushed through a factory folder-gluer, it will not perfectly simulate the final assembly feel.

Storage

Do these trays take up more warehouse space than standard boxes?

They ship completely flat. The glued overlap adds slight bulk to the bundle compared to unglued sheets, but they remain highly efficient to store before use.

Retail display

Can the front panel be lowered for better product visibility?

Yes, the front wall height can be reduced, provided enough material remains to maintain the structural corners and the base lock mechanism.

A fast, reliable tray for high-volume packing lines and retail displays.

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