When it comes to shipping boxes, small upgrades can make a big difference—both in your fulfillment efficiency and your customer's unboxing experience. Whether you're using standard RSC (regular slotted container) boxes or custom tab-locking mailers, features like auto-bottoms and tear strips can take your packaging to the next level.
At EcoPackables, we help brands design smarter, more sustainable boxes—without overcomplicating things. Here's how these two features can streamline your operations and elevate your packaging.
What Is an Auto-Bottom Box?
An auto-bottom (also called crash-lock) box has a pre-glued bottom that snaps into place when opened. This simple change can speed up your fulfillment process without compromising structure or sustainability.
Auto-bottom functionality isn’t limited to one box style—it can be added to standard RSC boxes for shipping or retail cartons alike.
Why It Matters:
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Faster assembly: Less folding or taping required—just pop and pack.
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Lower labor costs: Reduces time per box during high-volume fulfillment.
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Strong and secure: Designed to handle heavier loads without extra tape.
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Eco-friendly: Available with high percentages of recycled content, and fewer materials required overall.
What Is a Tear-Strip Box?
A tear strip is a perforated or reinforced pull tab built into the opening of a box, allowing customers to open it cleanly—without scissors or ripped cardboard.
This feature is commonly added to tab-locking mailer boxes, but it can also be integrated into certain folding cartons and larger shippers depending on design.
Why It Matters:
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Tape-free closure: Tear-strip boxes typically include a built-in adhesive strip, eliminating the need for packing tape. That means less material waste and faster packing.
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Better unboxing experience: Clean opening = elevated customer perception.
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Fewer returns issues: Easy access reduces product damage during opening.
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Encourages reuse: Boxes that open cleanly are more likely to be reused or recycled.
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Professional look: Adds polish to your brand's presentation.
Better Boxes, Built for Your Brand
At EcoPackables, all of our box options—including those with auto-bottoms and tear strips—can be made with recycled content, sized for your specific products, and fully customized to reflect your brand. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, we'll help you design packaging that does more—with less waste.