Offset printing ensures premium graphics. This requires laminated board for strength and visual appeal.
The BOBST MASTERFLUTE TOUCH inline laminating solution delivers efficient production of litho-laminated corrugated board.
Special box with window
Carton wrap up
Industry Trends
Sustainability and Material Innovation
The frozen and chilled food markets are increasingly adopting folding carton packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastic. Brands are prioritizing recyclable and biodegradable fiber-based materials, supported by advanced barrier coatings that maintain moisture and grease resistance without compromising recyclability. This shift aligns with global regulations and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.
Premium Design and Functional Features
Beyond sustainability, folding cartons are being used to enhance brand differentiation through high-quality graphics, embossing, and specialty finishes. Premiumization is expanding into everyday products like ready meals and frozen desserts. At the same time, functional design improvements—such as portion control, resealable features, and structural durability—are addressing consumer needs for convenience and cold-chain performance.
Digital Integration and Market Growth
Smart packaging technologies, including QR codes and digital printing, are transforming cartons into interactive platforms for recipes, freshness data, and sustainability credentials. These innovations enable customization for seasonal campaigns and boost consumer engagement. With the global folding carton market projected to grow steadily, driven by rising demand for frozen and chilled foods, brands that embrace sustainability, functionality, and digitalization will gain a competitive edge.
BOBST End-to-End Solutions for
Frozen & Chilled Food Packaging
BOBST delivers end-to-end solutions and advanced technologies for every production step, from PDF to final packaging.
These include the following processes:
- Litho-laminating
- Hot-foil stamping
- Flatbed die-cutting
- Folding-gluing
Spotlight
High-Quality graphics
BOBST Litho-laminators
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Eye-Catching Hot Foil Stamping
To achieve standout packaging, hot foil stamping is a top choice.
The MASTERFOIL 106 PR offers high foiling quality, productivity, and foil savings for long runs.
For confectionery and lower volumes, the versatile VISIONFOIL 104 enables quick changeovers from foiling to flat-bed die-cutting with stripping
BOBST Hotfoil stampers
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High-speed die-cutting
For frozen and chilled food packaging, high-speed die-cutting is essential. The MASTERCUT 145 PER is the most automated and productive die-cutter, running up to 9,500 sheets/hour for uninterrupted production and superior quality. For flat-bed die-cutting of corrugated board and litho-lam (such as ice boxes), the MASTERCUT 1.65 delivers higher speeds, fewer stops, shorter make-readies, and unmatched precision.
BOBST Flatbed die-cutters for folding carton
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Productive and versatile Folding and Gluing
The MASTERFOLD 110 folder-gluer offers maximum versatility and productivity for complex folding jobs. Efficiency is boosted with the EASYFEEDER / BATCH INVERTER 4, which feeds blanks faster and easier. For perfect folding, SPEEDWAVE 3 handles crash-locks, while SPEEDHOOK ensures flawless 4- and 6-corner boxes.
Quality Control and Packing:
To guarantee zero-fault packaging, the in-line inspection system ACCUCHECK monitors every blank. The CARTONPACK 4 high-performance packer then increases productivity by automatically filling shipping containers, streamlining the packing process.