Why Folded Can Trays Are Better Than Glued Can Trays
In the beverage industry, packaging isn't just about presentation—it's about protecting products, improving efficiency, and reducing costs throughout the supply chain. When selecting can trays for energy drinks, beer, hemp beverages, sparkling waters, or functional drinks, manufacturers typically choose between folded can trays and glued can trays.
While both options serve the same basic purpose, folded can trays offer several advantages that make them the preferred choice for many beverage brands and co-packers.
1. Lower Packaging Costs
One of the biggest advantages of folded can trays is cost efficiency. Folded trays are produced from a single die-cut sheet that locks together mechanically during assembly, eliminating the need for glue application.
Benefits include:
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Fewer manufacturing steps
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Lower labor requirements
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Less maintenance associated with glue systems
For growing beverage brands, these savings can add up significantly over thousands of trays.
2. Faster Assembly on Packaging Lines
Many folded tray designs are engineered for quick setup and automated forming equipment. Self-locking and roll-end tray designs can be assembled rapidly without waiting for adhesives to cure. This helps improve packaging line efficiency and throughput.
For beverage producers shipping large volumes, faster assembly means more cases packed per hour and lower operating costs. Arizona Iced Tea improved their assembly time significantly with not only new can trays, but new machinery.
Of course, super fancy and expensive machines save time, but unless you have millions of dollars to invest in (like the one below) and will settle for the sub-par glued trays it assembles, then folded trays are your best bet.
3. Greater Structural Strength
A common misconception is that glue automatically creates a stronger tray. In reality, properly engineered folded trays often provide exceptional stacking strength because of their interlocking design and reinforced corners.
Research on folded paperboard tray structures has shown that folding methods can significantly improve rigidity and compression strength, helping trays better withstand stacking and transportation demands.
This is especially important when beverage trays are:
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Palletized
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Stored in warehouses
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Transported over long distances
4. Improved Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be a major focus for beverage brands.
Folded trays eliminate adhesive usage, reducing packaging complexity and supporting cleaner recycling streams. Paperboard and corrugated tray solutions are widely recyclable and help brands reduce unnecessary materials in their packaging systems.
Consumers increasingly prefer packaging solutions that minimize waste while maintaining product protection.
5. Better Storage Efficiency
Folded trays ship flat before use, requiring minimal storage space. Folding carton and tray designs are specifically valued for their ability to be shipped and stored efficiently before assembly.
This creates several benefits:
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Lower warehouse costs
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More efficient inventory management
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Greater flexibility for seasonal production runs
For beverage manufacturers with limited warehouse space, these savings can be substantial.
6. Enhanced Branding Opportunities
Today's beverage trays are more than protective packaging—they are marketing tools.
Folded can trays provide excellent printable surfaces that allow brands to showcase logos, colors, product information, QR codes, and promotional messaging. High-quality graphics can help products stand out on retail shelves while strengthening brand recognition.
Well-designed, custom printed can trays helps transform secondary packaging into a valuable branding asset.
Why Beverage Brands Choose Whale Pod Folded Can Trays
At Whale Pod Shipper, we believe beverage packaging should work harder for your business. Our folded can tray solutions are designed to deliver:
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Strong product protection
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Efficient palletization
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Lower shipping costs
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Excellent print quality
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Easy integration into existing operations
Whether you're shipping energy drinks, hemp beverages, sparkling waters, RTD cocktails, or functional beverages, folded trays provide a smarter and more cost-effective solution than traditional glued alternatives.
Ready to Upgrade Your Beverage Packaging?
If you're looking for a stronger, more efficient, and more sustainable way to package your cans, Whale Pod Shipper can help.
Contact our team today to learn more about custom printed folded can trays and beverage packaging solutions built for modern brands.