Four/Eight corner Box

When you unwrap your burger or open up a takeaway noodle box, you may not realize it—but the box you're holding is part of a clever, functional, and carefully designed family of packaging: four-corner and eight-corner paper boxes. They may seem simple, but their design plays a big role in how food is transported, stored, and enjoyed.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What these corner boxes are

• Why they are widely used

• The differences between them

• Materials used

• How they are made

• Their environmental impact

• What makes them special in the food packaging world

What Are Four-Corner and Eight-Corner Paper Boxes?

These terms describe the structure and folding mechanism of the box.

Four-Corner Box

A four-corner box is typically:

• Folded at four key joints (the corners)

• Used for shallow trays or clamshells

• Common in burger boxes, small cake boxes, snack trays

Advantages:

• Easy to fold & unfold

• Compact storage

• Lightweight

• Low-cost production

Eight-Corner Box

An eight-corner box has:

• Four bottom corners + four top corners = 8 structural folds

• Usually deeper, sturdier, and can support more weight

• Found in takeaway containers, chicken boxes, and combo meal boxes

Advantages:

• Better support for heavier items

• More durable under greasy or hot food

• Can hold sauces, rice, or multi-item meals without leaking or deforming

Why Do Fast Food Brands Love These Boxes?

Fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and others love these shapes for a few good reasons:

1. Efficient Stacking – Their flat-folding design makes them easy to ship and store.

2. Fast Assembly – Machines or humans can pop them open in a flash.

3. Branding Canvas – Their flat sides are great for printing logos and fun messages.

4. Heat Insulation – Combined with coated paper, these boxes keep food warm.

5. Grease Resistance – Paper coating or liners help resist oil from fries or burgers.

6. Eco-Friendly Options – Many are made from recyclable or compostable material.

Materials Used in Four/Eight-Corner Boxes

Depending on the need (price, food type, environmental concern), these boxes may be made from:

• White Cardboard – For clean printing and premium look

• Kraft Paper – For natural/eco-style branding

• Corrugated Paper – For sturdier, heat-insulating designs

• PE/PLA Coated Paper – For waterproof/greaseproof features

• Aluminum-Foil Layered (for some high-temperature needs)

How Are These Boxes Made?

These boxes are produced on automatic forming machines that:

1. Suck pre-cut paper from a stack

2. Apply glue or heat adhesive

3. Fold the corners precisely (4 or 8 corners, based on mold)

4. Press and shape the box

5. Stack and count them for packaging

Machines like the ZX-700 or ZX-1200 (used in China or Europe) can produce thousands of these boxes every hour.

Are These Boxes Environmentally Friendly?

Many are! Especially when made from:

• Recycled Kraft Paper

• PLA-coated instead of PE-coated paper

• Non-laminated cardboards

• Glue made from food-grade, compostable adhesive

Recyclability depends on local policies and coatings used, but many fast-food companies are shifting toward greener materials.

Quick Facts to Remember

In Conclusion

Four-corner and eight-corner boxes may seem basic, but they’re a masterclass in smart packaging design. Balancing durability, simplicity, and branding, they’re everywhere in our daily food life—and they’ll continue to be the go-to option for fast food businesses worldwide.