What this construction is
A tray and sleeve is a shallow rigid tray that slides into an open-ended outer sleeve. The sleeve carries the print or the branding and the tray carries the piece, so the two can be changed independently.
Microfibre suede on this construction, specifically
A suede tray in a printed sleeve is the standard e-commerce build at the better end. The tray survives being pulled in and out; the sleeve carries the season's artwork and is reprinted when it changes.
Getting the fit right
The sleeve is where the brand lives, and it is the cheapest part to reprint. A retailer who changes packaging design every season can keep one tray specification and reprint only the sleeve, which is the practical argument for this construction.
The mistake to avoid
A sleeve that fits the tray exactly will not go on once the tray is wrapped. The clearance is set from the wrapped tray, not the bare one, which sounds obvious and is the most common measuring error we see.
Where it is used
Seasonal and campaign packaging, e-commerce, and any programme where the design changes more often than the box does.
Why microfibre suede
Microfibre suede is a woven synthetic with a short, dense nap. It has the hand of real suede without the shading and water-marking that real suede brings, and it does not shed onto a polished piece.
Putting your logo on microfibre suede
Suede takes a hot-stamped or blind-debossed logo cleanly, because the nap compresses and holds the impression. Fine serifs need a slightly heavier die than they would on board, or the nap springs back and softens the edge.
Cutting the interior in microfibre suede
Inserts are cut a fraction under size on each face; the pile closes the gap and grips the piece without a visible squeeze.
Brush with the nap, never against it. Marks from a fingernail lift with a soft brush. It does not craze or crack with age.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Piece dimensions | Sets the interior |
| Microfibre suede colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Logo artwork | Vector gives the cleanest die or screen |
| Microfibre suede on this construction | A suede tray in a printed sleeve is the standard e-commerce build at the better end. |
Frequently asked questions
Is microfibre suede a good choice for a tray and sleeve box?
A suede tray in a printed sleeve is the standard e-commerce build at the better end. The tray survives being pulled in and out; the sleeve carries the season's artwork and is reprinted when it changes.
How does microfibre suede wear on this construction?
Brush with the nap, never against it. Marks from a fingernail lift with a soft brush. It does not craze or crack with age.
Can it be made in our colour?
Yes — the microfibre suede is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What logo methods suit microfibre suede?
Suede takes a hot-stamped or blind-debossed logo cleanly, because the nap compresses and holds the impression. Fine serifs need a slightly heavier die than they would on board, or the nap springs back and softens the edge.
Can I see it before ordering?
Yes. A physical pre-production sample is made to your specification and the bulk run is held to the sample you approve.
Make your tray and sleeve boxes
Tell us the piece, your brand and the quantity you have in mind. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.