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Full overlap box (FOL): full overlap slotted container for heavy loads
A full overlap box, or FOL box, is a slotted corrugated carton whose outer flaps run the full width of the box and overlap completely. That gives a double layer of board on the top and bottom, where a dense, sharp-edged or high-stacked load puts the most stress. We manufacture them inside Chittagong EPZ, Bangladesh, for the country's RMG exporters.
Outer flaps that fully overlap
A full-overlap slotted carton — also called a full-overlap box or full-overlap container — starts like an RSC, but the outer flaps are cut long enough to span the full width of the box. When the carton closes, those flaps lap over each other completely instead of meeting at a centre seam. The result is two continuous layers of corrugated board across both the top and the bottom — the planes that carry stacking load and resist a forklift knock or a dropped corner.
That doubled board raises edge crush and bursting strength without changing the footprint, so the carton still palletises and cubes like a standard box. For your heavier export lines — dense fabric rolls, accessory hardware, multi-pack cartons — the FOL holds its shape through humidity and long sea transit far better than a single-flap closure. We build FOL cartons in A flute and AB double-wall, with creases tuned so the overlapping flaps fold flat and seal without bulging.
Double-layer strength
Two full thicknesses of board across top and bottom for higher crush and burst resistance.
Heavy-load grades
Built in A flute or AB double-wall to match contents weight, stack height and transit time.
Long-transit ready
Holds shape through humidity and high-stack ocean freight where seam-only cartons can fail.
Reach for FOL when strength wins
The FOL costs a little more board than a plain carton, and earns it back the first time a heavy stack survives the voyage intact. Use it for the loads you worry about.
- Lighter, evenly weighted goods? A standard RSC master carton is more economical.
- Closing an awkward, non-square footprint? See the overlap slotted container (OSC).
- Know your spec? Send it through the quote form for a 24-hour price.
FOL box vs RSC and OSC cartons
The three slotted styles differ only in how far the outer flaps reach. That one change sets the board use and the strength of the top and bottom.
| Style | Outer flaps | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RSC | Meet in the centre | Light and medium export loads at the lowest board use |
| OSC | Overlap part of the width | Long, narrow cartons where centre flaps would not meet |
| FOL | Overlap the full width | Heavy, dense or high-stack loads and rough handling |
Read more about the regular slotted carton and the overlap slotted container, or check flute thickness in our corrugated flute chart.
FOL carton FAQs
What is a full-overlap (FOL) carton?
A full-overlap slotted carton has outer flaps long enough to reach the opposite side, so they fully overlap and create a double layer of board across the top and bottom. That doubled surface adds stacking strength and protects the edges of heavy contents.
When should I use a FOL instead of an RSC?
Choose a FOL when contents are heavy, dense or shift in transit, or when boxes are stacked high for long sea voyages. For lighter, evenly weighted goods a standard RSC carton is more economical.
Does a FOL carton use more board?
Yes. Because the outer flaps overlap fully, a FOL uses more board than an RSC of the same size. The trade-off is higher edge crush and burst resistance, which is worth it for heavy or fragile freight.
Is a full overlap container the same as a FOL box?
Yes. Full overlap container, full overlap slotted container, full overlap carton and FOL box all name the same corrugated style: a slotted carton whose outer flaps overlap across the full width.
What is the difference between a FOL and an OSC carton?
In an OSC the outer flaps overlap only part of the width. In a FOL they overlap the full width, which gives a complete double layer of board on the top and bottom and more protection for heavy loads.
Shipping something heavy?
Tell us the contents weight and stack height and we will quote a FOL grade within 24 hours.