- Die-slit kraft paper that expands lengthwise by 1.5x into an interlocking 3D hexagonal cushion wrap.
- Angled paper cells lock onto themselves as you wrap, securing glass jars and mugs without plastic tape.
- Available in pre-cut sheets or continuous rolls with 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone or full-color CMYK printing.
- Minimums depend on the product and are confirmed with your quote; delivered in 10 to 14 business days with free US shipping.
Custom Honeycomb Paper
Custom honeycomb paper die-slit from long-fiber kraft in pre-cut sheets or continuous rolls that stretches into a 3D hexagonal cushion to wrap candles, ceramics, glass bottles and skincare jars without plastic bubble wrap. Choose 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone or full-color CMYK printing. Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote. Ready in 10 to 14 business days with free US shipping.
What is custom honeycomb paper?
Custom honeycomb paper (also called expandable honeycomb cushioning wrap) is a heavy kraft wrapping paper perforated with staggered rows of parallel die-cut slits that expands when pulled lengthwise into a three-dimensional web of angled hexagonal cells. While flat on the pallet or shelf, a roll or stack of honeycomb paper takes up minimal storage space; once pulled under tension at the packing bench, its volume multiplies and its length stretches by roughly 50% to 60%. As you roll the expanded mesh two or three times around a glass candle tumbler, ceramic mug or wine bottle, the upright hexagonal paper ribs interlock with the layer beneath them, creating a springy shock-absorbing cocoon that holds shut without plastic tape. Order pre-cut flat sheets or continuous dispenser rolls in natural brown or white kraft with 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone or full-color CMYK branding. Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote.
Honeycomb paper facts
- Minimum
- Confirmed with quote
- Turnaround
- 10-14 business days
- Rush
- 4-5 business days, quoted
- Formats
- Pre-cut flat sheets or continuous rolls
- Stretch ratio
- Expands ~1.5x to 1.6x in length when pulled
- Printing
- 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone or Full color (CMYK)
- Paper stocks
- Natural brown kraft, bleached white or custom tint
- Design support
- Free logo repeat layout, digital proof & 3D mockup
- Shipping
- Free to all 50 states
Which custom honeycomb paper format and print option fits my packing line?
| Format & style | How it arrives & expands | Best fulfillment use | Branding & color options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-cut honeycomb sheets | Flat die-slit sheets pulled open by hand at the table | Small-batch candle studios, ceramic artists and PR kit assembly | 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone or Full color (CMYK) |
| Continuous honeycomb rolls | Wound on a core for tabletop tension dispensers | High-volume e-commerce warehouses wrapping variable jar sizes | Repeating 1- or 2-Pantone logo or unprinted natural/white kraft |
| Natural brown kraft honeycomb | Long-fiber unbleached virgin kraft (typically 70-80 gsm ) | Glass jars, olive oil bottles, stoneware mugs and apothecary boxes | Black, espresso, forest green or opaque white Pantone ink |
| Bleached white honeycomb wrap | Crisp white extensible kraft paper with clean die-slit cells | Clinical skincare, bridal gifts, porcelain and luxury rigid boxes | Pastel, metallic-look or bold Pantone brand colors |
| Honeycomb + tissue interleaf pair | Outer expandable honeycomb wrap paired with inner custom tissue | Polished silver, matte-laminated cosmetic cartons and gloss glass | Printed logo tissue inside + protective honeycomb shell outside |
Not sure which style fits?
Request a Quote →What size custom honeycomb paper sheet or roll should I order?
When you pull a die-slit honeycomb sheet lengthwise to open the hexagonal cells, its length expands by roughly 1.5x while its width contracts slightly by about 10% to 15%. For fragile glass, always plan enough expanded length to wrap around the item 2 to 3 full revolutions: Whether you are comparing die cut kraft honeycomb cushion wrap, printed honeycomb packing paper rolls, plastic free bubble wrap alternative paper, honeycomb cushioning sheets and rolls or custom printed honeycomb paper, we size the template to your exact container.
| Flat size (W × L) | Expanded length (~1.5x) | Typical wrapped product (2 to 3 layers) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 15 in sheet | ~10.5 × 22.5 in open | 30 ml to 100 ml glass dropper bottles, spice jars and travel candles |
| 15 × 20 in sheet | ~13 × 30 in open | 9 oz to 12 oz glass candle tumblers, coffee mugs and skincare jars |
| 15 × 30 in sheet | ~13 × 45 in open | 750 ml wine and spirit bottles, olive oil cruets and tall glass vases |
| 20 × 30 in sheet | ~17.5 × 45 in open | Stoneware dinner plates, ceramic bowls, Dutch ovens and multi-jar bundles |
| 15 in wide roll | Custom pull length on dispenser | Standard e-commerce packing benches wrapping jars, bottles and cosmetics |
| 20 in wide roll | Custom pull length on dispenser | Large home-goods shippers, pottery studios and wholesale glass fulfillment |
Have your inside dimensions ready? Request pricing across up to 3 quantities.
Request a Quote →How do I choose honeycomb paper?
- Account for 1.5x length expansionA 20 inch flat sheet pulls out to about 30 inches of 3D mesh, enough to roll three cushioned layers around a candle jar.
- Allow for 10-15% width contractionAs the hexagonal slits open lengthwise, the sheet narrows slightly, so pick a flat width 3 to 4 inches taller than your jar.
- Choose rolls for speed, sheets for kitsContinuous rolls on a tension dispenser speed up high-volume packing; pre-cut flat sheets work anywhere without hardware.
- Wrap 2 to 3 layers on heavy glassOne layer stops surface scratches; two to three interlocking revolutions provide the 0.5 inch buffer needed for parcel drops.
- Keep logo marks bold for die-slitsBecause the paper expands into open cells, bold 1- or 2-Pantone wordmarks and icons read cleanest before and after stretching.
- Finish with a branded sticker sealAlthough interlocking cells grip each other on their own, adding a 2 inch custom logo sticker over the seam elevates unboxing.
What are honeycomb paper made of?
Which finishes can honeycomb paper have?
Which companions and packaging extras pair with custom honeycomb paper?
Honeycomb paper specifications
| Spec | Options |
|---|---|
| Formats | Pre-cut flat sheets or continuous dispenser rolls |
| Dimensions | 12 × 15 in, 15 × 20 in, 15 × 30 in, 20 × 30 in sheets; 15 in or 20 in wide rolls; or custom width × height |
| Paper stocks | Long-fiber natural brown kraft, bleached white kraft |
| Printing colors | 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone, Full color (CMYK); Pantone color matching guaranteed |
| Minimum order | Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote; delivered within ±5% |
| Quantity presets | 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000+ sheets or rolls |
| Design & proofing | Free repeating-logo layout, digital proof and 3D mockup before payment; zero die or plate charges |
| Turnaround & shipping | 10-14 business days (rush 4-5 days, quoted); free shipping to all 50 states, worldwide DDP available |
Ready to quote your honeycomb paper? Compare up to 3 quantities with a free 3D mockup.
Request a Quote →What do brands wrap and cushion with custom honeycomb paper?
Expandable honeycomb paper gives e-commerce and retail brands a plastic-free way to wrap fragile items in seconds while turning dull void fill into a warm, sculptural unboxing moment. Tell us what you are shipping and whether your team packs from flat sheets or tabletop dispensers, and we will size your wrap.
Honeycomb paper design ideas
Example designs with made-up brands. Your packaging is made to your design.
What mistakes should you avoid when ordering custom honeycomb paper?
Most honeycomb wrapping paper mistakes come from forgetting width contraction when pulled or wrapping without tension. Avoid these five mistakes. When specifying honeycomb paper with logo, printed honeycomb paper, branded honeycomb paper, wholesale honeycomb paper and bulk custom honeycomb paper, avoid these common production mistakes
- Wrapping the die-slit sheet around a jar while still flat instead of pulling it lengthwise under tension so the 3D hexagonal ribs pop upright.
- Forgetting that a 15-inch wide sheet narrows to about 13 inches when stretched lengthwise, leaving the top and bottom rims of tall bottles exposed.
- Using only a single revolution around heavy 12 oz glass candle tumblers or ceramic mugs instead of rolling 2 to 3 interlocking layers.
- Setting tiny 6 pt text across the die-slit zone where the cuts expand into open cells, instead of using bold Pantone logos.
- Confusing expandable honeycomb wrapping paper (sheets/rolls) with rigid structural honeycomb board inserts (die-cut cavity trays).
Chat with a designer now
Share your logo, a sketch or an AI image. We'll rebuild every element cleanly onto your box dieline and send a 3D mockup, free.
Made your design with AI?
Generated a concept in Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude or Midjourney? Send us your AI image: we rebuild every element onto your box dieline and show you a 3D mockup before you pay, free.Custom honeycomb wrapping paper vs plastic bubble wrap: why are brands switching?
| Plastic bubble wrap | Custom honeycomb paper from CubitPack | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer unboxing feel | Cheap plastic bubble wrap that looks industrial | Warm 3D hexagonal kraft mesh printed with your logo |
| Curbside disposal | Plastic film that cannot go in household bins | All-paper wrap that recycles with the shipping carton |
| Warehouse storage | Bulky pre-inflated bubble rolls fill pallet racks | Ships flat and expands 1.5x only when pulled |
| Tape required | Needs plastic tape to hold bubble wrap shut | Angled hex ribs interlock with each other without tape |
| Sheet & roll sizing | One generic roll width | Pre-cut sheets or rolls sized to your exact products |
Get custom honeycomb paper sized to your product, with a free 3D mockup before you pay.
Request a Quote →Are honeycomb paper safe and sustainable?
Interlocking multi-layer shock buffer
Rolling 2 to 3 revolutions of expanded 80 gsm kraft honeycomb creates a 0.5-inch crush buffer around glass and ceramics.FSC paper & partner certifications
FSC-certified kraft paper stocks and ISO 9001 production are available on request through partner facilities.Tissue interleaf for delicate finishes
For high-gloss cosmetic cartons or soft metals, pair honeycomb wrap with an inner sheet of custom tissue paper to prevent surface rub.How do I order custom honeycomb paper?
Tell us what you need
Size, quantities or AI conceptCompare volume pricing
Dedicated account managerApprove your proof
Digital proof + 3D mockupMade and shipped
Free to all 50 statesWhat affects the price of custom honeycomb paper?
The price depends on four things, and every custom quote is free.
Sheet size or roll width
A 12 × 15 in or 15 × 20 in sheet uses less paper than a 20 × 30 in sheetFormat (sheets vs rolls)
Pre-cut sheets are quoted per sheet; continuous rolls are quoted by width and roll lengthInk colors (1 or 2 Pantone vs CMYK)
1 Pantone spot ink costs less per unit than 2 Pantone or full-color CMYK printingOrder quantity
Unit cost drops across 500, 1,000, 2,500 and 5,000+ preset tiersFor the lowest cost per wrapped item, choose a 1-Pantone repeating logo on natural brown kraft honeycomb and size your sheet so 2 revolutions wrap your jar cleanly without excess tail waste. Enter up to three quantities in the quote form to compare volume price breaks. We never charge die or plate fees, your first order is 10% off, and we beat any written US competitor quote. Buyers ordering personalized honeycomb paper, custom size honeycomb paper or pre-cut honeycomb sheets honeycomb paper can compare up to three quantities in one quote.
10% off your first order.
Request a Quote →What do I need to send for a quote?
- The product and how many you need
- The inside size, or what goes in it
- A style, or ask us to suggest one
- Your logo or artwork (an AI image is fine)
- Pantone codes, if you have them
- Delivery ZIP code and the date you need it
Can I see a sample first?
Sample kit
Board and finish swatches, sample boxes, labels and bags. Credited to your first order.Digital proof + 3D mockup
See it before you payPrinted sample
Of your own designHow does shipping work?
- Free shipping to all 50 states
- Worldwide with DDP prices: duties and taxes included
- Blind and split shipping
- Damaged in transit? We reprint the damaged units free
Why brands choose CubitPack
Dedicated specialist
One account manager from quote to deliveryPantone guaranteed
Clearly off? We reprintReprint or refund
If we get it wrong, you chooseBBB accredited
A US business you can checkHoneycomb paper questions
How does custom honeycomb paper lock together without tape?
When you pull die-slit honeycomb paper lengthwise, the flat slits pop upright into angled hexagonal ribs. As you wrap a second and third layer around a jar or bottle under light tension, those upright paper cells hook into the cells of the layer underneath and hold shut when torn off.
What is the minimum order quantity for custom honeycomb paper?
Minimums depend on the product; we confirm yours with your quote. In Step 1 of the quote form, click the quick-add presets (500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000) or enter custom quantities to compare per-sheet or per-roll pricing.
What is the difference between custom honeycomb paper and custom honeycomb inserts?
Custom honeycomb paper is a thin, flexible die-slit kraft sheet or roll that expands when pulled into a 3D mesh for hand-wrapping jars, mugs and bottles. Custom honeycomb inserts are thick, rigid structural trays (0.4 to 2.0+ inches thick) die-cut with cavities to hold items in fixed slots.
Should I order custom honeycomb paper in pre-cut sheets or continuous rolls?
Order pre-cut flat sheets if you pack uniform items (like 9 oz candles) at tables without roll dispensers and want packers to pull one sheet per jar. Order continuous rolls if your fulfillment stations use tension dispensers to wrap items of varying sizes.
Do I need a special dispenser to expand pre-cut honeycomb paper sheets?
No dispenser is required for pre-cut sheets, though stretching by hand takes a two-handed pull: anchor one end of the sheet against your product, pull the far end lengthwise as you roll the item forward so the hexagonal cells pop open, and press the tail down to lock.
How much does honeycomb paper stretch in length and shrink in width?
Standard die-slit kraft honeycomb expands by roughly 1.5x to 1.6x in length (so a 20 inch sheet stretches to about 30 inches) while narrowing by about 10% to 15% in width as the angled cells open.
Can you print my logo directly on expandable honeycomb paper?
Yes. We offer 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone and Full color (CMYK) printing on custom paper extras. Because the slits open into a 3D mesh when stretched, bold repeating logos or pairing with printed tissue paper works best.
How many layers of honeycomb paper do I need to protect a glass jar or bottle?
For light scratch protection inside a snug product box, one expanded revolution is enough. For glass candles, wine bottles or ceramic mugs shipping through parcel carriers inside a mailer or shipping carton, wrap 2 to 3 full revolutions and tuck the overhanging ends over the top and base.
Will kraft honeycomb paper scratch glossy cosmetic boxes or polished metal?
Long-fiber 80 gsm kraft ribs are sturdy, so if you are wrapping a delicate high-gloss carton, sterling silver or painted wood, wrap the item first in a sheet of soft custom tissue paper or butter paper, then roll the honeycomb paper around the outside.
How long does custom honeycomb paper take to print and ship?
Standard production takes 10 to 14 business days after digital proof approval and payment. Rush production in 4 to 5 business days is available for an extra cost quoted per order. Standard shipping to all 50 US states is always free.
Still have a question? Ask a packaging specialist.
Request a Quote →Honeycomb paper terms, explained
- Die-slit perforation
- Staggered rows of slits cut into flat kraft paper that pop open into 3D hexagonal cells under tension
- Stretch (expansion) ratio
- The multiplier (typically 1.5x to 1.6x) between flat sheet length and fully pulled 3D mesh length
- Width contraction
- The slight 10% to 15% narrowing across the sheet width that happens as the lengthwise cells pull open
- Self-interlocking cells
- Angled paper ribs that hook into the layer below so the wrap stays closed without adhesive tape
- Extensible long-fiber kraft
- Virgin softwood kraft paper with high tensile strength so narrow cell bridges stretch without snapping
- Tissue interleaf
- A soft inner sheet of tissue paper layered inside the honeycomb wrap to protect delicate finishes
More for your candles packaging
Learn more
Get your honeycomb paper price
One dedicated account manager prepares pricing across up to 3 quantities.
- Free design & AI-to-print studio + 3D mockup
- No die or plate charges · 4–5 day rush available
- Free shipping to all 50 states
- 10% off your first order
- Reprint or refund if we get it wrong
Every CubitPack fact on this page comes from our confirmed offers (sheets and rolls, 1 or 2 Pantone and CMYK printing, 10-14 business day turnaround, free design help and free 50-state shipping) and was checked by a packaging specialist. Tell us if something looks wrong.
Sources
- All CubitPack offers, wrapping paper options (Sheets, Rolls; 1 Pantone, 2 Pantone, Full color CMYK; presets 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000), turnaround (10-14 business days, rush 4-5), free design help and free US shipping
- Extensible long-fiber kraft paper basis weight and die-slit expansion characteristics
- Multi-layer expanded paper wrap cushioning practices for glass jars, bottles and ceramics
What changed
- October 22, 2026: First published.
- October 22, 2026: Updated specifications, terminology, and verified source links.