Carton

What Carton does

Carton Packaging & Print, Inc. operates a B2B marketplace platform (fromcarton.com) connecting brands with vetted manufacturers for custom packaging and print materials. The platform spans the full procurement lifecycle — supplier search, RFP management, dieline and proof approval, production tracking, multi-carrier shipping coordination, customs clearance (HS Code handling), and 3PL fulfillment integration — across 15 packaging product categories including corrugated boxes, folding cartons, flexible pouches, labels, mailers, cans, tubes, rollstock, tapes, and bags.

Carton is a privately held company incorporated in California with a headquarters address in Redlands, CA and a stated operating presence in Chicago. Headcount is reported at 1–10 employees, and no external funding rounds have been disclosed. The company generates revenue as a marketplace intermediary, processing payments on behalf of suppliers and earning transaction fees or commissions on orders placed through the platform. Go-to-market combines self-serve platform access with a sales-assisted motion via a "Book a Demo" Calendly flow, targeting mid-market CPG and e-commerce brands with a $50,000 minimum annual spend for preferred manufacturer pricing and dedicated support.

Carton differentiates through a managed marketplace model with AQL 2.5 quality inspection default, overs/under management, a money-back or redo guarantee, and a sustainability framework tracking recycled content, renewable materials, compostability, and recyclability. The ecosystem includes 90+ partners across 3PLs, agencies, co-packers, brokers, consultants, software providers, and financing, with a designated "Preferred" sub-tier. No external investment, acquisitions, leadership changes, or named enterprise customers are disclosed in the available data.

Name

Carton

Legal name

Carton Packaging & Print, Inc.

Website

https://fromcarton.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Carton is a B2B marketplace connecting brands with vetted packaging manufacturers across 15 product categories. The platform manages supplier search, RFPs, proof approval, production tracking, shipping, and customs clearance, targeting mid-market CPG and e-commerce brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging Procurement Marketplace

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (56191), Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers (4241)

SIC

Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Folding Cartons & Paperboard Packaging Converting (IMAMAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Secondary Packaging & Case Packing (Multipacks, Shrink, Cartoning) (AFAFAJAK), Carton Packaging Operations (Gable-Top, Aseptic Cartons) (AFAFAJAH), Folding Cartons (Folding Boxboard, SBS/SUS) (IMALACAB), Folding Carton & Paperboard Packaging Printing (IMALAKAH)

Keywords

• Custom packaging procurement
• Packaging marketplace
• CPG packaging solutions
• Print packaging services
• Packaging supply chain

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Platform Marketplace Commission / Transaction Fee: Carton operates as a marketplace intermediary connecting brands/customers with vetted packaging manufacturers. Revenue is generated through transaction fees or commissions on orders placed through the platform. The Terms of Service state that payment for orders is due upon order finalization and prior to production, and Carton processes payments on behalf of suppliers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Carton operates a B2B marketplace platform that connects brands with vetted packaging manufacturers for custom packaging and print materials. Customers search supplier profiles, submit RFPs, compare quotes, approve proofs, and track orders from production through delivery, with integrated shipping, customs clearance, and 3PL fulfillment coordination. The platform spans 15 product categories including corrugated boxes, folding cartons, poly mailers, stand-up pouches, aluminum cans, pressure sensitive labels, paper tubes, rollstock, tote bags, and specialty tapes and mailers.

Product overview

Carton is a B2B marketplace platform connecting brands with vetted manufacturers for custom packaging and print materials. The platform offers a unified ecosystem combining approval management, vetted suppliers, and real-time production oversight. The core product portfolio includes 15 distinct packaging types: Poly Mailer, Folding Carton, Paper Tube, Stand-Up Pouch, Corrugated Packaging, Tote Bag, Rollstock, Pressure Sensitive Label, Aluminum Can, Water-Activated Tape, Padded Paper Mailer, Masking Tape, Rigid Paper Mailer, Flat Bottom Pouch, and Takeaway Bag. These products span flexible packaging, rigid boxes, mailers, labels, and bags. The platform's procurement workflow supports supplier search, RFP management, proof approval, and production tracking. Supporting services include shipping coordination, fulfillment integration, customs handling, and sustainability assessments (recycled content, sustainable inks, renewable materials, compostable options).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Corrugated Packaging

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

77 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Little Sundays StudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerLittle Sundays Studio is a New York-based creative agency specializing in family and lifestyle brands. They partner with brands to build packaging and brand visions. Founded by mothers with a focus on thoughtful, sustainable design.
• ShipHypeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShipHype is a fulfillment and warehousing company with locations in Canada (North York, Ontario; Scarborough, Ontario) and the US (Long Beach, CA; Gardena, CA). They provide inventory management and fulfillment services, having scaled to 88,086 sqft since 2020.
• RexxyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRexxy is a full-service affiliate and influencer marketing agency based in Detroit, MI. They design and manage affiliate and influencer marketing programs for e-commerce brands. Certified Women-Owned Business.
• Makers & AlliesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMakers & Allies is an award-winning design and branding studio based in San Luis Obispo, CA, exclusively serving the wine, craft, and spirits industries.
• Right Coast BrandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRight Coast Brands is a solution center in Framingham, MA for emerging beverage brands looking to create, refine, and bring new products to market in full retail-ready packaging. Led by industry veteran Andrew Guard. Offers co-packing for cans, bottles, and cold fill.
• Van Wyck OpsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVan Wyck Ops provides fractional operations management, strategic operations, and commercialization management to early-stage and high-growth CPG brands in food and beverage. Based in Vermont.
• Varni Brothers CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVarni Brothers Corporation is a contract manufacturer and co-packer based in Modesto, CA with roots dating to 1933. Originally a Seven-Up bottling franchise, they now offer comprehensive co-packing services for beverages and food products.
• ShipfusionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShipfusion is a 3PL fulfillment company with locations in Carol Stream, IL, Mississauga, Ontario, North Las Vegas, NV, and Bell, CA. Founded by ecommerce and logistics professionals who operate their own warehouses with Shipfusion employees (no third-party warehouse contracts).
• Greetings FromminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreetings From is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Burlington, VT, offering creative and branding services.
• Nice CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNice Commerce is a 3PL and fulfillment partner based in North Charleston, SC, offering barcode-scanned inventory, real-time order management, transparent pricing, and dedicated success management.
• adQuadrantminorGTM or Marketing PartneradQuadrant is a commerce agency based in Costa Mesa, CA, offering fractional CEO services, creative, omni-channel, and attribution strategies, and full-funnel execution for established Shopify brands with $5M-$100M in sales.
• Ouu i loveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOuu i love is a creative agency based in Whittier, CA, providing end-to-end creative solutions from concept to creation.
• The Influence AgencyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Influence Agency is a boutique influencer marketing agency based in Toronto, Ontario, founded in 2017. Specializes in influencer marketing, social media campaigns, content creation, SEO, and paid media for brands.
• ShipCalmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShipCalm is a 3PL company in San Diego (Carlsbad, CA) with a second location in Plainfield, IN. Specializes in inventory management, resolving client-specific manufacturing cycle challenges, and transparent pricing with no service fees.
• Canna ContentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCannaContent is a content marketing agency based in Jersey City, NJ (with White Plains, NY office) serving cannabis, CBD, and hemp industries. Staff includes award-winning journalists and industry-leading creatives and SEO professionals.
• Simpl FulfillmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSimpl Fulfillment is a 3PL provider based in Austin, TX offering one flat fee per order based on weight, real-time order/returns/inventory management software, and 24/7 dedicated success team.
• Alum BeveragesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlum Beverages is a co-packer based in San Fernando, CA providing aluminum beverage packaging and co-packing solutions for Los Angeles area brands.
• 4BminorGTM or Marketing Partner4B is a boutique marketing agency based in Denver, CO, curating a select partner list and working closely with clients from CEO to Creative Director.
• GRMminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGRM (Good Marketing) is a broker based in Eugene, OR working with natural/specialty CPG distributors on the west coast to help brands increase points of distribution. Serves brands from startups to national brands with over $1B in annual sales.
• Designsake StudiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesignsake is an award-winning packaging and brand design agency based in San Anselmo, CA. Featured in Dieline, BranD, MindSparkle, Studio AC, and World Brand Design.
• Erickson Design CominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMatt Erickson's graphic design studio based in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in brand identity, packaging design, and illustration. Work recognized by Graphis, Print Magazine, Communication Arts, Dieline, LogoLounge, and AIGA.
• Reflective Media Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerReflective Media Design Studio based in Toronto and Windsor, Ontario (near Detroit, MI). Specializes in CPG labeling, package design, marketing collateral, and US/CDN government-compliant food labeling. Deep expertise in printability and production.
• LabelGurusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLabelGurus is a custom label and packaging design agency based in San Francisco, CA serving emerging and established CPG brands.
• ECOMSPACESminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorECOMSPACES is a one-stop e-commerce partner based in Atlanta, GA offering product photography, order fulfillment, and international shipping — all under one roof.
• Four Course MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFour Course Media offers photography, styling, recipe development, social media management, graphic design, and branding consultation to CPG companies globally. Based in Chicago, IL and Denver, CO.
• manufacturminorGTM or Marketing Partnermanufactur is a branding and design studio based in Los Angeles, CA with an additional office in Durham, NC. Founded in 2011, they work with ambitious clients from concept to creation with strategy-informed design.
• KindTymeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKindTyme is a small, in-house design agency based in Portland, OR specializing in packaging design and brand identity for CPG brands.
• RescaleminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRescale is a supply chain consulting firm based in Hanover, NH helping brands optimize their manufacturing and procurement processes.
• Perfect StrangersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPerfect Strangers is a food and beverage branding studio based in Temecula, CA, offering branding, illustration, photography, and marketing campaigns for brands.
• Pixel BakeryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPixel Bakery is a content studio based in Lincoln, NE specializing in immersive, motion-centric content across various mediums and campaigns including websites, social channels, and video.
• Digital SurgeonsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital Surgeons is a demand design consultancy based in New Haven, CT partnering with brands in high-growth categories to explore and unlock new business-building possibilities.
• Hickory Design Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHickory Design Co. is a branding and design studio based in Fayetteville, AR, specializing in building beautiful, strong, flexible, and timeless brands.
• Liquid SherpasminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLiquid Sherpas is a beverage consulting firm helping early-stage and scaling beverage companies navigate the 4 Key C's (consumer, complexity, cash, and competence) to beat the odds and scale nationally. Based in Atlanta, GA.
• FulfyldminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFulfyld is a warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment service based in Harvest, AL offering streamlined 3PL services for brands.
• OutBND FulfillmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOutBND (Outbound) Fulfillment is a fulfillment and operations partner based in Chicago, IL offering collaborative, customer-centric supply chain and operations expertise.
• Lakuna DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLakuna Design is a brand identity and packaging design agency founded by husband-and-wife team Dave & Misi Narcizo in Newport, RI. Specializes in strategic visual brand and packaging design.
• Precision Sales & MarketingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrecision Sales & Marketing is a natural products broker based in Kings Park, NY representing brands in supplements, health & beauty care, and natural + organic food & beverages across the New York region.
• Owen Family FoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwen Family Foods is a contract food manufacturer based in Arvada, CO with state-of-the-art automated lines enabling CPG food brands to scale production capacity.
• mixtape marketingminorGTM or Marketing Partnermixtape marketing is an award-winning, full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Austin, TX, founded in 2009. Serves clients from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Powered predominantly by referrals.
• The RindminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Rind is a boutique PR agency based in Austin, TX offering creative and personalized brand storytelling, PR, and brand awareness services with over 25 years combined experience.
• RetailyticsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRetailytics is a retail and e-commerce consulting firm based in Encinitas, CA helping businesses implement systems and scale quickly with 15 years of corporate retail experience including omni-channel strategies.
• Brand JointminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand Joint is an award-winning branding and design agency based in Annapolis, MD with over 20 years of experience specializing in cannabis, hemp, and dispensary branding and packaging.
• GTMAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGTMA is a full-stack digital marketing agency, production studio, and creative community based in Vancouver, WA, focused on telling world-changing stories and building community.
• Good Now FoodsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGood Now Foods is a broker based in Seattle, WA operating as an extended sales team for brands rather than a traditional broker, serving natural/specialty food and beverage categories with high-touch service.
• Studio JademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerStudio Jade is a marketing agency based in Worcester, MA led by founder Brittany, specializing in marketing strategy, branding, and execution with a focus on transparency and measurable results.
• Kindship GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKindship Group is a supergroup of mission-driven strategists, marketers, writers, designers, and media relations experts based in La Farge, WI united by a shared mission to do good.
• MackeyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMackey is a creative and strategic agency based in Minneapolis, MN partnering with brands to move them forward through design, strategy, and creative execution.
• CatapultminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCatapult is a food and beverage consulting firm based in Wauwatosa, WI enabling anyone to turn a food idea into a viable commercial product.
• Lemon CollaborativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLemon Collaborative is a branding and marketing agency based in Austin, TX empowering brands, fostering growth, and expanding brand horizons.
• Brigade BrandingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrigade Branding is an independent, woman-owned branding and design agency based in Florence, MA providing creative solutions that re-energize brands and help marketing teams compete in their categories.
• Walden HydeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWalden Hyde is a strategic brand agency based in Boulder, CO specializing in positioning and marketing for outdoor, hospitality, and natural food companies. Over a decade of experience with behavioral research, brand strategies, and award-winning design.
• Stout CollectiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStout Collective is a design studio based in Chicago, IL rooted in beer. Offers comprehensive brand building for breweries, ongoing label solutions, and marketing support. Founded in 2015 with experience across breweries, distributors, print shops, and more.
• izbaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partnerizba is a fractional operations and strategy consulting firm based in Charlotte, NC providing startup operator and Fortune 500-level expertise to startups on a fractional basis.
• Future Friends DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFuture Friends is a branding house and design studio based in St. Augustine, FL helping brands find their voice and tell their unique story.
• Wick & MortarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWick & Mortar is a cannabis-focused boutique branding and marketing agency based in Seattle, WA offering end-to-end marketing, branding, strategy, copywriting, packaging design, and website design services.
• Avidity CreativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAvidity Creative is a branding and design company based in Grimes, IA specializing in packaged food and beverage products, helping brands define their market, perfect packaging, and understand customer shopping behaviors.
• Thrive 3PLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThrive 3PL is a logistics and fulfillment partner based in Houston, TX with over 12 years of e-commerce experience and over $100 million in sales across multiple brands. Offers Amazon and multi-platform fulfillment.
• Get Level ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGet Level Consulting (GLC) is a strategic packaging and project execution firm based in Atlanta, GA serving health, beauty, wellness, food, and beverage industries. Specializes in packaging design, strategic planning, and product roadmap building.
• Pitted LogisticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPitted Logistics is a technology-driven, service-oriented 3PL based in North Salt Lake, UT. Engaged in all aspects of e-commerce through sister companies Pitted Labs, Pitted Ventures, and Atlas, making them a complete e-commerce partner.
• PitcherminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPitcher is a brand strategy and growth consultancy based in Pittsburgh, PA serving small businesses ready to make a big impact. Repositions companies to win and grow.
• The StuudiiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Stuudiio is a creative collective based in Eureka, CA specializing in branding, non-plastic packaging, and educational marketing with a focus on cannabis, CBD, health & beauty, food, wine, spirits, and coffee.
• Boombox BeverageminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoombox Beverage is an FDA-registered contract manufacturer based in Skokie, IL specializing in cold brew coffee, cold brew tea, waters, and functional beverages. Offers cans, kegs, and bag-in-the-box. Has one of the only retorts-for-hire in the Midwest.
• SnaplminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSnapl is a 3PL company based in Gloucester City, NJ (with South Hadley, MA location) offering 3PL, FBA prep, and holistic fulfillment solutions using cutting-edge technology and process optimization.
• Pure Bliss OrganicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPure Bliss Organics is a GMP-certified co-packer based in Marietta, GA providing clean, organic food and beverage manufacturing services.
• ZK ShippingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorZK Shipping is a logistics and shipping partner based in Bridgeton, MO offering shipping services integrated with Carton's platform for packaging delivery coordination.
• Manifest.ecominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManifest.eco is a sustainable 3PL based in Austin, TX offering D2C and B2B fulfillment services with personalized account management and innovative logistics solutions.
• ButterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerButter is a commerce agency based in New York City, NY (with Arkansas operations) developing strategic and creative marketing to help brands grow through a simplified, non-complicated client-agency relationship.
• Source RefeshminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSource Refesh is a sourcing strategy consulting firm based in Portland, OR with over 50 years of combined knowledge and experience helping brands create and execute sourcing roadmaps.
• PunchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPunch is a packaging design and branding agency based in Tulsa, OK specializing in food, beverage, and venues. Led by Joshua Berman with over 14 years of experience in design, branding, and marketing across agencies.
• Sophie Wedd DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSophie Wedd Design is a brand building studio for startups with heart based in Philmont, NY. Offers brand strategy, naming & messaging, visual identity, print & packaging design, and website design & development. Over a decade of experience.
• Nicely MademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerNicely Made is a brand design studio based in Sacramento, CA led by a designer who works with clients who have a sense of humor, offering creative, fun, and meaningful branding processes.
• Eastgate GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEastgate Group is a family-owned package decorator based in Lebanon, OH specializing in shrink sleeve labeling, pressure sensitive labeling, and direct screen printing for rigid packaging. BRCGS and USDA Organic certified.
• AlkememinorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlkeme is a data-driven creative strategy and performance video production agency founded by two industry veterans. Offers dedicated creative strategists, white-glove production approach, and monthly iteration and optimization of creative assets.
• Curio SweetscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurio Sweets is a co-packer and 'Preferred' partner on Carton's platform. Serves the confectionery and specialty food segments.
• LustrecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLustre is an agency and 'Preferred' partner on Carton's platform. Serves brands seeking creative and branding services for packaging projects.
• PelagiccoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPelagic is a consulting firm and 'Preferred' partner on Carton's platform. Provides strategic advisory services for packaging and operational decisions.
• GripcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrip is a 3PL partner and 'Preferred' on Carton's platform, providing warehousing and fulfillment services integrated with the packaging procurement workflow.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PakFactory: Custom packaging manufacturer and supplier offering folding cartons, mailers, boxes, and labels directly to brands with online quoting and proof tools, competing for the same mid-market CPG and DTC accounts.
• noissue: Sustainable custom packaging marketplace offering custom boxes, tissue paper, labels, and mailers to brands with a focus on eco-friendly materials, overlapping with Carton's product portfolio and target buyers.
• Sticker Mule: Custom label, sticker, and packaging provider with a self-serve online ordering platform, serving similar mid-market and DTC brands with quick-turn custom print products.
• Refine Packaging: Custom packaging supplier offering boxes, mailers, and labels to brands and agencies, providing online quotes and production oversight similar to Carton's RFP and proof approval workflow.
• Packhelp: European-based online custom packaging marketplace that connects brands with vetted manufacturers for boxes, mailers, and printed packaging, directly competing with Carton's platform model.
• The Custom Boxes: Custom printed packaging manufacturer offering folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and mailers with online quote tools, targeting similar CPG and DTC brand customers as Carton.
• Arka: Custom packaging and label supplier serving e-commerce and CPG brands with online ordering, prototyping, and low-MOQ offerings, comparable to Carton's marketplace value proposition.

Broad incumbents

• WestRock: Major paper and packaging manufacturer serving consumer and corrugated markets with substantial scale, providing an alternative supplier channel for brands evaluating Carton's vetted supplier network.
• Berlin Packaging: Largest hybrid packaging supplier in North America, offering containers, closures, and custom packaging across rigid and flexible categories, competing in Carton's category with broader scale and a much larger catalog.
• Smurfit Kappa: Global paper-based packaging manufacturer with extensive corrugated and folding carton operations, representing the incumbent scale players whose direct relationships Carton's marketplace seeks to intermediate for smaller brands.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fromcarton

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carton