Roll End Tuck Top (RETT) / Tuck Front Mailers

The industry standard for secure subscription and e-commerce shipping.

Also known as:
Corrugated Mailer
Tab-Lock Mailer
REFT / RETF
FEFCO 0427
45+ Years Experience
Custom Solutions
Industry Leading
Roll End Tuck Top (RETT) mailer with roll-over front edge and tuck lid

What is a Roll End Tuck Top Box?

A Roll End Tuck Top (RETT), often called a Tuck Front Mailer or FEFCO 0427, is a one‑piece die‑cut box designed for durability and presentation. The side walls roll over to create a triple‑thickness front and side panels, providing exceptional crush resistance during shipping without the need for glue or tape.

RETT vs. RETF Comparison

Search terms like Roll end tuck top, Roll end tuck front, Roll end front tuck, and Roll side tuck side or front are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle structural distinctions between RETT and RETF packaging.

FeatureRETTRETF
Full nameRoll End Tuck TopRoll End Tuck Front
Closure locationTop opening flap (tucks into top/inside boundary; confirm with PM structural team)Front panel locking flaps (tucks into front double-wall; confirm with PM structural team)
Front-panel appearanceClean front edge with top tuck closureVisible front edge with front locking tabs/closure
Best useShipping, kits, e-commerceRetail presentation, kits, premium mailers
AssemblyTypically hand-set roll-end wallsTypically hand-set roll-end walls
Custom printingAvailableAvailable
InsertsAvailableAvailable

Comparison: RETT vs. Alternatives

FeaturesRETT / MailerRSC ShipperFolding Carton
Primary UseSubscription, E-comm, PresentationBulk Shipping, WarehousingRetail Shelves (Lightweight)
MaterialCorrugated (N, F, E, B, C Flute)Corrugated (N, F, E, B, C Flute)Paperboard
AssemblySelf-locking (No Tape)Requires Tape/GlueGlue Tab (by manufacturer)
Unboxing Exp.★★★★★ (Premium)★★☆☆☆ (Utilitarian)★★★★☆ (Retail Focus)
ProtectionHigh (Double/Triple walls)High (But less rigid corners)Low (Need secondary shipper)

E-Commerce & Returns Readiness

Optimize your mailer for the loop economy. We can modify standard dielines to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

  • Tear StripsEasy-open perforations prevent box damage and frustration.
  • Return SealsAdd a second adhesive strip so customers can reseal the same box for returns.
  • Tamper EvidenceLocking tabs and security labels show if a package was opened en route.
E-commerce ready mailer with tear strip

Print That Performs: A Buyer's Guide

Direct Flexo

Ink printed directly on board. Cost-effective for high volumes.

Best for: Shipping logos, handling icons, rustic aesthetics.
Digital Print

CMYK direct-to-board. No plate fees, perfect for short runs.

Best for: Multi-SKU launches, proofs, intricate full-color art.
Single-Face Lamination-Label Wrap

Printed paper laminated to corrugate. Premium finish.

Best for: Photo-realistic branding, soft-touch finishes, luxury retail.
Pro Tip on Finishes: Matte finishes are elegant but can show scuffs in parcel networks.
Soft-Touch Warning: Feels premium but highly susceptible to conveyor belt friction. Use an outer shipper if chosen.

Common Industry Applications

Subscription & Influencer Kits

High-impact "unboxing" experiences. Often uses double-sided print (inside & out) and soft-touch finishes to build brand value immediately upon opening.

Electronics & Accessories

Requires durability and static control. Often pairs E-flute RETTs with conductive foam inserts or molded pulp trays for secure transit.

Cosmetics & Beauty

Small format E-flute boxes. Focus on high-end print finishes (foil hot stamping, spot UV) and precise dust flaps to keep product clean.

Sample Kits & Parts

Organizational focus. Uses internal dividers to present multiple small SKUs or parts neatly. excellent for B2B sales demos.

Frequently Asked Questions

A roll end tuck top (RETT) box is a unibody die-cut corrugated container featuring roll-over side panels that fold into the base, creating triple-wall side strength. Its top lid extends from the rear and tucks smoothly into the box frame, offering high crush resistance and a secure closure without requiring glue.
RETT stands for Roll End Tuck Top. It describes a self-locking corrugated mailer where the side panels roll over into the base for structural reinforcement, and the top hinged lid tucks securely into the box opening for a clean, tape-free assembly.
The key difference lies in the closure dieline. On PM’s RETT dielines, the top lid flap tucks directly into the top interior frame of the box. On RETF (Roll End Tuck Front) dielines, the lid extends over the top edge and features side locking tabs that tuck into slots within the front double-wall panel.
No, a roll end tuck top box is a specific structural style within the broader mailer box category. While all RETT boxes are mailer boxes, not all mailers use RETT construction—other styles include auto-bottom mailers, tab-locking mailers (RETF), envelope mailers, and rigid setup mailers.
No, RETT boxes do not require glue or tape for initial assembly, as their roll-end side walls and tuck top friction-lock into place. However, for parcel shipping across carrier networks, brands often add a wafer seal, custom branded tape, or an integrated adhesive strip to guarantee tamper evidence.
Yes. PM Packaging engineers custom inserts tailored to your products using corrugated board, folding paperboard, molded pulp, or custom foam inserts. These inserts hold items firmly in place, enhance presentation during unboxing, and protect delicate components throughout transit.
Yes. PM Packaging provides full 2-sided custom printing (inside and outside) for RETT boxes. You can combine direct flexographic printing, high-definition digital printing, or single-face lamination to feature exterior branding with vivid, interactive unboxing graphics on the interior.
Flute selection depends on product weight, shipping hazards, and visual requirements:
  • E-Flute (~1/16"): Best for lightweight cosmetics, jewelry, and fine graphic detail with high crush resistance.
  • B-Flute (~1/8"): Ideal for standard e-commerce shipping, subscription kits, and heavier items.
  • F-Flute (~1/32"): Chosen for compact, luxury retail presentation.
  • C-Flute (~3/16"): Recommended for heavy-duty industrial shipping protection.

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