gabletop

Gabletop refers to a carton design used for packaging liquids and semi-liquids. The defining feature is a gabled top formed by folding the panels, giving the carton a house-like profile when viewed from the side. The shape provides a stable base and a pointed closure area at the top.

Construction typically involves multilayer paperboard with a moisture barrier, such as a polymer coating. The top panels slope to a ridge, creating the gable shape, and a closure system—often a plastic screw cap or a pour spout—is attached to the top or upper side for sealing and pouring. The base is generally flat to support upright storage and stacking.

Uses are predominantly for dairy products like milk and cream, as well as juices and other beverages. Gabletop cartons gained popularity in the mid- to late-20th century as a lightweight, stackable alternative to glass bottles and waxed cartons. Their use has declined in some markets with the rise of aseptic cartons and flexible packaging, but they remain in production for specific products or regions.

Recycling and environmental considerations vary by jurisdiction. These cartons are typically composed of multiple materials (paperboard with plastic and sometimes metal layers), which can complicate recycling. Some programs accept them as composite paperboard, while others require dedicated recycling streams or do not accept them at all.

See also: beverage packaging, milk carton, packaging design.