Retailworld

Detroit Style Pizza Boxes – Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular, deep-dish pizza known for its thick, airy crust, crispy cheese edges, and generous toppings. Originally baked in blue steel pans used in the automotive industry, this unique pizza style has gained nationwide popularity in the U.S. and beyond. With its growing demand, restaurants, takeaways, and pizzerias now look for high-quality packaging—especially Detroit style pizza boxes that keep the product intact and appealing.

In this blog, we will explore why Detroit pizza needs its own box style, what to consider before buying, how they're manufactured, and available types.

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Why Detroit Style Pizza Needs a Unique Box

Unlike regular round pizzas, Detroit-style pizzas are rectangular and often heavier due to the thick crust and extra toppings. Here’s why they need dedicated packaging:

• Shape-specific fit: Standard round boxes don’t work well.

• Heat retention: The thick dough needs boxes that trap heat better.

• Grease resistance: Extra cheese and oils need a sturdy, lined surface.

• Sturdiness: The box must support the pizza's weight without collapsing.

These boxes ensure the pizza’s signature crispiness and fluffy texture stay intact during delivery or takeaway.

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Materials Used in Detroit Style Pizza Boxes

The material plays a big role in freshness and structural integrity. Here are the commonly used ones:

• Corrugated Cardboard: The most used material due to its durability and insulation.

• Kraft Paperboard: Eco-friendly, lightweight, and printable.

• Recyclable Coated Board: Includes grease-resistant coatings while remaining biodegradable.

• Dual-Layer Paperboard: For added strength and moisture resistance.

A quality pizza box should be food-grade, biodegradable, and strong enough to hold heat and moisture.

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Manufacturing Process of Detroit Pizza Boxes

Creating Detroit-style pizza boxes involves multiple steps to ensure strength, shape, and food safety. Here's an overview:

1. Material Selection: FSC-certified corrugated or kraft board is selected.

2. Die Cutting: Boxes are cut in rectangular shapes to match Detroit pizza dimensions.

3. Scoring & Folding: The box flaps and folds are created using scoring machines.

4. Printing: Logos, brand colours, and promotional text are printed using offset or flexographic methods.

5. Coating: Some boxes are coated for grease resistance or thermal insulation.

6. Glueing or Slot Locking: Final assembling is done either with glue or interlocking tabs.

7. Packing & Distribution: Boxes are flattened and packed for easy stacking.

Manufacturers also offer custom sizes if your pizzas vary from the standard 8"x10" or 10"x14" pans.

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Popular Sizes of Detroit Style Pizza Boxes

While traditional Detroit pizzas are baked in 10"x14" pans, other sizes are used based on portion control. Common box sizes include:

• 8” x 10” (Small portion or half-pan)

• 10” x 14” (Full-size pan)

• 12” x 16” (Family-sized or extra toppings)

• Custom Size (Available on request)

Ensure the box height is also sufficient—at least 2” tall to avoid squishing the cheesy edges.

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Types of Detroit Style Pizza Boxes

There are various types depending on the usage, branding, and sustainability goals:

1. Standard Kraft Boxes

   • Plain brown or white

   • Budget-friendly and recyclable

2. Printed Pizza Boxes

   • Custom branding

   • Promotes business and enhances presentation

3. Vented Boxes

   • Allow steam to escape

   • Prevent soggy crust

4. Insulated Pizza Boxes

   • Lined for better heat retention

   • Suitable for longer deliveries

5. Eco-Friendly Compostable Boxes

   • Made from sugarcane or recycled paper

   • Degrade quickly without harming the environment

6. Perforated Display Boxes

   • Openable front or sides

   • Perfect for dine-in or fast-casual display

Each type is useful depending on your business model, delivery range, and budget.

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Customisation Options

Businesses can benefit from customised Detroit pizza boxes that highlight branding and improve customer experience. Custom options include:

• Logo printing

• Colour schemes

• Custom artwork

• Slogan or promotional text

• QR codes for feedback or deals

• Perforated coupons on the box

Custom boxes not only build brand recognition but also leave a professional impression.

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Benefits of Using High-Quality Detroit Style Pizza Boxes

• Keeps pizza warm and crispy

• Improves delivery experience

• Builds brand loyalty

• Reduces waste if made eco-friendly

• Ensures product doesn’t shift or collapse

Many food customers judge the quality of the brand based on the packaging. That’s why a well-designed Detroit pizza box makes a big difference.

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Points to Consider Before Buying

If you're planning to order boxes for your Detroit-style pizza, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Right Size & Shape

   • Measure your pizza pans and match box dimensions.

2. Material Strength

   • Choose corrugated or multi-layer boards for heavy pizzas.

3. Grease Resistance

   • Look for coatings or linings to avoid sogginess.

4. Ventilation

   • Ensure the box doesn’t trap steam and ruin the crust.

5. Storage & Shipping

   • Flat-packed boxes save space in your kitchen or storage.

6. Order Quantity

   • Bulk purchases reduce cost per unit.

7. Customisation

   • Consider adding branding if you plan to scale or advertise.

8. Eco-Friendliness

   • More consumers prefer sustainable packaging options.

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Detroit Style Pizza Box Pricing

Pricing depends on several factors:

• Material type

• Custom printing

• Box size

• Order volume

• Special coatings or insulation

On average:

• Plain kraft boxes may cost £0.20–£0.40 per piece.

• Custom printed boxes range from £0.50–£1.20 per piece based on quality and order size.

Bulk pricing can significantly lower these rates.

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Conclusion

Detroit-style pizza is not just a meal—it’s a brand experience. Choosing the right custom pizza boxes ensures that every element of your pizza, from the crispy cheese edge to the warm, doughy centre, reaches your customer in perfect condition. Whether you're a small takeaway or a large pizza chain, investing in the right packaging improves customer satisfaction, boosts branding, and supports your delivery operations.

So before your next batch of cheesy, rectangular delights goes out the door—make sure they’re packed in a box that does justice to their bold flavour and history.