Introduction
We all are familiar with cigarette packs which contain details of health and safety for smokers. Though business owners always try to make their products stand out with the help of custom cigarette boxes, cigarette packaging still contains some common elements.
However, a question arises here. Is there any difference in the quantity of cigarettes in each pack? Or is there any rule that governs the number of cigs in a pack?
Well, it's reasonable to assume that the number of cigarettes in a pack is consistent similar to the standardized packaging design, however, the reality is more complex.
Thereby, below is a detail about how many cigarettes are in a pack, from standard cigarette pack sizes to their packaging types, branding, and more.
What are Custom Cigarette Boxes?
Custom printed cigarette boxes are personalized packaging solutions to pack cigs safely and fit the style requirements of a particular brand. These customized boxes come in various shapes and designs printing with brand elements and health promotions.
These cigarette packs also help smokers to track how much they smoke on average. Since the standard pack contains 20 cigarettes, it becomes easier for brand owners to streamline the tobacco supply and for smokers to track their smoking habits.
As a business owner, remember that various legal measures decide the standard size of the pack and thus the number of cigs in each pack even if you are going with custom cigarette boxes. So, let's understand how regional cigarette packaging regulations influence the size of a cigarette pack.
How Many Cigarettes in a Pack?
Similar to the standard outlook of cigarette packaging, the number of cigs in each pack is also a standard. A typical cigarette pack contains 20 cigarettes which is a standard size in the United States and various other countries.
Interestingly, the government of a particular area strictly regulates cigarette box printing and quantity. This prime focus on cigarette packaging by governments is due to their importance in reflecting health warnings and dangers of smoking.
However, size variations exist such as 25 or 30 cigarettes a pack, but it's not so common.
Recently, a study analyzed cigarette pack sizes across 23 European Union countries to find out if the size composition varied between cheap and expensive price segments. Interestingly, study findings suggest that smaller packs were more frequent in affordable segments but gradually under the EU Tobacco Products Directive Model, packs containing cigs of less than 20 disappeared.
In short, you can say that cigarette printing boxes evolved over time and were treated differently worldwide to regulate tobacco supply and consumption.
Cigarette Pack Dimensions Across Different Brands
| Brand | Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth) | Weight (grams) | Number of Variants | Country of Origin |
| Marlboro | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 25g | 5 | USA |
| Camel | 84mm x 54mm x 22mm | 24g | 4 | USA |
| Lucky Strike | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 25g | 3 | USA |
| Winston | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 26g | 4 | USA |
| Newport | 84mm x 55mm x 23mm | 27g | 3 | USA |
| Pall Mall | 84mm x 54mm x 23mm | 24g | 5 | USA |
| Benson & Hedges | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 25g | 4 | UK |
| Parliament | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 26g | 3 | USA |
| Dunhill | 85mm x 55mm x 23mm | 28g | 5 | UK |
| Davidoff | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 25g | 4 | Switzerland |
| Gauloises | 84mm x 54mm x 22mm | 24g | 3 | France |
| L&M | 85mm x 55mm x 22mm | 25g | 4 | USA |
Why are There 20 Cigarettes in a Pack?
The number 20 isn't hyped randomly, rather it's rooted deep in history. Many people think that is why 20 cigarettes per pack is a standard.
Well, there are many reasons behind it. For instance:
Historical Influence
Cigarette Manufacturers standardized a 20-cigarette pack in the early 20th century since it was convenient to produce for industries and an ideal amount to carry for consumers.
Convenience and Satisfaction
It turns out that an average smoker consumes 19 cigarettes a day, so a pack of 20 is neither cumbersome nor too few to make frequent purchases.
Marketing Strategy
Different studies confirmed that a 20-cigarette pack is the optimal size for balancing cost and convenience while ensuring that smokers purchase them regularly.
Government Regulations
A standard cigarette pack makes it easier for governments to standardize the market and simplify tax collection.
Overall, 20 cigarettes per box is a convenient option that is neither too much nor too few, rather perfect to meet daily consumer needs.
Custom Cigarette Box Sizes and Variations
In addition to 20-cigarette packaging, various alternatives and size variations are available which are less common but still marketed to target specific consumer needs.
Miniature Pack
Miniature packs usually contain 5 cigarettes which are also marketed as Pocket-sized packaging for those who want a quick smoke on the go. In general, retailers keep miniature packs as a trial sample for new smokers.
The 10-Cigarette Pack
Consumers find these cigarette printing boxes as half packs which contain 10 cigarettes a pack. This size is perfect for those who smoke occasionally or want to try a new brand without purchasing the standard pack.
The 25-Cigarette Pack
Although not common, some brands offer custom cigarette boxes containing 25 cigarettes. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy some extra puffs in each pack.
The 30-Cigarette Pack
In some countries, 30 cigs per pack is a standard size which is perfect for heavy smokers who are craving for regular supply.
Though all these variations exist, 20 cigs a pack remains standard for most of the brands and countries.
Regional Variations in Cigarette Pack Sizes
| Region | Standard Pack Size | Alternative Pack Sizes | Regulatory Body |
| United States | 20 cigarettes | 10, 25 cigarettes | FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
| United Kingdom | 20 cigarettes | 10 cigarettes (banned in 2017) | UK Department of Health and Social Care |
| European Union | 20 cigarettes | 19, 23, 24 cigarettes | European Commission |
| Australia | 20 cigarettes | 25, 30, 40, 50 cigarettes | Australian Department of Health |
| Canada | 20 cigarettes | 25 cigarettes | Health Canada |
| Japan | 20 cigarettes | 14, 18 cigarettes | Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare |
| China | 20 cigarettes | 10, 16, 30 cigarettes | State Tobacco Monopoly Administration |
| India | 10 cigarettes | 20 cigarettes | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| Russia | 20 cigarettes | 10, 25 cigarettes | Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation |
| Brazil | 20 cigarettes | 10, 16 cigarettes | ANVISA |
| South Africa | 20 cigarettes | 10 cigarettes | Department of Health, South Africa |
Understanding Custom Cigarette Packaging
Custom printed cigarette boxes pack cigarettes snugly and deliver them to consumers safely. Unlike plain boxes, custom cig boxes are tailored packaging solutions that make the product look attractive and set apart from competitors.
Overall, cigarette packaging is unique in a way that brands cannot customize it completely. In fact, the corresponding regulatory measures decide how your standard 20-cigarette pack will look like.
In short, a cigarette case must show graphic warnings about the dangers of smoking. However, what you can customize is the size and shape, color scheme, text, and branding elements like logos.
Custom cigarette packaging not only keeps the content safe but also benefits brands in the following ways:
- A cigarette case gives an identity to a particular brand in the market.
- A thoughtful packaging design wins the attention of more viewers and thus generates more sales.
- Custom packaging adds an extra layer of protection to cigs in the form of inserts and labels that turn first-time buyers into loyal customers.
- Standard cigarette cases make the product stand out while adhering to the regulations about cigarette packaging.
In short, custom cigarette boxes are like specific suites for cigs that separate cigarette brands from each other and help smokers find the trusted one.
Evolution of Cigarette Packaging
As you see the number of cigarettes in a pack was previously not standardized. In fact, these were the manufacturers who used to decide the number of cigs in a pack in old age.
Interestingly, the same was true for cigarette packaging as well. The cigarette printing box with which we are familiar today was not always the same. This evolution reflects changes in marketing strategies, regulatory measures, and consumer preferences. The following are some distinct ages of custom cigarette boxes:Traditional Packaging (1600s-1800s) - Cigarettes were sold in paper wraps and plain boxes during the early ages. At that time, companies were not familiar with unique ways of labeling and branding
Marketing Text (Late 1800s)
Cigarette packaging became popular with labels and brand names during this time.
Standardization (Early 1900s)
Cigarette packs became standardized with 20 cigarettes in a pack. Since then, this size has become the norm which makes it easier to produce and distribute cigs.
Cellophane Wrapping (Mid-1900s)
Cigarette manufacturers started using cellophane to protect cigs and make them look better.
Attractive Designs (1950s-1960s)
This time period represents the age of cigarette marketing and advertising. At that time, cigarette printing boxes became catchy and appealing.
Warning Labels (1970s-1980s)
During this age, various countries made it compulsory to add warning labels on cigarette packs which was a key shift in the packaging industry.
Plain Packaging (1990s-2000s)
The law of plain cigarette packaging was introduced to reduce the appeal of cigs for youth. Under these regulations, companies again started selling cigarettes in plain cases
Graphic Warning Labels (Present day)
Nowadays, manufacturers have to put visually vivid graphics related to health issues of smoking which represents the latest development in custom cigarette boxes to prioritize consumer health over marketing.
Popular Types of Custom Cigarette Boxes
Standard cigarette packs have a variety of designs and materials to protect cigarettes inside. Brand owners customize them to advertise new products and promotional releases to capture the attention of viewers.
Nowadays, we know different packaging types each specific to a particular brand. However, some of them are quite common and familiar among consumers which are discussed below. Understand them if you are a brand owner and want to get a market share of the cigarette industry.
Flip-Top Boxes
Cigarettes often come in flip-top packaging containing a hinged lid that consumers flip from the top. It's the most famous type of cigarette printing box in the market due to its convenient access to cigs.
Consumers find it easier to open and close the box while it also provides manufacturers a large surface area for marketing and introducing health warnings.
Slide Boxes
Slide cigarette boxes are also popular in the market where they are also familiar as sleeve boxes. These cigarette boxes have an inner tray containing a certain number of cigarettes per pack and an outer cover that encloses and protects cigs.
Though standard cigarette packs often use flip-top packaging, 25 or 30-cigarette packs come in slide boxes which provide a premium feel to consumers and thus cost higher.
This way, brands also benefit from the large surface area which can be utilized for branding and advertising.
Soft Pack Boxes
Soft pack boxes are popular custom cigarette boxes among cheap segments where consumers opt for affordable cigarette packs. These boxes use soft and flexible materials to fit into pockets and small bags easily.
In addition, soft cigarette boxes are also cheaper to produce for brands and offer a different texture and feel to meet certain consumer needs.
Other types of cigarette packaging are also available including tin boxes, eco-friendly boxes, and promotional packaging to deal with certain packaging regulations. However, the most common one is the flip-top packaging that covers the standard as well as unique cigarette packs out there.
Estimated Costs for Custom Cigarette Packaging per Pack for USA Brands
| Type of Packaging | Material | Printing Technique | Estimated Cost per Pack | Additional Features |
| Basic Paperboard Box | Paperboard | Offset Printing | $0.05 - $0.10 | None |
| Premium Paperboard Box | High-quality Paperboard | Offset Printing with UV Coating | $0.10 - $0.20 | Embossing, Foil Stamping |
| Eco-Friendly Box | Recycled Paperboard | Digital Printing | $0.08 - $0.15 | Biodegradable Coating |
| Metallic Finish Box | Paperboard with Metallic Foil | Offset Printing with Metallic Inks | $0.15 - $0.25 | Embossing, Holographic Effects |
| Soft Pack | Flexible Plastic | Flexographic Printing | $0.03 - $0.07 | Tear Tape, Easy Open Feature |
| Slide and Shell Box | Rigid Paperboard | Offset Printing | $0.12 - $0.22 | Matte/Gloss Lamination |
| Wooden Box | Wood | Laser Engraving | $1.00 - $2.00 | Velvet Lining, Custom Shapes |
| Collector Tin Box | Metal (Tinplate) | Digital Printing | $0.50 - $1.00 | Embossed Lid, Hinged Closure |
| Custom Shaped Box | Paperboard | Offset Printing | $0.20 - $0.30 | Unique Shapes (cylindrical, triangular, etc.) |
| Leather Box | Leather | Embossing | $2.00 - $3.00 | Magnetic Closure, Velvet Lining |
| Clamshell Box | Rigid Plastic | Screen Printing | $0.25 - $0.40 | Snap Closure, Custom Inserts |
Final Words
In conclusion, regulatory measures of a particular state or a country influence the number of cigarettes in a pack and visual representation of the packaging. However, business owners are still able to get custom cigarette boxes while complying with regional rules and regulations. We Print Boxes is a USA-based printing and packaging company that provides tailored services to businesses. So, let us know your cigarette packaging requirements and get a custom legal case for your products.