A carton (90) comprises a substantially tubular structure including a top wall (16) and first and second side walls (14, 18) hingedly connected respectively to opposed edges of the top wall. The carton comprises a handle structure (H1) formed in the top wall (16) and in at least one of the first and second side walls (14, 18). The handle structure (H1) includes a first handle flap hinged to the top wall (16) and to the at least one of the first and second side walls (14, 18) by a hinged connection (31A). The first handle flap comprises a first main portion (30A) formed from part of the top wall (16); and a first end portion (32A/46A) formed at least in part by a part of the at least one of the first and second side walls (14, 18).

A carton includes a top panel, a first side panel and a slot handle. The slot handle includes a line of separation extending across the top panel at a location spaced from the longitudinal center of the top panel. The slot handle includes a lifting edge spaced from the line of separation and disposed on one side of the line of separation. The slot handle further includes a first stress relief mechanism provided in the first side panel. The first stress relief mechanism includes a frangible line having a linear stem section that is acutely angled relative to a notional line normal to the hinged connection between the top panel and the first side panel. The stem section is angled away from the lifting edge and terminating in an arcuate stop at a location spaced below the hinged connection on the one side of the line of separation.