The joy of corrugated cardboard... and giving: A gift box as a packaging case
A gift box where the box itself is part of the story. For a special occasion, we needed gift boxes. The idea was clear from the start: they had to be different, and the choice of material and appearance alone should leave no doubt as to who the sender was. Read here about the process, thoughts and collaboration behind a gift box that became a packaging case.
A gift box where the box itself is part of the story. For a special occasion, we needed gift boxes. The idea was clear from the start: they had to be different, and the choice of material and appearance alone should leave no doubt as to who the sender was. Read here about the process, thoughts and collaboration behind a gift box that became a packaging case.
Designed in collaboration
With the goal of a gift box that automatically makes the recipient think of the sender, we had to look inward; who is Antalis and how best to show that in something as simple as a gift box. No doubt our own DNA in colors and logo had to be included, but that alone would not create as different a gift box as we hoped for. More people got involved and soon a collaboration started across the entire organization - especially with contributions from our Packaging Desing Center in Vejle.
Several ideas were discussed. The material to be used was quickly decided. Although we chose a robust material, it was important to maintain the feeling of a small box that could hold something special. The design and printing on cardboard, on the other hand, went through an iterative process. Proof that the creative process is rarely straightforward. Finally, we came to a conclusion: the gift box should be made from a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, with the right cuts, can be folded into a box. Opening the gift box is like opening a book, and your mind instantly reminds you of a story. A story that arouses curiosity, so you can look excitedly into the beautiful box, where two wine bottles from the Innocenti winery in Montalcino, Italy, are tightly enclosed in cardboard. The cardboard has carefully been measured and adapted cut-outs so that the wine bottles lie safely and cannot move a millimeter.
A love for corrugated cardboard
Perhaps not everyone is as fascinated and passionate about corrugated cardboard as we are at Antalis. It was therefore no coincidence that corrugated cardboard was given the main material role in this packaging story. No, the main role had to be highlighted and it is therefore a conscious choice in the print design to leave as much of the brown corrugated cardboard visible as possible. The raw appearance is a reference to one of our key products, industrial packaging.
To emphasize this reference, the gift box is strapped with two straps at the top and bottom, but without obscuring important parts of the print. Of course, also with the practical purpose of securing the wine bottles so they don't end up as a big red puddle on the recipient's floor. Although the safety of the wine bottles was a high priority, no glue was used to bind the layers of corrugated cardboard together. The gift box can therefore be unfolded, so you can be as fascinated as we are by what one piece of corrugated cardboard can do when the design is well considered.
When it has to be just right
The print on the gift box is an essential part of its charm. With Antalis' signature colors, blue and pink, it's not only the choice of material that emphasizes Antalis' DNA. On the front page, it says "A taste for good packaging" and when you open the first page it says "Expressions makes impressions". The text itself ties our wide range of products together and draws attention to the wine inside.
Once the final print was approved by everyone, our Product Specialist Designer, John Rasmussen, started the testing and selection process of both corrugated cardboard and print quality - and it was not without challenges. Finding the right balance between cardboard thickness and print quality required several experiments, as both sides of the cardboard had to be printed. Too thin cardboard proved to bend inappropriately, causing both aesthetic issues but also problems when printing on the opposite side. After a series of trials with different thicknesses and types of cardboard, John was able to send a happy email to those involved in the unique packaging.
A brilliant gift idea
...and unique gift wrapping to inspire. Have you been inspired? It would also make a perfect gift for Christmas or any other occasion, along with a delicious selection of chocolates and flowers. If you have a special occasion for a more exclusive gift box, our design center can help you with a tailor-made packaging and gift box.
If you've been reminded that you need a gift box right now, you can also take a look at our standard range and selection of gift boxes.
