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By: Monica Harper
When talking about chocolate, the mouth already starts watering. The sweet, seductive scent of that milky, creamy treat can leave the senses baffled and wanting for more. That silky softness slowly roams the tongue, transporting you to a place of ultimate ecstasy and happiness. You can feel it now, can’t you? Imagine that your customers can have a sense of that potential pleasure just by seeing your chocolate packaging.
High-quality chocolate in a box made with care is a special thing. This blog will take you through the various paper packaging materials to help you create exquisite chocolate boxes. Furthermore, we will look at some finishing coats that help deliver the message that the chocolates in the boxes are made with love and offer the highest quality.
Paper Packaging Materials For Chocolate Boxes
Paper packaging materials have inherent advantages over plastic and metal materials. Among them are that they are biodegradable, sustainable, cut to size, and create less waste. The use of paper-based packaging materials is an environmentally friendly option for your chocolate boxes.
The primary material used in paper packaging is either cellulose or fibre flax. Fibres from wood pulp, cotton lint or recycled newspapers can also be used.
The following are some of the options that are readily available in the market:
- Cardstock Material
- Corrugated Cardboard Material
- Kraft Material
- Rigid Paperboard Material
Let’s go over the pros and cons of these options.
Cardstock Material For The Perfect Retail Chocolate Packaging
This type of material is a good choice for the printing and production of high-end chocolate boxes. It is made from two or more layers of paper glued together with a coating that gives it a shiny finish. Hence, you can create chocolate packaging with impressive graphics that pop out and look attractive.
Cardstock material provides a luxurious look and feels to your chocolate boxes. It is also durable, moisture-resistant, and has a high stiffness making it a good choice for boxes that require extra protection. However, it is not very eco-friendly because of non-renewable resources in its production and the excess waste generated.
Corrugated Cardboard Material For Shipping Applications
This is one of the most widely used packaging materials by the food industry. It is made of three layers. Each layer is glued together at right angles to produce an air-tight, moisture-resistant, sturdy box.
Thus, you can ship the chocolate box made using corrugated cardboard boxes overseas and be content with the fact that your chocolates will survive the trip. Even though corrugated cardboard material creates a lot of waste, it is very eco-friendly as it can be recycled.
Kraft Material For The Environmentally Conscious
Kraft material is made from recycled paper that has a rough surface. It is the perfect choice for creating an earthy and natural look for their chocolate boxes. The brownish Kraft colour gives your boxes a rustic feel and can be paired with other natural materials like wood, hemp, or cotton.
Since Kraft material is not as stiff as cardstock material, it can create thinner chocolate boxes. On the flip side, Kraft material has low tensile strength. It is flimsy, making it inappropriate for shipping or storing heavy items.
Rigid Paperboard Material: Creates A Classic Look For Your Chocolates
Suppose you want to package chocolates in a box that increases their perceived value. In that case, the rigid paperboard material is an ideal choice. It is made from several layers of paper, which are glued together and then pressed to form a thick, hard, and sturdy board. It can be finished with a glossy or matte coating to give it a more refined look.
Rigid paperboard material is not biodegradable, but it is recyclable. It also offers a high-end look and feel for your chocolates, making them appear classy and of high quality. Hence, the rigid boxes can be perfect for making luxury chocolate packaging.
The Right Chocolate Box To Suit Your Chocolates
Not all chocolate boxes are made equal! As a chocolatier or confectioner, you need a box that provides the best presentation of your creations while showing off the unique story behind them.
When selecting a chocolate box, it is important to consider the following:
- The type of chocolate that will be packaged (dark, milk or white chocolate)
- The theme or design of the packaging
- If the chocolates will be boxed individually or in bulk
- The occasion for which the chocolates are being gifted
- The finishing coat you want to use
Finishing Coats That Endear The Customers
Finishing coats are a thin layer of varnish that can be applied to a chocolate box in one or more coats. They provide the outer surface of the boxes with various properties.
The following are the most finishing coats used in the industry today:
- Matte Finishing Coat
- Gloss Finishing Coat
- Varnish Finishing Coat
- Soft-Touch Finishing Coat
Matte Finishing Coat
This coating is most suitable for creating simple chocolate boxes because it helps to enhance the existing colour of the box. It creates a smooth and non-reflective surface, so you can use it on light-coloured boxes without worrying about glare issues.
The matte finishing coat also protects your chocolate packaging from scratches, stains, and moisture damage, increasing shelf life.
Gloss Finishing Coat
A gloss finishing coat makes a chocolate box look shiny and gives it a more sophisticated feel. However, gloss can cause problems as it shows fingerprints and smudges easily. Thus, the glossy surface is only recommended for those who want their packaging to attract attention through its mirror-like appearance.
Varnish Finishing Coat
If you want to add an element of luxury and sophistication to your chocolate packaging, a varnish finishing coat is a way to go.
It has makes the surface reflective and shiny, not as much as the glossy coating. However, this coating also makes the box more susceptible to dirt, scratches, and water damage. Varnish is a non-toxic coating that is FDA approved for direct food contact.
Soft-Touch Finishing Coat
This is a coating that was specifically designed to improve the feel and appearance of packaging products. It has a suede-like finish which makes it soft to the touch.
The soft-touch finishing coat is also fingerprint-resistant, so it can be applied on light and dark chocolate boxes. It also makes the boxes more resistant to moisture, scratches, and stains.
In Conclusion
Chocolates in a box with exceptional quality can help increase sales. Whether you are a chocolate creator or a business owner who wants to make your chocolates look elegant and sophisticated, choosing the right materials and finishing coats can make or break your packaging. Thankfully, Packaging Bee is here to help you. Our designers can help you create the chocolate box of your dreams, and our print experts can produce high-quality custom prints. Just contact us now!
