LUXURY AND GIFT PACKAGING


texture, typography and form. Packaging can also communicate provenance, craftsmanship and ingredient quality, giving consumers a reason to engage with the product before opening it. The challenge is to ensure that the visual language reflects the brand rather than simply following a prevailing luxury aesthetic. Premium products do not all need glossy black cartons, gold foil or elaborate magnetic closures. Depending on the positioning, uncoated boards, restrained graphics and natural textures may communicate quality more effectively.


PAWI develops single-piece carton for Läderach chocolate


The same thinking applies to the


opening experience. Layered presentation, carefully positioned inserts and distinctive closures can create a sense of discovery, but each element needs a clear purpose. The strongest designs make the act of opening feel considered without making the packaging unnecessarily complicated.


Rethinking materials without compromising protection Sustainability is an increasingly significant consideration in packaging development, but confectionery presents specific technical hurdles. Chocolate and other sensitive products need protection from moisture, grease, oxygen and external conditions that can affect quality. A material that looks appealing or appears easy to recycle is not automatically suitable for every application. Amcor’s March 2026 case study on


its collaboration with French organic chocolate producer Alter Eco offers a practical example. The companies introduced Amcor’s AmFiber Performance Paper for Alter Eco’s 200g chocolate range, replacing the previous cardboard sleeve and inner aluminium foil wrap. Amcor reports that the redesigned


Packaging for premium chocolate must accommodate both the requirements of retail presentation and the practicalities of manufacturing and distribution. A design developed by PAWI Group for Swiss chocolatier Läderach addresses these considerations through a single-piece carton construction for individual chocolate tablets, alongside a coordinated gift box. The project received Gold in the


Confectionery category at the 2026 European Carton Excellence Awards. In its September announcement, PAWI said the individual tablet packaging replaces a previous three- part construction with a single-piece cartonboard solution. The pack is supplied flat and designed for automated erecting and closing, with a reclosure function incorporated into the structure. Reducing the number of components


can simplify packaging assembly and handling, although the resulting operational


benefits depend on


production-line configuration and output requirements. A format designed for automated processing may also help manufacturers maintain consistency across larger runs. The design incorporates several


features intended to maintain the product’s presentation. Folded and glued side panels provide structural stability, while a recessed lid combines printing with embossing. The internal surfaces offer space for branding and


product information. A matching gift box holds multiple individual packs in a coordinated arrangement. This format allows the chocolatier to present different chocolate


varieties as a single


assortment, making the packaging suitable for gift sales as well as individual product presentation. The project illustrates how structural


design can contribute to a premium appearance without requiring multiple separate packaging components. For confectionery manufacturers, the number of parts, ease of assembly and compatibility with packing equipment are relevant considerations alongside print quality and finishing. Gift packaging also needs to


accommodate the handling and storage


requirements associated


with seasonal ranges and assorted products. A coordinated box and inner pack can provide a consistent presentation across a product collection, while the underlying construction must remain suitable for the intended production volumes and distribution conditions. The Läderach development offers


an example of how these requirements can be considered together. Its relevance to the wider confectionery sector lies in the integration of cartonboard structure, finishing and processing requirements at the design stage, rather than treating them as separate decisions.


OCTOBER 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 51


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