Why Candle Packaging Makes or Breaks Your Brand

Candle packaging does not merely hold the candle jar or glass. The right kind of candle packaging also protects the scent of the candle and prevents fragile candle jars from breaking. Additionally, it also serves as the silent brand ambassador for the candle brand wherever it goes be it online store or retail candle isles. In the market where people are growingly choosing aesthetics, the quality and design of candle packaging can be the deciding factor.

Either you are a brand who is just creating their footprint into the candle industry or a brand thinking of redefining their candle boxes, this blog will cover all the important information you need to know before planning the candle packaging.

Core Functions of Great Candle Packaging

There are a few integral features which all candle brands and businesses must ensure into their candle packaging before locking the design, color or other graphic elements. These features are essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of the candles.

Protecting glass and wax from damage

Glass jars are very delicate items and the wax edges can get chipped while encountering bumps etc. Hence, candle packaging should be sturdy enough to withstand shocks during movement and transit and keep the candle jar intact within the packaging. It should also be durable enough to tolerate the weight when these candle jars are stacked upon one another.

Holding in scent and essential oils

Another important quality is that candle boxes are solid enough to lock the freshness and fragrance of candle scents. The candle scents rely on oils mixed with wax. Poor kind of candle packaging absorbs the oil out of the wax which weakens the scent inside the candles.

Shielding against light and heat

Candle wax is usually sensitive to extreme temperature changes and light. The excellent candle packaging ensures that it acts as a barrier against the fluctuating temperature outside and preserves the original texture and scent of the candle inside.

2. Choosing the Right Box Type (In Plain Terms)

The right style of the candle box depends upon a few factors such as the target market, sales channel, candle’s theme and vibe, price point and brand positioning. The table below gives a great overview of several features of each style, which can help you make a better decision.

Materials & Strength: Picking the Right Thickness

Selecting a box that is too thin leads to tempered and broken candle jars which ruins unboxing and overall candle brand experience. Similarly, choosing a box which is too thick can result in  material and money waste. The key here is to select the material and the strength which actually matches the candle jars and their weight. So you have to decide according to your product either a Kraft Candle box would be good fit or Cardboard Candle box if you are opting paper packaging.

4. Smart Design Features That Boost Sales

Some features can transform any ordinary candle packaging into a high-end candle experience without necessarily spending too much money effort. These features reflect the care and thoughtfulness the brand put into their packaging and hence result in enhancing the overall brand experience and image. Another important thing is finding the opportunity in events, like a specially designed christmas candle box can boost sale on christmas.

Practical Features

• Custom box inserts: Custom inserts in the candle packaging occupy the dead space in the box and thus prevent the candle jar from rattling with the walls of the candle box. It holds the candle intact at one place hence prevent tempering, breakage and damage during transit or movement.

• Sniff holes and windows: Add sniff holes and transparent windows which let customers sniff and preview the product without opening and touching it. It is highly useful in attracting the customers through the visual presence and fragrance of the candles.

• Dust covers: Always place Printed personalised paper disks on the top of uncapped candle jars. It can also serve a dual purpose as brands can add care instructions or brand logos for marketing. It is essential for preventing the dust on the wax of candle jars.

• Magnetic Candle Boxes: Add some extra value in your products and outshine your competitors. Magnetic candle boxes not only makes your candles more premium and luxurious but also assist the end users for easy use.

Visual & Tactile Finishes

• Matte Finish: This is a smooth non-glossy, non-reflective finish which feels premium on touch and prevents fingerprints, smudge marks etc.

• Gloss Finish: It has a shiny and glossy finish which makes the packaging and colors pop under light.

• Foil Stamping: Gives a classic, premium appeal on the candle boxes when metallic foil (rose, gold, silver) is pressed on the typography.

• Spot UV Coating: A glossy finish applied only on certain areas of the packaging such as brand name, logo, artwork etc to highlight them.

• Embossing: Creates a raised effect on the packaging which can be felt upon touch and gives a very iconic feel.

• Debossing: Creates an engraved effect on the candle packaging which also gives a very luxury experience.

• Linen Finish: Attach linen on your candle boxes outer walls as linen candle boxes are trending now a days.

Retail Shelves vs. E-Commerce Delivery

The platform where you are selling the product plays a major role in how the candle packaging should be designed and personalised.

Designing for Physical Stores

For physical stores, the candle boxes need to grab the attention immediately and win that 5 sec test. For retail and physical stores, candle businesses should be focusing on tactile finishes that feel premium upon touch, die-cut windows to grab attention, bold colors to look captivating and clear scent names to convey important information immediately. Always keep the target customer in mind while designing the candle packaging.

Designing For Online/E-Commerce Stores

When you are selling candles online, it is highly important that candle boxes are compact and durable enough to survive the transit journey. In this type of sales channel, candle brands should focus on high quality and sturdy packaging material, interior cushioning, custom inserts and memorable and smooth unboxing experience which makes the customer want to order from you again.

Extreme Temperature Changes & Heat Management

Wax inside the candles start melting at high temperatures and especially during summer season it is very likely to happen. When the wax starts melting it can leak out of the candle jar, ruin the texture and scent and affect the overall candle experience.

Keep these things in mind when shipping candles during extreme temperature and heat season:

• Ensure the cardboard doesn’t directly touch the wax. The cardboard will get greasy stains and oil if the wax melts or gets oily.

• Use light colors for Candle Boxes: Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and thus prevent it from entering inside the box.

• Leave some space around the candle lid inside the jar. It will give the wax room to expand and melt without overspilling.

7. Legal, Safety & Labeling Essentials

Be aware that candle packaging must follow all the regulatory and safety standards and labeling requirements. It reduces the risk of brand getting in trouble with the store owners, legal matters and also the customers. It also plays a significant role in presenting a responsible image in front of the consumers.

• Caution / Fire safety warning placement: Mostly it is placed near the bottom of the candle box or candle jar. It should also ideally have safety icons to make them easily recognisable and safety instructions such as Keep away from Children, Keep away from the flammeables and Keep within sight.

• Net weight: Always communicate very clearly the net weight of the candle on the packaging or candle jar both in ounces and grams.

• Wax type, and Burn-time: Always add important information which provides clarity and product information such as the type of wax being used, name of the scent, total burn time of the candle etc.

8. Crucial Do’s and Don’ts for Candle Brands

There are some tips which can be considered to ensure a pleasant and smooth brand experience.

• Always leave enough space for getting the product out. Ensure that packaging has enough space that consumer do not struggle with pulling the candle out of the box as it can risk damage or dents etc.

• DON'T leave extra empty space inside: If the candle shakes in the candle packaging, there are high chances it will break, damage during the shipping process. Always make sure that empty space is filled using custom inserts, foam, bubble wraps etc.

• Add all the important brand and product information such as brand name, scent notes, barcodes, and manufacturing details.

• Don’t use flimsy or thin boxes for heavy candles.

• Always display handling reminders and regulatory symbols

• Don’t crowd the logo.

• Ensure the candle packaging colors complement the overall theme,fragrance of the candle and brand personality.

• Choose a reliable and trustworthy Packaging Partner.

As long as you keep all these tips and tricks in consideration while designing and strategising candle packaging, the chances of your candle brand growing and thriving will be much higher. It is equally important to have a reliable candle packaging partner because you envision and they execute.

Titan Boxes also have years of experience of providing packaging solutions to candle brands. It’s a brand you won’t regret working with. In case you want to get in touch with our team regarding the packaging for candle product lines, please reach out to us at info@titanboxes.com.