When a customer picks up your candle, their first impression will not be from the scent or the wax your candle was made of. Instead, the first impression a customer will have is the packaging. Yes, effective candle packaging is an essential aspect of your brand’s identity and market appeal. Whether you’re a homemade candle maker or a large-scale manufacturer, the right packaging can significantly impact your product’s success. In this guide, we will reveal the types, tips, and everything about candle packaging.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Candle Box?
A candle box is a container used to store and protect candles. Historically, they were made of wood and designed to protect candles from pests and environmental factors such as heat and dust. Along with technological advancements, modern candle boxes we know today are often made of cardboard, kraft, paperboard, corrugated, or rigid materials.
What Is the Importance of Candle Packaging?
Whether standard or custom, your packaging is the first point of connection between your candle and customers. Thus, we must say that custom candle packaging can do better than standard, generic packaging.
Here’s why!
It Conveys Your Brand’s Identity
Custom packaging conveys your brand’s story and values. The one that will shape customers’ perceptions of your candle brand—be it minimalist, eco-friendly, or luxurious.
It Ensures Product Safety
Candles are delicate and sensitive. Customization allows you to get the exact box sizes and dimensions. Hence, ensuring that your candles arrive in perfect condition, whether on store shelves or in a customer’s home.
It Enhances Customer Experience
Custom packaging can turn a simple candle into a premium experience, creating excitement and loyalty.
What Makes Good Custom Candle Packaging?
Your packaging needs to strike a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and brand identity to be considered really “good.”
Here are the qualities of good candle packaging:
- It protects your delicate candles from melting, breaking, and damage during shipping, display, and storage
- It reflects your business image and enhances brand recognition
- It preserves the freshness and integrity of your candle
- It provides clear information about your candles
- It creates a positive customer experience
- It should be sustainable and eco-friendly
Unique Packaging for Every Candle Type
As a candle business, you know that there are various types of candles, each of which comes with its own characteristics.
For example, small tealights require smaller packaging compared to pillar candles. Or else, fragile jar candles require sturdier candle boxes compared to taper candles. So, take a moment to understand your candles. Consider their size, shape, and scent. Different types of candles—whether they’re votives, pillars, scented, floating, or tea lights—have unique packaging needs.
Getting the Right Candle Boxes
Have you ever questioned yourself: How should I package my candles? Well, the two essential steps to take are choosing the material and the ideal box type.
Let’s break it down.
The Material
Choose from cardboard, kraft paper, or SBS paperboard. Cardboard offers durability and a premium feel. Kraft paper adds a natural, eco-friendly touch. Meanwhile, SBS paperboard combines strength with a smooth surface, enhancing print quality.
Candle Box Options
Depending on your packaging purposes, there are several candle box options to choose from.
Folding Cartons
Made of durable paperboard, folding cartons are lightweight packaging and easy to customize. These cartons come in innovative styles, including:
They are an excellent choice for smaller candles, such as votive or tealights. Moreover, folding cartons are highly customizable, featuring vibrant prints or creative cutouts, making them ideal for a retail setting. If your brand seeks an affordable option without compromising aesthetics, these cartons are your best choice.
Cylinder Packaging
Cylinder packaging is a unique option for artisanal or seasonal candle collections. Great for both single- and multi-piece candle sets, this packaging is a favorite among boutique brands.
Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes are equal to luxury and durability. These boxes offer a sleek texture that represents elegance.
The popular rigid box style options to present candles are included:
Perfect for all types of candles, rigid boxes can help you create a high-end impression and elevate the unboxing experience. Moreover, these boxes are ideal if your candles are sold as gifts or in premium markets.
Mailer Boxes
Corrugated mailer boxes are designed for functionality and protection, safeguarding your candles during transit. Another great thing is that they are customizable and perfect for e-commerce operations.
Candle Shipping Considerations
While some candles seem very sturdy, they can still get damaged in transit if they’re not packed correctly.
How to wrap a candle so it doesn’t break?
- Wrap each candle in at least 1 inch of protective wrapping material (such as paper or hex wrap). If you’re shipping multiple candles, consider using dividers to prevent them from colliding during shipment.
- Place your candles inside the primary packaging (such as jars or tins) to prevent them from breaking during shipping. Reinforce lids and openings with custom sticker labels or packing tape to keep those candles snugly sealed.
- Select a shipping box or mailer that fits snugly around the wrapped candle. Fill the spaces with tissue paper or biodegradable packing peanuts.
- Use custom inserts (cardboard or foam inserts) to protect your candles during transit and enhance the unboxing experience.
- Ensure your box is securely fastened by placing packing tape on both ends of the box.
What About Candle Labeling Requirements?
Attaching labels is one of the legal requirements for selling homemade candles. Labels are not only there to make your candles appear high-quality. According to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), candles and wax melts must have a primary label on the outer packaging or the product itself.
What is legally required on a candle label?
Three pieces of information are compulsory to include on your candle label:
- The statement of identity: Whether they are scented candles, wax melts, or other types.
- The net weight: The weight of the wax, fragrance, and any dyes used to create the candle.
- The manufacturer identification: Your business name, along with the location by city and state.
Safety or Warning Labels
Providing safety or warning labels on your candles could affect customer trust and perception of your brand. On the labels, you can encourage candle fire safety and give burning instructions.
How to properly label a candle?
There are different types of candle labels you should provide when shipping them. Where should you attach them?
- Outer packaging: Print your product information on the candle packaging or apply it as a label.
- Main label: Attach it directly to the candle container or wax melt clamshell.
- Warning label: Place the label on the bottom of your candle container.
Additional Tips to Design Your Perfect Candle Packaging
Now that you have an understanding of the fundamentals of designing perfect candle packaging, here are some additional tips to get started:
- Define Your Goals: What do you want your packaging to say about your candles?
- Know Your Audience: Understand what your target audience wants to see from your packaging.
- Set Your Budget: Estimate the budget you need for your packaging.
- Work with a Reliable Manufacturer: Partner with a reputable box manufacturer, such as Pack Legacy.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, effective candle packaging is an essential aspect of your brand’s identity and market appeal. Whether you’re a homemade candle maker or a large-scale manufacturer, the guide above should help you understand how to get the right candle packaging.
FAQs
Why do we need candle packaging?
Candle packaging is important for businesses, as it conveys your brand’s identity, ensures product safety, and enhances the customer experience.
How to get the right packaging for candles?
The two essential steps to take when getting the right packaging are choosing the material and deciding the ideal type of candle boxes.
How to wrap candles for shipping?
Wrap each candle in at least 1 inch of protective wrapping material (such as paper or hex wrap). If you’re shipping multiple candles, consider using dividers to prevent them from colliding during shipment.
Is it necessary to attach labels to homemade candles when shipping them?
Yes, attaching labels is one of the legal requirements for selling homemade candles.
Do I need to include warning labels on my candles?
Yes, you do. Providing safety or warning labels on your candles could affect customer trust and perception of your brand. On the labels, you can encourage candle fire safety and give burning instructions.
