Besides the scent, candle packaging is the first thing people notice when buying or gifting a decorative candle. Today, visually appealing packaging is more important than ever. If it looks good on a coffee table, it’s even better.
The candle market was worth $3.48 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $5.80 billion by 2033. This growth is due to the increasing demand for candles, not just as home decor but also as gifts and added-value items in various industries. As a result, the candle packaging industry has become a market of its own.
With so many creative candle products and packaging designs available, it is becoming harder for brands to stand out. If a brand does not build recognition, it may struggle to grow.
The reason is simple: no matter how much is spent on quality ingredients or attractive packaging, the investment may not bring the desired ROI without clever branding.
Types of Candle Products
Candles come in various shapes and sizes, and their packaging should be designed to fit well while protecting the product. Let’s explore some common types:
Tea Light Candles
Tea light candles are small and lightweight, with a burn time of about two hours. They are popular for creating a warm atmosphere at home or events. These candles are typically 38mm in diameter, usually white, but also available in different colors.
Packaging for tea lights should be compact, often using plastic or cardboard inserts to keep them secure.
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles are freestanding and burn for about 3 to 4 hours. They do not produce smoke and come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some feature multiple wicks, with heights ranging from 3 to 16 inches.
Sturdy packaging, such as rigid boxes or shrink wraps, helps maintain their shape and protect them from damage.
Taper Candles
Taper candles can burn for up to 10 hours but require a holder to stand upright. Their slim design, usually 18 inches long and 1 inch thick, makes them ideal for formal settings.
Often made from paraffin or beeswax, these candles benefit from packaging that prevents bending, such as reinforced cardboard boxes or protective sleeves.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small, measuring about 2.5 inches in height and 2 inches in width. Since they need a holder, they are commonly sold in sets with glass containers. They are made from paraffin, soy wax, or beeswax and have a burn time of around 6 to 7 hours.
Packaging solutions like small boxes or molded inserts ensure they stay intact during storage and transport.
Gel Candles
Gel candles vary in size, typically between 3mm and 9mm in length, depending on the container they are placed in. Made from low or high-density gel, they often have a light fragrance.
As gel candles are commonly housed in glass jars, packaging should include protective elements like cushioning or sturdy boxes to prevent breakage.
Important Elements of Candle Packaging
Before designing candle packaging, it is vital to understand its key elements.
Product Type
Customers prefer clear and simple information about what they are buying. Clearly mention what the product is, its purpose, and its benefits to attract buyers.
Product Name
A unique name helps build brand identity. Naming candles is a creative way to describe their scent and the mood they create while also strengthening the product’s branding.
Brand and Logo
Showing your brand and logo is important to make your product stand out from competitors. Since the candle market is highly competitive, strong branding helps attract customers and create a consistent brand identity.
Ingredients and Product Information
The amount of information you include depends on where your candles are sold. However, being transparent helps build customer trust and strengthens your brand’s credibility. You can include details such as quantity, scent, materials, eco-friendly practices, and any other relevant information.
Benefits
With so many candle companies out there, it’s important to showcase your competitive edge. Display your selling points to really set yourself apart from the competition. Selling points could include, long burning-times, aroma therapy benefits or anything else that makes your candle more special than the next one.
About your brand
Consumers love a good brand story. Showcase your branding by informing customers about your missions, origins and business goals to create a cohesive brand story that adds value to your candle products.
Safety warnings
Based on applicable laws and regulations, be sure to include any necessary safety warnings, such as cautionary labels or signs.
Smart Candle Packaging Ideas for Better Profit Margins
Minimalist Design – Less is More
A minimalist design keeps things simple and elegant with clean lines and open spaces. To share your candle’s story, you can add special hang tags. These tags let you tell more about what makes your candles unique, leaving a lasting impression even after the candle is gone.
You can also use custom tags to include important details like pricing and ingredients, making your packaging both informative and appealing.
Create Custom Gift Bags
Make every in-store candle purchase more special with customized gift bags. Simple and elegant bags with your logo can improve the shopping experience. They also remove the need for extra gift wrapping, making each purchase feel like a thoughtful gift.
For an added touch, you can include:
- Tissue paper
- Custom inserts
- Thank-you notes
- Silky or foil ribbons
Using customized gift bags helps create a lasting impression and makes customers appreciate your candles even more.
Vintage-Style Packaging
Give your customers a nostalgic feel with vintage-style candle packaging. Use retro labels, classic fonts, and aged paper to present a timeless touch.
Simple details like rustic twine and kraft paper labels can make your candles look more appealing. This style also goes well with scents like earthy or floral fragrances.
Hand-Drawn Illustrations
Hand-drawn illustrations give an intimate approach that mass-produced designs can’t offer. This style is great for small candle brands that want to stand out with a handmade, unique feel.
The drawings can match the candle scent, like vanilla beans for a vanilla candle or lavender plants for a lavender-scented one. The art can be simple or detailed, and it can help tell a story or set a certain mood, making the product more meaningful to the customer.
Candle Packaging Boxes to Streamline the Process
Lock Bottom Box
Lock bottom boxes have strong locking tabs at the bottom, keeping them secure. They are durable and great for heavier candles. No extra glue is needed, making them a reliable packaging choice.
Crash Bottom Box
Crash bottom boxes have glued flaps that hold heavier items securely. The extra adhesive keeps candles in place and helps maintain the box’s strength.
Sleeve Packaging
Sleeve packaging slides over the product from both ends, making it easy to use. It adds a protective layer and gives extra space for branding.
Cardboard Boxes
Ideal for lightweight candles, cardboard boxes are easy to customize and cost-effective. They can be designed in any color or finish, from matte to glossy, making them a versatile choice.
Tin Containers
Tin containers are strong and stylish, giving candles a vintage or travel-inspired look. They are secure and easy to carry, making them a great choice for gifts or travel.
Glass Jars
Glass jars have a classic look that makes candles feel more special. They are reusable and recyclable, making them a good choice for eco-friendly buyers. Frosted or colored glass can add a touch of luxury.
Rigid Boxes
Rigid boxes are sturdy and perfect for luxury candles. They protect the product well and give it a high-end feel. Popular options include magnetic closures and slide-out designs for an elegant touch.
Tuck Boxes
Tuck boxes are budget-friendly and simple to put together. They are commonly used for small, travel-sized candles or as outer packaging for the main container. Their lightweight design makes them a great option for brands looking to lower shipping costs.
The Top Candle Packaging Materials for a High-End Look
The best material for candle packaging is typically paperboard, with several types available depending on specific needs.
- Premium Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS) Paperboard
Premium SBS paperboard is sustainably produced with 50% recycled material. It also offers a variety of coating options to suit different requirements.
- Brown Kraft Paperboard
Brown Kraft paperboard is an eco-friendly choice, as it is 100% recyclable. It works well for a vintage or rustic appearance and provides a textured surface that enhances the sensory experience.
- Metalized Paperboard
Metalized paperboard has a shiny, metallic appearance, achieved through a fine film substrate. It gives the packaging a premium, glossy finish.
Essential Finishing Options for Candle Packaging
To make your candle packaging feel more luxurious, finishing touches are important. Here are some of the best finishes you can use:
Cutouts, Coatings, and Laminates
These features add protection and improve the look of your packaging. Coatings like gloss UV, spot gloss, and gloss laminate give a shiny, smooth finish and help protect the packaging from scratches.
Foil-Stamping and Soft-Touch Laminate
Foil-stamping adds a metallic shine to logos and designs, while soft-touch laminate makes the packaging feel luxurious and adds strength.
Cutouts
Cutouts let customers see the candle inside, adding a unique touch to the packaging. You can use white, kraft, or metallic paperboard, with many customization options available.
Hot Foil Stamping, Embossing, and Debossing
These are affordable ways to make your packaging look more premium. Hot foil stamping adds a metallic finish, while embossing and debossing create raised or lowered patterns, making your design stand out. You can combine these with matte laminate or 3D embossing for added effect.
Labels
Labels are essential for sharing product details. They are especially useful for online candle businesses. Gloss-laminated labels add shine, while matte-laminated labels offer a more subtle look. Labels can also include safety tips or thank you notes for customers.
These finishes help make your candle packaging more attractive and memorable for your customers.
Bottom Line
Without a doubt, candle packaging is just as important as the scent when customers think about purchasing a candle. We hope the candle packaging ideas, design elements, and packaging materials shared above will help make your candle brand stand out in this competitive market.