Packaging Solutions: Positive About Print
There have been radical changes in the way people have shopped in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and consumer movements continue to flux as we start to transition into a post lockdown environment. And yet despite this challenging environment – opportunities have arisen for those companies looking to favour e-commerce and deliver their products direct to the consumer.
Adapting to consumer needs at this unprecedented time is premium mixers brand, The London Essence Co, which is responding to new demand patterns by offering a range of products directly to their customers online for the first time. The range includes a The Taster Collection, The Tonic Collection, The Can Collection and a range of ‘Exquisite Bundles’ with spirits partners which consumers can purchase conveniently online at https://shop.londonessenceco.com/
To do this, it enlisted the support of packaging giant DS Smith to facilitate e-commerce success in the most sustainable way possible. DS Smith responded by collaborating closely with the company to develop a bespoke e-commerce packaging range, comprising of branded staple bulk boxes, all the way through to luxury gifting boxes.
As part of the range, DS Smith has worked to design the ‘Thank your hero’ box, a tailored and personalised premium packaging solution. The concept is a partnership between the London Essence Co and Sapling Spirits. This exquisite bundle holds The London Essence Co premium cans, a 75 cl bottle of Sapling Spirits Vodka, a recipe card and a personalised gifting card and enables customers to gift their ‘heroes’ during the pandemic or on special days such as birthdays and anniversaries.
The partnership follows the London Essence Co ongoing ambition to be as sustainable as possible, thus engaging DS Smith and Sapling Spirits, that has a ‘plant a tree initiative’ which sees a tree planted for every bottle of Sapling Vodka purchased. As such not only will this exciting new product boast bespoke sustainable packaging, but will further positively impact the environment and meet the demands of the value driven consumer.
During the swift customisation process, the companies worked to design the bespoke inserts and boxes in line with their circular design principles, including a limit to any additional materials being used in the packaging, a design that is tailored for supply cycle efficiency, and the desire to keep packaging materials in circular use. In addition to this, the DS Smith team worked to ensure exceptionally high standards of functionality and practicality were met, so that consumers could rest assured that their products would arrive safely and securely.
For added convenience, The London Essence Co is also reaping the benefits from DS Smith off the shelf products, easily available through the ePack webshop (www.dssmithepack.co.uk) to satisfy demand as and when it fluctuates. Through the web shop, customers also have the added advantage of being able to trial a product in lower quantities to ensure that it can best suit their needs quickly and easily - all of which ensures that businesses have the confidence they need to adapt quickly to get their goods out the door.
Rob Carle, UK head of e-commerce sales at DS Smith, commented: ‘Consumers will always want access to a broad array of purchase point choice, and we are thrilled that The London Essence Company has partnered with us on their journey to develop the packaging for its e-commerce range. By being forward thinking, together we have rapidly produced a bespoke solution that allows them to continue to evolve their business as shopping behaviour moves online.’
Laura Hamilton, marketing manager at The London Essence Co, commented: ‘At the London Essence Company we’re proud of what we do and what we deliver, and we are excited to be able to offer an e-commerce range to meet the changing demands of consumers. Through DS Smith’s quick and scalable support, we have been able to go to market quickly with an innovative and sustainable range that we are confident has left a good impression with our customers and can future proof our business.’
