FIFA 18 Game Packaging

April 25, 2018

by Simon Thomas Box Making

With the FIFA World Cup about to kick off this June, we thought that there would be no better time to talk about the packaging we created for EA Sport’s FIFA 18 videogame in September last year. We often create packaging for launch and press events which are very exciting, as it gives us the opportunity to work with our client on creating something truly unique and distinctive.

We worked with the creative agency Fluid in order to deliver some truly outstanding packaging for their client’s launch event. Fluid were the designers in this process; they developed an innovative design which we, as cardboard engineers, had to make into a reality. Creative agencies such as Fluid are great contacts for us at GWD as we pride ourselves at being adept at turning their creative designs into beautiful packaging.

The FIFA 18 game used technology which is said to be “the biggest step in gameplay innovation”. Due to this, the team really wanted the experience to start as soon as the box was picked up by the media/influencer recipients.

Playing on a gold and white colour palette, the boxes were wrapped in metallic gold paper. As with any companies branding, a logo should always stand out. With this in mind gold foil was employed and the logos were embossed on the front and sides.

The product box, complete with glossy outer sleeve

The final product took the form of a deluxe presentation box which contained the game and a range of FIFA/PlayStation content and merchandise; which was displayed to great effect using a bespoke white foam fitment which held each piece inside the box perfectly and securely. It was finished off with a magnetic closure.

For this job we worked closely with Fluid throughout. They had the idea and concept, and it was our job to engineer it and make it work commercially. If you have an idea for packaging, then please bring it to us here at GWD!

Noel Greenwood is the Managing Director of GWD Ltd, the designers and manufacturers of presentation and promotionalpackaging. You can reach him on (01279) 416 093 or at the company’s website: www.gwd.ltd.uk

Bespoke Corporate Packaging for Indian Ocean ™

April 10, 2017

by Simon Thomas Box Making Presentation Packaging Specialist Packaging

Earlier this year we were invited to tender by Indian Ocean – designers and manufacturers of luxury outdoor furniture. Indian Ocean have outlets in Balham and Hampstead and retails through Harrods of Knightsbridge and with distributors worldwide. The company creates innovative products, finished to the highest specifications and focusing on every detail, and as such demands its Distributor Presentation Packs, to be of an equally high status.

Unfortunately GWD Ltd didn’t win the original tender, which was given (on a price basis alone) to a different packaging firm. However, a couple of months after the tender process was completed we were contacted again as the rival company didn’t have the technical expertise to complete the job. A hurried meeting was set up with the customer.

The required presentation pack was a rigid, three-compartment slipcase which incorporated an upright open angled file for brochures as well as two drawers (one above the other), for storing samples, as you can see in the image below:

As the samples are primarily sections of the soft and hardwoods used by Indian Ocean in their furniture, the entire creation needed to be extremely strong and durable. It also needed to be branded and customised to fit its contents. The Distributor Presentation Packs were to be sent to all of the customer’s distributors.

Fortunately, GWD are extremely experienced in the creation of this form of corporate packaging having undertaken many such projects in the past. We are very proud of the knowledge and expertise of our staff and the skills that they bring to cardboard engineering and remain one of a very few companies able to carry out such work.

This is an unusual and highly functional piece of presentation packaging, which we were able to create within the very tight time constraints and within budget. We are happy to take on more of these projects and welcome any enquiries.

Noel Greenwood is the Managing Director of GWD Ltd, the designers and manufacturers of presentation and promotional packaging. You can reach him on (01279) 416093 or at the company’s website: www.gwd.ltd.uk

Chocolate Boxes Manufactured in the UK!

February 12, 2017

by Simon Thomas Box Making Mothers' Day Specialist Packaging

There are two very big dates coming soon for Chocolatiers: Valentine’s Day, when it is estimated that at least £1.6billion is spent on gifts and treats for the occasion across the UK, and of course, Mother’s Day, which this year falls on March the 26th.

New research shows that the average Brit is set to spend as much as £50 on their Mother this year, up from £27.17 in 2014, with as much as £928 million being spend across the Country. Naturally, a very large proportion of that will be spent of chocolate – which remains British peoples’ second gift of choice for the occasion, behind flowers. That’s a very substantial market.

mother’s day chocolate packaging — Mother’s day chocolate packaging

Many retailers will be (as usual) taking advantage of the increase ‘panic buying’ in the 48 hours up to Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day. If you are a florist or a chocolatier you want your products to be catching the eyes of the buyers – and what better way to do that than with attractive and innovative presentation packaging?

chocolate box makers UK — Chocolate box makers UK

Here at GWD Ltd we have been creating packaging for chocolatiers for almost 30 years, including boxes for big name brands such as Bettys of Harrogate, multiple Academy Of Chocolate and International Chocolate Award winners, Rococo Chocolates, and the Grown Up Chocolate Company. Our blog has detailed previously how we are one of a very few packaging companies in the UK who can create round ‘hat’ boxes , but we also manufacture star-shaped boxes, heart-shaped boxes and indeed pretty much any shape you can think of, including triangular, octagonal and even teardrop-shaped ones.

presentation boxes in unusual shapes — Presentation boxes in unusual shapes

Our cardboard engineers are adept at rising to challenges set by clients and their designers. We can either work from a specific design that you may have in mind, or our on-site design team can work together with you and come up with something entirely new and unique. We are not a wholesaler, we design and make the majority of our boxes here in the UK, meaning there is no minimum order number and we retain total control over lead times.

GWD are also happy to have face-to-face meetings to discuss your requirements and can offer quotes by email or telephone. Manufacturing in the UK means we can also handle short notice arrangements when possible.

Make your chocolates stand out from the competition. You know how good they taste – why not give them the presentation packaging they deserve!

Packaging for Florists and Floral Arrangements

January 20, 2017

by Simon Thomas Box Making Easter Flowers Specialist Packaging

Well here we are again, back at work after the Christmas Holidays! Here at GWD

we’re lucky in that the normal New Year dread or malaise doesn’t actually apply – there’s always something fascinating to get our teeth into! This week we’re working on a new heart-shaped hatbox for flowers, see below…

hat boxes for florists — Hat boxes for florists

It’s that time of year again when a lot of our work relates to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter – all of which are fast approaching. Chocolates, of course, are a very popular gift and we make a great deal of packaging for confectionery at this time of year. However, it’s presentation packaging for florists that pre-occupies GWD at present.

hat boxes for floral arrangements — Hat boxes for floral arrangements

Our Blog has spoken previously about round, ‘hat’ boxes and how GWD is one of a very few companies in the UK with the ability to create them. Circular boxes (above) are perfect for floral displays and show off the beauty of any arrangement to great effect.

Where can I find packaging for my flowers?

Above is an example of a hatbox created for roses for a small independent florist in Scotland, demonstrating that you don’t have to have multiple outlets to have great packaging. The matt black wrapping and foil blocked-in gold gives a fantastic, upmarket feel to the floral arrangement within. Valentine’s and Mother’s Days are occasions when customers are prepared to pay a little more for gifts to express their regards and affection to their loved ones, so many florists will invest in special presentation packaging for the occasion, such as the stunning boxes (below) that we created for Royal Queen Roses, another independent florist, this time in Cyprus! The fact that the cost of shipping these boxes to Cyprus is not inconsiderable indicates that our services are not only rare in the UK, but in Europe also.

Of course we don’t just provide circular or heart-shaped boxes for florists – if you are looking for a more traditional square or rectangular box we can provide those too (see below). So if you are a florist (or indeed a chocolatier) and would like to make your flowers stand out for the special dates to come, why not give us a call? We have over thirty years experience in the presentation packaging industry and are considered leaders in the field.

Christmas Retail Packaging

December 13, 2016

by Simon Thomas Box Making Christmas Design Manufacturing Presentation Packaging Promotional Packaging

It will surprise no one that Christmas plays a major role in the presentation packaging industry. For us, however, Christmas starts very early in the year! Companies creating advent calendars like the one below created for Prestat will often send us their designs in May or June.

where can I get an advent calendar made? — “Where can I get an advent calendar made?”

Similarly, major brands like Lush will have their Christmas packaging planned and manufactured well in advance, for example the ‘Karma’ box below. Christmas, of course, is a massively important time for the retail sector as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In retail the Christmas period is customarily defined as the six weeks up to December 24^th – a period that traditionally sees c.18% of the annual retail spend. It isn’t surprising that companies make such an extra effort with their packaging for the Christmas season.

Here at GWD we’ve been creating Christmas packaging since the early 1990s, so there’s little we haven’t seen over the last twenty five years or so. Below, for example, is a selection of Christmas pudding boxes we made for Bettys (chocolatiers), The Dorchester Hotel and The RAC Club.

Circular boxes for presentation packaging

At GWD Ltd we remain one of the very few firms in the UK who can manufacture circular or semi-circular boxes, which really do help your product to stand out from the crowd.

Circular chocolate boxes manufacture uk — Circular chocolate boxes manufacture UK

The hamper box above, again created for Bettys, gives a fantastic first impression to the potential consumer. Surely anyone who has gone to such great lengths over their choice of presentation packaging simply MUST have a great product that they’re offering? The same can be said for this gorgeous Christmas ‘Chest’, created for another chocolatier….

….and also theses lovely chocolate boxes below in their different shapes and sizes. The workmanship that goes into these creations can be extremely complex and often time-consuming. That said our team of in-house designers and cardboard engineers have become extremely well versed in addressing complex packaging problems. If you have any questions regarding the feasibility of packaging designs for your product please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Christmas is a hugely important time in retail. If you are looking to make your product stand out for next Christmas season give GWD a call!

Another Royal Connection for GWD!

May 23, 2016

by Simon Thomas Box Making Design Presentation Packaging Royalty

Packaging for the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations!

We have written previously in this blog of GWD’s connections with holders of The Royal Warrant, notably Cornelia James. Recently, we were contacted by Taylor’s Bulbs of Holbeach, who hold The Royal Warrant as Bulb Growers to Her Majesty The Queen and have won the distinguished Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for 23 years consecutively. The owner of Taylor’s Bulbs, Lord John Taylor, Baron of Holbeach CBE PC FRSA, is currently also Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords.

Taylors had bred a new bulb called ‘Gentlemen at Arms’ which was to be presented in person by Lord Taylor to Her Majesty at a Royal garden party at Windsor Castle in May 2016, on the occasion of the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations. The company wanted a bespoke, one-off presentation packaging solution to display the bulbs in the best possible way and approached GWD Ltd to create it.

The deadline was quite tight (four days from start to finish!) and the quality was to be of the highest standard so there was some pressure with the job. At GWD however, we have been creating bespoke packaging projects for over 30 years, so we have the experience and the team members to carry it off. The box itself was 700mm tall in deep purple with two central ‘windows’ die-cut into it to display the bulbs. It had a top lid and cords (also in deep purple) so Lord Taylor could carry it when presenting the flowers to HRH The Queen (who, no doubt, received it whilst wearing her Cornelia James gloves!)

'Gentlemen at Arms' — ‘Gentlemen at Arms’

The overall effect, especially with the marvellous blooms included was, in Lord John’s words ‘Magnificent’. Helen Chambers, Key Account Manager at Taylor’s Bulbs said: “He (Lord John) was delighted with the whole look…the flowers fitted perfectly through the window section.” She added: “Many Thanks to you and all your team for making this a successful project and in such a small space of time, we appreciate the speed and attention to detail given.”

We can’t be sure of Her Majesty’s reaction we like to imagine that she was quite impressed too:-)

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Prestige Presentation Packaging – GWD Ltd and Cornelia James

November 12, 2015

by Simon Thomas Gloves

The original box first made in 2013 has been redesigned with a
different colour paper, different foil and new logo.

In 2013 GWD Ltd were commissioned by a glove company to create their presentation packaging (see Gorgeous Gloves go Hand in Hand with Presentation Packaging). This however, was no ordinary glove company but Cornelia James, glove makers to HM The Queen and holder of the Royal Warrant.

The Royal Warrant is granted to companies who have supplied HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales for at least five years. Cornelia James were granted a Royal Warrant in 1979 and have held it ever since. It is not a prize but rather a recognition of excellence consistently achieved – recognised the world over as a mark of quality and excellence which cannot be bought at any price.

Cornelia James glove box — Box for Cornelia James gloves

Cornelia James first came to GWD Ltd knowing the project would be in a safe set of hands. Pleased with our original creation, and having re-ordered it several times in the interim, they have come back to us now that the time has come to update their packaging and have asked us to work our magic and provide the luxury packaging which will truly do their art justice.

You will undoubtedly have seen Cornelia James’s exquisite work before, as the Queen herself has been wearing their hand-stitched gloves for almost seventy years. Their connections with royalty stretch back all the way to 1947, when they made the then-Princess Elizabeth’s going-away gloves for her marriage to Prince Philip. They have never looked back. They currently make about twelve pairs a year for the Palace. Obviously you don’t get to be that prestigious without having a keen eye for quality and Cornelia James are well aware of the importance of presentation. We like to think that that’s why they continue to work with GWD Ltd. We are honoured to be revisiting our classic 2013 box and giving it a 2015 makeover as well as creating several smaller boxes. We have very much enjoyed our collaborations with this most distinguished of glove creators and look forward to working with them again in the future.

GWD Ltd are happy to take on all presentation packaging work of course, whether your company holds a Royal Warrant or not! Even if you are unsure of exactly what you want, our team of packaging designers and cardboard engineers can create something truly special for you based around your concept or product. Whether it’s chocolates, corporate promotional material or just one very personalised box for a Christmas or birthday gift, we can build a package for every requirement.

Incidentally, Cornelia James are not the only company we work with who hold a Royal Warrant. Below is an advent calendar for Prestat, who are chocolate makers for the Queen and we recently made a one-off trophy box, for Garrards, jewellers and goldsmiths to the Queen.

Additional smaller boxes for new range of leather goods

Advent Calendar for Prestat, chocolatiers to HM the Queen

Presentation Packaging for Sporting Events

July 30, 2015

by Simon Thomas Box Making Manufacturing Presentation Packaging

Sport continues throughout the year but this Summer seems particularly full of major events. From the Tour de France, Wimbledon, British Moto GP, Open Golf, The Ashes and many more, there are so many sports to either participate in or view throughout the summer. If you are holding a themed event of your own, are an active sponsor or are using Corporate Entertainment to promote your product or services then appropriate presentation packaging can add impressive, creative and memorable flair to the proceedings.

At GWD Ltd we offer the highest quality promotional, confectionary and gift packaging; all three of which can be tailored to suit a sporting theme.

Why should I use Presentation Packaging?

Well, apart from the obvious opportunities of advertising and increasing Brand awareness and visibility it says that you’re a professional organisation. There is a psychological element here. A consumer looking upon a stunningly designed and packaged product will be likely to think as follows: If a company cares so much and has given so much thought to the presentation of it’s product in strongly suggests that it has given a similar amount of thought to the product itself. The time and care invested in the packaging must be representative of the care and belief that the Company have in the product itself. It shows that you are willing to invest in the customer experience, and insinuates that you are similarly willing to invest such time in the consumer himself. It breathes quality.

Jockey Cap packaging deigned for Royal Ascot

Our services, be they via promotional, confectionery or presentation packaging, exist to help you sell your product and enhance the value of your brand. Corporate or promotional packaging is our speciality.

How do I Find Presentation Packaging for my Product?

Fortunately you’re in exactly the right place! GWD were established in 1986 as manufacturers of bespoke and off-the shelf presentation packaging. We are not wholesalers: you are at source when you come to GWD. Our team or in-house designers and cardboard engineers will work closely with you and your designers to create the packaging, from the appropriate shape, colours, style and theme, resulting in boxes that truly represents the impression that you want to give to your product or brand. If you wish that to be associated with a particular sporting event you may be sponsoring or using for corporate entertainment that is possible too.

Round packaging such as this can be simply styled with a sport motif

Our selection of shapes and sizes allows us to cater from football to cricket, and everything in between. Recently, we supplied a confectionary box in the shape of a jockey cap for the Jockey Club to use at the Royal Ascot, for example. Our circular packaging is perfect for cricket or football, oval boxes for Rugby (it’s the World Cup in England this year) or American football. More intricatley-designed, specialist shapes are also possible. Feel free to call or e-mail with any enquiries.

Bespoke hampers can be designed with your logo/brand
and incorporate specific events too, if desired

Whilst we have some regular designs to choose from, our packaging is created from scratch. This allows you to create a feel that best suits your requirements. Whatever theme – sports related or otherwise – you choose, our presentation packaging can help your product truly stand out.

So, whether you are looking to create something simple or complex, here at GWD we pride ourselves in rising to the challenge and coming up with presentation packaging that best suits your needs. With so many sporting events to enjoy this summer why not add that personal flair and embrace some clever sporty packaging?

Presentation Boxes for your Wedding from GWD Ltd

June 17, 2015

by Simon Thomas Design Presentation Packaging save the day Weddings

Presentation Boxes

Summer is (allegedly) upon us and the wedding season has well and truly arrived! Across the Country blushing brides and flustered grooms are pledging their troth and sipping fizz as you read.

A couple of years ago we were commissioned by the model Elle Liberachi which we detailed in our blog at the time (‘Just get me to the church on time‘). Elle chose to create a ‘Keep the Date’ box – specially crafted to her own specifications. This has become an extremely popular idea. Why not create a stir with a gorgeous, bespoke box for your wedding invitation? It certainly is very different from the usual invite regardless how attractive it might be. Elle’s box was exquisite with foil embossing and a luxury, padded Suedel® interior and naturally came at some expense – but cheaper options are available and still make a fantastic and very different invitation idea.

Presentation boxes can be used elsewhere on your wedding day. As the guests are seated for the Wedding Breakfast why not ‘Wow’ them with some gorgeous favours in presentation boxes? Party favours are highly fashionable nowadays so why not make them extra-special with some beautiful packaging? We have created a number of ‘favour’ boxes over the years. The favourites tend to be quite simple with the names of the bride and groom and perhaps the date, embossed with foil on the lid, although it is very possible to make more elaborate boxes with drawers and compartments for the gifts.

Favour boxes add a little something extra to the wedding day, something a little original and different. Over the years we’ve made a number of heart-shaped boxes in magenta and pink which are a beautiful touch for a wedding table.

Similarly it’s often a lovely idea to serve chocolates, sweets or biscuits to guests with coffee and tea after the meal. Once again it’s a lovely extra touch to have them presented nicely – perhaps again with the name of the Bride and Groom or perhaps ‘Thank you for coming’.

Such small yet delightful touches can make the difference between a marvellous wedding and a magical one. Our in-house designers can take your ideas and run through the whole process with you keeping it personal and unique to your special day. So if you have any friends or family getting married this year why not recommend GWD to them?

The Managing Director of GWD Ltd is Noel Greenwood. He can be reached on (01279) 416093 or at www.gwd.ltd.uk. Noel would be particularly pleased to hear from anyone getting married this year!

Presentation Packaging for Unique Brands and Creative Designers

May 19, 2015

by Simon Thomas Manufacturing Presentation Packaging Promotional Packaging

Presentation Packaging

At GWD Ltd (Harlow, Essex) we have been in the presentation packaging business for 25 years. That’s a LOT of experience. In that time we have created the packaging for thousands of clients, helping them to present and promote their brand to their customer base and drive sales.

We have worked with many large Companies over the years as well as a number of smaller, more unusual brands who often provide the most challenging and interesting projects. One of these include an exclusive, one-off presentation package for a hugely famous, global rock star!

A number of our clients begin their search for presentation packaging with no clear idea how to proceed. In this case we are always happy to provide advice and guidance for them. However, larger companies will have a clearer idea and often have their own internal graphic designers or creative teams. In these circumstances we like to work closely in a consultative capacity with them to deliver the perfect presentation packaging for their product.

Presentation packaging, cardboard handbag

This collaborative approach is vital. GWD has experienced presentation packaging designers in-house and invaluable experience in the industry. Our designers and cardboard engineers are used to the inherent technical issues, which are involved in the creation of the packaging, difficulties which may be unfamiliar to graphic designers. Thus, it is advantageous that we talk to the customer’s designers at the earliest opportunity. There no point in a costly and time-consuming design being created, printed and approved which simply cannot then be manufactured commercially. By the same token there are many aspects that we can add to the design, different facets or possibilities, such as foil blocking, de-bossing or embossing which may not be immediately obvious to anyone outside of our industry.

GWD also offer an invaluable sampling service to bring your creation to life. Our design team can mock-up your creation to help add value and save unnecessary expenditure through deconstructing and reconstructing original designs. Sampling is often a valuable part of the decision-making process.

Talking directly to designers can also reduce the risk of ‘Chinese whispers’ which can occur if there are too many stages, or too many interests in the development process. Messages can get confused if the chain of communication is too large.

So we would ask that your creatives talk to us directly before they embark on the design process. We can help in bringing any designs to life and manufacture them on your behalf.

The Managing Director of GWD LTD is Noel Greenwood. He can be reached on (01279) 416093 or at www.gwd.ltd.uk. Noel would be particularly pleased to hear from any designers or creatives working on promotional or presentation packaging.

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