FIFA 18 Game Packaging

by 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.

The new game
The new game

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 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.

The main box with magnetic closure
The main box with magnetic closure

Open box displaying foam fitment

Open box displaying foam fitment
Open box displaying foam fitment

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

 

 

 

 

LUXURY BOXES FOR LUXURY INVITATIONS

by Box MakingPresentation PackagingPromotional Packaging

At GWD Ltd  we are accustomed to dealing with prestigious clients. In the past we have provided beautiful packaging for Cornelia James, holders of the Royal Warrant, and a one-off presentation box for Taylor’s Bulbs, also Royal Warrant holders, which was used to present a new bulb display to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 90th birthday . We have even created a gorgeous one-off box for a certain Mr. Elton John, with whom I’m sure you’re very familiar. But you don’t have to be Royalty, Pop or otherwise, to come to us for a prestige packaging solution.

A client contacted us recently who had a small and exclusive range of luxurious Mediterranean properties for sale and wanted to provide the 200 potential buyers who had been invited to view them with the details and pictures in something more than a conventional brochure. So they came to us to create luxury boxes in which a set of postcards could be presented.

Promotional presentation packaging
Promotional presentation packaging

The promotional packaging we designed, consisted of a slipcase with a drawer, with a ribbon pull, that not only enabled the drawer to be pulled out, but once open, was positioned in such a way that it lifted the postcards from their frame so that they could be lifted out easily. The postcards themselves were covered in a gold wrap underneath the invitation card.

 

presentation box for invitations
Presentation box for invitations

This careful design presented the invitations in a style and manner that conveyed a sense of luxury even before the potential buyer has seen the photographs. Our experienced team of designers work with a client to ensure that we provide them with the best and most luxurious packaging to match their needs. In this case we combined the professional look of the branded outer box with the tactile and prestigious nature of the sliding drawer and inner layer to create something beautiful, memorable and most of all eye-catching, ensuring that any recipient will be both intrigued and impressed by the invitation contained within.

quality promotional boxes, UK manufacturer
Quality promotional boxes, UK manufacturer

 

At GWD, we have no minimum order requirement and total control over lead times because we are manufacturers as well as designers. Whether you wish to advertise high-end property, or issue luxury VIP invitations for gala events, we have the prestige packaging solution for you.

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

 

Another Royal Connection for GWD!

by Box MakingDesignPresentation PackagingRoyalty

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 box in our factory
The box in our factory

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:-)

The Baron of Holbeach
The Baron of Holbeach

 

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

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Specialist Packaging for High Street Brands

by Box MakingPresentation PackagingSpecialist Packaging

Specialist Packaging for High Street Brands

Now that the holiday season is (near enough) over we’re reminded of a specialist packaging job that GWD Ltd were commissioned for last year. We were asked to work on a very special product for the High-Street brand ‘Lush’.

Soaps in a confectionary style created by Lush
Soaps in a confectionary style created by Lush

For anyone who doesn’t know  (where have you been?) Lush, they create non- animal testing cosmetics that are fresh, and handmade. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Lush now have 106 stores nationwide with more than 900 Worldwide in 49 countries.

The project in question was to create presentation, specialist packaging in the shape of a suitcase, or old-fashioned travelling trunk, complete with metal clasps and  fitted handles. The case was to present a selection of soaps, cosmetics and ‘bath-bombs’ that could be given as a gift to someone off on a journey abroad or to college, for example. Naturally, this was quite a substantial project for Lush with the specialist packaging taking pride of place in their stores up and down the Country.

‘Box 29’ showing clasps and handle
‘Box 29’ showing clasps and handle

Like many other big brands, Lush realise that the care and dedication given to their presentation packaging suggests to the customer that the brand take similar care and dedication over their product. The time and thought invested in the packaging is indicative of the care and belief that the Company have in the product itself.

The ‘suitcase’ was a relatively complex project to complete out of cardboard, however at GWD Ltd we have undertaken many other complex projects in the past and have staff with the skills and experience to carry it out with ease. Our cardboard engineers designed the trunk from scratch and worked out the precise way to  attach the clasps and reinforce the handles without compromising the design and, although you couldn’t throw it in the hold of a plane (it was never designed for that purpose), the final product was very sturdy and fitted the original brief perfectly.

Finished product showing foiling and internal compartments
Finished product showing foiling
and internal compartments

Incidentally, the whole process was filmed by Lush in our Essex factory and used by them for promotional purposes. You can see the video by clicking on the image below.

GWD Ltd have produced other boxes in the shape of bags and suitcases, albeit much simpler versions. Please visit our website for more examples here. So if you want some travel themed promotional packaging look no further than GWD – we can help.

 


Video showing the production process

 

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

Presentation Packaging for Sporting Events

by Box MakingManufacturingPresentation 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
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
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
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?

 

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

All eggs need a basket: Easter packaging

by Box MakingDesignEasterManufacturingPresentation PackagingPromotional PackagingUncategorized

The trees are blossoming, the sun is shining in the crisp cool air, and the grass is looking decidedly long again: it’s Easter time.

What does Easter mean to you?  For some, it might all be about Christianity.  For others it’s about bunnies and daffodils.  For lots more, it’s all about the gloriously decadent period when Lent finishes and the assault on the chocolate can begin again in earnest.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Make the most of February 14th

by Box MakingDesignManufacturingPresentation PackagingPromotional PackagingUncategorizedValentines Day
We make heart shaped boxes in a variety of sizes
We make heart shaped boxes in a variety of sizes

After Christmas and Easter, the period before Valentines Day is one of our busiest.  Given that we make presentation packaging for chocolate and flowers, you can understand why.

Of course, it’s not only GWD who look forward to Valentines Day for a welcome sales boost.  Following the post-Christmas lull, retailers all over the country look forward to February 14th as an opportunity to boost their sales heading to the end of the financial year.