Chocolate is popular all over the world, and there are two main forms: solid and liquid. There are strict requirements for packaging. Chocolate packaging is not only essential for protecting the quality of the product, but also an important tool for attracting customers. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the types, designs of chocolate packaging and different types of chocolate packing machines.
Chocolate Packaging Requirements
The production process of chocolate is complicated, involving drying, washing, baking, grinding, heating and liquefaction, and other steps. After that, it would be the primitive chocolate slurry. And its packaging also has relatively strict requirements.
Airtightness and Oxygen Barrier
Airtightness is a basic requirement to the packages. And chocolate can be easily contaminated with the smell of other substances. So it needs good airtightness to preserve the original flavor.
Prolonged exposure to oxygen causes the chocolate to oxidize, leading to rancidity. And milk chocolate and white chocolate oxidize more easily than dark chocolate. Because milk chocolate has less cocoa solids than dark chocolate, white chocolate has no cocoa solids. While dark chocolate typically contains a high percentage of cocoa solids. And the cocoa solids are rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help protect fats from oxidation.
Moisture resistance
Chocolate is prone to absorbing moisture, the sugar in the chocolate will be dissolved in a humid environment. It could cause a whitish bloom or change texture. Packaging should have good moisture resistance.
Durability
Packaging needs to protect the product from damage during transportation and storage and maintain the integrity of the product.
Materials and types of chocolate packaging
Aluminum Foil
One of the main features of aluminum foil packaging is its strong barrier properties, which protect the chocolate from oxygen, moisture, light, and foreign odors. Aluminum foil packaging also helps to preserve the flavor of the chocolate. Aluminum foil packaging is silver-white and can be easily processed to produce patterns and designs. It is especially suitable for packaging individual pieces and bars of chocolate. But it is kind of expensive.
Plastic Films
Plastic film packaging is an important form of packaging for chocolate. It is flexible and diverse. It has good air tightness, low odor, good barrier properties, and is easy to tear. The surface can be printed with beautiful patterns, perfect for shelf display.
There are several common materials:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)-High transparency, strong and durable.
- Polyethylene (PE) – Simple, good sealing properties, inexpensive and easy to process.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – Versatile and durable
- Polypropylene (PP) – Strong and lightweight
Cardboard and Paper
Cardboard and paper are eco-friendly, often used for outer packaging. They can be highly printable, and suitable for various designs. Suitable for high-end chocolate packaging, like custom chocolate packaging and personalized chocolate boxes. But they have poor moisture resistance and often need to be combined with other materials.
Tin Foil
Tin foil packaging is a classic and effective choice for chocolate. It has good barrier and ductility. And can preserve freshness, prevent moisture, and provide a barrier against light and air. Prevents exposure to light, especially UV light. Also, it can prevent heat. The heat dissipation is fast when using Tin foil packages. Makes the chocolate hard to melt. Those advantages make it a perfect choice for a wide range of chocolate products, from high-end and artisanal chocolates to everyday treats.
Biodegradable Materials
Biodegradable materials are made from renewable resources, they can naturally decompose in the environment.
As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for biodegradable material chocolate packaging is also increasing. Biodegradable materials are becoming a popular choice. At the same time, the biodegradable chocolate packaging also helps promote the brand.
Composite Materials
Composite materials consist of multiple layers of different materials to combine their benefits. Like aluminum foil, plastic, and paper or OPP, PET, and PE. They can be designed for various functional needs. Take the latter combination as an example, it has excellent moisture, oxidation, breathability, preservation, and sealing properties. And it is resistant to low temperatures and suitable for refrigeration.
PET Aluminized Packaging
PET aluminized packaging is a popular choice for chocolate, widely used in recent years. Its durability, barrier properties, and cost-effectiveness are outstanding. This type of packaging involves coating a PET film with a thin layer of aluminum to enhance its protective qualities.
Jars
Glass jars are often used for premium chocolate, artisanal chocolates, and gift chocolates. Airtight, effectively prevents moisture and oxidation. Suitable for shelf display.
Vacuum Sealed Bags
Vacuum-sealed bags are a packaging method that creates a vacuum environment by extracting the air inside the bag. This method can greatly extend the shelf life of chocolate while maintaining its freshness and flavor. It can prevent chocolate from oxidizing and absorbing moisture, prolonging its shelf life. And it takes up less space, making storage and transport more efficient. The vacuum environment prevents insects and other pests from getting inside.
Resealable Bags
A resealable bag has a zip-lock feature, usually used for products that consumers can open and close multiple times.
Tins
Tins are a premium and durable packaging option. They provide excellent protection and offer a high-end appearance, making them popular for gifting and special editions. The tins can be reused for other purposes once the chocolates are consumed.
Types of Chocolate Packaging Machines
There are many different kinds of chocolate packaging machines to adapt to various needs.
- Chocolate Pre-made Pouch Packaging Machine – This machine offers an efficient chocolate packaging solution for pre-made pouches, zipper bags, and spout pouches. Nitrogen filling in chocolate packaging helps ensure product freshness, quality, and shelf stability throughout the storage and transportation process.
- Chocolate Form Fill and Seal Machine – Designed to form bags from film, filling, sealing, and output via synchronized dosing systems. For example, it can be used to package chocolate beans in pillow bags.
- Fold Wrapping Machine – Uses materials like aluminum foil or paper to wrap and fold around the chocolate. Commonly used for packaging individual chocolate pieces or bars.
- Chocolate Coin Wrapping Machine – This is the machine that packages chocolate in the shape of a coin.
- Twist Wrapper – It wraps chocolate, and twists the ends to seal. Suitable for small chocolates and candies.
- Flow Wrapper – Uses continuous film to wrap chocolates into a sealed pouch.
- Cartoning Machine – Pack chocolates into pre-made cartons, then seals and labels the boxes. Suitable for chocolate gift boxes or large chocolate packs.
Design of chocolate packaging
Vintage-Inspired Chocolate Box Design
Uses retro illustrations and old-fashioned color schemes to evoke emotional resonance.
Classic elements include hand-drawn illustrations, vintage fonts, and decorative borders. Choose deep brown and cream for the fonts and background. Vintage design can evoke nostalgia, enhancing brand affinity and the nostalgic ambiance. It can stand out in the modern market.
For example, Charbonnel et Walker use retro-style packaging with intricate designs, classic fonts, and gold foil embellishments. The use of rich traditional colors adds to the nostalgic feel. The retro design conveys the brand’s history and sense of quality, appealing to consumers looking for a luxurious and classic chocolate experience.
Interactive Design
Interactive design helps establish a closer relationship between the brand and consumers. You can incorporate a QR code that leads to an Interactive game or an Interactive story even the production processes. It increases consumer interaction with the brand, enhancing the purchasing experience.
Minimalist Design
Often uses a single or limited color to emphasize product purity and high quality. Using straightforward and easy-to-read fonts to convey brand information and product details. White color is often used in minimalist design. But you also can use bold colors with clean typography to make the packages more attractive.
Luxury Design
Luxurious chocolate packaging can leave a deep impression on your customers. Decorated with metallic foils and ribbon accents, some even use embossing. It has sophisticated designs and rich colors like gold and deep burgundy. Suitable for premium chocolate gifts.
Transparent Windows Design
It incorporates transparent windows in the packaging to let the customers see the direct appearance of the chocolate. Showing the texture and color of the chocolate attracts consumers’ visual attention. Like a chocolate truffle packaging with a clear window showcases the truffle’s artisanal quality. You can see a window frequently in chocolate truffle packaging.
Bold and Playful Design
Bold and playful designs can quickly capture consumers’ attention, especially children and families. You can add cartoon characters to the package and use bright colors. Add puzzles, riddles, and games to the package. Boost interaction with the product, enhancing the overall purchase experience. For example, M&M’s packaging uses bright, bold colors and playful characters. The design often includes puzzles, games, or collectible items. This playful approach attracts a large number of people, making the product more attractive and interactive.
Conclusion
As a globally popular product, chocolate packaging comes in a variety of forms and designs. Chocolate packaging not only provides safety and convenience but also conveys its unique meaning through various design concepts, such as vintage, minimalist, and luxury packaging designs, all of which represent its unique style. These exquisite packages captivate people of all ages. If you are interested in chocolate packing machines, please contact us.
