Killer app: Saxon fashions striking gin boxes 

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Strykk is the brainchild of bar-world veteran Alex Carlton from Funkin Cocktails. He initially came across Saxon Packaging in late 2020 and the business has since worked with the brand on several projects, including this vivid offering.

What was produced?

For its single-bottle premium drinks packaging, Strykk had visions of a simple gin gift box, but needed it to encompass a luxurious, premium feel to stand out. The company asked Lowestoft, Suffolk-based Saxon for packaging that would both raise brand awareness and deliver the perfect unboxing experience for customers.

5,000 of the single-bottle gift boxes were produced litho, while Saxon also produced outer packaging boxes flexo to protect the contents inside from any damage or abrasion that can occur during the transit and delivery process.

What did the job entail?

Saxon’s internal sales coordinator Emma Bishop spent a lot of time getting the structural packaging design right and various design samples were delivered to Strykk before a preferred style was settled on.

Strykk designed the graphics and one of Saxon’s approved suppliers litho printed the coated sheets for the inner gift packaging on a Heidelberg Speedmaster, using 170gsm Silk stock. Saxon then matt laminated the sheets in-house on a Paperplast film laminator. These were then mounted to 150T/150W E flute 382gsm corrugated board using a Lamina mounter. Die-cutting and gluing processes were also completed in-house on Bobst and MultiNova kit, respectively.

For the outer box, Strykk created artwork that was relatively understated compared with the box that would be packed inside, to heighten the customer “surprise-and-delight experience” when they saw the extravagant gift box inside. The outer box was printed and finished in-house on a Kirby Printer Slotter, Marumatsu die-cutter, and MultiNova gluer, using 150WTK/150T EB flute 590gsm corrugated board.

What challenges were overcome?

There were some challenges around which packaging material would be most suitable. It was difficult to work out which material grade and flute profile would work best until the print process for the project had been decided. The premium single-bottle gift packs were originally intended to be printed digitally. However, after reviewing the final artwork, the desired quantity of units, and the overall purpose of the packaging, Strykk opted to go for litho.

“This was a great project to work on. Whilst it did have its challenges along the way, we worked through them all,” said Bishop.

What was the feedback?

Molly Bray from Strykk said the brand was “really pleased” with the outcome. “The quality of the print was spot on, and we can’t wait to start sending them out to our customers.”


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