Luxury packaging trade show Les Places d’Or took place from November 15-17th at Paris hotel Le Meurice. Scented domed labels made of biosourced resin, a newly patented metal-free metallic decoration technology and artisanal crafts used to embellish luxury products were just some of the novelties on show.
Domed labels specialist Sÿnia highlighted its transparent labels for wines and spirits bottles that replicate the effect of embossing. The company also showed a domed scented tester made of PE resin that allows for customized shapes and branding. Sÿnia can also make the tester with biosourced cornstarch and castor oil resins ranging from 65% biosourced to 90%.
French coffret specialist ETS Edmond (MK Group) showed its BRU-UXE project highlighting its expertise in rigid boxes with "perfect" right angles. Rather than sheathing its boxes in paper, the supplier directly embellishes greyboard with screenprinting, hot-stamping and pressing. ETS Edmond has invested €3m in relocating its production of right-angled rigid boxes – previously made in China – to France, a savoir-faire that had been lost in the country, the company says.
Avery Dennison showed its Organoid Natural Surfaces range available in seven finishes that primarily targets the interior design space. Austrian company Organoid takes materials such as rose petals, moss or hay, combines them with a binder and then presses them into sheets. Avery Dennison has the exclusivity for the adhesive version, which it is offering for luxury packaging applications such as coffrets.
Poland’s Merkury Atelier, French embossing specialist Créanog and labels company Alliance Etiquettes teamed up for a Champagne packaging project developed especially for Les Places d’Or this year. The golden bottle is adorned with a leather label (Alliance Etiquettes) screenprinted in gold, onto which a gold pewter star is affixed. The drawer-style cardboard coffret (Merkury Atelier) is sheathed in kraft paper, while wood (0.6cm thick) adorns the top and one side. The pack features a wave pattern made by Créanog's embossing tools; the company also embellished with gold hot-stamping. “No two coffrets are the same,” says Merkury Atelier. Inside, the insert is in black microflute cardboard. Two ribbons attached to the coffret have a dual function: the top one is the handle, while the bottom keeps the base of the coffret in place.
French deeptech start-up Auressens’ decoration technology is designed to create a lustrous metal effect without the use of metal thanks to its patented ‘smart’ organic pigments. The colored coatings can be applied to materials including glass, ceramics, plastic, wood or cardboard; the particles “self-organize” following surface deposition to create a metallic effect.
Marie Berthouloux, Founder of artisanal embroidery specialist Le Studio Ekceli, showed her latest project, Montée des Eaux (or rising tides in French). The artist worked with discarded materials to decorate a variety of products and objects. “Our aim with this project is to find an equilibrium between valorization, imagination and authenticity through the embellishment of discarded materials from the ocean and botanical environments,” explains Berthouloux, who works in embroidery and gold leaf, among other techniques.
Aluminum components specialist g.pivaudran showed the seven-piece cap and collar it created for L’Oréal’s new Armani Code refillable men’s fragrance. The glossy, deep black cap in anodized aluminum has a patented oriented magnetic closure and features the brand monogram engraved on the top.
LPF Groupe (La Paper Factory) showed its latest creations, including a monomaterial champagne coffret created for Chateau de Malengin. Born from the Alfred and Joe collection created by LPF Groupe’s partner, design agency Bemad, the multi-colored origami-style pleated paper pack hugs the contours of the bottle. The case has a magnetic closure, although a magnet-free alternative is also an option, explains the supplier.
LPF Groupe also presented a monomaterial cardboard coffret that is delivered flat. Made in Europe, it targets sectors including wines & spirits, fragrances & cosmetics and watches & jewelry.
