From just 300 units produced for one customer in 2010, Leicester-based Pollard Boxes and its sister company Clarke Rubicon in Coalville will this year produce in excess of 22,000 units for several different brands.

“Advent calendars have traditionally been associated with chocolate treats for children to count down the days to Christmas, but in recent years they have proved an ideal format to enable consumers easily to trial a wide variety of different beauty products while at the same time creating a unique gift experience,” explains David Warren, Clarke Rubicon’s Business Development Manager.

Key to the success of these calendars has been the creation of high quality and attractive packs that both reflect the premium image of the contents and provide effective protection.  Designs have evolved over the years from a simple four colour printed rigid box with flat over lid and pre-cut doors, to more ambitious constructions such as two boxes hinged together to achieve a larger open size, and the incorporation of a variety of different sizes and shapes of vacuum forms to match the various bottles, tubes and sachets in each collection.

Enhancements have included the introduction of hidden hinge cuts for the doors, hidden magnetic jackets and the use of ribbon ties and specialist papers and finishes, such as all over glitter varnish and gloss lamination, to help create shelf impact and brand differentiation.                                                                                    

“We believe demand for these types of pack will continue to grow and indeed we are now seeing interest from other market sectors, including wool and drinks,” says David Warren.  “Our specialist design and manufacturing teams are well placed to respond to customer requirements.”

As well the creation of the boxes, Pollard can also provide a complete fulfilment service with packing of the individual products into the boxes and onward delivery to the consumer.