The company’s flagship product was born from founder Clare Davis’s simple goal to alter perceptions around single-use plastic water bottles. The Bottlesoc is a washable, stretchy bottle sleeve with a built-in shoulder strap, that enables users to personalise, protect and carry re-usable drinks bottles. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester and available in a range of colourful fabrics designs.

Clare is committed to using as much recycled material within her products as possible, working with other local businesses, and carving out a reputation for amazingly designed products. When it came to designing custom packaging for her bottle sleeves, Clare realised she’d need help translating her vision into reality. A quick internet search led her to Holywell Press, and, after an initial meeting, she instinctively knew that they were the right team to help. “As a designer, I knew what I wanted but I needed help translating my idea into practical packaging. Technical specifications, such as what type of board to use or whether it would fold properly, were not my area of expertise”, recalls Clare.

sustainable packaging for sustainable products

When Clare was contemplating packaging design, she first thought about creating a box with a window or trying to give the Bottlesoc ‘3-D form’. But she was determined to avoid plastic and to create printed packaging as sustainable as the products themselves.

Working alongside Holywell’s creative team, Clare started to think about custom packaging for a pair of tights. She notes, “Holywell were really flexible and a great help when it came to making samples for me. They advised on the suitability of different recycled packaging boards and produced an early packaging prototype. As it turned out, feedback on the prototype led me to simplify the packaging design quite a bit.

“Once Holywell had recommended a few practical adjustments to the artwork, such as including a small capacity spine and making sure the print would not be obscured by the closing fixture, we were ready to go!”

Clare continues “I was pretty clear that I wanted paper packaging, but I didn’t know what board to use. Holywell were amazing in terms of the knowledge they had. I told them what I was looking for and they did the rest!”

In keeping with Clare’s environmental focus, little went to waste during packaging production. Even the board which was die-cut to create the aperture for the product reveal did not go to waste. Clare included her logo on this section of the artwork and uses these to write thank you notes to customers.

beautifully simple printed packaging

Clare is delighted with how her printed packaging has turned out. “As a start-up, custom packaging was a big investment for me, and I needed to know that I was working with the right company,” says Clare. “I believe seeing the people you deal with face to face is really important for relationship building. You can’t get that over the internet! I usually go with gut instinct when I meet people and loved the team at Holywell.”

What was particularly important to Clare in terms of the service and support she received from Holywell? “Prompt communication means a great deal to me. I knew that if I picked up the phone, I would probably be able to speak to the person dealing with my packaging design. And if not, someone else would know all about my project and be able to help."

If you’d like to find out more about paper packaging design or would like help producing printed packaging for your business, please call 01865 242098 or contact us using the button below.