Bee Hive Candles
Disciplines
Packaging Design, Physical Prototyping, Digital Mockup
A hand-poured candle company with a focus on quality, Bee Hive Candles produces 100% beeswax candles, made sustainably in a Green Power certified facility.
Client Research
Bee Hive Candles got its start as a home business and has managed to stay in business almost 20 years. The owners are passionate about quality and tote their commitment to 100% pure beeswax in their candles, along with essential oils and eco-friendly colors and scents. Each candle is hand-poured and hand-finished to remove imperfections.
The workshop they're housed in uses 100% Green Power, with all of their electricity coming from renewable and sustainable resources.
Demographic
These candles are expensive compared to alternative tealight options. Target audience is likely:
experienced candle user
eco-conscious
educated
higher income
Design Approach
My approach to this design was to create a shelf-ready package that spoke to quality and craftsmanship. I wanted it to be clear when compared to other options that there is a reason these candles are priced at a premium.
In addition, I wanted the packaging to reflect the eco-conscious approach of the client as much as possible. No plastics. Fully recyclable.
Design Process
Creating the physical prototype for this package was a maker-designer's dream come true.
The box is two layers--a sliding "beehive" outer sleeve with a waxy finish, and an inner "honey" gloss box. The box flap features custom dye-sublimated ribbon (to be swapped for a more sustainable option in production).
For surprise elements, the box flap has a tiny bee cutout for a delightful little detail when the box is opened. I also added a gloss hexagon bee element to cover the ribbon ends where they come through the top flap and carry the bee theme through.
The packaging is printed on both sides. The inside of the inner box carries the brand's signature bee stripe in honey and black. The inside of the outer box features a repeating bee pattern, as though they are inside the beehive.
The tealights themselves are wrapped in sustainably produced brown parchment paper to solidify the artisanal, hand-crafted feel of the product.
