June 18th, 2024
Falconer delivers sustainable cartons for By Sarah’s skincare range
Leading carton manufacturer, Falconer, has recently collaborated with By Sarah, a sustainable and natural skincare brand, to create stand-out cartons for their product range.
Founded by sisters Lauren and Sarah, By Sarah focuses on restoring sensitive and stressed skin through its innovative skincare solutions. The brand was launched after Lauren was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and Sarah became her stem cell donor. During Lauren’s recovery, Sarah found it challenging to source natural and effective skincare products suitable for her sister’s treatment-affected skin. In response, she developed her own formulas, which led to the creation of By Sarah.
In acknowledging By Sarah’s brand story, Falconer produced the outer cartons for nine SKUs, including serums, oils and creams. The sustainable cartons feature Incada silk with a matt varnish finish and vibrant base colours that reflect the brand’s enduring optimism.
Lauren Murrell, CEO and co-founder of By Sarah, said: “Falconer has truly embraced our brand story and mission, delivering packaging that protects our products and communicates the love and care that goes into every formulation. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our values.”
The new packaging has received a positive response, featuring in prominent publications such as Women’s Health, Grazia and The Sunday Times. The collaboration with Falconer has been successful, with the team providing creative solutions and a welcoming, problem-solving approach.
“The collaboration with By Sarah has been an inspiring journey,” said Colin Pow, sales director at Falconer. “We are proud to provide packaging that reflects the brand’s ethos and promotes the customer experience through design and sustainability.”
By Sarah continues to work closely with Falconer on upcoming product launches. Exciting developments are on the horizon for September 2024 and beyond, promising even more innovative and sustainable skincare solutions for their customers.
West Yorkshire-based Falconer Print & Packaging manufactures decorative printed folding cartons for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, drinks and spirits, giftware, healthcare, veterinary, pet care and luxury confectionery sectors. Incorporating high-quality added value finishes, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, the company has a reputation for delivering innovative packaging solutions combined with a high-quality service.
Discover more about skincare By Sarah at www.bysarahlondon.com
March 28th, 2024
Climbing for a cause - Kilimanjaro awaits!
We’re very excited to share with you that our MD, Richard, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his wife Sarah, in support of Overgate Hospice. Both are currently gearing up for the challenge, which takes place on 20th-30th June.
Overgate Hospice is an Elland, West Yorkshire-based independent local charity, providing expert care and support for adults living with life-limiting illnesses. The hospice relies on charitable support to ensure that its expert team are always available to care for people who are facing the end of their lives, helping them maintain their independence and dignity until the very end.
The idea to climb the mountain came from Sarah, who had her heart set on trekking to Machu Picchu for Overgate a few years back, but didn’t get to do it. When Overgate announced the Kilimanjaro trip, she convinced Richard that it would be a fantastic, if not challenging experience!
At 5,895mabove sea level, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Richard and Sarah’s trek will take place over a gruelling seven days and will be both mentally and physically challenging. Daily trekking is around 6-7 hours, covering a variety of terrain and beautiful scenery. Altitude sickness can and does play a big part; no amount of training can combat this, so both will be checked daily to make sure that they are fit enough to continue. The summit night will be the biggest challenge, leaving camp at midnight in the hope of summiting to watch the sunrise, finishing then with a 6-8 hour trek back to their final camp for the night.
To prepare, they have been hitting the trails every weekend, walking 8 to 12 miles to get their stamina up. They also have some serious hikes planned, such as tackling the highest mountain in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Yorkshire Three Peaks. They aim to make sure that they are in tip-top shape for the mountain.
“The trek will test us both physically and mentally, but we’re up for it,” said Richard.“Our main goal is to hit the summit and raise funds for Overgate Hospice, an amazing place that does so much good. We’ve been advised to take it slow, to help with acclimatising and we plan to follow that advice closely.Once we’ve conquered Kilimanjaro, our next adventure will be in Hong Kong, celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday. But first, we’ve got a mountain to climb!
“Thanks for tuning into our story. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey and make a difference for a cause we deeply care about. We’ll keep you posted.”
To support the challenge, visit Richard and Sarah’s Just Giving page here.
January 17th, 2024
A carousel of Christmas wonders
The story behind Falconer’s 2023 Christmas gift pack
Introduction
Last year’s Nutcracker-themed Christmas gift set from Falconer captivated customers with its story-driven design and illuminative charm. This year, Falconer aimed to surpass that success with a concept that combines premium aesthetics and innovative functionality.
The inspiration
The inspiration behind this year’s gift pack was to create something that wasn’t just visually appealing, but also offered a multi-sensory experience. The added dimension of light-reactive sound, playing the famed Christmas song ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ when the lid is lifted, brings an unexpected joy, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or colleagues. This feature is symbolic of Falconer’s philosophy of creating lasting impressions through innovative carton designs.
The rationale behind the packs
Four years ago, Falconer decided to shift from traditional gift-giving practices, like wines and spirits, towards bespoke gift packaging that resonates with their philosophy of meaningful and thoughtfully designed presents. The aim was to offer customers a gift that they would be proud to give themselves, thereby aligning with the company’s commitment to creating lasting impressions.
Musical/Carousel theme inspiration
The carousel theme was chosen for its complex, visually impactful shape and its quintessential association with Christmas. The design needed to be not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable enough for postal delivery. The premium feel was accentuated using Cyan and Cool Grey 10 for the graphics, complemented by the luxurious 457 gold foil, used on all elements of the gift set.
Technical details
Falconer selected Iggesund Incada silk, a 590-micron material, for its strength and press performance. The design incorporated a significant amount of Kurtz 457 foil, chosen for its reflective yet soft appearance. The carousel design, accompanied by an E-flute carry case, was meticulously crafted by Falconer’s in-house CAD team, enhancing the unboxing experience.
Production and distribution
A total of 500 units were produced, with every customer receiving one.In addition, each Falconer employee received a gift set; it’s always been our tradition to show our appreciation in this way, and we’ve been thrilled to hear such positive feedback.
Objectives and achievements
The aim was to prove that giving gifts can be exceptional if well-planned. The gift set is evidence of Falconer’s ability to incorporate different visual elements and innovative features, such as music, into a unified and impressive product. The roof of the carousel, where the soundbar is located, is a prime example of this inventive integration.
What makes it extra special
This year’s gift pack is a premium mini replica of a carousel, notable for its striking design and structural strength to securely hold gifts. It stands out as a unique, one-of-a-kind offering.
Gifts inside the pack
The carousel’s design includes three boxed segments for housing gifts, with each containing an array of festive delights:
• Rum Collection included: Libations Pina Edition Spiced Rum, Jolly’s Cornish Cola and Cajun Zanzibar Chilli Zest Cashew nuts.
• Gin Collection included: Silent Pool Distillers Spiced Redcurrant Gin, Jolly’s Cornish Tonic Water and Pecorino, Rosemary and Seaweed drinks biscuits.
• Vodka Collection included: Esker Spirit Orange & Pomegranate Vodka, Fever-Tree Italian Blood Orange Soda and Forest Feast 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Sour Cherries.
Sustainability
In line with Falconer’s commitment to sustainability, all components of the gift pack are fully recyclable.
“Innovation and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do at Falconer. With this year’s gift pack, we wanted to push the boundaries of traditional gifting. We aimed to craft a package that not only serves as a beautiful gift, but also delivers an unforgettable experience. We believe we’ve achieved this by combining elegant design with an element of surprise, ensuring that each unboxing is a memorable moment.”
Colin Pow
Sales & Marketing Director
Falconer
Various customer comments…
“Thank you for the gift. Incredible thing, amazing skill putting it together but more so I can report that the rum is lovely. I enjoyed a nice couple of glasses that Friday you left it for me, as I just couldn’t wait. I am going to say there is a strong chance it will be the best thing I get this year!”
“Thank you so much for the amazing Christmas gifts.They are gorgeous – not only in terms of delicious content but the packaging too of course!! So creative…they really have the wow factor, and the lids have been lifted several times in the office so that everyone could enjoy the music and message.”
“We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the Christmas gift Troy left us during his visit to Alchemy House! The box and presentation were amazing and everyone in the office loved it!”
Falconer craft luxurious gift set carton for Kindrid Spirits
October 10th, 2023
A stylish gift set carton created by Falconer Print & Packaging for distiller, Kindred Spirits, has received glowing reviews since its launch earlier this year. The stand-out carton contains five 40ml miniature bottles of craft spirits from up to five different distillers around the UK.
Cumbria-based Kindred Spirits collaborates with craft British distillers to introduce a diverse array of gin, rum, vodka, and whisky to consumers unfamiliar with these unique brands. The distiller discovered Falconer at a packaging trade event, where the carton manufacturer’s playful and innovative packaging solutions caught their attention. From this initial encounter, it took 5 months to bring the gift set to fruition.
The packaging itself speaks volumes of Falconer’s meticulous attention to detail. Crafted from Iggesund Incada Silk 590um, the vibrant, sleek design features two distinctive Pantone blues. And for that extra touch of elegance on shelf, it has been accentuated with Kurtz Blue 369 foil. To contrast the foil, a matt varnish was then applied to all non-foil areas, ensuring a seamless, rich finish.
The carton functionality had been designed to keep the end user in mind. Created as a sharing set, it allows customers to choose from a range of miniature spirits. Perfect for gifting or personal indulgence, the carton follows a gift format that comes with a smooth locking tab with no raw edges. Once opened, a tray effortlessly slides out revealing an exquisite array of spirits. The carton is designed to be generic but adds a touch of personalisation with a hand-applied sticker, indicating the curated set of spirits chosen.
“We had an excellent working relationship with Falconer. Their communication skills are outstanding and they were very accommodating throughout this project,” said Kindred Spirits Oliver Barker. “Looking ahead, there are a few prototypes in the mix that we are looking at with Falconer.”
Falconer’s Colin Pow added: ”Working with Kindrid has been a remarkable journey. They are an innovative retailer that believes in amplifying the joy of gifting. Together, we’ve created a gift box that not only meets but surpasses expectations.”
Falconer manufactures decorative printed folding cartons for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, drinks and spirits, giftware, healthcare, veterinary, pet care and luxury confectionery sectors. Incorporating high-quality added value finishes, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, the company has a reputation for delivering innovative packaging solutions combined with high-quality service.
Exciting new venue for London Packaging Week
October 10th, 2023
Falconer exhibited at London Packaging Week’s new home on 21-22 September 2023 – the ExCel exhibition centre in East London. Having outgrown London’s Olympia, this year’s show aimed to ‘highlight the evolving nature of packaging, emphasise connectivity, sustainability and innovation, as well as offer an insight into the future of packaging design’.
Once again the event comprised of four exhibitions, including ‘Packaging Première’ for the luxury product market (we were on stand E64); PCD for perfume, makeup and toiletries; PLD for premium and luxury beverages; and Food & Consumer Pack for groceries.
Our stand was well attended throughout and we enjoyed a highly productive couple of days meeting new and existing customers. The carton samples on display provoked much interest, particularly our stand-out new pack for Eden Mill – The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Whisky.
Great to have the usual team on stand for the duration, including the addition of the MD’s son, Sam Martin, who provided additional support throughout the event – thanks Sam!
Looking forward to 2024.
Falconer’s impressive carton for Compass Box marks The Peat Monster’s 20th birthday
October 10th, 2023
West Yorkshire-based carton manufacturer, Falconer Print & Packaging, has recently produced a premium, high-end carton for Compass Box, a London-based producer, bottler and marketer of a range of blended Scotch whiskies. The impactful design, produced by packaging design and branding company, Stranger and Stranger, marks the 20th birthday of The Peat Monster – a limited edition blended malt scotch whisky with its roots in the USA and part of the Compass Box range of core whiskies.
In creating the carton, Falconer chose Crown Prestige 610 micron cartonboard, principally for its strength and the uncoated reverse side which offered a superb printing surface, on which a cool grey colour was applied. Various subtle features were included in the carton’s manufacture, including the overlapping of the centre panel over the side panels to provide a modern touch. The illustration itself was printed in a four-colour process and framed with a background colour and outlined with a hot foil. To draw attention to the illustration and brand, a deboss around the edges was added. Additionally, an emboss of ‘Compass Box’ was included, making it the central focus of the carton. The sides of the carton had a hot foil and a debossed ‘The Peat Monster’ name style, with a black drop shadow to add more depth to the product title.
On the reverse, a complex debossed keyline was included to create a tactile, premium feel. Furthermore, the lid of the carton featured a hot foil with extra pressure applied for a deboss effect. Moreover, all edges of the carton were tucked or folded over to eliminate any raw edges. The crash lock base also provided strength and simplicity for assembly.
Ultimately, the fully recyclable carton looks both vintage and modern, with delicate design features helping it to stand out in a very design-driven market.
Commenting on the carton, Rachel Meckler, NPD manager at Compass, said: “The finished carton looks great, the material is of great quality and the design stands out. It looks very premium. We tend to work with Falconer for all our standard gift cartons as their quality, turnaround and flexibility are good. They are also able to meet the quality we are looking for in our intricate designs.
“We have an excellent working relationship with Falconer and the team is very friendly. We often have tight deadlines and things that need to change when the process has already started; in that, they are very accommodating. We are still a fairly small business, so flexibility is important to us.”
Colin Pow, sales & marketing director at Falconer, added: “After a rewarding 4-year collaboration with Compass Box, we take great pride in unveiling an exceptionally remarkable final product. This project exemplifies Falconer’s core values, where we provide our customers with a solution-oriented, personalised approach, ensuring the utmost quality in both service and product, all while delivering genuine added value.”
Falconer Print & Packaging specialises in manufacturing decorative printed folding cartons for several industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, beverages, spirits, giftware, healthcare, veterinary, pet care, and luxury confectionery. The company is known for incorporating high-quality added-value finishes and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling them to deliver innovative packaging solutions and exceptional customer service.
Falconer collaborates with Myrtle & Maude to create stand-out cartons for new skincare range
July 28th, 2023
Leading carton manufacturer, Falconer Print & Packaging, has recently worked with Myrtle & Maude, a pioneering brand focused on holistic pregnancy and women’s wellbeing, to develop stand-out packaging for their new pregnancy skincare range. The packaging also includes some of Myrtle & Maude’s wellness products, which provide a comprehensive solution for expectant and new mothers.
Since its launch in 2017, Myrtle & Maude has gained immense popularity for its groundbreaking natural remedies designed to alleviate morning sickness. The brand’s success is a testament to the exceptional quality and effectiveness of its products in supporting women dealing with the challenges of debilitating morning sickness. Over time, Myrtle & Maude has expanded its range to address various aspects of pregnancy, including fertility, conception, postpartum care, breastfeeding and more.
To create the packaging for the new skincare range, Falconer used Algro Design, a premium one-side double-coated solid bleached cartonboard. The cartons were printed CMYK, featuring a matte finish on the coated side. The packaging design options included a reverse tuck end (RTE) or a 2-part lid and base configuration.
Commenting on the cartons, Myrtle & Maude’s founder, Julia d’Albert-Pusey, said: “As a trusted packaging supplier, the team at Falconer are always very innovative. From email through to production, the whole project is handled seamlessly and they always keep you updated with progress. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
“Our experience with various companies in the past hasn’t always been ideal, but happily, we have maintained a fruitful collaboration with Falconer. Their professionalism and workflow ethics are precisely what we look for in a business partner.”
Falconer’s Colin Pow added: “This project showcases our solution-focused mindset, where we relentlessly pursue innovative and effective approaches to address customers’ needs. As with all our assignments, we strive to deliver nothing short of the highest quality of service and products.”
Based in West Yorkshire, Falconer Print & Packaging specialises in manufacturing decorative printed folding cartons for several industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, beverages, spirits, giftware, healthcare, veterinary, pet care, and luxury confectionery. The company is known for incorporating high-quality added-value finishes and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling them to deliver innovative packaging solutions and exceptional customer service.
Falconer takes Navy Professional’s packaging to the next level
June 12th, 2023
Leading carton manufacturers, Falconer Print & Packaging, has worked with Navy Professional to design and produce a complete range of packaging for their award-winning beauty tools, candles, diffusers and skincare range. The packaging, which includes secondary cartons and countertop display units, features the same material and finish throughout – brilliant white cartonboard, with branding and lettering in gold foil to provide maximum shelf presence.
Founded in Yorkshire with the aim of creating a new British Standard in tools for the beauty industry, Navy Professional initially developed an extensive collection of nail, lash and brow tools. The brand has since expanded to offer beauty professionals a convenient hygiene system and a range of salon accessories, including retail and care products. Navy Professional’s association with fellow Yorkshire business, Falconer, began in 2020 as the company’s founder sought a packaging partner. Since then, Falconer has proactively supported Navy Professional with packaging concepts and ideas for new products as their product portfolio has expanded.
“We’ve worked with Falconer for over 3 years now, and they supply us with all our packaging,” said Navy’s owner and director, Rebecca Crawforth. “We love the finish of the product packaging, which always blows us away; we also appreciate how they always work hard to find the best material that keeps the packaging premium but also eco-friendly. Their customer service, attention to detail and account management are second to none.”
Falconer’s Colin Pow added: “We really enjoy working with Rebecca and the team at Navy. Since working with them, I’d like to think that we have taken their packaging to a new level. Our cartons are visually impactful and simplistic, yet some counter display units are more complex and unique. We work hard to make them easy to assemble and have an appealing shelf presence. We look forward to our continuing relationship.”
Falconer manufactures decorative printed folding cartons for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, drinks and spirits, giftware, healthcare, veterinary, petcare and luxury confectionery sectors. Incorporating high-quality added value finishes, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, the company has a reputation for delivering innovative packaging solutions combined with high-quality service.
Falconer welcomes new apprentice
June 7th, 2023
Leading carton manufacturer, Falconer, has taken on their first apprentice. Locally-based Nathaniel Pendlebury recently began an 18-month lean manufacturing course at the firm.
A former student at Halifax College, Nathaniel joins Falconer with an ambition to become a fully qualified cut & crease operator. The appointment comes as the company looks to invest in the future and attract the younger generations to the print and packaging industry.
“By taking on a young apprentice, we are looking to find someone who can learn the Falconer way,” said Falconer’s operations director, Ben Townsend. “An individual who can develop not only into a great operator, but also someone who wants to develop a skillset which they can use to succeed in a career in packaging.
Falconer’s eye-catching packaging adds spirit to Murray McDavid rebrand
March 15th, 2023
Leading carton manufacturer, Falconer, has produced distinctive stand-out secondary packaging for a refresh of Scotch whisky brand, Murray McDavid, owned by Speyside-based, Aceo. The eye-catching design of the packaging retains the six core colours, which have been refreshed whilst staying true to the original distinctive Murray McDavid look. With sustainability being a major consideration for the move, the new-look recyclable cartons replace previous tin tubes marking the start of a new chapter in Murray McDavid’s 30-year history as leading independent bottlers.
Falconer worked with the Murray McDavid Whisky Creations Team to develop the new packaging. By addressing the brand’s carbon footprint and advances in packaging technologies, the aim of the refresh was to accentuate the brand’s craft features of authenticity and quality, whilst improving shelf presence and relevance across target markets.
“As our energetic, vibrant Scotch whisky brand continues to grow in new markets around the world and it was so important for us to take action to reduce our carbon footprint. It was vital for us to work closely with the Falconer team, whose expertise helped us make the best steps to realise our vision to create new, environmentally conscious packaging, whilst strengthening the bold, unique presentation of our Murray McDavid brand.” Dean Jode – Murray McDavid’s Head of Whisky Creation
For the cartons, Falconer used Nordica Duo 710, with matt varnish on the non-foil areas and gloss varnish on the foil areas to accentuate the spot colour. The carton itself was produced using a silver, over printable hot foil. One solid spot pantone was added over the baseboard and foil, which meant no register issues and a very clean finish.
A darker pantone was added to create the detail in the logo and drop shadows. Furthermore, the over-printable hot foil enabled the brand owner to use a generic silver foil for all variants and change the colour of the foil with a colour wash. Not only did this provide a cost saving on foil and process, but it also means that any colour can be used if required.
Commenting on the creation of the packs, Falconer’s Colin Pow, said: “The packs are unique in that they have clear colour differentiation which covers the whole carton. The key was to avoid any fit or register lines that were eradicated by one solid colour over foil and board. The foil colour is bespoke to the colour chosen by the brand owner. Any colour reference can therefore be met, which gives more flexibility when adding SKUs as they are not limited to a fixed hot foil reference.”