In a bold fusion of creativity and manufacturing expertise, Malcolm Nicholls Ltd (MNL) partnered with Page Creative Ltd—a renowned agency in the beauty and packaging sector—to help deliver a standout campaign for PLOUISE, one of the UK’s fastest-growing makeup brands.
The Brief: A Packaging Experience That Stands Out
The project was anything but ordinary. PLOUISE envisioned an unforgettable unboxing experience for a select group of influencers. Central to this vision was a giant, edible gummy bear, designed to cradle PLOUISE’s cosmetics and elevate the brand’s launch event. The gummy bear would sit inside an exquisitely illustrated and bespoke influencer box developed by Page Creative, marrying playful innovation with high-end presentation.
The challenge? Developing food-safe, precision moulds to form these massive gummy bears—quickly, safely, and to the exacting standards of both food compliance and design integrity.
Design Meets Deadlines: Manufacturing Under Pressure
MNL was tasked with creating custom moulds capable of securely housing the edible bears within Page Creative’s premium boxes. With a tight timeline and a demand for both cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance, the MNL team had to act fast and smart.
After evaluating various manufacturing methods, vacuum forming was identified as the optimal solution. This approach allowed for rapid prototyping and scalable production—critical given the campaign’s deadline.
The material of choice was Food Safe PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol). Known for its superior clarity, durability, and food-contact safety, PETG was the perfect candidate to deliver structural integrity and transparency, all while meeting the rigorous safety requirements essential for edible products.
Engineering Precision: From Master Form to Finished Moulds
A cornerstone of the production process was the creation of a CNC-machined master form, engineered to exact specifications. This high-precision model ensured each vacuum-formed PETG mould was identical, maintaining the strict dimensional tolerances needed for the gummy bears to sit perfectly within the packaging.
The final output: 62 individual PETG moulds, all food-safe, high quality, and turned around within a compressed time frame.
Impact: Packaging That Creates Buzz and Builds Brands
The results exceeded expectations. Each finished box offered not only a secure enclosure for the gummy bear and makeup products but also a visually striking, tactile experience that reinforced PLOUISE’s bold brand identity. Influencers and recipients were met with a truly memorable reveal—one that amplified social sharing and positioned PLOUISE as an innovator in beauty packaging.
This campaign demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and creative collaboration can elevate product presentation into a powerful marketing tool. The integration of 3D manufacturing, food-safe materials, and artistic packaging design brought PLOUISE’s vision to life in a way that delighted audiences and drove brand engagement.
A Broader Capability for Retail and Display Applications
While this project centred on the beauty industry, the implications extend far beyond. Malcolm Nicholls Ltd bespoke 3D printing and vacuum forming services are equally applicable across retail, promotional, and industrial sectors. Whether developing custom display stands, branded enclosures, or protective inserts, their turnkey manufacturing capabilities enable brands to achieve distinctive, high-impact results.
Likewise, Page Creative Ltd continues to set the benchmark in imaginative, end-to-end packaging design that marries aesthetic appeal with functionality.
