Parksons Packaging’s premium push

In packaging, success is rarely measured by the box alone. It is measured by what that box enables: a product launch that captures consumer attention, a supply chain that runs more efficiently, or a brand that delivers its promise with consistency and impact. At Parksons Packaging, this philosophy has shaped the company’s role as more than a converter of cartons and corrugated solutions. It has become a strategic partner to some of India’s leading brands, working behind the scenes to help customers achieve milestones in growth, innovation and sustainability.

Parksons Packaging emerged as a key winner at the SIES SOP Star Awards 2026, underlining the growing role of design-led, experiential packaging in India’s FMCG and luxury segments. From premium confectionery and spirits to healthcare and electrical products, the company’s award-winning portfolio reflects a shift in how brands are leveraging packaging to signal value, sustainability, and consumer engagement.

With entries such as the Cadbury Studio slider pack developed for Mondelez India, Parksons’ wins highlight how packaging is evolving beyond functionality to become a critical driver of brand storytelling and differentiation.

The company’s award-winning creations include OAKEN GLOW Fire Starter Premium Whiskey, Polycab Etira Wire, Nestle KitKat Rakhi Pack – Pull Card, Cadbury Studio Brownie Aux Noix Slider Pack, Danone Aptamil Gold Pack, and Colgate Visible White Purple.

Girish Godbole, deputy general manager of Parksons Packaging spoke about the process of developing the Cadbury Studio Brownie Aux Noix Slider Pack.

The brief

The brief to Parksons Packaging from Mondelez, the makers of Cadbury was to develop packaging for a premium, artisanal chocolate range that clearly differentiates it from everyday Cadbury offerings. The objective was to reflect a “crafted experience” – positioning the product as a thoughtful, elevated gifting option for special occasions. Targeted at urban, affluent consumers, the packaging needed to go beyond functionality and communicate indulgence, refinement and superior taste. Through its design language, material choices and overall aesthetic, the pack had to evoke a sense of luxury, while reinforcing the perception of quality and craftsmanship intrinsic to the product.

The process

Based on the brief, the design team at Parksons Packaging explored structural concepts that could reflect the artistry and exclusivity of the product. They selected the company’s patented Slider Box design, drawing inspiration from the experience of an artist sliding open a fresh set of colours. The structure was then engineered so that each dessert occupied its own dedicated compartment, ensuring that every piece was presented as an individual creation. This careful allocation of space enhanced the visual appeal of the assortment while also creating a stronger perception of size and value for the consumer. Through this combination of customer insight, structural innovation and thoughtful presentation, Parksons developed a packaging solution that complemented the premium nature of the crafted desserts.

The sustainability angle

While luxury was the primary objective for this niche product, the packaging was developed with sustainability as an equally important consideration. The design team at Parksons Packaging chose sustainably sourced paperboard to achieve the premium aesthetics and structural strength required for the pack. Through careful engineering, they created a sturdy alternative to kappa board boxes, which had also been considered but were significantly heavier and less sustainable. The internal construction was equally thoughtful: instead of the plastic trays commonly used in premium confectionery packaging, the chocolates were placed in a paper-based tray that preserved the upscale presentation. This approach enabled the team to deliver a luxurious look and feel while reducing material weight and improving the pack’s overall environmental profile.

The materials

Parksons Packaging used a high-GSM folding box board (FBB) with matte BOPP lamination to create a sophisticated tactile finish for the pack. Guided by artwork inputs from Mondelez International, the design incorporated strategically placed gold foil accents along with spot UV highlights on the chocolate illustrations. The contrast between the understated matte surface and the selective use of metallic and gloss effects drew attention to the handcrafted nature of the desserts. This carefully balanced combination of materials and finishing techniques enhanced the artisanal appeal of the packaging while clearly signalling its premium positioning.

The experience

Mondelez International worked closely with its creative agencies to ensure that the artwork reflected the passion and vibrancy of an artistic painting, giving the pack a distinctive visual identity. To complement this, Parksons Packaging developed a structural design that elevated the unboxing experience beyond that of a conventional gifting box. The premium construction was intentionally designed for durability, encouraging consumers to retain and reuse the package for storing personal items after the chocolates had been consumed. By combining expressive artwork with a sturdy and functional structure, the pack delivered not only a memorable opening experience but also lasting value, making it the kind of artistic keepsake consumers would be inclined to hold on to.

As consumers become more discerning, driven by rising disposable incomes and greater exposure to global trends and online content, expectations around packaging continue to evolve. Audiences in the premium segment are increasingly less impressed by conventional formats and now view high-quality substrates, sophisticated artwork and refined finishing effects as a basic requirement rather than a differentiator. Recognising this shift, Parksons Packaging continually pushes the boundaries of structural design, materials and embellishment techniques to create packaging that feels fresh, innovative and aligned with the aspirations of modern consumers.