Custom Candle Packaging: Rigid Boxes, Kraft Cartons & Gift Set Design (2026)
Candle Packaging Protects Glass and Sells Luxury
Candles are heavy, fragile, and shipped in glass. That makes packaging both a protection necessity and a brand opportunity. The US candle market hit $4.9 billion in 2025 (NPD Group), with "candle-as-gift" driving 35% of all sales.
When a third of your revenue is gift purchases, your packaging isn't optional — it's the gift wrapping your customer expects.
Candle Packaging Formats
1. Rigid Boxes — The Gift Standard
Rigid setup boxes with die-cut inserts that cradle the candle jar. Magnetic closure or lift-off lid. This is what Diptyque, Byredo, and Jo Malone use. The box weighs more than the candle — and that's the point.
- Best for: Candles retailing above $30, gift sets, reed diffuser sets
- Insert: Die-cut EVA foam or molded pulp to secure glass jar
- Cost: $2.50-$6.00/unit at 5K (plus insert $0.25-$0.50)
- MOQ: 500 units
2. Folding Cartons — Everyday Candle Packaging
Folding cartons for candles that sell at $15-$30. Lighter and cheaper than rigid boxes but still provide branding and protection. Often with a window so the wax color and vessel are visible.
- Cost: $0.60-$1.80/unit at 5K
- Best for: Retail candles, DTC, multi-packs
3. Tubes — Pillar and Taper Candles
Cylindrical packaging for pillar candles and tapers. Printed paperboard tubes with branded wrap.
- Cost: $0.80-$2.00/unit at 5K
4. Shipping Protection
Glass candle jars break. A lot. Proper shipping inserts are non-negotiable for e-commerce candle brands:
- Die-cut corrugated inserts: $0.15-$0.30/unit. Holds jar centered with crush zones.
- Molded pulp cradles: $0.20-$0.40/unit. Biodegradable, excellent shock absorption.
- Foam inserts: $0.25-$0.50/unit. Most protective option.
Candle Labeling Requirements
ASTM F2417 requires candle labels to include:
- Fire safety warning with specific pictograms
- "Keep away from flammable materials" statement
- Manufacturer/distributor name and location
- Net weight of wax content
Frequently Asked Questions
What packaging do luxury candle brands use?
Rigid setup boxes with magnetic closure, soft-touch lamination, and die-cut foam inserts. The box typically costs $3.00-$5.50/unit at 5K. Diptyque and Byredo set the template: heavy box, premium finish, secure insert, tissue paper wrap.
How do I prevent candle jars from breaking in shipping?
Die-cut corrugated or molded pulp inserts that suspend the jar in the center of the outer box with at least 1" of crush space on all sides. With proper inserts, breakage rates drop below 0.5%. Without inserts, expect 5-10% breakage.
What's the cheapest candle packaging with my branding?
Kraft folding carton with 1-2 color print: $0.60/unit at 5K. Add a branded belly band label ($0.08) around a plain kraft box for an even cheaper option: $0.28 total (stock box + band).
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