Giant Gummy Bears and Beauty Branding: How Advanced 3D Manufacturing Powered a Unique Packaging Experience

Malcolm Nicholls Ltd. (MNL) recently took on a creatively ambitious and technically demanding project in collaboration with Page Creative Ltd, a packaging leader in the beauty industry. Their mutual client? PLOUISE, one of the fastest-growing UK makeup brands, known for their trend-defining products and bold marketing.

A Tasty Challenge

PLOUISE wanted to wow influencers with a one-of-a-kind unboxing experience. Central to this vision was an oversized, edible gummy bear – not just a quirky treat, but an integral part of the product display. This gummy bear would hold and present PLOUISE’s makeup products inside Page Creative’s specially designed boxes, which featured striking artwork and were tailored for the brand’s latest launch.

To deliver this experience, MNL was tasked with creating food-safe moulds capable of supporting the giant gummy bears. With tight deadlines and exacting safety standards, the project demanded precision, speed, and compliance – a trifecta that would test any fabrication team.

Smart Materials and Precision Methods

MNL opted for food-safe vacuum forming as the manufacturing process of choice, thanks to its efficiency and suitability for tight timelines. After evaluating a range of materials, Food Safe PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) was selected. PETG offered several advantages: high clarity, excellent durability, and, most importantly, compliance with food safety regulations.

To ensure a perfect fit for the gummy bears, a CNC-machined master form was developed. This master provided the necessary precision and consistency to form reliable, uniform moulds – critical for both presentation quality and food safety.

Delivering Buzz-Worthy Results

MNL successfully produced 62 custom PETG moulds, all within a challenging timeframe. These integrated flawlessly into Page Creative’s elegant influencer boxes, safely cradling the edible gummy bears alongside the makeup products. The final result? A packaging experience that was not only visually stunning but also memorable, effectively generating social media buzz and reinforcing PLOUISE’s innovative brand identity.

Driving Innovation in Display and Retail Fabrication

This project exemplifies the value of bespoke 3D printing and advanced vacuum forming in modern product presentation. Whether it’s custom display stands, protective enclosures, or eye-catching promotional packaging, MNL continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in retail manufacturing.