“Our products are clearly differentiated from other cocoa brands”
For The Cocoa Circle, the packaging of their products is about more than just appearance. The premium cocoa brand was looking for a pouch that provides optimal protection for their products, is sustainable and reinforces the story behind the brand. Together with Pouchfabriek, they developed a distinctive pouch. Marnix Gorsira, head of products and sustainability, explains how the collaboration went.
The Cocoa Circle is a start-up in the cocoa sector. “We sell different cocoa products. For example, we have a special Baking-Line including cocoa powder and couvertures and also the Health-Line with healthier cocoa products, such as cocoa nibs,” says Marnix. “We think it’s important to share the story behind cocoa. We also invest part of the proceeds in projects that support cocoa farmers in different ways.”
How do you bring that story, product quality and branding together in one package? The Cocoa Circle quickly arrived at a pouch for that purpose. “The preservation and flavor retention of our products are very important. In addition, we wanted the packaging to be user-friendly and the design to appeal to consumers.” Sustainability also played an important role, although that is a challenge in the industry. “Then you quickly end up with standard paper packaging. But then again, that comes at the expense of shelf life.”
To find the ideal sustainable packaging, Marnix’s colleague Lola contacted several manufacturers. “Many of them were located abroad and responded late to our request. We were looking for a partner with whom we could connect quickly and well. Sander, co-owner of Pouch Factory, contacted us immediately and was flexible in producing small volumes.” Marnix became involved in the development phase. “I immediately noticed how driven and enthusiastic Sander was. He visited us regularly and thought along proactively. If I was busy, he would call to ask if he could help with anything. He also responded quickly to questions; I find that very important in a collaboration.” For the design of the pouch, Marnix worked with an in-house designer. “Sander then thought along about how the colors on the pouch would look best. For that, we also had a sample printed, because physically a design does look different than digitally. Sander then personally brought the samples to the office; we were immediately advised on what needed to be adjusted.”
For the health line, Marnix initially thought about a pouch made of kraft paper. “But Sander indicated that for shelf life you then often need a metallized inner layer, making the packaging less sustainable. A pouch made of PP was a better choice: it can be fully integrated into the plastic stream. Moreover, it would do better justice to our image.” With a PP pouch, The Cocoa Circle is immediately prepared for the 2030 PPWR guidelines. “Of course we look at the current laws and regulations, but you don’t think yet about what you have to comply with years later. It was very nice that Sander was already looking ahead in that.” With the pouch, The Cocoa Circle is not only choosing sustainable packaging, but also sustainable shipping. “Because the pouches are compact and light, we can ship them efficiently. As many as two pieces fit in one envelope; it just fits through the mailbox. That also saves us in shipping costs.”
From shelf life to shipping, the pouches align with everything The Cocoa Circle considers important in packaging. “They are also easy to open and reseal,” says Marnix. “That makes them nice to work with for our co-packers, who fill the pouches.” The look matches exactly what The Cocoa Circle had in mind. “We get a lot of positive feedback on them. Many cocoa products have a fairly standard look. Our product clearly stands out from the rest.” The unique packaging also comes into its own in marketing. “To promote our products, we create a lot of content in the kitchen studio. Then it is important that the packaging stands up well and immediately shows on screen that this is a quality product.”
Marnix looks back on the cooperation positively. “The result is definitely worth it; I am very satisfied with Sander’s help during the process. Sales are going well, so I hope to place another order soon!”
