When creating a special edition for an event or anniversary, the packaging becomes part of the marketing strategy. It is the first “hook” that captures attention and the strategic tool capable of foreshadowing the uniqueness of the contents, generating anticipation, and conveying value from the very first moment.
To illustrate how technical consulting and custom design can give shape to a premium aesthetic, we present a project created for two prestigious brands for Milan Design Week 2026.
The Context: A Co-Branding Project for Milan Design Week
For the 2026 edition of Milan Design Week, Zafferano and 24Bottles have launched an exclusive co-branding experience, creating a special gift set that includes three iconic items: the famous Poldina lamp in a custom white version, a matching 24Bottles water bottle, and a placemat, all featuring the elegant “Daydreaming” pattern.
The need for the two brands was clear: to find a reliable partner capable of developing sturdy, elegant, and reusable premium packaging that would reflect the image and quality standards of both companies.
The challenge for Salco was to design a custom box that would blend the identities of the two companies into a single, cohesive visual narrative, turning the presentation of the kit into a branding opportunity.
From Vision to Design: Salco’s Consulting and Prototyping Services
The Salco team had already created Christmas-themed packaging for Zafferano. We used that as a starting point to develop the project, which also involved 24Bottles. The research and prototyping phase focused on the interior design, which required millimeter-precise measurements to create a contoured compartment capable of securely holding both the lamp and the water bottle.
The paper-based solution: structural and visual elegance
Let's now turn to the technical details of the box; we'll explain some key features of its development.
Smart, space-saving design
The choice fell on a fold-down box with a magnetic hinged closure (dimensions: 50.5 × 30.5 + 12.5 cm). This design combines the aesthetic appeal and sturdiness of a rigid box with maximum logistical efficiency: the box lies flat, minimizing bulk during transport and storage, and assembles quickly by securing the sides with pre-applied adhesive strips at the corners. Thanks to these features, it is well-suited for use in stores, including for gift packaging.
Premium Materials and Prints
Material: 110 g single-coated white paper.
Printing and Finishes: All-over digital printing on both the exterior and interior, finished with a sophisticated matte lamination.
Sustainability and Brand Value
The decision to use a structure made entirely of paper simplifies end-of-life disposal for the user, ensuring full recyclability; the printing technology delivers high color clarity for the brand logos and the tagline “See differently. Imagine more.”; the finish and texture add an extra touch of uniqueness.
Unboxing That Creates Value: Impact on Customers and Results
The perfect aesthetic harmony between the products and the carefully curated unboxing experience generated significant buzz on social media and in the media, resulting in spontaneous shares that delivered high value for the brands.
Furthermore, the high quality of the materials and the box’s sturdy construction have turned it into an item worth keeping and reusing over time, extending the brand’s presence in customers’ homes.
Are you planning a product launch or a special marketing campaign that requires exclusive, custom packaging? Contact us today to turn your idea into a valuable project.
