Revolutionizing Chocolate Packaging: Ning Li's Salzburg Chocolate Werks

Artistic Inspiration Meets Functionality in Award-Winning Design

Salzburg Chocolate Werks, a special edition packaging designed by Ning Li, is a testament to the harmonious blend of art and functionality. The design, celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the brand, draws its inspiration from the distorted and disjointed human body figures of Egon Schiele, a renowned artist from the Vienna Secession movement. The result is a seemingly unbalanced and distorted shape that nests peacefully in a hexagon-shaped box, reflecting Schiele's style in a unique and intriguing way.

The packaging's unique properties lie in its luxury and elegance, achieved through a meticulous design process. Basswood forms the structure's base and lid, wrapped in gold foil stamped and embossed paper. The primary packaging, folded from a single piece of paper, creates a distinct form and shape that sets it apart from other chocolate packaging in the market.

Functionality is not compromised for the sake of aesthetics. The three-flavor chocolate gift set packaging allows users to select any three chocolate flavors and package them into the box. The holes in the box provide a glimpse of the product inside, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. The packaging can be displayed on a shelf in multiple ways, thanks to its unique shape.

The design process, which started in February 2015 and concluded in May 2015 in New York City, was not without challenges. Creating a distorted yet balanced shape that could stand up steadily and be folded from a single piece of paper was a significant hurdle. However, Ning Li overcame this by starting with a single shape - a hexagon - and subtly carving the surface to create the packaging form.

The Salzburg Chocolate Werks packaging design was recognized with a Platinum A' Packaging Design Award in 2016. This prestigious award acknowledges world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing and push the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.