Lucaprint - illycaffè | Best Packaging 2026

Product overview. The secondary packaging for X-CAPS by illycaffè represents a harmonious blend of elegance, innovation, and sustainability, transforming the box into an integral part of the coffee ritual. Designed to deliver a premium experience from purchase to daily use, it combines minimalist, refined design with highly functional structural solutions.

Innovation. The packaging structure has been engineered to be entirely made of cardboard, eliminating the need for plastic “thermoformed inserts” typically found in this type of packaging. Internal trays can hold between 10 and 30 capsules, protecting them from impacts through a modular interlocking system.

Materials used. The packaging is made entirely from FSC®-certified cardboard and is fully recyclable. Outer container: CKB white-kraft, durable, elegant, and highly printable. Internal dividers: CKB Nude natural kraft, robust and functional. The absence of plastics or composite materials, combined with clear end-of-life instructions, ensures responsible and straightforward disposal. Virgin fibre cardboard was selected to guarantee high machinability of the packaging while maintaining minimal thickness. This material was chosen for its specific technical properties, ensuring optimal performance during production.

Technologies. Production follows standard techniques in the paper processing industry, including four-colour offset printing plus two Pantone colours, with a protective glossy acrylic varnish. Die-cutting is performed on machines with automatic waste removal, combined with embossed detailing on the logotype. Linear gluing is applied, while packing operations are tailored to the client’s machinability requirements and carried out using a cartonpack system to reduce operator workload at end of line.

Environmental benefits. Made entirely of cardboard, the packaging is easily disposed of via paper recycling streams. Unlike traditional designs that often require plastic thermoformed inserts, the internal structure holding the capsules is also cardboard. This design choice allows the entire pack to be disposed of quickly and easily in paper recycling.

Benefits for end users. Compact, stackable, and ergonomic, the packaging supports efficient shelf management and smooth day-to-day use. Capsule access is easy and repeatable, reclosure is secure, and the internal layout keeps capsules stable and protected, enhancing usability and perceived quality.

Communication advantages. The elegant, minimalist design of X-CAPS packaging immediately conveys premium quality and brand identity. The clean layout and high-end materials create a strong shelf presence, attracting consumers seeking both beauty and functionality.