OlssønBarbieri has long been fascinated by what occurs when disciplines collide, and was further intrigued by the story of a civil engineer starting an artisanal chocolate production. Drawing inspiration from the ancient art of engineering – intricately tied to geology and construction with stone as its primary material – OlssønBarbieri saw parallels with the physical and chemical processes of melting and tempering chocolate. This presented an opportunity to connect the narrative of CF18 Chocolatier with the rich hues and patterns of Norwegian stones and minerals, which imitated the natural colours and textures in the design and decor of their chocolates.

In terms of the packaging, the trays used are crafted from 100% recycled Eska board, adorned with textile for a touch of elegance. Padded paper and glassine with holographic foil are used to ensure that the chocolates remain secure during transportation. Within each box, a colour-coordinated dépliant made of paper and textile serves as a map of the different chocolates. The customisation of the packaging not only optimises material and tooling usage, but also eliminates the need for plastics commonly used in inlays for holding the chocolates in place.

In a bid to promote sustainability, no glue is used to fix the inlays to the tray, allowing the box to have a second life, while all elements of the packaging are assembled in Sweden, a short 2-hour drive from CF18 Chocolatier's location.

To create a unique experience, OlssønBarbieri custom developed all elements of the packaging. Featuring a 360 degree tear-off, the opening of the box is elevated to a performative moment by gradually revealing the contents within, reflecting the intangible value and craftsmanship of the product.

The outer boxes and inlays are crafted from FibreForm, a food-safe paper certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) which is known for its exceptional moulding capabilities. The deep blind embossing on the uncoated paper creates a mesmerising play of shadows, and when combined with the opening ritual, gives the packaging a sense of modern luxury with a mindful approach to materials and their environmental impact.

OlssønBarbieri also drew inspiration in the presentation of geological museum collections. The concept of drawers with separate compartments for stones influenced the design of CF18 Chocolatier's packaging. The boxes are available in 3 stackable sizes, containing 6, 12, and 24 pieces of chocolate.

CF18 Chocolatier’s oval brand mark symbolises the tools shared by chocolatiers and geologists, which highlights the craftsmanship and creativity involved in both disciplines. The use of foiled glassine paper, adorned with an extract from the periodic table, further reinforces the connection to chemistry and geology in a subtle way. The clean white outer box, tear-off feature, monochrome colour palette, and typography selection come together to reflect the overall contemporary philosophy of CF18.