Customers have been known to repurpose wrappers for a variety of crafty creations, most notably light switch covers, decoupage trays and origami earrings. As the business grew, gaining mainstream grocer stockists across the country, the artist wrappers began to feel overly momentous for an everyday treat shelved alongside mass-produced slabs with mainstream packaging. In 2018, a brand refresh introduced simpler colour-block packaging for the core slab offering, thereby freeing up the artist wrappers for more experimental flavours like Vegan Dark Mylk (Sinenhlanhla Chauke), 70% with Buchu and Dried Pineapple (Kirsten Sims) and 54% Dark Mylk with Peruvian Maca (Amy-Lee Tak). "We wanted to do this thing," confides Anthony. "One day we’ll do it: Whoever can bring us the most wrappers will win a huge hamper.”

 

The collaboration gives artists the opportunity to break through the art world’s traditional exhibition bubble and align with a company that, in its own way, champions the value of handwork and mindful production. “I think it’s rewarding for any artist to see their work presented in a different context, especially in connection with such a unique and lovingly created brand,” says Amy-Lee Tak. 

 

Attuned to HONEST’s company values, the collaboration supports artists beyond their wrappers’ inherent exposure and the bio printed inside. Artists receive an upfront fee, sweetened with royalty payouts for every slab sold. The café and website sell signed prints of recent wrapper works, and as of their 2022 collaboration with Amy-Lee, NFTs. The brainchild of Nevol Hadas, an HONEST shareholder, NFT sales and resales benefit Amy-Lee and her selected charity, the Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust.