Everything you need to know about packaging design

Everything you need to know about packaging design

From shapes and materials to graphic styles and shipping requirements, packaging design is a very broad term, but it significantly impacts your business. 

Imagine the following situation: 

You walk through the pedestrian zone and try to choose a box of chocolates as a birthday present from your mother. 

There are dozens of options, round boxes, small packages, jars and more designs, all whispering “buy me.” 

In this case, would you mark the ingredients for each praline provided in each box? Compare the number of calories per box? 

Probably not. 

You can buy something that looks attractive. Clean and neat. A box of chocolates looks beautiful and puts a smile on your face. 

You are often caught up in this shopping nightmare. To be honest, the final choice often depends on the design of the packaging. The design of the chocolate box attracts your attention, and its colours lose an important part of the gift. It may be a logo, a peculiar appearance, or an unusual shape that eventually attracts your attention and then guides you to purchase that particular box. 

In this article, you will learn:

• What is packaging design?
• How to choose the style and packaging design to suit your product and brand
• The different materials used to convert packaging designs into products
• How to develop the best packaging design for your product

What is packaging design? 

Whether it’s McDonald’s food packaging, Apple product packaging, sachets or even tea bags – packaging can be seen everywhere and is used every day.

The packaging design covers an extremely wide range of products (and the possibilities that follow) and the corresponding packaging solutions, which are specifically developed to meet the requirements of the corresponding products.

Although this is a way of understanding packaging design, it is also important to understand the description and other dimensions that define it. You must understand three important points.

• Graphic design and packaging design
• Product and packaging manufacturers
• Marketing and packaging design

Each of them has a different definition of packaging design. Understanding these different perspectives will also help you make informed decisions about packaging solutions.

Graphic Design and Packaging Design 

From a graphic artist’s perspective, packaging design signifies the visual identity of a specific brand.

Packaging is not only “responsible” for attracting customers’ attention; it is also responsible for providing product information and strengthening the company’s brand.

The responsibility of your graphic artist is to find the perfect balance that connects the emotions of the brand with its packaging.

Product and packaging manufacturers

The second dimension is the manufacturer’s point of view. Each packaging design meets its production constraints. Of course, you might want a box that plays the main theme of “Titanic” when opened, but can your manufacturer put it into practice? 

More importantly, will this stylish packaging protect your products? 

production includes all technical aspects of packaging, such as: 

• Materials used
• Execution Details
• Functionality
• Durability
• Weight
• Shipping standards
• Regulations in the countries to which you deliver.

Marketing and packaging design 

The third topic involving packaging design is marketing and how you define packaging design. In a well-thought-out definition:

“Packaging design is a combination of shape, structure, material, colour, image, typography, required information, and additional design elements to make the product suitable for use. commercialization”. 

What does that mean? From a marketing perspective, the packaging is part of your marketing strategy.

Your marketing department is responsible for the following decisions:

• Definition of the markets most suitable for a product in a particular type of packaging
• Use of packaging as advertising material
• What is the most important information that needs to be included in the design?

The packaging also you are responsible for conveying your brand promise. Your packaging solution project should end with highlighting the product’s key value and clearly explaining what the product is. Then there is the emotional aspect of the brand. As Simon Peerce of Forbes explains: 

“When a brand makes them feel it, consumers will act. When someone looks at you, you have to look back to determine the nature of attraction. This is your survival instinct Where it comes into play. “

Evoking emotion is essential, and packaging is a natural means of attracting customer emotions. A compelling style, shape or other ingenious details will increase your brand’s chances of being remembered because everything will ensure you stand out from the crowd. 

So, in the next part, let’s take a look at the hottest design style trends. 

Packaging Design-Style and Inspiration 

Considering these different packaging design perspectives, it’s time to explore the infinite possibilities of creative product packaging. Design in this part of this article, you will see some design styles that can be used as a solid foundation for packaging design: 

• Minimalist packaging
• Packaging design with vintage aesthetics
• Sample-based packaging
• Packaging inspired by local culture and/or traditions
• Contemporary packaging design
• Innovative packaging design
• Luxurious packaging design
• Rustic packaging design
• Abstract packaging design

This classification is based only on the visual aspect of the packaging design. As presented in the front of this article, it can, of course, can approach the subject in different ways based on the marketing or manufacturing perspective. 

Minimalist packaging design

Minimalism is a design trend that stacks naked shapes that have not been removed without sacrificing functionality. In particular, it is difficult to define minimalism in packaging design. Like a white, marked white shower gel bottle, the logo and the original design box are minimalist. In other words, minimalism includes a series of different forms of packaging. From the beer bottle and wine to the email box, you can now find minimalism anywhere. In addition, minimalism, frankly, costs, so you can easily incorporate your vision of the brand. 

Choosing a minimalist packaging design is a savoury way of lower cost. Most packaging designs that create a minimalist atmosphere are the easiest solution. For example, attach a cardboard box with a logo “written by hand”. In other words, minimalism is multipurpose, adjust most of the products and brands (if done correctly). 

Packaging design with vintage aesthetics

Vintage is a design style that is making a great change. 

Vintage aesthetic things mean they fall into items and styles early. In the design of containers, the vintage points mainly on old labels, handwritten letters and dark colours. 

The design of vintage containers causes nostalgia and gives the impression of tradition and craftsmanship soon. Many new brands like to use vintage elements with modern container designs. 

It is my way to its customers “I have been a business for a while.” 

Vintage aesthetics are often used in food containers, tea, coffee, design of alcoholic beverages. Manufacturers of beauty products are also designed for vintage ventilator oral waxes, beard oil and all items. However, considering the popularity of this trend, it can be assumed that the vintage packaging design goes with other products, elegant linen lines, candles, online bookstores, etc. 

Some wonderful packaging designs are below; see. 

Sample-based packaging

The pattern is an image, form or other graphic printed on the package surface. The pattern can be an iconographic representation of your product and service, but it may consist of simple and repetitive elements, like three-colour stripes printed together.

The pattern is a common factor of package design. The creation of patterns is usually relatively easy, leaving room for additional elements, such as labels and stickers. 

Packaging inspired by local culture and/or traditions

Packaging area the culture and minimalism of traditional containers, vintage emotions or luxury packaging design are very popular, but as many references to local culture, no. 

This means that it is not creative or effective, but there are many things to make good things difficult. 

Many world cultures are built-in bright colours, different habits and complex artists. This can be used in packaging design. 

Contemporary packaging design

Contemporary packaging design is a broad term that represents a new way of thinking about packaging. 

Modern design is usually a mix of other styles, such as a luxury brand inspired by minimalism or a rustic box with a retro atmosphere. 

The modern design also means looking for a fresh and modern look. Gradient graphics, the clever use of labels and stickers, and the use of modern printing techniques are examples of relatively new packaging design methods. 

Innovative packaging design

In the field of product packaging, design innovation can be traced back to the fact that it provides enhancements to existing products. 

In packaging design, innovation mainly refers to unconventional materials or shapes. Some graphic designs are also innovative because they surprise customers and question their expectations. 

A good example of this packaging design is asymmetry, especially when used to break the traditional understanding of a particular box or container. 

Innovative packaging design is good for both technical products (combining with unusual products) and quality products (customers like to pay higher prices for added value, such as innovative packaging). 

Luxurious packaging design

Luxury packaging design is a broad term that, like contemporary design, is often a mixture of other styles. 

However, luxury packaging widely used by luxury brands has certain characteristics. Many luxury packaging designs use black as a staple food. The reason is simple: as we know from the colour psychology in product design, black is associated with affluence, elegance and quality experience. 

Luxury designs usually also include special improvements. Designers tend to use hot stamps with silver and gold elements, embossed patterns, UV varnishes and many other high-quality variants. 

Inexperience, avoiding a lot of contrasting patterns and colours is the principle of luxury. 

Rustic packaging design

Rustic design is directly related to minimalism. The rustic setting project uses wood, cardboard, and other natural elements to create a natural warmth around the product. 

If your brand values ​​environmentally friendly methods, rustic design is perfect for showing for it. Simple packaging can also be seen as an inexpensive solution. A simple cardboard box with a creative pattern and the correct colour looks great while also saving you money. 

Rustic inspiration is often used in seasonal Christmas packaging and cosmetics (mainly those made with natural ingredients). 

Abstract packaging design

Abstract packaging design is perfectly combined with highly original products and brands. 

The scope of abstract projects can range from unusual shapes to graphics and images rather than actual photos, which more represent the overall concept of the product. For industries where it is difficult to change the shape of product packaging, abstract packaging design is also a viable option. 

However, abstract packaging design can be a bit risky for some companies. Pharmaceutical products cannot benefit from an abstract design because the information displayed on the packaging and the product information is very important to the buyer. 

The more abstract methods have paid off in certain areas of the food industry, as well as in furniture, footwear or electronic equipment. 

Summary design styles for packaging:

Research your competitors and try to be different 

Some styles may be too bold for some industries, such as Abstract Medical Product Design. 

Try retro mixed style packaging. The rustic style and the elegant and luxurious packaging and details related to the traditions of your country can add something interesting. 

In the next section, we will see how you can find the shape that suits your packaging style. 

Product packaging forms and packaging design

Although the above styles are related to graphic design, packaging shapes are equally important and diverse. 

The way you pack your products mainly depends on your logistics and budget. Of course, your product itself will also affect the shape, but the first two restrictions have the greatest impact on the result. 

When you consider the shape of the packaging, you are considering the entire logistics chain. Very delicate items and unusual shapes look good, but having to send those packages to distant destinations creates unnecessary problems.

A good way to focus on the shape of your packaging is to focus on your customers’ priorities. Packaging should protect your customers’ products and provide an unforgettable unpacking experience. Your customers want surprises and entertainment, but the last thing they want is a damaged package. 

Surprisingly, even the largest e-commerce providers tend to forget the importance of packaging. Online retail giant Amazon is known for its outrageously large cardboard boxes. As the company grows and gains new market share, many customers have expressed their anger at the horrible packaging on social media. The packaging format can also be misleading, and you should be aware of potential confusion. A well-known example is the Minute Maid juice container, which was redesigned in a very unfortunate way. The customer was convinced that this was a cleaning product that was lost in the store and affected sales. 

Although these examples may seem overwhelming, changing your packaging design can give your brand a new look. Be sure to check your ideas before implementing them thoroughly. 

Let’s summarize the topic of packaging design and packaging forms:

• Customers may be used to a particular packaging design – do your research carefully before making any changes
• The packaging must fit your logistics chain
• The packaging design should fit your product (don’t leave too much free space inside).

Packaging Materials and Design 

In this section, we will introduce some of the most widely used and innovative materials for packaging design and manufacturing. 

Materials are divided into two major categories. The former involves environmentally friendly solutions, while the latter is geared towards a premium unpacking experience. 

Corrugated cardboard 

Cardboard is one of the most popular packaging materials in a variety of industries, including: 

• Cosmetics
• Restaurants & Gastronomy
• Subscription boxes
• Clothing
• Jewellery
• General e-commerce services
• Retail
• … and many more.

Cardboard is a durable material made from wood pulp that, after heating, mixes with water to form a sheet that can be further cut. If you want to learn more about the details of cardboard manufacturing, this article is a good resource for more details. 

You may be wondering what “corrugated” means in corrugated cardboard. 

Corrugated cardboard refers to a layer called corrugation that joins the cardboard. These layers provide cushioning and strengthen the case. Corrugated is lightweight and durable and is the perfect solution for transporting products. Many companies package their products in cardboard boxes and ship them from giants like Nike to small local brands. 

In addition, cardboard is the perfect base for printing. It can be painted in a very rich palette, or the design can be printed directly onto a layer of untreated cardboard.

Below are some examples of cardboard boxes.

Fibre-based, biodegradable packaging materials

Natural materials are also used to make packaging. This mainly describes herbal ingredients, which is a growing trend in the packaging industry. 

A good example is a corn-based polyethene bag, which has the same characteristics as plastic but has the advantage of being completely biodegradable. 

Examples of other environmentally friendly packaging solutions are: 

 • Cardboard 

 • Paper 

 • Jute fibre 

 • Plant fibre, such as wheat, is used to make rigid packaging. 

Biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important due to waste generated by plastic or glass. Both materials are not biodegradable, especially glass, which takes about a million years to completely dissolve. 

Second, more and more customers are beginning to realize the negative impact of plastic packaging. Consumers are beginning to prefer brands that go further and seek more environmentally friendly solutions.

Innovative materials for packaging 

The most innovative packaging design is not found on the shelf of your local grocery store. 

Why? 

A large number of products prefer to reduce the cost to maintain competitive prices. It means that they are not innovative. 

That’s why the most innovative packaging design is revolutionary for the future.  

It may be attractive to use original materials for packing your product, but these solutions are not cheap and implemented. 

A very innovative packaging material that can be found, for example: 

• Spider silk
• Edible packaging materials
• Fibres obtained from spoiled milk
• Algae-based fibres
• Fungus-based fibres (mycelium)

Plastic

Plastics are still the highest popular packaging solution, but they will decrease rapidly in the coming years. 

You can find plastic containers almost anywhere. 

Plastic, which is used for packaging, such as food, cosmetics, electronic products, such as coco bottles, cosmetics, electronic products, is a dedicated solution in the packaging industry. It is durable and cheap and can be customized for any type of product. 

While plastic is very popular, it will create problems facing the world today. 

The popularity of plastic containers is due to cheap production. It is a relatively cheap option, but plastics are not prohibited shortly in many industries and countries. 

The reason for this prohibition is the wonderful number of plastic residues that will be generated annually. As a packaging material, plastics are not biodegradable, and recycling remains relatively expensive. 

Polyethene Packaging 

The polyethene makes a mailbag or another very lightweight packaging solution. 

It is a durable waterproof plastic layer that is ideal for shipping. You can also print Polythene bags. They can be useful for brands that sell clothes and clothing accessories, and due to their lightweight, it is a very profitable solution.  

Glass and aluminium packaging 

Glasses are widely used in food containers. Although it is not biodegradable, glass (unlike plastic) can be recycled quite economically. Glass is also limited concerning package design. Although several ways can be formed, there are no print options that are not traditional stickers. 

Finally, there is aluminium, mainly bottle, mail, and very lightweight packaging materials used in some kind of food packaging.  

Well, what should be reminded of the packaging material? 

• If the product allows it, avoid plastic as much as possible. 
• Keep an eye out for herbal solutions and cardboard boxes for shipping.
• Do A / B tests for your packaging – use small quantities of different options and evaluate the reactions of your customers.

In the next section of this packaging design guide, its design function will affect your business and learn how to use the packaging as the marketing and sales lever. 

Packaging design and its impact on business 

Business technical rooms, you are probably doubtful, this will affect my whole business? 

Like your product design, packaging design also affects your brand recognition.  

But it’s not all. 

The investment in unique packaging design is paid in many ways. 

• Packaging sells your product indirectly and helps grab your customers’ attention
• Optimizing the packaging design helps reduce costs
• Packaging is a fantastic tool for building customer loyalty and building a community

1. Sell your product with everything you have

It depends on all the factors that sell your product. 

Some of these factors appear as if your sales team is better or how your product is competitive and how they are working. However, even if you believe it, some factors can have a lot of impacts. An example of is adversely affected when the company has changed its logo and causes sales team. In the case of gaps, the new logos caused a negative response from customers. 

The packaging can affect its sales. Attractive packaging designs are emotions and have soon attracted potential customers. 

The unboxing experiences will also help you sell more. Add personal gratitude cards and create unique things like aroma packaging, surround your product in elegant layers of fabric paper. 

2. Stay in control of your costs.

The design of containers affects the fixed cost of your company. 

As follows:

Perfect World, your packaging is awesome, and its production and shipping can be minimized. But this is not easy to achieve. Shipping damage facilitates the greatest amount of costs or loses its value. 

That’s about packaging; you must be agile. Sometimes it would be better to start with a spectacular solution. You can develop designs with your company and product. It is also a wise way that I am interested in your clients. These are more supported by companies that change according to their needs. 

Your cost management also depends on the number of orders. A sorta small lot for small and medium-sized companies helps reduce investment over time. Large companies are often recommended to buy a lot.  

3. Customer loyalty 

Last but not least: If your packaging can be recycled, your customers will be happy to buy from you again. 

Okay, but what does the rising cycle mean? An early example of loses recycling is aluminium tea cans. Tea cans are often used as cans for spices, coffee or new tea bags, and they have to travel long distances. This is the idea of ​​improving recycling; in this case, it is the packaging that gives the item a second life. 

Upcycling is a way to encourage your customers to track your brand longer. That is why many companies consider their packaging design an art form. If a box or bottle looks good, why not put it away and put something in it? 

Customer loyalty can also be improved if your packaging solves specific problems that customers face. 

Nowadays, the trend of edible food packaging is becoming more and more important, which is a marketing move. Companies that bravely introduce edible packaging on a large scale will position themselves as pioneers in waste prevention. As a result, it has received praise and attention from many customers who care about the environment. 

Want more packaging ideas? In this way! 

Closing remarks

If you have come this far, it means something above all else: you have received a lot of information at once, and you may first have to settle it calmly. 

However, as you can see, packaging design is a major decision, an integral part of your product, and it affects a large part of your business. 

Of course, your business does not only depend on packaging. There are dozens (if not hundreds) of factors that will affect your performance and growth. 

However, product packaging designed according to best trends and practices is a step in the right direction. 

Packaging Help can help you get the packaging you need, from cardboard boxes to cardboard packaging to custom solutions and biodegradable bags.

Read our blog on E-Commerce Strategy – 5 Ways to Success