Packaging design refers to the protection of the products which are intended to be distributed in the market for storage, sales or for other usages. Usually, the creative packaging design process includes designing, evaluating, and manufacturing the packages. Some of the common packaging designs are carton box design, food packaging, pharma packaging, perfume packaging, and several others.
The exponential rise of competition in the market, certainly calls for attractive and strong product packaging designs. Best packaging designs are not just about securing the product inside but should be backed by a powerful branding story.
After all,
“A Good Packaging protects your product, a Great Packaging protects your Brand.”
Production of modern packaging design involves creative techniques to boost sales. Alluring and innovative packaging designs not only help to secure the products from wear and tear but grab the spotlight too. Getting end consumer’s attention is the real deal now. The competition is really high and the packaging needs to be noticeable but it should be in sync with your customer’s preferences. Thus the type of packaging design needs to be chosen carefully.
Importance of Packaging
Before delving into the types of products one needs to understand the need for good product packaging. From marketing to sales to brand awareness- packaging plays a crucial role for branding.
An essential functional role that packaging does is protecting products while transporting them till the time of delivery at the customer’s doorstep. If the customer receives a damaged product and it will tarnish the company’s image. This can add to the company’s losses as they might have to return their money. The packaging should be user-friendly i.e. easy to open. The packaging should come with the detailed necessary information in the form of texts and visuals so that the consumer can understand what’s inside the package. If the packaging is for in-store sales, then one should keep in mind the packaging side which will be visible when stacked on the shelves. The design depends on how the packaging will be viewed by the viewer at the first glance. For better user experience, add brand elements like logos, brand colors, and brand fonts. Synchronize the concept of a packaging identity with the idea of brand identity. Brand identity is the array of brand design elements such as the company's color palette, fonts, print ads, and digital footprint. This will easily align new customers with the brand and promote brand awareness. Creative Packaging not only showcases the brand personality of the company selling the product but also scales up marketing and sales.
Packaging layers
Packaging design depends on several factors. Product’s fragility, weight, shelf life are a few of them. The right type of packaging will save your product from breakage or impairment. Here’s the order of packaging layers: Inner packaging, Outer packaging, and Product packaging.
The outer packaging is done for heavy-weighted objects for protection against knocks and bumps. Inner packaging involves layering and cushioning e.g. bubble wrap and Product packaging incorporates the box design, pouch packaging design, or the cover design.
One can always mix and match while designing the product package. A single category never fits all. One needs to try out what’s working for a particular product. For a few of them, only one type of packaging makes sense whereas, for others, you might have to experiment with two or more types such as paper and a carton or a bottle and a printed label.
While approaching a package designer or a packaging agency, you certainly have the option to go an interesting and unique packaging instead of just selling the product in a generic box or bag. Therefore, choose wisely.
Here’s a list of six basic categories of product packaging design:
1. Box Packaging Design
This kind of packaging not only refers to just square-shaped cardboard boxes but boxes of all shapes and sizes like cartons, metal tins, or any other types of solid structured container. These are the best packaging designs for products that need to be kept secluded within closed walls. Boxes help in easy shipping and can be conveniently moved from one place to another. It prevents the cracking or breaking of delicate substances.
Another plus point of cardboard packaging design is that it can be easily done as logos and prints are easy to impose on flat and stiff surfaces. If you want eye catching packages, go for boxes with unique and interesting shapes and forms. You can also opt for a quirky packaging design or maybe an interesting label design but it should go with your brand image.
2. Embellished packaging designs
In the case of fancy packaging, the outer layer is adorned beautifully to give it a striking appeal for example in the case of jewelry box designs or chocolate packaging, or of any gifting items. Posh materials are used to render a spectacular look to the packaging so that it reflects the brand’s individual personality. Usually, the adornment is for the outer layer as the inner layer consists of something supportive and strong.
3. Vacuum packaging design
Vacuum packages are mostly prevalent in the snacks and airplane food industry, cosmetics and skincare industry, bottled goods, and several others. In contrast to other types of packaging like boxes and bags, wrappers are sealed with heat or vacuum sealed using machines to protect the product inside from getting contaminated.
4. Bottle packaging design
As the name suggests, these packaging designs are ideal for the storage of anything in a liquid state. Bottles are available in all shapes and sizes such as disposable plastic bottles for soda and mineral water or artistic bottles which are carved and embossed or custom-shaped bottles for premium packaging. It’s better to go for customized packaging design in case of bottles rather than generic ones in order to make it attractive. An elegant packaging label will add to it.
5. Packaging Cans
Similar to bottles, cans are also for holding liquids. It comes in various shapes and sizes. They are mostly cylindrical where circular labels are designed but at times they are flat with pull-tops. In such cases, flat labels are designed such as for cans. Another form of packaging similar to cans is canisters. They are used for storing stuff which requires freshness such as supplements, loose tea leaves, coffee beans, vitamins, dry fruits, and nuts. But unlike most of the use and throw cans, canisters are reusable.
6. Sustainable packaging designs
In the present scenario of mindful consumption, eco-friendly or green packaging is one of the most innovative packaging designs. Various sustainable and thoughtful product packaging designs are making a mark in the industry. This process involves the usage of lesser raw materials without compromising on quality. It is also contributing towards a better environment by reducing carbon footprints on the face of earth. It’s either up-cycling, recycling or down-cycling of materials to create a zero-waste design. Designers are coming up with new ideas on how to get rid of overconsumption and wastage. This ethical way of packaging helps the brand in gaining more trust and loyalty among it’s consumers and also lead to a conscious and greener future.
For more insights on sustainable designs, visit our blogs below:
Zero waste products 2021: https://www.designmakers.studio/post/zero-waste-products-for-2021
Sustainable packaging materials: https://www.designmakers.studio/post/six-striking-sustainable-packaging-materials
While launching a new product on board, one must keep the packaging in mind. Presentation through brand identity packaging and ensuring protection of the product through durable packaging- are the two most mandatory requirements. Opt for the right packaging design only after a substantial amount of research on the packaging of competitive brands that are performing well in the market. Keep your product in the limelight through your spectacular packaging design.
