25 May 2012

A Brief Guide to Packaging

If you have recently developed a wonder product and are now thinking of the ways in which to package it, you may be interested to learn that packaging is one of the most important areas to consider and there are many aspects you will need to think about. Before leaping in, familiarise yourself with all you need to know about packaging by reading this handy guide.



Design

You may have a clear idea in your mind of exactly what you want the packaging to look like, but design needs to incorporate so much more than just the right colour and vibrant logo. Undertake market research and discuss your product with design experts and you may discover that what you thought was the perfect packaging could actually completely mislead your target audience. Getting professionals on board is a great way to blend creative thoughts whilst also having someone with experience in effective branding.

Protection

When your product hits the shelves, not only do you need it stand out through unique and eye-catching packaging, you also need to know that each product is in perfect condition. To do this, the right materials need to be chosen and the packaging needs to be the right size so that the product slots in neatly without too much room to move. Certain items can be tied to the packaging using coated wire for extra protection, so consider the placement of holes in the back of the box if this is something you feel the product would benefit from.

Environmental Impact

In the modern day, having packaging that does not take environmental factors into consideration not only damages the planet, it could have serious repercussions for your brand. Recyclable material is one of the most important areas to be aware of and you should also consider ways to use the amount of packaging needed. An example of how this has been done effectively is the Kenco refill packs which use significantly less packaging than their jars and can be sent for recycling. With supermarkets now rewarding people in points for their recycling efforts, it is certainly something consumers are increasingly aware of.

Cost

The craziest, most intricate of designs are the ones that will undoubtedly cost the most, so you need to determine just how far you can go before your budget spirals out of control. A professional design team can help to create something that offers innovative design whilst remaining in line with your budget so it’s always worth involving them sooner rather than later.
When looking at ways to package your product that not only protects what’s inside but that also acts as an effective marketing tool, starting with these areas  is the very best way to ensure a successful end result.

Sophie works alongside Amplitude and has plenty of experience in overseeing packaging from initial conception through to completion.

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