Since the dawn of time and the rise of intelligent men, innovation has been synonymous with design. The two concepts remain interchangeable, but only to a certain extent. In packaging design, for instance, ground-breaking innovation isn’t always as welcome as we designers would like it to be.

Like products themselves, packaging design heavily depends on current consumer behavior, which helps initiate and promote trends. And while being a trendsetter guarantees a strong competitive edge, choosing to avoid consumer-oriented trends altogether almost never comes without risks.

There is a middle ground to this, though – being innovative within the set boundaries of a certain packaging design trend.

Luckily, there’s always plenty of them to choose from.

Minimalism, Enriched with Bold Elements

Vibrant colors and bold lettering both provide a great juxtaposition to minimalist design, adding a brandable value to an otherwise impactful, but still negative space. Without these visually striking elements, minimalism would simply fail to convey a brand message or explain a product with clarity.

And that’s of paramount importance when it comes to selling goods.

A minimalist packaging design may be visually appealing enough to stand out from the sea of other colorful products, but that, unfortunately, isn’t enough. Unless we’re talking about luxury products, consumers don’t like to be surprised. Instead of mystery, choose a self-explaining minimalist concept.

Retro, Vintage, and Everything in Between

In this networked and overwhelming world we live in, nostalgia sells like hotcakes. Businessmen like to be reminded of simpler times. Tech-savvy consumers like to feel the warmth of a family home. In times when everything is modern, tradition is a commodity with an increasing value.

Hence the explosion of retro and vintage packaging designs.

The special message this kind of packaging conveys is one of universality and timelessness. Over time, these attributes have been associated with either elegance and sophistication or simplicity and coziness. Thanks to this, retro now ranges from hand-drawn illustrations to gold-infused typography.

In Lettering, Compelling Custom Typefaces

Speaking of typography, which is in today’s packaging design world as varied as it is innovative, one general trend comes to the fore – full customization. Instead of perfectly round or intricate remnants of the digital age, we’re seeing irregularities and imperfections, quirky details, and hand-drawn fonts.

It’s the human touch that constitutes this design’s key selling point.

Much of it has to do with our modern-day demands for organic and home-made products, as well as our need to be catered to by brands as individuals. Hand-lettering is as close to personalization as manufactured packaging design can be, while it also makes the brand image more natural and craftier.

The Universal Stories That Life Is Made Of

It’s no secret that contemporary branding relies on storytelling to not only deliver the message of authenticity but also to make the brand more relatable and therefore appealing to consumers. This trend translates to packaging design as well, where it requires a special element called extendibility.

Think designs that entice emotions and use series of similar packagings.

The same product can be marketed in different flavors and packed in containers that extend beyond their individual design. Cans that form a picture or pattern when stacked on top of each other are one illustration of this. More complex examples come from designs that tell stories like comic books.

As a leading contract packaging vendor, Fapco has always strived to discover a fine balance between trendy, evergreen, and mold-breaking, and we’re excited to do that for your brand too.

Let’s set some trends together. Contact us today for more information on how you can incorporate these packaging design trends into your next product packaging.

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Authenticity, transparency, practicality – a great packaging design is said to combine these three elements in a way that grabs the attention and delivers on the promise. But if this is the holy trinity of great packaging design, then what other features and elements help differentiate this must-have merchandizing concept from a remarkable one? In other words, what defines an exceptional design?

Could there be another trifecta, and what elements would it include?

Meeting Consumer Expectations

Authenticity, transparency, and practicality each serve an important function in modern-day branding. The first helps beat the competition with something original, the second encourages B2C relationships built on trust, and the third satisfies today’s demands for convenient and intuitive UXs.

But these are only general expectations that must not only be met, but also exceeded.

The umbrella term for these three elements would be marketability. When the packaging design fails the authenticity test, it is hardly able to deliver any competitive advantage. When transparency is amiss, so is consumer trust. The same goes for practicality, which might be the most crucial element here.

Marketability thus ensures a good enough packaging that might be able to boost sales, but only to a certain extent. For packaging to be exceptional, however, this is not enough. There must be a surplus of value to define a certain design as superb, and this surplus can be either aesthetical or functional.

Exceeding Personal Expectations

Some brands achieve this with high levels of personalization. Since every niche has its own unique audience with its own unique needs and pain points, these special demands are used by designers to choose and deliver highly specific designs that speak the unique language of that certain audience.

The green trend is an obvious example here.

Eco-friendly consumers of organic produce shouldn’t be asked to buy products in plastic packaging, for instance. There’s a message that must be conveyed with product packaging, and in this scenario, plastics speaks of the brand’s short-sightedness and inability to fully grasp the needs of its audience.

The WOW Factor Sells on Spot

Looking beyond personalization, an element that’s quickly becoming a must-have marketability feature too, we have packaging design that’s been taken up a notch to provide something that’s not only attention-grabbing, but that also delivers a certain WOW factor as an offer that can’t be refused.

A bamboo drink packed in a minimalist can shaped like a bamboo stem, for instance.

Such examples rely on a shape, pattern, or a mixture of elements that’s never been seen before, and therefore breaks the mold of packaging design. They make the consumers think wow, this is crazy interesting, let’s give it a chance, simultaneously redefining how they perceive the brand as a whole.

The Essence of Design: Innovation

While WOW factor can be both aesthetic and functional, the innovation rule aims to reinforce the practical value of packaging. This is a combination of the two elements where they complement each other in delivering a better UX instead of being two separate, though equally effective features.

It’s important to discern that innovative packaging design doesn’t only look interesting, but also redefines how a product is used. That’s where design thinking and ideation come to the scene to deliver ground-breaking packaging designs that cannot possibly be overlooked by savvy consumers.

As a leading contract packaging vendor, Fapco is your go-to source of ingenious packaging designs. We aim to exceed expectations and break the mold with each new project, which is why we use creativity and innovation to both reinforce your brand and redefine how your audience perceives it.

If you’re on the market for an exceptional packaging design, browse through our services today!

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Out of two products that are exactly the same, which one is the first to trigger your purchasing intent? Is it the one in bold colors? Perhaps it’s practicality that you value the most? Though it’s different for every consumer, certain aspects of packaging design always subconsciously influence our decisions. This is why marketing and sales both depend on this effective graphic design discipline.

So, what are the exact features that attract the attention of modern-day consumers?

Which colors, shapes, and unique attributes make a product irresistible?

Going Back to Basics: Simplicity

Think simplicity cannot be creative? Google minimalism and think twice.

When it comes to product packaging, the simple approach can go two equally effective ways. In the first variant, a simple packaging aims to satisfy the basic needs of an average consumer – to provide pleasant visuals that serve to accentuate functionality. In its second, more stylistic variant, the practice taps into post-modernism to promote luxury through clean, sleek, and mysterious patterns.

Both approaches help nudge buyers’ decisions by introducing a much-needed break from the patchwork of today’s consumerism. On shelves stacked with attention-grabbing shapes and patterns, the simplicity that relies on negative space and cool topography often speaks the loudest message.

Building Trust: Transparency

While simplicity strives to provide visual relief from today’s overwhelming marketing concepts, transparency aims to provide reassurance. As user-generated pictures of fast food products that look nothing like their polished photographs on packaging continue to circle the internet, smart brands are instituting a different version of packaging design: minimalist, completely transparent containers.

As a tool for building trust, transparency helps boost sales and increase customer loyalty.

Packaging as a KSP: Authenticity

Simplicity and transparency both play an important role in modern-day branding. But there is one small problem with these two effective approaches – they don’t exactly offer much room for differentiation. Though these designs can be wildly creative, they are original only to a certain extent.

The fiercer the competition, the greater the need for authenticity.

It takes a special kind of creativity for a packaging design to serve as a brand’s key selling point. These are bold and never-to-be-seen before designs that not only look nothing like their competitors’ but also redefine packaging design trends as we know them. Needless to say, these designs are very rare.

Making a Shelf Impact: Visual Trickery

Every packaging is expected to be unique in at least one or two aspects of its design. Take this approach to the supermarket, where hundreds of products are stacked in a neat vertical or horizontal order, and you’ll come to realize that being creatively unique is not always the same as being visually striking. The two are equally important, but the second is absolutely paramount in the retail context.

To make a shelf impact, designers are using abstract patterns and geometric designs.

These designs help increase supermarket sales by making the product stand out from the crowd.

Reducing the Effort: Practicality

It’s been said and proven that modern-day consumers expect their favorite brands to make their customer journeys frictionless. Its why user experience is a number one priority of successful brands. In packaging design, great UX translates to ease-of-use and practicality.

Here at Fapco, Inc, we create designs that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

As a leading contract packaging vendor, our company offers innovative packaging solutions that are authentic and memorable. Expect unique and visually striking designs even if you opt for simplicity, and rest assured that our packaging will help you build trust even if they are not fully transparent.

Let’s start grabbing attention today. Reach out to us today for more information on how you can transform your brand through creative contract packaging design!

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Many manufacturers in the medical industry primarily focus on providing products of the highest quality, as they absolutely should. However, when it comes to packaging their products, they tend to think only about what’s inside the box, completely ignoring the actual box.

Medical packaging plays a vital role in the way consumers experience a particular brand, so it definitely deserves a bit more planning and innovation. If you underestimate the power of packaging, you may miss out on a lot of opportunities, from losing your customers to competitors that grab their attention with a compelling design to losing them because your packaging is simply not of the highest quality.

Here are the most important things to consider for your medical packaging.

Eye-Catching Structure and Dimensions

The structure and dimensions of a package are what instantly catches one’s attention. Coming up with an interesting package shape to make sure that it’s enticing enough to stand out from your competition. However, be sure not to sacrifice any part of the package’s visual design.

High-Quality Outer Materials

If you package medical supplies, devices, and other medical equipment in regular, brown cardboard boxes, you won’t stand out. Also, that specific packaging material doesn’t exactly stand for quality. Instead, go for white, glossy packaging that is instantly associated with the medical industry and indicates cleanliness and sterility.

Don’t Ignore the Inside of a Box

The inside materials of your packaging are just as essential as the exterior and the actual product inside. Use materials that will protect the products and keep them secure in transit. Particle-free packaging will protect your products from contamination. Be sure that the materials are durable, breathable and tear-resistant so that the products remain sterile.

Color and Graphics Matter

White is associated with purity, but you should consider adding your brand colors as well. Use the colors and graphics of your brand, so that consumers instantly recognize your company. Colors trigger emotions, so think about the color psychology when choosing colors for your package design.

Consider the Unboxing Process

The unboxing process is extremely important, but it often doesn’t seem to receive much attention. You must think about the ease of opening a package in times of emergency because enabling your customers to quickly access your products in times of need is definitely more important than all aesthetics. Therefore, make sure that your packaging is practical, which is also something that the FDA highly recommends.

In the medical industry, the most important aspect is the products, so manufacturers don’t give packaging as much attention as they should. Of course, they address the question of sterility but don’t think much about aesthetics.

So, if you want to stand out from the crowd and boost your medical packaging selling power, you should definitely consider the aforementioned tips. Also, be sure to work with packaging professionals who will know how to properly test your packages to ensure that they meet all the FDA requirements. If you have any other inquiries about medical packaging, contact the packaging experts at Fapco.

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Many people don’t know this, but the choice of color significantly matters when your brand and products are in question. The good thing is, your customers’ subconscious mind can be easily swayed through simply changing your product’s packaging colors.

Everything revolves around small details which play an essential role in how customers see your product. Therefore, both the design and color choice factor into how successful your product is.

Thanks to this fact, you can significantly boost the sales of your products by choosing the right color for your packaging.

The Key to High Sales Rates

The better the image of your brand, the more customers you get. The brightness of color and light play a vital role in how your customers perceive your products. The right choice of color can benefit your sales but, if mistaken, can negatively reflect on your brand.

So, creating the right image of the product means conveying the right message to your ideal customer. Your packaging and color choice should clearly relay the characteristics of your product according to your customers’ needs.

Therefore, it’s safe to say that your color choice is an essential part of your brand’s image.

The Right Colors Equal Right Emotions

It’s true that colors can evoke various emotions. For example, out of the entire color spectrum, yellow has been psychologically proven to be the happiest color of them all. It’s also related to warmth, clarity, and optimism.

Orange conveys confidence, friendliness, cheerfulness. Red relays boldness and excitement. Purple stands for wisdom and creativity, while blue evokes strength and trust.

So, as you can see, all these colors have certain emotions that go with them. That means that the right color along with creative packaging will help you evoke the right emotion, which will get the customer to buy your product.

Ultimately, this will encourage the customer to buy your product or use your services. Put simply, color choice and packaging are both crucial to the customers’ decision-making process.

Three Benefits of the Right Color Choice

Your brand logo, product color, and packaging are what differentiates you from your competition. Therefore, there are three benefits to choosing the perfect color:

1) Improving communication with your customers – The more you highlight your product image, the more you establish non-verbal communication with your customers. That means that you’ll able to appeal to their needs and desires. The right color scheme allows you to establish non-verbal communication with your customers and satisfy their needs even further.

2) Ensuring the visibility of your products – If you want to highlight certain products even more from the rest of your assortment, you can easily accomplish that by going with the right color choice. The result is that your customers will highlight those products in their minds as well.

3) Ensuring differentiation from the competition – By researching key market leaders in your business niche, you’ll be able to select the right color solution for your products that will separate you from the competitors. That’s an easy way to gain an advantage that will get you ahead of the competitive curve and put your products in the spotlight.

Colors cause psychological reactions that affect the mood of your customers. By appealing to their taste in a colorful and innovative way, you have a better chance of improving your sales rates and increasing revenue. If you’re looking for some creative color schemes for your packaging, check out Fapco’s selection of contract packaging solutions.

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The packaging market is growing exponentially. The industry has to adapt to the new and emerging trends in order to stay within the legal boundaries and meet the new demands and needs of ecologically aware clients.

This is why we can see a number of new materials being used in this industry. The new, eco-friendly packaging trends are definitely taking hold. If you are not aware of the newest practices in this field, we are here to inform you. Here are the top 4 eco-friendly packaging trends that you should know about.

Cartons

Cartons have been used by the packaging industry for ages now. In 2017, they became a huge eco-friendly trend. Since cartons are biodegradable and can be recycled, there are more and more customers who prefer to receive their goods inside containers made predominantly of cartons.

At the same time, cartons are perhaps the most environmentally friendly form of packaging. We are happy to see this type of packaging in the industry again, especially because cartons cut carbon dioxide emission by an amazing 60%.

Flexible Plastic

In the food industry, there is a brand new trend – the use of flexible plastic packaging. People prefer this type of packaging because the material is lightweight, affordable, and recyclable. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for packaged goods, especially in developing countries.

This new trend is going to slowly push away the use of metals and glass in packaging. Flexible plastic packaging is convenient for shipping companies as well. It allows them to accommodate single-person needs and reach out to other businesses with a custom solution. This practice will promote the use of flexible recyclable plastic containers.

Biodegradable Materials

It appears that biodegradable materials are bound to push polyethylene out of the commonly-used protective packaging materials category. The packages and bags made out of biodegradable materials are completely natural. These packages are easy to break down and they have minimal impact on the environment.

Water Activated Tape

As water activated tape use increases, we cannot ignore it. In fact, it’s one of the leading trends in the packaging industry. Why? Because it is unbelievably strong and adheres nicely to cartons. At the same time, water activated tape is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.

There is another reason for it becoming so popular – it stays functional in even some of the dirtiest environments. This is why you can see it being used in warehouses and shipping yard containers. Since it is strong, it can be removed without leaving a mark, which is a convenient way to add an extra layer of security to the packaging process.

As the customers grow more aware of and concerned for the environment and its sustainability, the industry has to respond with the appropriate solution. Eco-friendly packages are developed and not only implemented to help people easily recycle but also to save and protect the environment.

These are 4 eco-friendly packaging trends that you should know about. If anything, new hits the market, we will share it with you as soon as possible. For now, feel free to check out some of Fapco’s revolutionary packaging solutions.

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One of the key differences is the perceived value of the packaging in a retail environment. Blister packaging has the highest perceived value, with its protective and glossy PVC shell design, cleaner lines, and the potential to showcase high-quality graphics, while skin packaging is typically used for items of lower cost.

What to Consider When Deciding Between Skin Packaging and Blister Packaging

There are several aspects to keep in mind when selecting either blister packaging or skin packaging. These include:

• The cost of the product on the shelf – If the item sells at a low cost, skin packaging is likely the better option.
• The volume of your packaging production runs – If you have millions of units to sell, skin packaging is likely going to be more cost-effective in the long run. However, if you only have several thousand units, you may find both skin and blister packaging to be the same in cost.
• The items being packaged – Items such as accessories, metal components, or hardware that are small and light are best-suited for skin packaging.
• The number of items consumers will view – If you want to display several items within your packaging, skin packaging is the best option.
• Graphics displaying instructions for use and other information – Blister packaging is ideal if you plan on including high-quality graphics or text on the packaging to accompany your products.

Other Benefits of Using Either Packaging

Blister packaging comes with a variety of benefits, such as:

• Multiple design options including full face blister, trap blister, and mock clamshell
• Resistance to theft and tampering
• Ability to keep product stored on shelf standing up or hung on a peg, with either a stand-up or hang hole, respectively
• Usable in all retail outlets
• No need for die cutting
• Cost-effective printing options
• Protective PVC blister to keep your product visible

There are also several advantages that come with skin packaging, including:

• Lower expenses for high-volume orders
• Clear film on the front of the package gives consumers a clear view of the product
• Ability to display several components in a single package
• Glossy film that keeps the product consistently protected
• Hang hole for hanging on pegs in-store

Considering the variety of benefits that come with both of these packaging options, you’ll find a use for either when looking for a packaging solution that’s right for your retail products. There are many different options for each type of packaging, helping you customize packaging that serves as an effective means of supplementing your products. With skin or blister packaging, you can showcase your products while saving money and increasing your products’ perceived value.

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Disposing of carton packaging results in a lot of waste that mostly winds up in landfills, which has made sustainability more popular over the years as companies look for a way to contribute less waste. Here are some of the sustainable packaging trends that we’re seeing in 2018.

1. Informative Labeling

The first step you need to take is to create clear labeling for your packaging that details how to properly dispose of it and includes claims of sustainability. With more details included in the package’s labeling, you can encourage consumers to properly recycle the product or otherwise dispose of it.

2. More Lightweight Packaging Options

Lightweight packaging has also become more popular with time. This is due to the certain benefits that come with these options, including the fact that less materials are needed to manufacture them, low manufacturing costs, and minimized environmental impact from transportation.

3. More Recyclable Materials

More and more packaging is constructed using recyclable materials that help minimize the impact on the environment, whether it’s made using paper, plastic, cardboard, or other materials. Recyclable packaging materials are also affordable in most cases.

4. Edible Packaging

Edible packaging is another attempt to efficiently decrease waste that certain companies are beginning to try. While this is a great way to get rid of packaging waste entirely, many consumers are understandably concerned about how hygienic the packaging will be, while companies have concerns regarding logistics and the risk of breakage. However, we’re likely to see more solutions to these issues in the near future.

5. Slimmer Packaging

Packaging will also continue to get smaller over time to take up less space and make the most of the packaging design. For instance, unnecessary open spaces will be eliminated, and packaging designs will continue to become more minimalistic.

As carton packaging continues to serve as a popular option for packaging companies of all types across a wide range of products, sustainability will soon be regularly implemented with each package. As a result, more innovative solutions will utilize sustainable construction to maximize efficiency and decrease waste.

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Pharmaceutical manufacturers need packaging that can maintain the integrity of the product and prevent contamination, while also ensuring that the package is tamper-proof until it reaches the consumer. These requirements make blister packaging a popular option for these products.

Here are several specific reasons why blister packaging is ideal for packaging pharmaceuticals of all types, in addition to other types of products.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Blister packaging is less expensive than packaging because of its minimal material requirements. It’s also easier to produce in a high volume for mass production of products. Pharmaceutical companies are ultimately far more likely to save money in the long run when they turn to efficient blister packs to contain their products.

2. Protection from Contaminants

Blister packs offer consistent protection from gas and moisture at all times, maximizing shelf life from stores to the customer’s medicine cabinet. This is especially a need for customers who want to have an effective medication or other pharmaceutical product on-hand as soon as they need it. Manufacturers won’t need to worry about products spoiling or becoming obsolete due to exposure.

3. Space for In-Depth Instructions

Oftentimes pharmaceutical products will have a set of specific instructions that consumers need to follow. Blister packaging offers plenty of space to include detailed step-by-step instructions, warning labels, and other information about the product to help encourage proper use.

4. Easy to Use

Blister packs are also easy to use for customers. Typically, all a customer will need to do is pop the pill out of the pack, which is done fast and efficiently, and there are certain child-safety features and senior-friendly options available to make things even simpler for consumers. These packages are also reusable rather than offering a simple one-time use, containing multiple products, which produces less waste. At the same time, childproof features will help make sure that the product isn’t misused or mishandled.

5. Plenty of Design and Branding Options

There is a wide variety of finishes and colors that you can include with your blister packs, which can give you everything you need to create a unique design that truly expresses your brand. You can customize nearly every aspect of the packaging to meet your design needs, creating a unique package that helps increase sales and make your brand more memorable for its quality.

All of these features make blister packaging an excellent choice for many types of pharmaceutical products, as one of the most reliable types of packaging solutions available for medications and much more. You’ll be able to maximize sales and get better overall results with high-quality blister packaging that complements your products. Unlike other less reliable types of packaging, pharmaceutical blister packs offer a combination of both effective functionality and appeal.

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Clamshell packaging is one of the best types to use for a wide range of products. This type of packaging features a hinge that opens and closes, similar to a clam, hence its name. There are several reasons why you might benefit from using this packaging over others for products.

Choose from a Range of Options

There are multiple types of clamshell options to use for a variety of products. For example, a basic clamshell is ideal for takeout foods or fruits. Different shapes are also available to fit the shapes of the products they contain, such as drills and other tools. Products that come in multiple parts can also be contained within a clamshell that has several separate cavities. Products that need to stand up on shelves can also use a tri-fold design that enables them to do so.

Ultimately, you can fully customize this packaging to meet virtually any product specifications.

Keep Products Protected from Tampering

Another benefit of using clamshell packaging is the tamper-proof nature of these containers. A heat-sealed clamshell will make it difficult for shoplifters and others to open the packaging and tamper with the product. Consumers can then use scissors to cut the edge of the packaging to access the product at home once purchased.

Moisture Resistance

Heat-sealed clamshell packaging is also moisture-resistant, keeping products safe from any potential damage caused by water buildup in the container. Subsequently, this will extend the product’s shelf life.

Durability and Strength

Although clamshell packaging tends to be lighter than other types of packages, it’s highly durable and strong enough to keep products protected from physical damage until they’re opened. You won’t need to worry about the product being damaged at any point during shipping or handling.

Affordability

The materials used to construct clamshell packages, while tough, are also cost-effective. They’re made of minimal materials, which makes the cost lower for companies that want affordable yet durable packaging for their products.

Prominently Display the Product

Transparent clamshells are great for showcasing the products they contain. Packaging can also be designed with hooks to hang high on shelves, making the products easier for consumers to spot in a store. The layout of the clamshell can also make sure that all components of a product are visible in the packaging, letting potential buyers know exactly what is included.

All of these benefits make clamshell packaging one of the most appealing options for many companies and consumers alike. You can customize them to meet your product specifications and keep them protected from packaging to shelving or delivery. At the same time, you’ll be able to save money without compromising the quality of packaging.

The packaging experts at Fapco can help you with nearly any packaging needs, providing top-quality contract packaging, trapped blister packaging, along with many other types of packaging. Get Started with Fapco Inc. today!

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