
Good packaging design is all about making a great first impression. For example, the sleek and minimalist design of the Apple iPhone packaging has become iconic in the tech industry.
The use of simple, bold typography and a neutral color scheme helps the packaging stand out on store shelves.
Companies like Patagonia and REI are leading the way in sustainable packaging design, using recycled materials and minimal waste in their packaging.
Examples of Good Packaging Design
Coca-Cola's iconic bottle design is a great example of good packaging design. It's been recognized by touch alone for over a century.
The Root Glass Company created the distinctive bottle shape in 1915, with the goal of making it so unique that it could be identified even when shattered.
The bottle's defining features, including its contoured lines and cursive font, have remained largely unchanged over 135 years.
Apple – Minimalism Pioneer
Apple is a pioneer of minimalism in packaging design, and it's easy to see why. Their packaging is clean, elegant, and sophisticated.
One of the most notable aspects of Apple's packaging is the satisfying experience it provides when unpacking. Think about the feeling you get when you remove the film off your new Apple device.
Apple has made adjustments to its packaging to reduce waste and focus on sustainability. They've started using more fibre-based and recyclable materials, such as paper to cover devices.
Their unique packaging depicts the brand message, which is to "think different". This is evident in the design of their packaging.
The product inside Apple's minimalist packaging is contained very well, making it practical for transportation.
Why It Works:
Good packaging design is all about striking the right balance between creativity and functionality. A great example of this is the iconic Coke bottle, which has remained largely unchanged for a century.
The simplicity of a design like Coke's can actually be a strength. As Apple has shown, sometimes the less you have, the more effective your design can be. This is evident in Trident Gum's packaging, which is minimalistic and fun.
Trident Gum's packaging also does a great job of highlighting the product. By representing protected teeth, it puts the focus squarely on the product's functional purpose. This is a key principle of good packaging design.
A good packaging design should be flexible enough to allow for experimentation and innovation. Coke's contoured bottle has been used in countless redesigns and experiments over the years, and yet it remains instantly recognizable.
Gift
The gift market is oversaturated with standard designs, making it a great opportunity to think outside the box. Standard gift bags often feature butterflies, bows, and flowers.
This niche has no limitations in terms of creativity, allowing for unconventional textures, forms, and materials to be used.
Here's an interesting read: Can I Gift Wrap a Box and Mail It Usps
Design
Studying successful packaging designs is a great way to get inspiration for your own product. Successful companies often draw from each other's ideas, so it's a good idea to take a look at what others are doing.

You can learn a lot from looking at other companies' packaging designs. It's also a good way to decide whether you want to fit in with the current trends or stand out with a unique design concept.
Before designing a custom packaging, it's a good idea to study successful ideas of other companies. It'll help you decide whether you'd like to move with the current or stand out with a completely different packaging concept.
Studying other companies' packaging designs can also help you identify what works and what doesn't. This can save you time and money in the long run by helping you avoid common mistakes.
Related reading: Good Pallets
Why Good Packaging Matters
Good packaging matters because it can make or break a product's success. A century-old example is Coca-Cola's iconic contoured bottle, which remains eye-catching to this day.
Simple shapes can be incredibly effective, as seen with Trident Gum's minimalist design. It's a reminder that sometimes less is more.

A good packaging design should highlight the product, making it the centrepiece. Trident Gum's design does just that, representing protected teeth, which is literally its functional purpose.
Packaging can also be a reflection of a brand's values, as seen with Coca-Cola's decision to use recycled materials without changing its packaging design. This shows that a brand can be committed to sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics.
Here are some key characteristics of effective packaging design:
- Iconic and recognizable
- Simple and creative
- Highlights the product
Packaging Design Examples by Category
Packaging design can be categorized in various ways, but one way to look at it is by the type of product being packaged.
Food packaging can be seen in the example of a cereal box, which features a large image of the product and clear instructions on how to prepare it.
Beverage packaging, on the other hand, can be seen in the example of a soda can, which is designed to be portable and easy to consume on the go.
Here's an interesting read: Small Business Product Packaging
Packaging Design Examples by Category
Packaging design plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of consumers and influencing their purchase decisions. A well-designed packaging can make a product stand out on store shelves.
For beverage companies, a distinctive shape and branding can make a product instantly recognizable, as seen with Coca-Cola's iconic bottle design, which has remained largely unchanged over 135 years.
In the Indian market, vibrant and eye-catching packaging designs have been successful in grabbing consumers' attention, such as Maggi Noodles' red and yellow colors and Frooti's tetra pack design with a distinct green color.
For food products, packaging design can convey freshness and convenience, as seen with ID Fresh Batter's simple and vibrant packaging design that prominently displays the brand logo and product image.
Makeup brands can use trendy and chic packaging designs to appeal to their target audience, such as Sugar Cosmetics' sleek, bold packaging with unique color combinations and striking typography.
Retro-style glass bottles can create a sense of nostalgia and uniqueness, as seen with Keventers' milkshake brand, which has established itself as a premium brand through its vintage-inspired packaging design.
Jewelry packaging should communicate luxury and exclusiveness, and can be achieved with the use of traditional royal colors such as violet, red, black, and white.
For skincare products, a modern and premium feeling can be conveyed through packaging design, as seen with Lollia Hand Cream's design that looks gorgeous and modern.
Soap packaging can be designed to convey purity and order, and listing ingredients and using expressive words to describe the aroma can pique customers' interest, as seen in the suggestions for soap manufacturers.
Food
Food packaging is all about making your product easy to store and transport. Supermarkets now offer a ridiculous assortment of food, making it essential to consider storage conditions when designing packaging.
Adding a handle to your packaging can make a big difference in customer convenience. For instance, you can attach a handle for easy transportation.
Showing customers that you care about their experience pays off. This is why disposable cutlery can be a thoughtful addition to your packaging.
Take a look at this: Smart Labels Food Packaging
Handmade Products

For handmade products, think outside the box (or bag) when it comes to packaging. Unique and creative packaging can elevate your product's presentation and make it stand out.
If you're selling handmade items, your customers will have high expectations of your packaging. It must be as unique and creative as your products. Instead of standard bags and boxes, try to think of something unusual.
Remember, packaging is a continuation of your handmade masterpieces. Having such beautiful designs in front of your eyes, you're sure to craft a neat packaging that will enhance the advantages of your product.
To get started, consider the following steps to create a great packaging design:
- 10 Simple Steps to Creating a Great Packaging Design
- 5 Creative Promotional Product Ideas For Marketing Startups
- Love at First Sight: How to Wow Your Customers With Shipment Packaging
- How To Use the Power of Packaging to Double Your Sales
Adding your brand logo to your packaging is the perfect finishing touch. It's a great way to reinforce your brand identity and make your product stand out even more.
Best Design Examples
Let's take a look at some of the best design examples that can inspire your packaging design.

One of the key takeaways from studying successful packaging designs is to decide whether you want to move with the current or stand out with a completely different concept.
Companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have stuck to their classic designs for decades, and it's a testament to their brand recognition and consistency.
However, brands like Coca-Cola have also experimented with different packaging concepts, such as their Share a Coke campaign, which featured custom bottles with popular names on them.
This approach can help you connect with your target audience and create a memorable brand experience.
Studying successful packaging designs can also help you identify what works and what doesn't, and make informed decisions about your own design.
By taking a cue from other companies, you can create a packaging design that not only stands out but also resonates with your customers.
Brands with Consistent Brand Experiences
Let's take a look at some brands that have nailed their packaging design. 11 brands have consistent brand experiences and packaging design, but most of these large companies have a team dedicated to packaging design or outsource the work.

Their packaging design is a direct reflection of their consistent brand experiences. Consumers invest more in the brand as they're getting the support they need to get the most out of the product.
Looking at the brand's lifestyle shots, it's easy to extrapolate colors, moods, and overall experiential brand goals. This comprehensive branding experience is key to making a brand memorable.
Consumers get the support they need to get the most out of the product, which results in them investing more in the brand.
Sustainability in Packaging
Boxed Water Is Better is a great example of a company that's prioritizing sustainability in its packaging. Their cardboard boxes are made with 92% renewable materials.
This unique packaging not only reduces waste but also has a lower carbon footprint during transportation. Boxes can be shipped flat in fewer trucks and refilled locally before being distributed.
Nespresso takes a different approach to sustainability by developing a collection and recycling system for their used pods. This encourages customers to recycle their used pods, reducing waste and the environmental impact.
Companies like Boxed Water and Nespresso are showing that sustainability can be a core part of a brand's strategy.
Design Inspiration

Studying successful packaging ideas of other companies can be a great way to decide whether you want to follow the current trends or stand out with a unique concept.
Looking at the packaging design of other companies can help you understand what works and what doesn't.
Thelma's Treats
Thelma's Treats is a family-owned business that makes and delivers cookies, ice cream sandwiches, milk, and coffee. They're based in Des Moines, IA.
Their packaging is a key part of their success. The cookies are housed in a carton box that resembles a 1950's oven, just like Grandma Thelma's. This nostalgic touch helps customers feel like they're getting a homemade treat.
The packaging is not only visually appealing, but it also serves a practical purpose. It ensures customers won't get broken cookies, which is always a plus.
The innovative packaging is a big part of Thelma's Treats' appeal. It's not every day you see a cookie business get so creative with their packaging.
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Stay Cold

Stay Cold is a clothing brand that knows its target market inside out, specifically tattoo culture. They pay homage to traditional tattoo flash with their bold and striking designs.
Their use of the color black is a deliberate choice that ties back to tattoo culture and makes a bold statement. The imagery on their packaging, from goats to skulls and roses, is all part of their thematic range of clothing designs.
User-generated content plays a significant role in Stay Cold's organic marketing strategy. They even include an Ikea-like instruction manual in their box to encourage customers to create and share content around their new purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 C's of packaging?
The 4 C's of packaging are Customer needs, Cost, Convenience, and Communication, which are key factors in designing effective packaging. Understanding these principles is crucial for creating packaging that meets consumer expectations and drives business success.
What are the important 4 considerations in packaging design?
When designing packaging, consider size, safety, durability, and storage space to ensure effective and efficient packaging. These factors will help you create a design that meets your needs and protects your product.
Sources
- https://diginsights.com/resources/top-packaging-design-examples/
- https://www.marq.com/blog/11-examples-well-branded-packaging-design
- https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/product-packaging-design/
- https://blueivorycreative.com/stunning-package-design/
- https://emeritus.org/in/learn/product-management-best-packaging-design/
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