After the final product is created and ready for retail designing packaging is the last step in the process.  Sometimes, a successful packaging design is just as important as the product itself.  A package must be able to protect the product, while still make a statement.  Below we will examine some attributes of successful product packaging designs.

Shipping

When creating a solid product packaging design, think about the ability to ship the product throughout the world.  A good product packaging design will be lightweight to help reduce shipping costs.  To further help cut costs, the packaging must be a fairly regular and uniform size.  Although the package must be lightweight, it must also be durable in order to protect the product.  If a manufacturer has to repackage a product just for shipment, it is a waste of time and resources.  Additional packing needs can become bulky and expensive.

Reduce Waste

Create product packaging that truly fits the product.  There should be enough room to properly package and protect the product and included accessories without added bulk.  Think creatively about nesting components and arranging pieces to fit together naturally.  Dead air and wasted space within a product packaging design have no added value.  Added plastics and packaging can become costly to manufacture, quickly cutting into profit margins.  The more specialized pieces that must be processed to create adequate packaging can greatly increase the overall cost.

Branding

Just because people have purchased a product, does not mean the opportunity to advertise has come to an end.  Product packaging is a great way to continue a product’s brand.  This can be as simple as having a trademark packaging design that speaks for itself, such as the simplicity of Apple product packaging.  The simple, white box has become synonymous with quality and style.   Or, product packaging can be an opportunity to advertise the product on the face of the packaging.  There are many opportunities to further promote a product on the packaging and labeling and is a great opportunity to leverage a brand.

Recyclable

As many components as possible of a product package should be recyclable.  There are millions of pounds of waste that end up in landfills and oceans year after year.  Create a sustainable packaging design that not only reduces manufacturing waste, but reduces waste after the package has served its purpose.  There are many plastics and cardboard options to select from that are strong, durable, and completely recyclable.

Product packaging can often be just as important as creating the initial product.  Creating a successful product package is more than successfully transporting a product to the final buyer.  A package should be lightweight, cost effective, and a platform for advertisement, while staying sustainable and recyclable.

Orville Stillwell