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Packaged to sell

14 Packaging Tips

Why packaging matters

It’s no surprise that clever packaging design can help make or break a sale, especially when most consumers need to make quick purchasing decisions. Packaging design that catches the consumer’s eye and relays the right messages and information, will help differentiate your product from the competition.

At the same time, appearances aren’t everything. Form and function are equally important in packaging design. 

A package must protect the product it contains, while maintaining its form and strength right from production through to its transportation and storage. If the package doesn’t arrive in pristine condition at the point of sale, you can jeopardize all those efforts that went into the design and tarnish your brand reputation.

How to gain a competitive advantage with your packaging:

Dare to be different

Generic design may be a safe bet but when everyone else is going for one look, you might want to consider another. If your competitors are all opting for black and white, splash on some colour or foil and shake things up a bit. Differentiate your packaging design to help your brand stand out among the competition.

Can’t resist

Attractive packaging can trigger more intense brain activity that motivates consumers to make impulse purchases. It also triggers activity in those areas of the brain associated with rewards. On the other hand, unattractive packaging can stir up negative emotions, so do everything possible to avoid that!

Illustration of pink brain agianst blue background

Have fun with it

Adding humour to your product packaging will attract consumers to your product. A light touch in the packaging design helps you create a friendly relationship with them. Creating a package that is fun to use can generate sales too, so go ahead and have some fun.

Shapely boxes

Your packaging box doesn’t have to be square. Make it round, triangular or any other shape. It can come with smooth edges, sharp edges or various corners. Just ensure that the shape of your packaging supports the function of your product – and protects it too.

Gold purse shaped packaging for chocolate with metallised finish

Reusable, recyclable

Your product may be recyclable, but that isn’t enough for today’s conscious consumers. Make sure your packaging is also recyclable or reusable to ensure that your brand is taking sustainability seriously.

A work of art

Make your package so appealing that people want to hang onto it, show it off in their homes or offices – and maybe repurpose it.

Yellow Veuve Clicquot champagne packaging

Creative consumers

Encouraging consumers to customise their own package increases their engagement and involvement in the brand. Enable consumers to upload a photograph or a design of their choice that they can apply to your package.

Collect them all

Offer product packages in limited editions or collectible versions that consumers can’t resist. It could, for example, include packages decorated with a designer’s different artwork or having each member of a football team illustrated on a unique package. Who wouldn’t want to gather the whole collection?

The packaging ceremony

Instead of tugging a package open, turn that moment into an exciting experience. Layer your package or go for sleek, compact and practical packaging that is as user friendly as the product inside and generate the thrill of unboxing.

Black design packaging

14 Packaging Tips

Download our packaging tips guide and explore new ways to elevate your brand experience!

Eyes don't lie

How to know if your packaging design will sell.

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Discover what other indie brands have achieved using Invercote:

Clean, inclusive beauty

For Chicago-based dome BEAUTY it was crucial that the packaging could stand on its own and accentuate their brand.

Read full story

Cosmetics that stand the test

Smashbox Cosmetics is part of the Estée Lauder Companies empire. The packaging is an important part of the Smashbox brand.

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Hear them roar!

Modern natural makeup brand All Tigers chose Invercote G to lower the climate impact of their packaging.

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How to succeed with your packaging - step by step:

Packaged to sell

How do you stand out among the competition with clever packaging design? Here are a few tips and tricks.

Learn more

Select the right type of packaging

Follow these simple steps to get the right packaging for your product – in a sustainable material.

Learn more

Six design tips

Learn how to use packaging design to tell your product’s story in the right way.

Learn more

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Holmen Iggesund is the premium paperboard company for purposeful solutions. We invite our customers and partners to be part of creating the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions and graphical applications together with us.

We are part of the Holmen Group, relying on our own sustainably managed forests to ensure a renewable material for centuries to come.

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