Awesome product packaging designs: 44 ideas to check out

You know, the other day I was thinking about package designs and how they can totally make or break a product. Like, seriously, when I’m walking down the store aisles, it’s the first thing that catches my eye! But I digress. Let’s dive into what really matters here: the importance of package design and how it can impact sales and brand perception.

Let me break it down for you:

First off, visual appeal. A great package design grabs your attention, right? It’s like that little black dress you can’t resist.
Then there’s communicating the message. If your package doesn’t tell me what the product is or what it does, how am I supposed to know?
And don’t get me started on practicality. The package needs to protect the product and be easy to use!

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of package design, including:

The basics: What goes into creating a killer package design?
The psychology: How colors, shapes, and materials influence our buying decisions.
The examples: Package designs that have nailed it and what we can learn from them.

So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing) and get ready for an eye-opening journey into the world of package designs!

Great product packaging examples to check out

Kleenex

Big juicy wedges of watermelon, lime and orange create the impactful Kleenex(R) brand Slice of Summer series.

Marketing objective of this product packaging was to scream summer.

Create differentiation, thru packaging, from familiar facial tissue cartons that will generate interest during the historically slower summer season.

Graphic design, stylized photo-realistic illustration and carton structure come together to create an undeniably summer display for the brand.

Doritos

The shape and the texture of the Doritos chips are used as the base of this packaging concept.

What’s good about the form of the packaging is its structure which can keep the chips closed after opening.

6 Brown Eggs

Bombay Sapphire Layers

New work from Barcelona based Durero Packaging. This is their latest design for Bacardi Group called Bombay Sapphire Layers Christmas Edition.

They made a custom folding carton with a metallic blue aluminum effect, a limited edition only for Spain and Denmark markets.

Philips LED

Mixed Emotions

The idea of this product packaging project is to sell emotions through a product. It’s a mix between a concoction and vodka.

The concoction is a fruit blend that contains emotions such as love, sadness, happiness, fear and anger. The Mixed Emotions cocktail evokes an emotion and changes your attitude according to your preference.

L’Or de Jean Martell

Already one of the world’s leading brands of cognac and enjoying growing success in Asia, Martell is actively pursuing its strategy of expanding its presence in the world of luxury goods.

For this reason, the company has decided to launch an ultra-premium product designed to embody the very essence of Martell cognacs and express the spirit of the brand among a target of exclusive connoisseurs.

L’Or de Martell will be competing against the most luxurious cognacs to become Martell’s sublime ‘more than perfect’ product.

Pistachio

Samurai

Amazing package design concept from Russian designer Arthur Schreiber. He’d love to bring this concept to life, so if any of our readers are interested please let him know.

Pantyhose soda

da Vinci code direct mail

YKM Bag

Butter! Better!

Whenever we eat bread, at a picnic, in a cafe or on an airplane, we usually use disposable butter.

The designer replaced its ordinary container lid with a wooden, knife shaped one. This way butter can be easily and quickly spread.

Butter! Better! has 4 flavors which allow the user to make a choice, just as he would chose his favorite ice-cream.

This container is not only easy and fast to use but also it makes daily routine of spreading butter more fun and exciting

Foxglo product packaging

Foxglo was launched to address European consumer adoption of basic green ideas and specifically, a shift from use of incandescent light bulbs to more energy efficient, compact florescent lighting.

Oloves product packaging

Brandstand Ltd launched Oloves the healthy snacking olive designed to be sold in bars, hotels, airlines and give consumers a “touch of love in every olive”. Using only the finest Spanish Olives, they created a range of 4 delicious flavours.

The brief to Cowan was to design a Lovemark, a brand identity that young people would love. Using a heart from two olives immediately communicates the proposition and distinct personality.

Anti theft lunch bags

O-No Sushi

Heinz Baby Food product packaging

In the Heinz Baby Food portfolio, the Cans play an important role delivering wholesome, convenient baby food.

Creating ‘Hero’ characters from the keystone involes Mum and Child alike whilst utilizing colour-ways from the Hero brand reinforces Heinz can food heritage and credentials.

Yummy Ice Cream

This is a project for an ice cream identity and package family for kids.

It was a final college project created for the Graphic Design Project class in the College of Arts and Design Caldas da Rainha, Portugal.

The faces expressions interacts with the kids by showing how fun and delicious is to eat ice cream and turn the package into a collectible and reusable object for kids fun.

EarBudeez Headphones

Trata on Ice product packaging

The tail of the fish is one of the main visual elements that were used on these frozen seafood packaging series.

It was used both on the design of the logo and the structure of the packages. It is a very strong element of the brand since it makes the products recognizable from any view angle.

The black background, the subtle typography and the seafood illustrations were used in order to underline the quality of the product and to give a delicatessen feeling.

You can actually see the product through the holes on the illustrations that highlight the part of the seafood that is included inside the package.

Sustainable Origami Food Box

This is packaging for a quick service mobile eatery in Manila, Philippines called Guactruck.

Inspired by origami, the packaging resembles a bud that blooms into a flower when opened. It was created with sustainability in mind, being only one piece of paperboard with no glue or plastic.

100 Elastic Bands

Migros Ravioli

Tequila Gun

Jooze

Jooze is a fictional company that manufactures fresh fruit juices, catered especially to kindergarten and primary school students. It is a company that believes that healthy eating habits should begin at a very young age.

Hanger Tea

This product packaging is such a great idea. The type of thing that makes consumers smile and take note.

168ART Festival

Dino Gum

Have you ever thought how strong the dinosaur’s bite was? At BQB we’re sure their bite was very strong, thus dinosaurs must have had very strong teeth.

As a result of the conceptual training BQB’s designer Galima Akhmetzyanova came up with a great idea – to create a gum package shaped like dino’s jaws.

Juice

Help Remedies product packaging

Pearlfisher has refreshed the packaging for Help Remedies – the New York City-based boutique pharma company and creator of minimalist medicine – as part of Help’s national Take Less campaign.

As part of the rollout of the Take Less campaign, Pearlfisher was tasked with refreshing the packaging for the existing product range and for the addition of new variants to the portfolio – including Help I have a stuffy nose.

Squared Juice Box

Boxsal

The Brand Hatchery concepted the product idea and package design of Boxsal as part of an internal agency assignment.

They loved the idea so much they formed Three Blind Ants, LLC, a new design company dedicated to picnic and consumer focused fun products.

Migros Meat

BUSINESS BOTTLE

The “Design Business Bottle” was made to capture the essence of our business in conection with the client’s business, and that’s why we designed a bottle with 2 necks: one for us, and one for the client, after all don’t we all drink from this business?

Noo-Del

The brief was to make a package with a second life. Noo-Del is playful and simple packaging that will stand out on the shelves.

The decor of a geisha refers to Asia and asian-food and the decor gets extra playful with the eating-sticks which gives the illusion of being the geishas hairpins.

The effect is even more fun when you eat from the package! The package is useful in several ways: it is easy to carry with, when adding water you can heat up the noodles in a microwave and eat direct from the the package which has a shape of a take-away-package when opening it.

Pop-Up Popcorn product packaging design

Anni Nykänen [of Packlab] won four awards for her Popcorn concept. Three of them European student design awards at the IOP: Student Starpack Awards.

The Gold, Best in Show Award, Marks & Spencers / Korsnas Frovi Sponsored Award as she helped PACKLAB. Lahti Institute of Design to win the Eric Dickens Award for the second time in 2008.

Months later her packaging picked up a 2008 Honorable Mention at the Worldstar Student / Packaging Design Competition (International) Award.

Caffe Cortesia

Sod Air Asia

It’s a shirt! It’s a plane! It’s a Shirt plane! A creative play with the angles and illustration of the T-shirt for AirAsia. This product package design comes with a few surprises.

Panasonic Note

A beautifully minimal and memorable package design for Panasonic Note headphones.

Coffee Nova product packaging

Nova – 100% natural granulated instant coffee. It has 3 SKU: high-caffeine coffee (200% caffeine), classic coffee (100% caffeine), decaffeinated coffee with sedative herbs flavour (0% caffeine).

Тhis coffee satisfies the following consumers needs: invigorating, tonus keeping, relaxing without changing favorite drink. The packing purpose is to take stand on a shelf against a category

Evian 2005 Limited Edition Bottle

Milk Box concept packaging

FAQ about package designs

What are the key elements of a successful package design?

Oh, man, where do I even start? So, there are a few things that really make a difference in package design. First, it’s gotta be eye-catching, you know? Something that really stands out on the shelf. And then, of course, it has to communicate the brand and product clearly. Functionality is super important too – it should be easy to open and close, and protect the product inside. And sustainability? That’s becoming more and more important these days.

Can you share some tips for creating an effective package design?

Sure thing! So, a big tip is to research your target audience and competitors. You want to understand what they like and what’s already out there. Next, keep the design simple but distinctive – don’t go overboard with too many elements. Make sure your typography and color choices work well together, and don’t forget about product information and legal requirements. And finally, consider the materials you’re using – eco-friendly options are really popular right now.

How important is package design in influencing consumer behavior?

Oh, it’s super important! A well-designed package can make a huge difference in whether someone buys your product or not. It’s often the first impression a consumer gets of your brand, and it can really influence their decision-making process. A good package design can communicate trust, quality, and value – all things that can sway a consumer to pick your product over a competitor’s.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in package design?

Ah, great question! So, some common mistakes include: not doing enough research on your target audience and competitors, overcrowding your design with too many elements, using hard-to-read typography, not considering the package’s functionality, and not keeping up with the latest design trends. Oh, and don’t forget to double-check for spelling errors and make sure you’re meeting all legal requirements!

How do package designers ensure their designs are unique and stand out?

Well, it’s all about creativity and research! Package designers need to stay on top of trends and look for inspiration in all kinds of places – like art, fashion, and even architecture. They also have to understand their target audience and create designs that really resonate with them. And of course, they have to be willing to take risks and think outside the box. That’s how truly unique and memorable designs are born.

What role does color play in package design?

Color is huge in package design! It can really make or break a design. Different colors can evoke different emotions and feelings, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your brand and product. Plus, color can help your package stand out on the shelf and make it more memorable. Just make sure the colors you choose are complementary and work well together – you don’t want your package to look like a hot mess!

How can package design be used to communicate brand values?

Package design can be a powerful way to communicate your brand’s values and personality. You can use colors, typography, imagery, and even the materials you choose to tell a story about your brand. For example, if sustainability is a core value, you might use recycled materials and earthy colors. Or if you’re all about luxury, you could go for high-quality materials and elegant design elements. The key is to be consistent and intentional with your choices.

What is the role of typography in package design?

Typography is another super important element in package design. It can help communicate your brand’s personality and make your package more visually appealing. You want to choose a typeface that’s easy to read and works well with the rest of your design. And don’t forget about hierarchy – you want to make sure the most important information stands out and is easy to find. So, play with font sizes, weights, and styles to create a clear and effective hierarchy in your design.

How can I test the effectiveness of my package design before launching?

Testing is so important – you don’t want to invest in a package design that doesn’t resonate with your target audience or stand out on the shelf. One way to test your design is by doing some market research. You can gather a focus group of potential customers and ask for their feedback on different designs. You could also do some A/B testing, where you show two different designs to see which one performs better. And don’t forget to consider how your package will look in real-life settings, like on store shelves or in online product photos.

What are some trends in package design to watch out for?

Trends come and go, but it’s always good to be aware of what’s happening in the design world. Right now, some trends to watch include: minimalism, with clean lines and simple color palettes; bold typography that really grabs attention; eco-friendly materials and designs that prioritize sustainability; and designs that incorporate interactive or playful elements, like augmented reality. Of course, trends can be a great source of inspiration, but it’s also important to stay true to your brand’s identity and not just blindly follow the latest fads.

Ending thoughts on product packaging design

Well folks, there you have it. We’ve been on quite the rollercoaster ride exploring the ins and outs of package designs. I mean, who knew there was so much to unpack (pun intended) in the world of packaging? And let me tell you, it’s been a blast!

To sum it up, let’s take a quick recap of the key takeaways:

A solid package design has a visual appeal that’ll make your customers swoon.
It should communicate your message clearly and effectively, so people know what they’re getting.
Don’t forget about practicality. Make it easy to use and protect the goods inside.

As we wrap things up (yep, another pun), remember that a great package design can make a world of difference in how your product is perceived and, ultimately, how well it sells. So whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or just an everyday consumer, let’s all appreciate the artistry and thought that goes into crafting a truly stellar package design.

Now go forth and conquer the world of package designs! And the next time you find yourself browsing store shelves, take a moment to really see the packaging. Who knows, you might just be looking at the next big thing.

If you liked this article about product packaging, you should check out these as well:

Packaging Design: Tips, Ideas, and Inspiration
Intelligently Made Food Packaging Ideas (100+ Examples)
Showcase Of Creative Packaging Design Inspiration – 26 Examples
Vintage And Retro Packaging Designs Worth Seeing

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.