Packaging News You Can Use

Take a moment to reflect on the past year from a packaging perspective. There were lots of stories in the news about the role packaging plays in our society — from less packaging to “wrap rage.” One thing we have learned is “negative” packaging gets lots of press and in most cases “good” packaging gets none.

Let’s think about how we can positively promote our industry and your products in the minds of the consumer for 09. Set your sights on a few resolutions to create a more lasting impression with the ultimate market for your products: the consumer.

First, learn to think like the customer. At one time or another, we all shop. Think critically from that side of the aisle. What annoys you in product packaging? “Wrap-rage” dominates the news during the holidays, but what if all the products came damaged and broken? Would those same consumers decry the lack of or improper packaging? You bet!

You may not think “less” packaging is good but what about the consumer? Do they really want less or has this “green” issue been created by the media? I know a lot of companies are jumping on the green bandwagon but are consumers willing to pay the price and do they truly care? It’s something to consider before making a wholesale leap into the “green” space.

Step back and think about what product packaging attributes you like and why. Recently, I was interviewed about why marketers insist on changing well-defined and successful product packaging. Consumers don’t like when trusted brands have a new look in packaging. So don’t get caught up in change for change’s sake. Listen to what the customer says about what they want changed in the package or work to fulfill a need.

Try to more clearly understand your target market. Whether it’s women, men, boomers or a younger generation it’s important to understand what the consumer expects from your product packaging. We always hear about packaging that doesn’t work, but what about the packaging that does? How can you take successful packaging innovation and integrate that into your brand?

Does your packaging connect with the consumer in a meaningful way? Here is an example of what I mean by connecting. We all know Elizabeth Taylor and the upscale image she portrays. Remember her White Diamonds campaign? Well, someone persuaded her to endorse a new cologne, Daytona 500. Duh! She went from Diamonds to NASCAR. No consumer can make that leap regardless how well the product is packaged.

Learn from bad packaging examples. There are a plenty of good ideas that went bad for a number of reasons. It could be something totally unexpected. What looks like a good marketing angle turns out to have negative consumer repercussions. Look out for watch dog groups that might be on the attack against your latest marketing concept. You think it’s creative — they think it’s bad marketing or at the worst inappropriate marketing.

Learn from good packaging examples. There are so many good examples it’s hard to select just a few so I decided to use some from a “hot” packaging category. Liquor. Liquor packaging has undergone a transformation along with the new product offerings. It’s not uncommon to find designer packaging along with designer prices. I’ll mention two. Diva Vodka complimented with Swarvoski Crystals and Gold Flakes Vodka care to guess what’s inside? The point is they have created a distinct point of differentiation through their product packaging. That is the message you need to consider for your products.

Create brand extensions through innovation not simply by adding a so-called new and improved packaged product. Here are examples of two packaging innovations that have crossed over through innovation. Wishbone Salad Dressing typically marketed in a pourable bottle. It has moved into a spray pump application. Spritz a little dressing on your salad. The product fulfills a consumer need to have an easier way for calorie control. Another example is Laughing Cow Cheese in the traditional foil wrapped wedges has moved into a squeeze bottle application to make it easier for portion control and also easier to spread.

Stay on top of industry trends. Every January I predict packaging trends for the coming year so your work is done for you. Review these and incorporate them into your marketing strategy.

Think big picture. One of the most surprising things I read this week was about the most popular web searches on the Internet. Despite the obvious media “superstars” that are popular some of the other “hottest” inquires for name brands are not American. Yes, I know we are brainwashed into thinking that the US is the center of the universe, but this is changing and your packaging better keep up.

The bottom line is whatever the resolution you make for your product packaging remember the consumer is king or queen. Their packaging concerns should resonate with your brand. If they demand things as to your product packaging, resolve to listen to them.

Good packaging resolutions are easy to keep and will reinforce your brand in the eyes of the consumer.

Need to know whose got the latest concepts in packaging innovation? I know that’s what I do-track packaging trends and innovation and how it is going to impact your business. Get

connected with me JoAnn Hines Packaging Diva at my website http://packagingdiva.com or by phone 1-678-594-6872.

Tags: branding, consumer, less packaging, marketing, media, packaging innovation, resolutions, WrapRage

You bet! It’s that time of year and consumers are on the warpath more than usual.

It’s an instant headline when you either talk about how angry people get when they try to open a package, how many trips they had to take to the hospital because of injuries in opening packaging or how they have been mislead by bad packaging. Numerous magazines and websites have even taken to giving out awards for the worst packaging examples. Consumers can’t wait to send in their examples and vent how they are unhappy.

Its one thing to antagonize a consumer with your packaging it’s another to solve the problem. Solving packaging problems makes happy consumers.

This year there are three basic categories of angry consumers about packaging.

Angry over hard to open packaging (Wrap-Rage):

“Wrap-Rage” (Extreme anger caused by product packaging that is difficult to open or manipulate) was even the runner up word in this years Webster’s new word competition.

Predominately associated with plastic clamshells that are almost impenetrable (never mind that there is a reason for it.) The very hard ones are sonically welded shut and you could never pull them open.

Anybody Recognize This?

Enterprising companies have come up with tools to help you open them too. I’ve received and assortment that do really work. But guess what they sell them in a clamshell too.

Thus far no one has come up with a suitable alternative although companies are trying to reduce the plastic profile to as minimal as possible.

Smaller Plastic Bigger Card

Angry over being mislead (packaging misinformation):

The most recent problems have been coming from consumers being mislead by product packaging. Either health claims or misinformation about the contents inside. Its doesn’t matter what type of claim just the fact that its wrong is what’s pushing people’s hot button. And the FTC and FDA are on the case too.

One campaign against so called “Smart Choices” lead to all the packaging being changes after consumer objected to what they considered good food choices.

Was this label telling the truth?

Read the FDA Guidance for Industry: Letter Regarding Point of Purchase Food Labeling @ http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm187208.htm

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it will soon begin to target any logos or labels or symbols on cereals, snacks and other food packaging which may be making false claims to mislead or confuse the consumers. So the outcome is not yet known.

But in any case before you rush your package to market be sure and check the latest labeling guidelines and the pulse of the consumer. What you say on the front of your packaging could be misconstrued and case significant packaging problems.

Angry because the packaging is getting smaller (packaging shrink):

This is not a new phenomenon. Packaging has been getting smaller over the years (look at an old cookbook). It’s just more common place now as companies shrink the size of the package and contents to keep prices the same instead of increasing them.

When Is A Half Gallon Really A Half Gallon OR A Quart A Quart

Sorry, but we now have an educated customer that’s reading labels and taking notes. Not only are they reading them but they are comparing like products, making informed shopping decisions. Branded merchandise was already loosing ground to private label products, now even more so with the down turn in the economy. If your product shrinks or provides an unsatisfactory experience and the consumer isn’t happy they WILL look for alternative especially if they are less expensive. So do you shrink your package at the consumer’s expense?

What makes the consumer happy? Not having bad packaging to vent about. So go out of your way in 2010 to consider consumer anger touch points as you design your product packaging. Avoid “Wrap-Rage, Packaging Shrink and Misinformation wherever possible.

Got Angry Consumers? I can HELP!

You know that I’m one of the foremost consumer product packaging experts and I want to ensure you don’t make the same mistake. I’ve created a packaging “review” program tailored just for you if you have new product packaging or have just completed a packaging makeover or are introducing a new product.

It’s very simple, you provide me either with art work or physical packaging samples along with a description of your target consumer and I’ll send you a written report explaining why your packaging is or is not connecting with them.

The packaging evaluation consists of several things.

• First, I will tell you the overall impression of your product packaging.
• Second, I will cover how connected you message is to your core consumer.
• Third, I will comment on general areas of improvement or change.
• Lastly, I will cover any packaging trends that might impact your product packaging.

Sounds simple? It is, affordable too! Email me for more details on how to make your consumer want to buy your product because you have the RIGHT packaging.

Tags: clamshell, consumer, FDA, FTC, packaging, packaging shrink, WrapRage

Versace, Valentino, Prada packaging supplier cuts ties with rain forest paper producer.

Could you be this supplier and have the rug pulled out form under you because of where you get your raw materials. Environmental issues are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. One campaign against your packaging could be all it takes to put you out or business.

Full article @ http://bit.ly/76XxSg

Packaging That Is Full Of Air:

Wonder why some packaged products have so much empty space? Consumer Reports want you to know that they are on the case. It’s been a long unanswered question why there is so much empty space in some packaging. Consumers don’t understand how things are manufactured .and they don’t really care when they see a half empty package.

A few reasons why are we are “packaging air”: Packaging efficiency/utilization, head space, contents settle during shipping, seal integrity, contents by weight. How can you tell a better packaging story that will make a customer understand?

We Have All Experienced This Package via Consumer Reports

Full article @ http://is.gd/5a5GC

More Than 1 In 5 Small Firms Are Delaying Embracing Eco-friendly Measures Because Of Recession.

Some times it costs more to be environmentally friendly. Consumers want it yet few are willing to pay the increased price. When you are fighting for shelf space every touch point counts and pricing is just one of them. While consumers are looking for “value” options, it may not be the time for testing the eco waters.

Full article @ http://is.gd/57Sw0

Hormel Foods Continues Reductions In Product Packaging

There are a lot of eco initiatives companies can undertake to make their products more environmentally friendly. Size reduction, lightweighting of materials, reconfiguring to be more space efficient, and eliminating excess packaging all will capture the hearts and minds of consumers that see excess and over packaged products as the bane of their existence.

Sans Paperboard Sleeve via sustainableisgood.com

Full article @ http://bit.ly/8PqcI1 Good initiatives!

How Well Do You Know Your Customer?

So how do you combat the latest vagaries of the fickle consumer? You follow me either though my blog here, or on Twitter @packagingdiva or you hire me to help you keep abreast of the latest packaging trends technologies and innovations and how it will impact your business.

Tags: consumer, Consumer Reports, eco friendly, excess packaging, packaging innovation, Rainforest Alliance, recession

With all the new beverages out there and all the interested in whether water should be bottled or not and what do you do with it when it is, I decided to focus on water bottle packaging innovation and design this month.

Whether you like your water bottled or not you have to admit there is some great creative design at work here.

Shape:

Let’s first focus on shape. How awesome are these packaging designs?

I would buy them just for the shapes of the bottles themselves.

Does Shape Sell?

If it makes your brand stand out from the competitors in a sea of same ness YOU BET!

Designed by Ora-Ito | Country: France (via lovelypackage.com)

Designed by Pedrita | Country: Portugal (via lovelypackage.com)

Green or Eco ?

Is the PlantBottle truly green or just another marketing gimmick?

A plastic bottle made from plants – up to 30 per cent organic material to start. Coke is trying to do its part to reduce plastic consumption for its bottles. It remains to be seen whether this will become integrated though out all its operations.

Functionality:

Can you build a better mousetrap? Wal-Mart thinks you can. They redesigned the average milk jug and made it square allowing more units at retail and better cub utilization for shipping and transportation thus saving costs.

Now we have square water containers. Best in space utilization. But just like the Wal-Mart bottle very difficult to pour.

I am not sure at all about the “usability” of this design, its’ aesthetically pleasing but how much water will it really hold in this big bottle? And will it be easy to use? You can purify any tap water with the plunger in the bottle

Lastly Back To Basics:

This bottle look familiar? It should it was a packaging mainstay for years.

Tap Water™ Courtesy thedieline.com

The important lesson to be learned, whether it is plastic or glass, eco or not, user friendly or just more efficient packaging design and innovation. For even the simplest product creativity can influence our decision whether we purchase a product or not.

Tags: branding, consumer, packaging design, packaging innovation, plantbottle, water bottle

Despite all the hue and cry around the holidays about bad, bad packaging few of us would be celebrating anything without it. Packaging makes the world go round and impacts your lives in many ways you never considered.

I thought it was time to reiterate the positive role packaging plays in modern society. The role of the package has changed over the years from functioning as a simple container to becoming an integral part of our society. Yet most people aren’t aware of the package’s important aspects or don’t understand how it works. They just know that it exists especially when they perceive it as a problem.

Let’s take Thanksgiving for example whether U had turkey or Tofurkey for Thanksgiving the packaging made it possible! Innovative packaging technology allowed you to buy theses product at retail, uncontaminated, undamaged, ready to use and readily available.

Let’s digress even further, did you brush your teeth this morning? What is toothpaste without having a package to make it possible for you to use it. What did you have for breakfast? Eggs, bacon, toast, fast food? Packaging plays an integral role in all these products and making them available to consumers or even exist. Simply put packaging makes products happen!

I’m not going to expound in depth on all the “real” things packaging does, but think of the primary responsibilities of the package. On the “short” list: It protects, conveys or transports the product so that it arrives undamaged or unbroken. It educates or tells us what is inside and what to do with it. It sells or persuades us to buy what’s inside. It makes it easy for us to buy, use or consume it. Remember, that’s just the short list for the role packaging plays in your life.

Now let’s look at the issues that arise without packaging: Broken or damaged contents (smashed potato chips, broken crockery, no turkey or Tofurkey). Plus it educates you too. How many servings are there? What temperature do I cook it? Where and how do I plug it in? How do I put it together? Will it color my gray, help me lose weight quickly, or attract (think about cosmetics)? Can it be cooked in the microwave? What’s for dinner, Ipod anyone? The list goes on and on.

Now what’s real? Sorry to say but there are some real idiots out there lambasting packaging without understanding why. Sure packaging contributes to the waste stream, and yes some things are overpackaged or hard to open. Yes, the packaging industry can do a better job in reducing the amount of packaging.

WrapRage is now the “in” buzz word from now to after Christmas. How hard it is too open or how dangerous it is when you do. But, seriously think through your day from the time you get up to your last bedtime snack. How many of those things could you use, do or accomplish without packaging?

So think before you rant. Understand before you condemn, product packaging as the bane of your or society’s existence. Remember this for the most part you can’t have a product without a package. Most importantly, packaging is our friend. And I’m thankful every day for packaging!

Tags: consumer, food, holidays, packaging, retail, supermarket, Thanksgiving, WrapRage