Whether you are a new or existing company, the ability to know what your customer wants is a constant challenge. GCI Magazine comments that since the economic recession a few years back customers, “now expect something truly special- whether with the products or the package or both.” Packaging has certainly advanced dramatically over the years with the introduction of new technology such as shrink sleeves and high decoration capabilities. According to GCI, however, here are some of the top packaging trends that consumers want to see:

1. Highly Decorative Packaging- It’s no surprise that beauty sells, and the same goes for packaging. Customers these days are more likely to purchase packaging with foil decorations or specialty varnishes than those that do not. In fact, GCI states that “eye-catching designs incorporating high-contrast coatings or foils are more prevalent now than before.” Check out the photo above of Moonstruck Chocolate we blogged about using embossing, foil stamping and silver metallic designs! Dion Label Printing has also recently installed a new finishing press that allows us to print high decoration packaging including embossing, silk screening, hot-stamping, cold foil transfers, and specialty varnishes.

1. Multifunctional Packaging- Customers want packaging that will not simply be thrown away, but something that serves a function such as a storage container. Remember when we blogged about the Apple iPods being packaged in the new clear display cases? Not only did these cases function as a protective packaging shell, but they doubled as a storage box for the customer to use to store both the iPod and the earbuds.

1. On-the-Go Packaging- With incredibly busy lives, packaging that can be easily transported is a widely popular packaging trend including pouched products and single serve containers.

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging- Consumers who have fully embraced the green trend (recycling, composting, etc) will be looking for packaging that is eco-friendly. Whether you are utilizing a tree friendly material, soy ink or a recycled plastic, green packaging is what many consumers want.

1. Quality over Price- Surprised that in a tough economy consumers are choosing quality over price? So was I, but according to GCI customers believe the phrase “that which costs little is valued less.” Especially with higher end products such a beauty products, I would not want to buy something with a cheap looking outer box in fear that the inside product will be made just as cheaply.

For more information on how Dion Label Printing can help you achieve a standout packaging design for your product, contact us now!

Remember when we blogged about the four design firms facing off in Packaging Design Magazine’s annual Makeover Challenge? Well, the votes have been tallied and Packaging Design has named Murray Brand the winning design firm for the 2011 competition. Packaging design elements that the voters liked included maintaining the brand’s original toucan graphic in a new design and a clean color pallet.

Congratulations to Murray Brand on their win and make sure to check our blog next year to see a new group of design firms tackle the Makeover Challenge!

A quick response (QR) code is a matrix based scanable barcode that was originally designed to help keep track of auto parts during the manufacturing process. Nearly ten years after introduction, QR codes have moved far beyond being used for just tracking and are now being used on packaged products. In fact The Big Picture Magazine explains, “Product packaging accounts for 35 percent of QR-code scanning.”

Budweiser QR code up close

So what are companies using QR codes for on packaging? One reason for QR codes is that customers look for added value in their packaging such as coupons, promotions, recipes, videos and more. For example, a food company can include a code on their product packaging to link to a webpage of recipes using that product as an ingredient. A cosmetic company can use a QR code on packaging to quickly direct customers to their social media page (such as Facebook or Twitter). Companies could also link customers from the code to a video where the products is being used in a demonstration or promoted in a commercial. Check out the new Budweiser packaging we blogged about; do you see the QR code? Budweiser stated in their recent press release about the new design, “The packaging will also feature a "Quick Response" (QR) code that will better enable Budweiser to regularly communicate with consumers.” Even Heinz has incorporated a QR code on their new plant bottle labels. When customers scan this code, they are directed to a page where they can enter to win some awesome prizes.

Let us know if you see other product packaging with a QR code and send us a picture!

Ever wonder what our pets are really thinking? How does your cat they really feel about that holiday hat you put them in or how upset do they get when you leave them home alone all day? Snookums is a cat food company that has come out with some packaging saluting all the cats that are tired of putting up with their owners and have a snappy sarcastic attitude to boot.

The packaging and advertising was designed by Eric Hart for cats who are demanding some great tasting cat food as compensation for their owner’s inadequacy. Check out the magazine advertisements above; my favorite is the fluffy white cat sporting the pointy party hat. The ad reads, “Thanks a lot, you jerk. Now that you’ve stolen my dignity I think you owe me some Snookums.” The cat food cans are traditionally shaped but instead of the traditional silver lid there is a circular cropped graphic of an angry cat face; now those are some annoyed cats! Cans are wrapped in white labels and printed with sarcastic quotes for each variety. My favorite is absolutely, “You’re deserting me for eight hours? Blast. You’ll be making up for it with some Ravishing Rabbit.”

Check out the article on this cat food with some serious attitude, featured on The Dieline.

There is nothing wrong with a little healthy competition which is the inspiration behind Packaging Design Magazine’s annual Makeover Challenge. Four design firms face off against each other to redesign the packaging for an already established company. For 2011, beverage company Brazil Gourmet was selected to be redesigned. The original packaging design is in the photo below and the four design firms facing off include CIULLA ASSOC, LeeReedy/Xylem, Little Big Brands and Murray Brand.

The old packaging, though not unappealing, definitely lacks cohesion. What CIULLA was able to create in their packaging redesign was consistency. The firm refined the color pallet so each container had the same yellow backsplash with neon accent colors and artwork that mirror the Brazilian flag. The firm also created consistency among the fonts and taglines for an overall appealing design. LeeReedy/Xylem also created a consistent design but through an organic and textured packaging design. I love the colorful prints on the bottles for a traditional Brazilian look. Little Big Brands went for a much more modern design with a bold color pallet and minimalist design. Instead of writing out the company name they have designed a logo using a script “B” and “G.” The logo combined with the unique plastic bottle shape makes for some stand out packaging. Last but not least, Murray Brand designed packaging that is both visually appealing and reflects the Brazilian influence. They designed the bottles with a jungle atmosphere as well as graphics of the fruit flavors to highlight that the beverages are made with all natural fruit juices.

Check out the article from Packaging Design Magazine for more information on this Makeover Challenge, and check back in late November for our follow up winner’s blog!

When you are standing in line at a store, isn’t your favorite activity looking at all of the gum? From spearmint to strawberry and now even dessert flavors such as key lime pie, gum has made leaps and bounds from the traditional bubble gum flavor. We have noticed that gum packaging has also changed dramatically from the original flexible paper design. The new trend is to package gum in a thin material folding box. Most of the largest gum companies have now switched to this type of packaging as it provides protection for the gum and more space for versatile designs. Another style of gum wrapping that has caught on are the plastic containers such as the one used by Ice Breakers Ice Cubes in the photo. The sturdy container is wrapped in a printable shrink sleeve and the container protects the gum from damage.

Another popular brand, Orbit, released some bold gum packaging design last year that revealed bright geometric gum boxes when the outer shrink wrap was torn away. Check out the “Exclamations” video released to help promote the new gum design; fabulous! Stacy also came across two other interesting packs of gum: one that offered a two for one special. The gum is called Up 2 U and sold by the well known brand, Mentos. Each pack offers two varieties of gum for something minty or sweet; choose from “berry watermelon with fresh mint” or “bubble fresh with sweet mint.”

The other gum Stacy bought in was inspired by famous snow/skateboarding athlete Shaun White. Manufactured by Stride gum, the Shaun White gum (top photo) is sold in a folding box with a color enhanced photo of his head printed on the front (complete with flaming red hair). The athletes gum also comes in a winter mint flavor which is just perfect for the seasoned snowboarder. Another modern gum, Wrigley’s 5 gum series, was designed in a jet black gum box with metallic paper wrapped pieces. To advertise this line of intensely flavored gums, the company coined the phrase “stimulate your senses” and released a series of action packed commercials. 

For more on what’s popping with gum, check out our Customized Gum Packaging blog!

We have seen time and time again, personalized packaging sells extremely well. Companies have become more and more apt to create packaging that can be customized. When browsing packaging blogs last week, I came across some new packaging for the cereal company Special K. To go along with their weight loss program “What will you gain when you loose?” campaign, the Special K has come out with a box printed with a blank speech bubble on the back. You can see in the image above women have filled in the bubble with motivating words such as “strength” and “pep.” I think the combination of the weight loss program with writing about your success on the packaging makes for a great design.

Another company who has utilized writeable packaging is the brewing company Budweiser. The program was called “My Bud Light” and it provides each Bud Light bottle with a small tag that consumers can use to write their personalized message. The tags are created with a material that gets scratched off (like lottery tickets) with either a coin or key. Consumers like the personalized tag to write either their name or a fun message to help them keep track of whose bottle belongs to whom.

Personalization can also be achieved via printing based on the customer’s preferences. Last year, for example, Heineken offered customers the opportunity to custom design their own beer bottle shrink sleeves on their webpage. Customers chose the background design, added a text message and even added a photo to create the perfect beer bottle design for any occasion. Check out the article from Fast Company on the customized bottles. Did you know that Dion Label Printing offers printing for custom shrink printing like the ones created by Heineken? Check out our custom printing solutions on our Capabilities page!

What other writeable or customizable packaging have you come across? Leave us a comment; we love to hear from you!

Have you noticed that companies are designing packaging where the art continues from one product to another? Companies have lately been creating packaging that I like to call “to be continued” packaging. I named the packaging as such because the text or art begins on one bottle and continues onto another. Why are companies choosing to utilize this type of packaging? Well, brands are ultimately trying to draw attention to their product on the shelf. By owning a larger section of shelf realty the brand is able to attract customers more easily. Companies can also use this type of packaging as a marketing strategy to get the consumer to buy more of their product; consumers may purchase the number of products necessary to complete a full set.  

Several of the products I have come across utilizing this type of packaging design are wine bottles but the well known snack company Pringles has also latched onto the trend. When Pringles went through the process of re-designing their cylindrical container, the Zunda Group design studio created a two part chip container design. The brand’s Julius cartoon character has been divided into two sections so that when the two containers are placed next to each other they create a “dominant brand block that is visually arresting” according to Brand Packaging. Another design firm called Takk! Design created the trio of Segreto wines. The white font continued on all three bottles pops nicely against the black background for a visually appealing display sure to intrigue any wine connoisseur. And if I was purchasing a bottle from this collection you can bet I would not buy just one; I’m buying Segreto not just “Se” wine. The designer Low Ink Studio also created an interesting wine bottle pair called Vino Peleòn that when put together creates the image of a black and white boxing match! There are so many design options for this type of marketing from using text, graphics or art to attract your customers.

What other “to be continued” packaging have you seen today on the market?

When shopping for a certain product, does one product’s packaging seem to speak to you more than others? If this has ever happened to you, then you have experienced the effects of the packaging language. Aniko Hill, creative director for The Kitchen Collaboration branding and design firm, wrote an article on this unique language for the June 2011 issue of GCI Magazine. She personifies packaging in a way so that is becomes a living being able to communicate with its own special language. Playing off this idea, she stresses how important the first impression of packaging is to a customer. For example she says, “Connecting to a brand authentically is similar to connecting to another person, and the same type of first impression in packaging can make a difference.” Think about meeting someone for the first time and compare it to seeing a product for the first time; you use your emotions to judge both on how they look, communicate, and present themselves.

According to Hill, a customer’s emotional attachment to a product is a key part of the packaging language. First, think about visual cues and how they can have an effect on a customers purchasing decision. For example, if you are looking for product for a young girl then the pink and purple colors will be more appealing to you visually than blues and greens. Also, similar to the first impression when meeting someone the way packaging communicates linguistically is incredibly important. Though the product does not physically speak, the product name, catch phrase or printed text plays the same role. If I was comparing two beverages and one had a witty product name, I would be more inclined to buy that product over the other because it appealed to my emotions. Finally, Hill urges us to consider the importance of our sense of touch in relation to packaging. There are so many options these days to make packaging design different and interesting perhaps by choosing an interestingly shaped container or using various materials such as a textured stock. Dion Label Printing offers a wide variety of printing, application, and finishing capabilities to allow you to customize your products packaging language to appeal to your customer’s emotions.

To read more on Hill’s article on the language of packaging, visit GCI Magazine.

Back in December, we blogged about some fantastic barcode label designs and here are some of the latest ones our graphic design intern Gianna and I found! When you think of a barcode label, does a plain label with black bars and numbers perfectly aligned come to mind? It certainly does for me, but designers have recently been breaking out of the box designing some artistic bar code labels. According to the Wall Street Journal, “The trend is popular with smaller companies, and even one of the world's largest food companies, Nestle SA, is trying out vanity barcodes on its smaller brands.”  The lower calorie ice cream brand Skinny Cow has recently announced a “cow spot” shaped barcode to be added to its product line (image below). Health conscious company Bear Naked has also added a stock of wheat growing from its barcode to play along with the natural granola products. Even a brand as large as Coca-Cola has jumped on the barcode bandwagon as you can see from their Coke bottle shaped barcode below!

From the perspective of a person who looks at packaging on a daily basis, customizing a bar code label is an efficient way to use every bit of design space available on a label or package. My favorite barcode designs tend to be the ones that have included color in some way, such as the jelly bean barcode above. I also like the ones that have playfully arranged the barcode numbers such as the egg beater barcode image below. Mixing up the barcode numbers to play with the theme of the product makes for a playful out of the box design that is sure to catch a shopper’s attention on the shelf. In addition, I like the idea of matching the barcode design to the product category. For example, the spaghetti barcode below would be the perfect addition to a line of Italian foods and the wind turbine barcode would be ideal for a sustainable companies products.

We want to see the most creative barcode designs you have found. Leave us a comment with a link to your favorite design or email us the picture and who knows, we might blog about it next time!

We see trends come and go with retail products. One trend that has been popular in both retail products as well as the fashion world was the “thin” trend. Packaging was being designed to be streamline and slimmed down while the fashion world created clothing for the thin framed woman. These trendy slimming clothes, however, are not for the average woman who like me has curves! The fashion world has caught onto this idea and has been creating more and more curve friendly fashions. I have also noticed that this curvy trend has begun to influence the packaging world as well.

What are some of the benefits to curvy packaging? For one your product is going to stand out against other similar products on the shelf. Check out the Organic Wear lash mascara packaging above; have you ever seen mascara like this before on the market? I certainly have not, but due to the curvy shape and bright green bottle I would certainly be willing to try out the product. The curved shape of the bottle could also benefit how the product is held. For example, Dial NutriSkin has recently redesigned some of their packaging into curved bottles (top photo). If you’re like me you have at some point let the lotion bottle slip from your moistened hand and end up with a big mess in the bathroom. The curved bottle will be easier to grasp and will allow you to avoid accidental slips.

So once you have settled on a curved bottle, how will you brand this product to interest the customer? Shrink sleeves are the ideal packaging material for a curved bottle because they will mold perfectly to every curve or shape. V8’s new Energy Shot is a terrific example of a company utilizing the curved bottle with a shrink sleeve. Curves give the small and easy to overlook bottle fantastic visual appeal and combined with a modern design the small bottle is a standout! For more information on shrink sleeves check out Dion Label’s Shrink Sleeve market page on our website.

Cause marketing has grown in popularity over the past decade and the packaging is often a visual way to broadcast the cause to the public. Of the most popular causes would have to be the breast cancer awareness marketing through the “go pink” campaign, as featured in our Pink Packaging blog. Check out our other blogs on cause marketing about Loads of Charity and other campaigns. The skincare company Natural Inspirations has created some pink packaging in support of breast cancer awareness. Natural Inspiration’s mission in creating their line was to provide a fragrant smelling lotion that was natural and completely healthy for the skin. The skincare products come in three scent varieties including energizing (eucalyptus & peppermint), purifying (orange & ginger), and relaxing (lavender). The packaging is just as delicate and beautiful as the scents including a detailed floral label with the classic pink ribbon. A portion of the profits from this line go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and by December of 2013 the company promises to donate a minimum of $250,000!

Though breast cancer is an important and frequently marketed cause in the packaging industry, there are numerous other causes and tailor made marketing campaigns. For example, Haagen-Dazs created the Help the Honey Bee campaign in an effort to save the endangered species. Did you know that the honey from honey bees as well as their pollination is used in over a third of the food we eat? Since Haagen-Dazs ice cream uses all natural ingredients in their recipes, they are especially reliant on the honey bee and consider these flavors “bee- built.” The campaign included redesigning all ice cream cartons which flavors are bee- built to include black and yellow art designs and a bee hive shaped honey pot graphic. With every bee- built ice cream carton sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to help save this endangered species.

Another worthy cause that numerous food companies have joined to support is Feeding America. While many of us are lucky enough to have three hot meals a day, others suffer from hunger on a daily basis. According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 Americans deal with hunger daily. Through a combination of food banks, generous monetary donations, and cause marketing campaigns the program has been able to help those tormented by hunger. Food brands such as Peter Pan, Chef Boyardee, and Healthy Choice have joined the fight against child hunger by introducing packaging for Feeding America’s sub program, Child Hunger Ends Here. The packaging reflects the cause with the signature red pushpin added to the label or outer packaging design as seen on the can label above. For every food product with this packaging sold, a meal will be donated to a hungry child. The Child Hunger Ends Here cause marketing campaign has been able to feed about 14 million children from the proceeds and hopes to continue feeding more in the future.

We all know how it feels to get a personalized gift; it makes you feel wonderful that someone put the time into finding a custom made gift. The packaging industry has hooked onto this trend over the years with a wide variety of personalized packaging designs. As featured on our blog, Dunkin Donuts came out with a personalized gift card for the holidays and Extra Gum most recently designed a line of personalized gum packaging. Companies are also creating drinks that can be customized to the individual’s preference such as the Kraft Mio blogged about in April.

Kleenex has just announced some brand new customizable packaging for their widely sold tissue boxes. The customizable boxes start as a basic oval shaped tissue box and from there customers are free to add backgrounds, graphics, and personal messages. These personalized tissue boxes are perfect to include in a gift basket for a baby’s birthday with pictures of the infant, or in a wedding gift basket customized with a picture of the bride and groom. Did you know that Dion Label has the ability variably print labels, shrink sleeves and boxes for personalized products such as those seen here? For more information on our printing capabilities, visit the Capabilities page on our website.

To create and order your own personalized tissue box today, visit the Design Your Box webpage.

Mr. Bubble has been making bath time fun for children since it was founded back in 1961. To celebrate its 50^th birthday, the bubble bath brand has redesigned their label yet again! Though the original bubble bath was manufactured as a powder, the company transitioned to a liquid during the 1970’s. Ever since, the bubble bath has been manufactured as a liquid including a formula change back in 2008 to create a higher volume of bubbles; bonus!

Since its creation, the formula was not the only thing that changed about Mr. Bubble. The packaging and bubble character have also been redesigned numerous times over the years to make a more modern version of the bath time character. As you can see in the photo above, the Mr. Bubble character started as a simple pink bubble outlined in white with two bubble eyes and a big smile. In the 1970’s, around the time of the transition to liquid bubble bath, Mr. Bubble was transformed into more of a character with bubble arms. He is also now sitting in a bath tub and the more vibrant pink bubble color pops nicely against the black background of the label. Fast forward to the present, and we have a completely modern Mr. Bubble (top photo) that looks much more life-like compared to the original. The present character is designed to be much more 3-D and now has accessories such as his party hat and noisemaker in celebration of the companies 50^th birthday.

To read further about this bubble bath packaging redesign, visit BrandPackaging.com.

When trying to make your product stand out on the shelf, a great label can do wonders for enhancing your bottle. The Organic Oscar dog shampoo and conditioner labels are a perfect example of labels that compliment the dog bone shaped bottles perfectly. California based organic dog product company, Organic Oscar, was founded back in 2007 after a failed exhaustive search for healthy pet shampoo/conditioner products. The collection introduced three different products including an Aloe Vera Shampoo, Aloe Vera Conditioner, and Oatmeal Shampoo. None of the three products contain any artificial ingredients and are of course not tested on animals. In addition, a portion of all product proceeds is donated to charities supporting the humane treatment of animals!

As far as the packaging goes, I know that any dog would absolutely love it! The bottles are dog bone shaped, come in an array of bright eye catching colors, and are completely recyclable. Since the bottle separates in the middle, to reveal the pump nozzle, the label is created in two pieces. Organic Oscar’s bottom section label features the puppy logo sitting in a cartoon style shower tub. The design of the label looks simple at first, yet if you look closely at the shower you will notice it has small green leaves sprouting from the shower neck to reinforce the organic motto of the company. The top section of the label includes three dog bone shaped symbols indicating that the packaging and product are natural, biodegradable, and organic. These symbols will be great indicators to include in future products for the company as a quick way for the customer to identify the features offered by the product.

To read more about these dog and eco-friendly products check out the article from The Dieline.

For over thirty years, Seattle based Redhook Ale Brewery has been producing a variety of popular handcrafted beers. Though the brewery got off to a rocky start, producing non-popular spicy Belgian ale, they soon found a brew that would transform their company. About six years after opening, the company started brewing their “extra special bitter” brews that would grow to be the company’s classic beer. The brewery markets their beer toward a laid market with the classic motto, “The only thing better than a good friend is a good friend who happens to be a tasty, handcrafted ale.”

In celebration of Redhooks 30^th birthday, the brewery has released their completely redesigned bottle labels and packaging. They decided they wanted to go back to basics with a simplified bottle and label design. The slender long neck bottle has been replaced with a huskier short neck, and the label has been simplified to a basic color pallet and design for easy brand recognition. The logic behind the redesign is that the brewery wants you to see their bottle on the shelf and instantly recognize it as Redhook. Brand manager Robert Rentsch says, "We've made sure no matter what beer it is, it's clearly from Redhook. Then we have the type shown second." Each label is a different color depending on the variety, and each bottle also has a hidden surprise! Under every cap of their newly designed bottles, they have printed a well known expression or graphic of the company. What are your opinions of the 30^th birthday beer packaging redesign?

To read more about the beer label redesign, visit The Dieline.

The popular lemon-lime soda Sierra Mist underwent an all natural makeover this year.  PepsiCo, a leader in consumer products, voted to change the recipe, packaging, and advertising. After years of the same 80’s inspired graphics, the packaging was upgraded to a sleek silver can with simple green text. Minimal art was added such as the lemon-lime fruit halves and the subtle green glow highlighting the “lemon-lime soda” text. Commercials were altered by using natural images of trees and lakes instead of celebrities, such as Brittany Spears in the Pepsi commercials. While reading People Magazine yesterday, I came across one of the print ads where the can hovered over a picturesque lake. I chuckled at the corner text reading, “It’s the most refreshing thing I’ve seen since me.” – Lake. Check out one of the new commercials by clicking the image below.

To me, the all natural design is an attempt to separate the drink from other soda’s, which often center around bold colors and advertising.  Instead, Sierra Mist’s new concept strives for a simplistic design reminiscent of Rain Nutrition's all natural drink line from a previous blog. I see similarities such as a sleek design, simple text, and modern color pallet. 

For more information on the Sierra Mist redesign visit BrandPackaging.com, and for all Sierra Mist products visit SierraMist.com.

Whenever I had dry skin or chapped lips growing up, the cure all was always Vaseline.  Celebrating its 140^th Anniversary, Vaseline has re-designed its classic tub packaging. The screw on lid has been replaced with an easy open flip top, and the square tub now has rounded edges for a modern shape. The medical looking starch white and blue color pallet (below) has been upgraded to rich almond browns (above), and the gel has been infused with coco butter for a more luxurious fragrance. As far as label design, the Vaseline logo has been shrunk so as to not be the main focus.  Instead, text such as “rich conditioning” and “cocoa butter” are prominent to market Vaseline as a beauty lotion instead of a medical balm. Clearly the company is trying to target new markets; the younger generation and those interested in lush beauty products.  

Simultaneously, Vaseline has partnered with Facebook to launch their How Do You Use Vaseline? contest. Entries for the most creative uses of the petroleum jelly are to be submitted through the link above, and 5 winners could receive a $500 gift card and Swarovski crystal embellished jar of Vaseline. My favorite creative find is using Vaseline to cure foot odor! Rub it on the soles of your feet, let sit for 15 minutes, and wipe off for better smelling feet! All submissions must be in by December 31, 2010; so get a jar today and start experimenting!

For the full article on Vaseline’s 140^th Anniversary visit happi.com

Weather got you feeling a little chilly lately?  Well here is some packaging that is specially made for the chilling temperatures.  Brands have been re-designing classic packaging meant to be stored in the fridge! Why change what has been profitable for decades? Even leading brands have been feeling the economic strain, and to stay on top they must be at the cutting edge of technology.  Refrigerator friendly packaging allows for foods containers to be resealable and most importantly convenient. 

Heinz has delivered simple convenient food to its customers for over 140 years, and has just introduced its first resealable jar of baked beans.  They want their customers to choose their portion size, and easily reseal the container to be stored in the fridge. In bright teal shrink sleeve packaging the Heinz jar follows classic company design, making it an excellent fit among the other products. Sargento, leading cheese company, has also introduced a convenient paper fridge packaging for string cheese. The packaging has an easy open and close top for easy storing and healthy snacks on the go.  My favorite by far however, comes from POM Wonderful.  I love fresh pomegranate but hate the effort of picking out the thousands of arils (the seeds filled with juice).  POM Wonderful has come out with a resealable tub container filled with only the arils seeds.  Find the new POM packaging in the fresh cut fruit section of your local grocery store. For more information on fridge packaging click here!

At first glance Naeve’s packaging appears to be a typical bottle of liquor.  The only difference is that you do not have to be 21 to buy this bottle, because it is actually bottled water! Did they fool you?  Main Brook Waterworks and design firm O. Berk Company worked together to create a bottled water with the sophisticated design of a vodka bottle (such as Grey Goose Vodka below). Just like classic liquor bottles, Naeve can be purchased in both 375ml and 750ml frosted bottles.

Naeve is onto something when it comes to a beautifully packaged bottle of water, which is sure to impress when served at dinner with a customer. Any owner of a high end restaurant would be an excellent customer, for an elegant addition to any table center. So although Naeve’s packaging is not for the naïve, it is certainly clever in my book!

Starbucks has joined the many companies, such as The Gap, who are supporting the RED Campaign.  RED is a global initiative to raise money for those in Africa who are suffering from AIDS.  In the holiday spirit, Starbucks has designed a RED coffee cup and matching ceramic mug.  For every RED purchase you make, including mugs and other paraphernalia sold in stores, the company will be donating part of all proceeds to the charity. The bean king has also introduced two new Holiday flavors to their Via Ready Brew coffee line: a Christmas Blend and a Christmas Blend Espresso roast.   

The look of the Christmas coffee cup is a reflection of the Starbucks general design concept. Starbucks strives to be a contemporary yet warm and welcoming coffee shop.  Couches replace stools and are covered with pillows in bold geometric patterns. Wood panels and low light lamps replace white walls and florescent lighting.  The bean shop’s RED design reflects this modern design with a paisley print covering the cup in a contemporary black and white color pallet. Stop by a Starbucks near you to get your caffeine fix and support a good cause at the same time!

Business cards are meant to stand out; either with a bright color, bold font or eye-catching graphic.  The Gitam BBDO design team has designed a business card with a real kick to it; chili powder anyone? The flavorful business cards mirror a sugar packet packaging with business card contact information printed on the back. Flavorings are available in salt, pepper, sugar and the spiciest being chili!

I feel the packaging reflects the innovative product with its bold text and vibrant color pallet.  The originality of these packets also makes them a terrific conversation starter. Looking to build a relationship with a new customer?  Set up a meeting with them over coffee and when they reach for sugar at the table; hand them your “sugar” flavored business card!  With their creative design, these flavored business cards are guaranteed to draw some attention!

My eyes have been peeled for the top trends of 2010 and I have found a front runner. Society has gone nutty for coconut!  Popular coconut products range from beverages, beauty products, and cleaners.  Why the coconut craze?  Studies show that the protein packed fruit is known for being a “healing” fruit for digestion problems and other ailments.  Spirit companies like Bacardi have latched onto the coconut craze, as we saw in our blog about Bacardi’s Rock Coconut redesign. A particularly trendy coconut beverage is O.N.E. Coconut Water. Athletes and trainers alike rave about the hydration benefits from the fruity water, beating out other sugar filled sports drinks. 

Beauty companies small and large have also jumped on the coconut band wagon, offering an abundance of creams, moisturizers and shampoos infused with coconut oil. Do you like the coconut flavor but do not like cooking with the actual fruit?  Companies have developed other cooking products infused with coconut including coconut flour and vinegar! Coconuts may even be the future of eco friendly packaging due to the durable coconut husk shell. Imagine getting your next eBay purchase in a coconut skin container?  From drinks to packaging, the coconut craze has certainly made an impact in 2010!

Celebrating its third annual fund raising event, Six Scents has collaborated with 3 Deep designs to release a one of a kind perfume line. What’s different about Six Scents is that each series is themed around a charitable cause.  Series three’s inspiration revolves around children. Childhood memories affect us for the rest of our lives; whether we like it or not.  In an initiative to protect the freedoms of oppressed children around the world, this year’s team has developed six scents revolving around their most memorable childhood experiences that shaped who they are today. A portion of all profits will be donated to War Child International.  The scent “Can’t Smell Fear” by Juun.J & Natalie Gracia-Cetto depicts her search for comfort in a city atmosphere.  N. Hoolywood and Stephen Nilsen’s scent “#087,” captures his emotions upon arriving in America as a child by plane from Japan.

Each bottle is designed with a unique black and white artistic print. What I love is how the design on the bottle carries over to the packaging case, and blends nicely with an ink print of the actual designer. Using an all over ink color pallet for the collection makes each bottle feel like a piece of art, and are rightly being sold in high end beauty retailers such as Plaza Beauty and The New Museum in NYC.  Watch the Making Scents of Memories promotional video & visit Six Scents webpage for more information on Six Scents.

Tis the season for hot chocolate, cozy fires, and of course seasonal sweets!  Well chocoholics around the world will absolutely love this sweet holiday card just released by Nestlé.  The leading consumer packaging company, Nestlé, has joined forces with the popular cartoonist Paul Frank to design a trendy holiday candy bar.  What’s unique is that each candy bar will be nestled in its own candy bar holder card. Frank’s signature character, Julius, and others will be featured on chocolaty card along with lines for a personal holiday message. And for those looking to save money this holiday season, Nestlé’s candy card is the perfect affordable stocking stuffer; a card and a treat all-in-one! Frank’s Nestle bars can only be found in Target stores during the month of November, so get them before time runs out!

To ring in 2011, Microsoft Office has come out with the newest version of Office for Mac.  Year after year Microsoft has been redesigning both their software and packaging to be cutting edge; 2011 is no exception.  Software updates include a new template gallery for professional design work, a newly designed ribbon, and compatible software anyone can pick up and use. However, Office 2011 has not changed in that there are two separate versions available; Home & Student and Home & Business.

What I love about the new design is that it shares the same qualities as other Mac products.  When I think of a Macintosh I think clean, simple, and modern; and the 2011 version (top) is all of the above.  Design artists removed the large icon from the 2008 packaging (bottom) and centered the Office for Mac text instead.  Base coloring of the general packaging, however, has remained in the yellow and black family for easy product recognition. Office also simplified the software icon design making them more legible with an easy to read font.  My favorite package redesign is the front right side which is covered with a canon of the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel icons in various colors. The busy art design balances nicely with the simple text for a visually pleasing package design

Every year, it seems that holiday planning begins earlier and earlier. Last week when I went to the store for Halloween costume accessories, the rack was directly next to a Christmas tree display. Then on Halloween day Stacy reported that the mall was already decked in Christmas decorations top to bottom!  It is only the beginning of November and the world is already ready for December; what happened to Thanksgiving!?

Though I may be a last minute holiday shopper, like many others, there are those early birds who are thrilled at the early presence of the holidays.  With the holidays being the biggest time of year for retailers, holiday packaging is an essential part of the planning phase.  In fact, the earliest holiday packaging comes out way before Halloween such as Penhalingon’s gift set.  The set maintains the extravagant taste of the one hundred and fifty year old British company, while being modern and dreamlike in its design (above).  So whether you are already blaring holiday tunes or cringing at the thought of your future credit card bill, the world is preparing for the busiest shopping time of the year.

As conflict rises in various parts of the world, many continue to search for peace and happiness.  Kiss My Face is a producer of natural soaps, oral care, deodorants and lotions. The well established company out of New York strives for natural and organic products that are good for our bodies as well as the environment.  Kiss My Face has partnered with Seeds of Peace, a non profit organization striving to empower young leaders in areas of conflict.  Peace Soap is the new product created by Kiss my Face, and 10% of the profits will be donated to “The Pledge for Peace” campaign. 

Peace Soap is a completely natural castile soap from olive and coconut oils.  The bottle’s color coded labels match the scents purple for Lavender Mandarin, and the sides are covered in the word “peace” translated into several languages.  Including languages from around the world links people through label design.  Who wouldn’t want to smell like peace?

Looking for a great read that just hit the shelves?  Check out The Package Design Book written by Julius Wiedemann.  The recently published book showcases Pentaward winners from the worldwide packaging design contest.  Past winners from can be found on the Pentawards webpage and our blog.  Featuring a vibrantly yellow cover, the book itself is an example of eye-catching design not to mention having over 400 product pages. Each page has high quality images of food, beverage, and beauty products along with a short summary about the packaging design.  The book is a compact snapshot of packaging excellence over the past few years; perfect for those who are breaking into the design industry. The Package Design Book can be purchased on TASCHEN Books Online.

For every purchase, we as consumers are responding to our emotions.  When shopping for the dreaded summer bathing suit we are on a quest for a suit that makes us feel good about ourselves.  Business leaders Deepa Prahalad and Ravi Sawhney have examined the emotional attachment that product design can have to the public, in their new book Predictable Magic.  According to the team, design is the best corporate edge a company can have because design directly affects our emotions.  Design is about how the product makes the consumer feel, and directly affects their buying habits.    

There are four ideas to keep in mind when it comes to consumer emotions and design.  The first is to keep it simple without cluttering packaging design with excess writing and images.  A simpler design allows the consumer to focus on a single feeling, and more easily enjoy the image.  Next, never settle for the present design.  Survey your consumers to what they want in a package design to strengthen that emotional link.  Third, the consumers should point the direction for your designs.  The customer knows best, so let them have a voice in what they want to buy.  Finally, be open to new directions based on the emotional wants and needs of the consumers.

For the full article please visit Bloomberg Businessweek online.

Having worked over six years in retail, I have stocked many shelves full of sweaters, candy bars, and shampoo.  I dreaded shelving the thousand tiny travel shampoo bottles, but loved the candy that came pre-packaged in retail-ready packaging (RRP). RRP merchandise is a unit that holds the product and sits directly on the store shelf (see candy shelves above); it is faster and more efficient.  James Tupper, the ECR Learning & Change Manager at IGD, knows a thing or two about RRP and offers his knowledge and advice in the Packaging World Magazine Article. 

Tupper believes in an all-inclusive supply chain with his Eleven Easy-to Factors.  Basically the factors include the shopper, stakeholder, CPG, and retailer.  The steps explain how RRP can make it easy for these four groups to function.  Shoppers are looking for an easy way to pick up the item, stakeholders want an easy way to transport, distributors want easy to pack products, and retailers want an easy way to stock the products. 

RRP is most evident in packaged lunch meats that now come in secondary containers offering easy shelving for retailers.  One area that needs RRP the most are back stock rooms.  Workers should be able to easily identify product boxes from a distance to reduce time and save money. Other areas to improve on are the ways packaging is opened, by implementing tear strips to avoid the extra time taken to find a box opener.  Instructions being pictorial would also be helpful to save workers from reading lengthy instruction booklets.  Structure is the name of the game when it comes to RRP, according to Tupper.

October may be associated with Halloween colors such as black and orange, but it should also be linked to the color Pink!  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is celebrated with a sea of pink ribbons.  Did you know that one out of eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer?  Did you also know that there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. alone?  Although this scary illness plagues over 10 % of all women, we are slowly winning the battle by banding together to raise money for research.  These shining star companies have come out with pink ribbon inspired packaging to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Hershey’s, the sweet chocolate company, has turned their kisses pink once again!  Along with other Hershey’s products, the classic kisses will be sold in silver and pink ribbon wrapping.  They will also be sponsoring the annual Tour de Pink bike ride to raise money for research.  OPI Nail Polish Company has come out with a “Pink of Hearts” nail polish bottle where the brush is covered in printed pink ribbons.  Breath mint company Tic Tac has also designed a pink inspired package with matching pink mints.  Tic Tac has also launched the CancerCare’s program through facebook, where they will donate $5 for every facebook share.  Last but not least who says men can’t wear pink?  In the NFL, real men wear pink!  NFL players will be sporting pink gear through the month of October, along with sizable donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

For more information on how to join the pink fight against Breast Cancer visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website.

We have heard it all before. Designers must be creative, innovative and “think outside the box.” However, as packaging trends grow and change, GCI Magazine state that the future of packaging may come from “thinking inside the box.”  To help your company stay current, and cut costs here are four key elements to explore.

1. Think Lighter- Consider using lighter weight packaging material to significantly lower shipping costs.  Utilize light weight packaging technology to reduce costs.  Last but not least remember to “think thin.”  Using a thinner paper or plastic packaging can decrease the total weight and cost.  In business every penny counts, so why not start saving with packaging?
2. Go Green- Start by choosing a greener ink that will be visually pleasing and good for the earth.  Soy and water based inks are available for flexo printing only, and digital printing is green due to less material required for set up and printing.  Digital ink is also certified by California’s Proposition 65 and can be used in most printing jobs.  Source local suppliers if possible to cut shipping costs, and show your “green pride” to your customers.  Customers appreciate environmentally friendly companies and often flock to them. 
3. Spend Less & Get More- Using a “one shape fits all” packaging can be beneficial to cost cutting.  Alter the package size, color or design in a small way and you have saved yourself a bundle.  Even consider silk screen printing as an eco friendly way to save costs and labels.
4. Partner Up- They say two minds are better than one and it applies in the packaging world.  Partnering with another company can generate more ideas, increase productivity, and save space.  Look for a company that is larger than yours, offering a viable storage facility for you to use. 

Sometimes thinking in and outside the box is necessary to save time and money with your packaging.  Customize these four steps to improve your companies packaging and save some serious money! Visit gcimagazine.com to read the full article

Glacè is an ice cream shop located in Kansas City. The Midwestern Company has turned the childhood treat into sophisticated art & design.  Founded by Christopher Elbow, the famous chocolate chef, Elbow created a simple yet sophisticated artisan ice cream parlor.  Marketed as adult’s ice cream, the parlor offers flavors such as Candied Ginger, French Lavender, Goat Cheese with Honey, and Venezuelan Spiced Chocolate.  Besides the sinful flavors, the packaging is also subtle and sophisticated.  Clean lines and a minimalist design paired with bold robins egg blue, small accents of chocolate brown, white and black.  The logo also mimics ice cream drips, mirrored in the shop itself with teardrop shaped lighting.  From the business cards, to the ice cream bowls, the menu design and even the uniforms, the coloring is consistent and clean.  Glacè has the possibility to transport you to the chic, sophisticated world so many people crave today. 

At Burger King (BK), they want you to have the food “your way,” but the packaging is definitely BK’s way.  The popular fast food restaurant has re-designed their classic packaging.  They have designed it with a pop art infused look while staying with similar coloring.  Pop art design was used for mass media advertising in the 1950’s.  Artists such as Andy Warhol created simple designs for products such as the Campbell’s Soup cans in bold graphic ways.  BK has done the same thing as seen in the new packaging (above) as compared to the old (below). 

My personal favorite has to be the soda cup with the “comic book” bubbles swimming in a sea of bright colored swirls.  The stylized ketchup “blob” on the French fry container is also very playful. Could this be a trend?  BK states that this is meant to be a permanent design change to minimize the possibility of copycats among their competition.  Watch out Warhol, you have new competition in town!

Cynthia Rowely will have you dying to get a paper cut with her newly designed fashion Band-Aids.  Rowely is a world wide known women’s ready to wear clothing designer, showing in all major fashion shows in the US and Europe.  Collaborating with Band-Aid, Rowely has designed bandages with sequins, glitter, printed lace, and elaborate patterns.  With over 14 designs, fashionable bandages are housed in an elegant black or pale blue tin.  My personal favorite tin is the black tin with light blue ribbon, white script writing and deep red text for the Band-Aid title.  The blue ribbon pops against the background and the white script and red lettering give the box and expensive feel. My bandage of choice would absolutely be the sequined one that would sparkle and shine in the sunlight. Rowely’s Band-Aids are only available for a limited time at the Copper-Hewitt Design Museum in NYC, in Rowely’s boutiques, or on her website www.cynthiarowely.com  Best of all, a dollar from each sale will be donated to Design Ignites Changes which supports social issue design projects.  Health & fashion meet social responsibility; who could ask for more?

“Technology to the Rescue,” the focus of The Label Expo of Americas 2010, is coming to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago for September 14-16.  Hours of the expo run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by pre- registering you can save 20% on your ticket and avoid those annoying lines.  Featuring over four hundred exhibitors, numerous technology workshops, conferences and master classes the Expo has something for everyone.  Looking for some cutting edge technology on shrink wrap sleeves (featured in our recent blog about ZUM Energy Drink)?  Check out Hall F’s feature and demonstration on several high performance presses.  Are you seeking new environmentally friendly approaches to “green” your business?  Grab a seat on the Gathering on the Green for suppliers showing their green business initiatives.  Representatives from Dion Label Printing, Inc will be attending this tradeshow!

The Label Expo of Americas will feature classes on color choices, integration and automation from top industry leaders in printing and technology. One masterclass that intrigued me is sustainability class showing how sustainability can also be integrated throughout your business.  Dion Label Printing currently uses sustainable business practices, including the conversion of 95% of our waste into energy pellets.  

Over the last year or so it has been hard to miss PepsiCo’s revamp of its sports drink brand Gatorade. The G Series campaign has built upon the rebranding by extending the product line to powders and ready-to-drink formulations tailored to pre-, during, and post-workout sessions. After exclusive use in professional locker rooms, the company is now releasing the G Series Pro to the public through retailers such as GNC and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Take a look at this video showing the evolution of Gatorade. My favorite part of the TV advertising campaigns has been the effective use of color. Dulling the action to black and white while highlighting the color of the drink gives the product extra attention. The clip also shows the product placement during professional games which may seem subtle, but the fans idolizing the professional athletes are keenly aware of the products they use.

For more on the G Series and G Series Pro, click here!

By looking at last year’s trends, experts have analyzed the future outlook for various segments of the global bath and body care market. Here are some of the major findings according to GCI Magazine:

• Although the global economy is showing signs of recovery, consumers will continue to be attracted by budget products.
• There was a marked decrease in footfall in specialty stores and department stores in 2009, which had a negative impact on sales of premium-priced bath and body care products.
• Globally, growth of liquid soap rose from 7% in 2008 to 13% in 2009, driven by consumer demand for products with anti-germ and antibacterial properties.
• The male body wash segment presents substantial growth opportunities and has proved to be relatively resilient to trading down.
• A major factor behind the decline in sales of anti-cellulite products was a lack of notable success stories in key Western markets.

How do your customers access your products? A recent article in GCI Magazine takes a look at the various channels for the beauty industry. While each channel has proven successful for different companies, consumers tend to use a variety of options. With mass, specialized and online retail options available, most women are using at least two avenues for their products; some are using all three. And most buyers look online to begin their information search. So are your customers looking up product information online but then buying the product at a brick and mortar location? Or are they trying out a hair product at a salon and purchasing online? These are keys to knowing how to get your message to the customer at key points in the buying continuum from research to purchase to use.

For more on how various companies have found success in specific channels, read the full article here!

Just in time for summer, take a look at Forever Sunshine—the latest fragrance collection from Bath & Body Works. Key fragrance notes for the line include golden apricot, pink peonies and a hint of praline. The bright colors, sketched graphics and fun text plays perfectly to the young, hip crowd it is marketed to. This summer special still stands out from their recently redesigned signature collection.

When I came across a small image of Paco & Lola’s Raspberry Liqueur I thought I was looking at perfume packaging. The stylish, unique and feminine design took home several packaging awards at this year’s Los Angeles Wine & Spirit Awards. It took home gold for Overall Package, Special Boxed Set and Best of the Show; Container.

The wine packaging design follows suit, and both are reflected in the design of the company’s website. The company also brings the black and white polka dots everywhere they go, which just since the beginning of this year includes exhibits in Ireland, New York, Miami, and several cities in their home country of Spain.

Have you ever set out on an afternoon picnic with a bottle of wine only to have overlooked the need of a corkscrew? Unless you have some amazing MacGyver skills, you’re probably out of luck. However, if you’re in the Oregon area, you may be near a retail location to find Copa di Vino: individual glasses of wine ready for your on-the-go lifestyle. In practical terms the company has created packaging that now provides the same convenience as beer and pre-mixed drinks. And it wasn’t easy. Developing a seal without the heat or pressure that could damage the wine took quite a while. The 100% recycleable plastic container also features a resealable lid. The packaging has received considerable attention (including a silver DuPont award), and the company currently offers merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot gris varietals.

Although it’s not required by the USDA that non-food products certify their organic claims, Whole Foods is insisting on it for the sake of their customers. By June 1, 2011 all personal products and cosmetics claiming to be organic or made from/including organic ingredients must be certified. According to GCI Magazine, companies have until August 1^st of this year to submit their compliance plans to Whole Foods:

• Under the new guideline, all products making an “organic” product claim (e.g. “organic shampoo”) must be certified to the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (USDA NOP) standard, the same standard to which organic food must be certified under U.S. law.
• Products making a “made with organic ingredients” claim must also be certified to the NOP standard
• Products making a “contains organic ingredients” claim must be certified to the NSF 305 ANSI Standard for Organic Personal Care products, a consensus-based industry standard accepted by the American National Standards Institute and managed by NSF International.

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in full swing, we come across more products and advertising campaigns from around the world. My favorite is the t-shirt in support of the Dutch team. Click here to see more of the extravagant marketing for one of the world’s largest sporting events!

GCI Magazine recently took a look at the influence of sustainability in the beauty industry. They broke down the three stages to implementing green practices:

1. Demonstrate leadership: An executive of the company should develop a vision for the company’s environmentally-friendly objectives which includes tangible goals and employee rewards
2. Address core impacts: Figure out your company’s biggest environmental impact and make changes in the areas of energy, manufacturing and office waste, water consumption, packaging and shipping, and supply chain and logistics.
3. Communicate: Let the important people know how you’re helping: your employees, suppliers and customers.

Need to address the environmentally-friendly packaging aspect? Request eco-friendly label samples here!

And for all of the details from the article and how beauty companies like Tom's of Maine and Burt's Bees are already implementing these practices, click here.

We’ve scoured all of our resources to bring you the best of World Cup-inspired and commemorative products and packaging! I’ll even be worldlier in using the term football. Here they are:

The “Hospitality Pack” contains the most important item for football fans: their tickets. Capturing the essence of anticipation, the slider pack provides a clever and playful opening experience, creating intrigue and a sense of novelty to complement the exciting nature of receiving World Cup tickets. With the games officially now underway, the high quality format of the Burgopak design further encourages fans to retain the pack, lending itself as a keep-safe of World Cup memorabilia.

Gillette’s World Cup-inspired shaving gel and antiperspirant and deodorant cans creatively resemble a football and shows off their sponsorship.

These bracelets were made by over 400 women in South Africa for fans of the Dutch team. The orange color is the national color for the Netherlands and the assortment of colors represents the South African flag.

SAB Miller developed a can that could also function as a cup.

Special World Cup Packaging for Carlsberg beer featuring England’s team manager Fabio Capello and team players David James, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Jermaine Defoe.

England’s team received more support when Umbro commissioned the painting of the players’ numbers in their hometowns, even for manager Capello in Italy.

Coca-Cola’s commemorative cans feature French players in celebration and come in a box with a CD from K’Naan.

Miller Light cans are laser-etched with famous players captured doing their signature moves.

Please share if you’ve come across other promotional or commemorative products or packaging!

This is the square design concept for Coca-Cola packaging done by student Andrew Kim that you’ve most likely seen on a variety of design sources. The idea to radically change a very traditional packaging design was brave, but Kim’s design comes with many extras. The entirely plant-based bottle has an offset opening said to ease drinkability, and a smaller cap which decreases waste. The bottle is designed to collapse easily and to a smaller size to increase the likelihood of recycling. Most importantly, there is a cavity at the bottom of the bottle that allows the bottles to stack. The square design combined with the stackability means that more bottles can be sent in each container- an estimated 3,949 bottles. Pretty impressive! This is an exciting concept from a young designer.

For more on Kim’s design, click here!

Health trends have become difficult to escape. Sometimes it seems like superfruits have hired PR companies to promote themselves to food and nutraceutical companies. Whoever pomegranates chose to represent them is clearly making a killing. Another powerhouse right now is the Omega 3 rep. A few weeks ago I caught a great status update from my stepmom: "Do Swedish Fish contain Omega 3's?!?!?!?!" While that might be wishful thinking (and it definitely put a smile on my face), I may have found a close substitute. Nordic Naturals now offers Omega 3 Gummy Worms. While they are targeted towards children, the company has clearly found a way to tailor their product to different markets. The suggested serving is one worm per day, so just don’t devour them the same way you do Swedish Fish!

The DuPont Award winners for 2010 were just announced at the end of May, continuing the virtual forum format from last year. The winners proved breakthroughs in packaging with innovative developments, cost/waste reduction and improved sustainability. Diamond winners proved excellence in all three areas while Gold winners demonstrated excellence in two criteria. Silver winners were selected for their breakthrough innovation, and notable honorees were given recognition for innovative problem solving. 

Only two submissions were given the prestigious honor of a Diamond DuPont award: the GREENBOX reusable thermal management system, a sustainably-produced container used to transport sensitive medical supplies, as well as Exal Corporation’s “Coil to Can” (C2C) recyclable aluminum bottle.

To see all of the award-winning packaging innovators, click here.

About a month ago we wrote about artfully crafted chocolate shoes, and now we’ve stumbled upon some more glamorous high heels, this time made of soap. The founder of Starlet Glam was inspired by old Hollywood and is now getting her products into today’s Hollywood, especially with her best-seller, the Bombshell Marilyn Corset soap. Many of the products—including lip balms, lotions, oils and more—have been dispersed in gift bags at events such as the Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, and the America Music Awards.

The soaps are made with skin loving oils and butters such as Olive, Avocado and unrefined shea butter. They're vegan friendly, 100% natural and free from detergents, SLS and sulfates. They are given their sparkle with mica and a little bit of ultra fine glitter.

Here’s a picture we came across…

The mock ad is a great play on the concept of photo retouching. And it’s pretty well known that many images out there have been refinished in some way. But just how powerful is Photoshop, and what is it doing to our perception of beauty? If you haven’t seen it before, take a look at this video:

Green labels are the featured topic in this month’s Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine. Utilizing eco-friendly labels is a growing trend for the wine industry:

Until recently, even the industry's most eco-minded wineries were reluctant to trade their virgin-paper labels for the added expense of recycled paper stock. Yet that's starting to change. Increased label options - from new recycled paper stocks to soy-based and waterless inks - now make it easier for wineries to extend their eco-friendly practices to their labels.

While it’s true the cost for PCW labels is greater than virgin paper labels because of the increased labor costs to produce the material, many wineries are finding that the sustainable label is worth the cost. Dion has the following eco-friendly offerings:

• Water soluble adhesives which allow labels to be washed off their containers, so the recycling process for containers is much simpler.
• Water-based, solvent-free inks are used in most conventional printing operations.
• A variety of eco-friendly material ranging from various levels of post-consumer paper, "tree-free" paper, and biodegradable films.

To request our eco-friendly samples, click here. And to read more about eco-friendly labeling options and how wineries are using them, read the full article here.

We’ve seen a lot of co-marketing campaigns recently between Hollywood and consumer products. The latest comes with the next chapter of the Shrek trilogy. Shrek Forever After 3D comes to theaters tomorrow. With it is a new series of colors from nail color company OPI. Of course OPI is no stranger to teaming up with other companies. Plus they always have amusing and creative names for their colors. The line includes Funky Donkey, What’s With the Cattitude?, Rumple’s Wiggin, Who the Shrek Are You?, Ogre-the-Top Blue, and Fiercely Fiona.

One of the growing trends among the natural and organic product sector is the combination of a product that is good for the consumer and packaging that is safe for the Earth. This mindset is the essence of bath and body line, One. Founder Glenn Abramson was inspired by an article describing the proliferation of plastic in landfills and was determined to come up with a solution. For him, it was a line of all-natural products (28 SKUs in total) sold in recyclable tins with recyclable and biodegradable paper labels and chipboard.

The products themselves are unique solid forms of typically liquid products such as solid shampoos, lotion massage bars, and after shower skin conditioner bars. With all of these features, it seems that One products would be somewhat expensive, as many in this organic and natural category tend to be. However, according to Beauty Packaging Magazine, the line ranges from $2.99 to $9.99 in Target stores across the country.

Stacy and I came across this highly creative poem speaking to the future of publishing. I won’t give anything else away, so take a look for yourself. Make sure you watch the whole video to experience the full effect. What is the future of printing?   With the onset of digital media, the publishing industry has taken a significant hit. Now you can access newspapers, magazine content, and even books online. So is this the end of the printed word? Personally, I hope not, and I think this poem makes a good point. What do you think?

Just yesterday we commended Wal-mart for their eco-friendly practices, but for a huge corporation like Wal-mart, much of their initiative is based on requiring that their suppliers reduce their carbon footprint. The Sustainability Index Supplier Assessment that Wal-mart announced last year includes a 15-question survey to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Wal-mart hopes to reduce this by 20 million metric tons. It seems to be an important first step before Wal-mart can implement the “Green” ratings that will disclose the eco-friendliness of products to consumers.

It may sound like Wal-mart is simply bullying their suppliers to make the company look good. In actuality, Wal-mart’s own practices include: using onsite renewable energy generation, reducing shipping and packaging waste, reducing truck fleet emissions, and more. If Wal-mart is successful in achieving their GHG emission reduction goal by 2015, it will be equivalent to:

• taking more than 3.8 million average cars off of the road for a year
• planting more than 181 million full grown trees

These emissions are also similar to what would be produced by:

• burning fossil fuels to power nearly 2.6 million U.S. homes for a year
• consuming nearly 2.3 billion gallons of gasoline. (All estimates based on EPA figures).

For more information, and to see Wal-mart CEO Mike Duke’s address to stakeholders, click here.

Beyond the fact that I find this product to be the perfect little gift going into baseball season for my little brother, whoever developed this product packaging truly took the time to examine how to turn this snack into a true commodity. Pay attention at any little league game, and I’d be willing to bet you’ll see several teammates chomping these down and projecting the empty shells in the dugout during their boredom between innings. It’s one thing when the packaging reflects the product (such as the suggestiveness of the fruit juice packaging below), but the creativity behind packaging that reflects the consumer is what truly impresses me.

As an admitted shoe fanatic, I have to say that shoe packaging drove me crazy even before my entrance into the wonderful world of product packaging. Whether it’s my latest stilettos or even sneakers, every time I attempt to dive my tiny foot into my next potential pair, I’m instantly stopped short by the unnecessary wad of paper that was apparently jack-hammered into the toe of the shoe. Not to mention opening the box in the first place is like getting a gift covered with so many layers of tissue you’re not sure there’s even anything in the box. Perhaps I’m even lucky enough to find that the left shoe has already been unraveled, but I’ve already set free my right foot for the fitting experience. After I’ve made a complete mess in the shoe aisle, I purchase the latest addition to my collection that must now be placed in an exorbitantly large plastic bag that, while carried by my 5-foot frame, must then barely hover, or drag across the ground.

For all of these reasons, I couldn’t pass by the new Puma packaging which you can’t miss on any packaging website right now. Brand Packaging sums up all the wonderful things about it best:

After more than 2,000 ideas, 40 packaging prototypes and two years, PUMA has announced a new kind of shoe packaging. Unlike traditional shoe packaging. PUMA’s “Clever Little Bag” is made from 100 percent recycled paper and 20 percent recycled non-woven polypropylene. The new format will reduce the company’s paper usage by 65 percent, reducing its carbon emissions by 10 tons per year. It will also save 20 million Mega Joules of electricity, one million liters of fuel oil, one million liters of water, 500,000 liters of diesel and up to 275 tons of plastic by eliminating shopping bags.

A while back we wrote about technology that converts chicken feathers into flower pots. Sustainability in terms of turning waste into a resource for a new product, especially for products that are not simply commodities, is incredibly impressive. The example we just came across is the Java-Log. The company takes the used coffee grounds from manufacturers, retailers, homes, companies, etc. to create wood-burning logs.

Rod Sprule, the inventor, realized the energy potential of coffee grounds and developed the concept from there. The company claims that their product diverts 12 million pounds of coffee grounds from landfills per year. I can’t claim to be an expert at how hazardous coffee grounds are for the environment, but slowing down the growth rate of already overfilled landfills is an easy concept to grasp. Beyond the recycled production, the Java-Log itself emits up to 78% less carbon monoxide and up to 66% less creosote than cordwood fires. It was named one of Time Magazine’s “Coolest Inventions of 2003.” More recently, Java-Logs’s eco-friendliness gained the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s (CSIA) Accepted Product status. While we love the normal scent of wood burning in a fireplace, we can’t help wondering/hoping if the log gives off a coffee aroma?

GCI Magazine is giving you the heads-up on the trends in packaging for beauty industry products this year. Here are the different categories they see, their attributes and where it can be seen:

Rustic/Rugged Packaging: handmade feel, down-to-earth, tends to be for men’s products. Examples: John Varvatos Artisan cologne, Diesel Fuel For Life, Body Shop Hemp Heroes gift set

Handmade/Collage: collage/scrapbook-inspired, bright colors, hand-drawn elements, nostalgic, artsy. Examples: Sarah Jessica Parker’s NYC, Urban Decay’s Show Pony Shadow Box, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush, Kenneth Cole’s Black, Lush’s handmade bath and body products

Sustainability: green, eco-friendly packaging: recyclable, biodegradable, vegan, renewable. The product itself within the packaging tends to be equally eco-friendly. Examples: Body Shop Hemp Gift Set, Urban Decay Sustainable Shadow Box, Alicia Silverstone’s EcoTools, Cargo’s Plant Love certification

Technology/Experiencial: packaging keeping up with, or creating new, technology; often it creates an entire experience beyond the product and packaging (such as a digital and social media connection as well). Examples: Givenchy’s Play, Calvin Klein’s CK One and CK Be, Stila’s Smoky Eye Talking Palette

Pop Culture: refer to our last blog regarding makeup and the movies!

Typography: simple and usually for prestige and mass-market channels. Examples: Philosophy, Modern Organic Products (MOP), Bliss’s “Fat Girl Slim” cream, True Blue Spa’s “Shea It Isn’t So,” Maybelline’s “The Colossal” mascara,  Dermalogica’s Clean Start line

Look-specific/Instructional: all-in-one kits that are also how-to guides, the most popular being “smoky-eye” makeup kits. Examples: Benefit’s Smokin Eyes & Too Faced Smoky Eye Palette, as well as kits from Cover Girl and Sonia Kashuk’s specifically for Target.

Men’s Lines: times are changing for the acceptability of men using beauty products. Here’s how we’ve explained it in the past; the packaging attributes remain the same.

HP recently sent out a press release announcing our purchase of their latest press!

Check out the capabilities our HP WS6000 press purchased in March 2010. It is the newest press on the market from HP and will increase our capabilities, including endless possibilities of substrates for printing.

“Short run, multiple SKUs, repeatable high-quality printing and the ability for variable data has helped to maintain our steady growth,” said Randy Duhaime, General Manager, Dion Label. “ The purchase of the HP Indigo WS6000 will allow us to continue this trend with longer run lengths transitioning from our conventional flexographic printing department to our digital department. WS6000 enhancements, such as its large repeat length and its ability to print on substrates from 12 microns to 450 microns, will open additional opportunities.”

Johnson & Johnson recently released the redesign of the packaging for their “Finishes” skincare line under Clean & Clear name. The custom, asymmetrical bottle shape is meant to reflect the logo design that extensive research and key decision-makers found consumers to be most drawn to. The proprietary bottle is only utilized for the “pore perfecting cleanser,” so as not to be confused with the “even tone cleanser.” However, the line as a whole (which also includes a moisturizer) does reflect a modernized appearance while maintaining key color and design elements strongly associated with the brand.

Brand Packaging recently featured five start-up companies to watch out for; ones that have used packaging as the selling feature of their product. One in particular caught my eye because a friend of mine had the product when she visited this past winter. I thought that the round object on my coffee table was my roommate’s dog’s mini tennis ball and almost tossed it on the ground until I picked it up and realized my mistake. It was actually lip gloss from eos (which stands for evolution of smooth), and it definitely stands out from the competition. Their shaving cream packaging follows suit. Between the pump feature and a recyclable bottle that won’t leave a rust ring in the shower, eos has thought about all of the flaws of conventional shaving cream packaging. The company will soon be releasing a body lotion, and personally, I can’t wait to see what packaging innovation that product will come with!

To see the other products that made the cut, click here!

Pantone has recently announced the fashion color report for Spring 2010. The announcement has garnered attention from experts from various industries, including fashion and beauty. All are enthusiastic about the sheer, pastel colors that invoke the senses of spring and summer. And whether it’s for clothing or makeup, experts predict that wallet-conscious consumers will look for trendy additions to compliment their existing wardrobe or makeup collection. This Spring’s colors are: Turquoise, Amparo Blue, Violet, Aurora, Fusion Coral, Tomato Puree, Pink Champagne, Tuscany, Dried Herb, and Eucalyptus.

To see what fashion designers are doing with these colors, click here, and here for this season’s makeup and beauty trends!

The Chiquita Banana label is pretty iconic, and here’s a look at how the company is giving their bananas even more personality:

Here’s some company history you may not know:

In 1944, we introduced Miss Chiquita ® and became the first company to brand a banana. In the early years, we experimented with putting our name and Miss Chiquita on a paper band and wrapping it around hands of bananas. The idea of sticking labels on bananas came in 1963. Today, more than 40 years later, we still carefully place each sticker on by hand. Machines are just too rough and can bruise the delicate fruit.

To see all of the designs, click here!

Have you ever grabbed an article of clothing off the floor or out of the laundry basket to re-wear in a moment of desperation? No? Me either. Well one of us is probably lying because according to research by Proctor & Gamble, an estimated 75% of Americans do this 3-4 times a week! This is pretty interesting insight into a laundry market that P&G shares 60% of with top brands like Tide, Cheer and Gain. Americans are too busy, and perhaps too lazy, to keep up with their laundry chores. There may be help for those items which border unacceptable for public wear.

Packaging Digest featured a link to P&G’s Swash, a line of products targeted at clothing re-wearers. Surprisingly, the product has been on the market for a while (the research and testing was done back in 2008), but I can bet you can’t recall seeing it on the shelves. The line appears to be available exclusively online. Perhaps it hasn’t taken off as expected, but I can imagine these products having great success at colleges in universities across the country. Here’s what the product line includes:

• Smooth It Out: de-wrinkle spray
• Roll It Off: lint roller
• Get It Out: stain removal pen
• Steam It Out: dryer sheet
• Fresh It Up: anti-odor spray

While we’re thankfully heading out of flu season, a stomach flu can strike at any time of the year. And if your taking care of a child, sometimes you can feel helpless in your attempt to make them feel more comfortable. That’s exactly how the founders of Organic B.R.A.T. felt when their little ones had the flu, a diagnosis to eat only Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast, and most importantly, avoid milk. Their website explains:

When I returned home from work that day both of our children were lethargic and unhappy. My husband, looking frazzled, explained that both of our children repeatedly expressed their need for milk throughout the day. The B.R.A.T. Diet’s order of no dairy escalated an already stressful situation since drinking a “milk – like” product is comforting to a child. He wondered why there weren't any non-dairy alternatives specifically made for sensitive tummies. This inspired us to create a product which not only provides “tummy” comfort for children, but also nutrition and re-hydration. We incorporated the tummy-settling principles of the B.R.A.T. Diet by using organic brown rice as the base along with banana puree and apple puree, and then added an electrolyte-balanced ratio of vitamins and minerals.

I noticed the company at Expo East this past fall (where it won the Most Innovative Product award, by the way), but I can’t say I took the plunge to try the product (I was pretty stuffed from all of the samples). However, assuming that you aren’t allergic to the few basic ingredients, this product appears to be very worthy of its award.

We’ve written quite a bit about the growing competition of private label products. So what’s the big deal? For so many years established national brands stood untouched across various markets until retailers realized the opportunity to undercut their prices with comparable products. At first they were perceived as the lower-cost, lower-quality option, but as consumers switched their loyalty, retailers invested more in their own brands. Besides the obvious ability to choose preferential retail space within the store, they also developed their packaging and marketing strategy. This was the shift from the copycat “private label” to an altogether new “private brand”. The recognized threat to national brands is evident in their subsequent rebranding efforts. Rather than picking up the identical Tide bottle that your grandmother purchased for years, you can pick up a different Pepsi can every month.

A great example of a successful private brand is Via Roma from NJ-based supermarket chain A&P. We featured the packaging design when it first created a lot of buzz back in July. The design for the product line is a far cry from the private labels I remember in the 1990’s (not to mention the stigma of mom sending you to school with your classroom party contribution of generic soda). In this article from Packaging World, A&P’s vice president, Doug Palmer discusses the growing market for private labels, and why it won’t be slowing down any time soon.

Articles we’ve recently written about private labeling:

• National and Private Label Brands Face Off
• The Battle Continues
• National Brands vs. Private Label Brands

We came across one of the latest additions to Yankee Candle’s product line: Yankee Candle-opoly. It’s an obvious play on Monopoly, but we’re not sure exactly what the game is all about. Is French Vanilla the Park Place of Yankee Candle-opoly? Has any one else seen or heard more about this new product? Yankee’s description is below:

The ultimate fun game for fragrance lovers! Share all the enjoyment of a traditional property trading game while experiencing some delightfully fragrant twists along the way! Traditional play or one hour version, 2-6 players. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

When listening to a friend, relative, or even complete stranger in a time of need, have you ever said, "I know how to you feel"? Often times we may not have had the exact same experience, but the shared empathy can be comforting. The same concept is carried over to the business world when we attempt to get into the minds of our customers. And now technology is providing ways to truly experience life from another person’s perspective. The Georgia Tech Research Institute has developed gloves to simulate the struggle of those suffering from arthritis. It is estimated that approximately 46 million people in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis; in 2003–2005, 50% of adults 65 years or older reported an arthritis diagnosis (CDC). This has huge implications for a company’s R&D, especially for products marketed to the aging population of baby boomers. Ease of use should be a significant factor for such products and their packaging. Rumor has it that Kraft has already caught on quickly to this concept, using the arthritis gloves to test their "EZ Grip Lid" for a new instant coffee jar. It’s evidence of a deeper understanding of their target market. How well do you know yours?

Flowers, chocolates, teddy bears… shopping for women on Valentine’s Day tends to be pretty traditional and laid out by retailers to rescue lost boyfriends and husbands. This isn’t really the case for gift-searching girlfriends. But if you happen to be in Italy for Valentine’s Day this year, you’re in luck. Heineken Italy has launched the first ever beer-flavored lip gloss. The witty ad captures the enthusiastic response men will have for lips that taste like their favorite beverage. For EUR 4.90, you can get this treat for you and your special Valentine!

It’s not often that you see single-serve ketchup packets redesigned; in fact, the often frustrating packaging has been around for 42 years! The new design allows consumers to utilize either the squeeze or dip feature, and it holds three times more product than its ancient predecessor! This means we won’t have to hide as many packets from our colleagues in our secret stash!

We’re not the only ones complaining about the packaging. After a packet explosion incident while on a road trip, 22-year-old Matt Kurtz started an anti-ketchup packet group on Facebook aptly named "Prop 57". For two years he has drawn in a few hundred members. Dave Ciesinski, vice-president of Heinz Ketchup concedes, "We created the packet in 1968. Consumer complaints started around 1969."

A recent press release from Heinz explains more about their redesign:

A true packaging breakthrough, the Heinz Dip & Squeeze dual-function package gives ketchup lovers two ways to enjoy Heinz Ketchup: either peel back the lid for easy dipping, or tear off the tip to squeeze onto favorite foods. The new package holds three times as much Heinz Ketchup as the traditional packet.1

Private labels have been giving national brands a run for their money, and recent trends have shown that beyond price-consciousness, consumers also increasingly associate private labels with quality. So are they going to drive out some of the beloved and established national brands? Brand Packaging puts the two head-to-head in the categories that drive their sales: packaging design, company history, packaging structure, and philanthropy.

Who came out on top? Take a look at the full article here!

Imagine you’re on a business trip. After an exhausting day of delayed layovers and long-winded meetings you head back to your hotel room. For hours you’ve been looking forward to the moment that you can just crash. You climb into bed to find that it has the comfort and warmth that you usually hate leaving in the morning. Ahhh…

Then you find out that the bed was warmed up by another human being dressed head-to-toe (and fingers) in a white onesie. Now you have to fall to one side of the fence on this new service option that is actually in place at Holiday Inn locations in England. You may be considerably care-free and comforted by the thought of climbing into that cozy bed. Or, like me, you’re already trying to forget about the fact that others have used that same bed and all of the horror stories you’ve seen on Dateline about hotel rooms, and the thought of some stranger dressed like a baby in your bed five minutes ago gives you the creeps. Feel free to weigh in on this one!

Dion is proud to be recognized for our abundance of insight across various industries. Label & Narrow Web recently looked to Dion for our professional outlook on labeling for household products:
 
As in other markets, the battle between discount brands and generics is ongoing, and a quality label is a difference maker. Stacy Santos, marketing manager for Dion Label Printing, Westfield, MA, USA, sees some developing trends resulting from the competitive nature of the market. "We are noticing that the more competitive the household products market gets, the more involved are its labels. Companies are using complex graphics or constructions, such as colorful multi-panels, for their labels," Santos says. She also notes that some household products companies are now packaging their products with shrink films, a segment Dion Label Printing has recently entered into.

For the entire article, click here.

When I say the word "lion" what comes to mind? Ferocious? Hunter? Animal? Scary? It is important that as designers, owners, or marketers of a product, we understand that our customers make these associations in their minds when they see our product packaging. It baffles me when companies spend so much time, energy and money on their product and then barely consider their product packaging. This is when I want to scream "WAKE UP! Your packaging is what sells your product!"
 
Think about your own personal experiences. What draws you to try a new product? Unless someone you know recommends the product to you, the packaging is what will drive you to purchase something new. Trust me, I'm a sucker for cool packaging. Not because it's my profession, but I always think the product in the metallic package or the one with an interesting caption will work better, taste better, and make me better. And you know what? Studies show this is the thought process for most consumers.
 
Here are 5 ways to make your item be the new product someone purchases this year.
 
1. Tell a story with your label. There is always a reason why your product exists or is unique compared to your competitors. Tell me why I, the consumer, should buy your product. Is your pasta sauce your grandmother's recipe handed down from generation to generation and you want to share it with me? If so, then I may think of my own grandmother and her home cooking and think "Forget about the Ragu, this pasta sauce is going to give me the warm feeling of grandma's homecooking." Does your product donate a profit to charity or have an eco-friendly element to it? If so, I'd be more apt to buy your product over a competitor's so I, too, may help fund a charity or help the environment. What if your product isn't so different from the competitors? You can still engage and get me to buy your product. A prime example of this is Vitamin Water. They tell funny, fictional stories on their infused drinks. This company is still fairly young in the soft drink market, yet their product contends with brands that have been around forever. 
 
2. Get your label in shape! Adding shape to your product packaging gives depth to your image. It draws the consumer in and makes them want to learn more. You can get your label in shape by using an irregular shaped product bottle and using a shrink sleeve label or using a regular shaped product container and using a custom-shaped die. Shrink sleeve labels are film sleeves that shrink to fit your product container. Nestle's Jamba Juice® uses this type of packaging. Custom -shaped labels are cut using unique dies.
 

3. Metallic labels. Using metallic in your label is a way to dress it up without needing to get too fancy with your entire packaging. Metallic can be incorporated into your design in a few different ways. Metallic film or paper coated stock will allow for your entire label background to be metallic. You can enhance or cover up the intensity of the metallic label by the type of ink you use in your artwork. For labels that only need a hint of metallic here and there in your artwork, you may use a regular material with metallic ink. This ink is laid down using plates that can be engraved into the pattern you'd like. For example, if you have a midnight sky in your design, your can use a plate engraved with stars to add gold stars to your design.
 
4. Invisible labels. By using a clear label on your glass or plastic bottle, you can utilize the product contents in your design as well as display your product. This technique gives the illusion of invisible labels. This concept works into your package design as well as provides the customer with pertinent product information. For customers that wish to get a silk screen effect without the high cost, clear labels are the way to go.

5. Add texture to your labels! 
Not all labels are smooth, glossy, and one-dimensional. Texture appeals not only to a customer's eyes, but also allows them to feel the difference when picking up your product compared to your competitor's. While embossing tools can raise parts of your design in the area(s) you choose, it can be a costly option as custom tools will need to be purchased. The most cost effective way to add texture to your entire label is by using a textured stock.
 
Click here to request samples of one or more of these design techniques! Please specify which technique(s) you are most interested in.

Typically speaking the only significance barcodes have for consumers is product identification and the chorus of beeping sounds at checkout counters. They’ve become a hardly-noticed, but occasionally mimicked symbol in society (you can even click here to turn yourself into a barcode, or here to learn how UPC's work). But with the introduction of programs such as scanning and bagging your own groceries as you shop, consumers may be more apt to look at barcodes . And one company in Japan is showing how to have a little bit of fun with packaging barcodes. We’ve seen the trend popping up on a few products in foreign markets, but has anyone found examples here in the U.S.?

It’s not surprising to see celebrities on all types of products, but these celebrity wines are actually unique. California-based Celebrity Cellars has paired wines from Miramonte Winery to reflect some of the world’s most recognized icons. Currently you can purchase Celine Dion, Rolling Stones, KISS, Madonna and Barbara Streisand-inspired wines that come from several of Miramonte’s vineyards. You can choose from a variety of red and white wines with either a paper label or a hand-etched collectable bottle, but be prepared to wait 3 weeks for the more expensive, hand-crafted bottles. At a cost of $59.50, Celebrity Cellars’ site also offers a wine club which, in addition to automatically shipping two bottles of wine every other month, gives members access to exclusive wines and discounts on any other Celebrity Cellars purchases. The bottles do have an expected markup for the label or the hand-decorated bottle, but make a great gift for wine-enthusiasts and fans alike.

 Label & Narrow Web recently looked to industry experts for their article on short run labels and interviewed Dion Label Printing. The ability to affordably print short run orders has led to more opportunities for product manufacturers. Here is a brief excerpt from the article:

Stacy Santos, marketing manager for Dion Label Printing, Westfield, MA, USA, says the company takes into account the length of the run when deciding which printing process it’s going to use. In Dion’s case, short run jobs, among others, get moved to one of the company’s HP Indigo presses. "We decide whether a job will go digital or flexo based on the amount of footage we are going to run, the complexity of a customer’s label graphics and the number of SKUs in a particular run. About a third of our business is digital. We made the investment in digital in April 2005, and because our digital business grew so quickly, we invested in another HP Indigo digital press. And our digital operations have steadily grown over the years.

"Digital printing is perfect for multiple SKUs, low volume orders, promotional labels and prototyping," Santos says. "It’s a great way to offer high quality printing, complex graphics, and vibrant colors to customers that do not have large volume quantities. Our customers do not have to sacrifice label quality while keeping their inventories low."

Read the full article here!

Happy Holidays from Dion Label Printing !

Holiday Hours:
Thursday, December 24th- closed
Friday, December 25th- closed
Friday, January 1st- closed

As we approach the holidays various companies have begun to sell their products in holiday packaging. Some look more traditional than others, but capitalize on either gifts or everyday items that make consumers’ homes and lives a bit more festive. The two designs we found from Kleenex are very different but appeal to a variety of decorating tastes. The teal oval design has found a place in our office!

In the food and beverage industry, we found special holiday packaging for Stonewall Kitchen’s popular products that eliminate the need to gift wrap and an ornament-shaped bottle design from Coca-Cola. Pangea Organics gives their holiday gift boxes a little something extra: the gift box can be planted to actually grow a tree! Here’s how it works:

"Just soak the box for a day, and plant it in the earth. If everyone plants their holiday gift box and bar soap box this year, collectively, we will have planted 122,000 trees which is equivalent to not driving 30 million miles in one year! Multiply that out by 75 years, the average lifespan of a Spruce, and that’s 2 billion, 250 millions that we’re collectively offsetting!"

Have you come across other stand-out holiday packaging?

As well-trained consumers, we’re all pretty conditioned to seeing nutritional information on everything we eat or drink. But if you happen to be drinking bottled water and notice that it does not have a nutrition label—don’t freak out—this may actually be a good thing! Did you know the U.S. government doesn’t require nutritional information if bottled water is 100% spring water and is pure, natural, untouched and untreated? Summit Spring Water recently introduced Raw water that falls into this all-natural category, which is bottled and then packaged in recycled brown bags lined with wax to protect the water’s taste and integrity. You may be a bit disconcerted to consider drinking untreated water, but Summit Spring Water explains what “living” water is all about:
 
"There are naturally occurring nutrients in ‘living’ spring water, such as microscopic algae, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium that are routinely being stripped out of bottled water through treatment, reverse osmosis and filtration. When water comes straight from the ground it has nourishing qualities that are not present in purified and treated water. The centuries old reputation of Summit Spring water as a ‘healing tonic’, in addition to extensive and continuous analysis allowed the regulatory agencies to give this unprecedented approval"- N. Bryan Pullen, President of Summit Spring Water. 

The Dieline is a great source for the latest in packaging releases and upcoming designers. The website recently posted their list of 50 favorite liquor packaging designs. With so many innovative packaging concepts it’s no wonder that browsing the liquor selection can be overwhelming. It can create a sensory overload with so many companies vying for consumer attention.  But companies in this industry are producing some wonderful designs. Some of my favorites from this selection come from Hennessey, 267, Patron, Glenrothes, Samurai, Milagro, and several appearances from Absolut. However, one of my picks from Absolut—Absolut Rock—is missing from the list. To check out the rest of the list, click here!

Okay, we may be a bit over the top, but Amourai Organique’s product line does exude the fairy tale fantasies that we women envision for our hair. We want the strength and growth of Rapunzel’s Oil Growth Hair Stimulator and all of the luxury we associate with royalty in Her Highness Conditioner and Duchess of Curls. Plus the modern woman wants her beauty products to be safe to use on herself and the environment. All of these elements went into founder Raiquel’s inspiration and motivation to create natural hair care products… that, and moisture. At home she developed the formulas that would provide effective moisture to her hair with an adamant philosophy of self-love.

Amourai Organique products are paraben- and sulfate-free and beneficial to all hair types. Products include shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, styling gel, hair lotion, hair moisturizer, and growth oil. All of these products follow the fable-inspired theme with witty names and majestic label designs.

Multi-use products have been on the rise as consumers look to get the most features possible in one purchase. This is a trend we wrote about back in May. Spongeables takes the multi-feature product to another level by making minor changes in shape and color to attract all members of the family. Ultimately the product is still marketed to moms. As the company’s website says, "Keeps the daily from becoming mundane! Children love it! Men Love it! and so will you!" Spongeables knows that moms are the buyers of this product and encourage her to pick up a low-frills, blue Spongeable for dad; a pink, duck-shaped one for little Suzie; a bone-shaped Haute Dog Spongeable for Buddy; as well as one for herself. Beyond the fact that this product cleans, exfoliates, moisturizes, and massages, it does so for multiple uses. The longevity of the product ranges from the Travel Spongeables which can be used 3+ times, to the 20+ use of the classic Spongeables.

Spongeables, LLC is a Los Angeles-based technology and innovation company providing leadership in new product concepts, delivery systems and categories within the global consumer products market. The company has invented a patent-pending technology and proprietary infusion manufacturing process combining time released cleansing products, efficacious skincare ingredients, and a sponge matrix in one convenient, long lasting product.

UPDATE: Last week we wrote a blog about Blue Q products. We recently came across these videos of the Blue Q sales team. They are sure to put a smile on your face! And we're pretty sure we'd buy anything from them!

As a huge fan of novelties, I can’t help but spotlight Blue Q products. With products such as “Cat Butts” air freshner, “Mullet” magnet sets, “Instant Irish Accent” breath spray, and “We Met on Facebook” gum, it’s hard to not find a great gift for someone with a sense of humor. And the products are not all simply a joke. Shopping bags made of recycled material, BPA-free stainless steel water bottles, and dish towels meant to replace the use of paper towels show the company’s commitment to sustainability. It’s easy to meander the company website for hours checking out products. Take a look at the highly amusing “about us” page where you can see the company’s personality shine even more. Hopefully this recommendation will bring you a happy day!

The first annual Dieline Awards have just been announced. Thedieline.com is a constant source of new and innovative design, and it only seems fit that they announce an international design competition in partnership with the FUSE Conference 2010. A total of 30 winners from 10 different categories will be chosen, along with a best of show winner. A panel of industry experts will judge submissions from the following categories: Food, Non-Alcoholic Beverage, Wine & Spirits, Bath, Beauty & Health, Home Care & Pets, Books, Office & Art Supplies, Electronics, Technology, Movies, CDs, and All Other Categories. Winners will be features on The Dieline and at the FUSE Conference, and the top 11 winners will receive a prize package reportedly worth over $4500. For more information on The Dieline Awards, click here!

Silver Hills Bakery shows off a pretty drastic brand redesign that allows their whole-grain breads to really stand out. This may be the best thing since sliced bread in its former conventional packaging. The Vancouver, BC-based company brought the project to Karacter Design Group who found that the "Squirrelly" bread had the greatest brand recognition and recall than any other for the company. All of the breads have since been creatively renamed, and the quirky illustrations that incorporate the product window are the work of Robert Hanson. The bags are very colorful and also biodegradable.

Seeking differentiation in an over-crowded bread section, this redesigned packaging picks up on the company’s simple, authentic values, and partners with a whimsical feel to leave the consumer smiling. A range of bold colours covering most of the package draws focus to the custom illustrations and the feature bread windows. This unique packaging jumps off the shelf and into the consumer’s shopping cart.

Live Young Forever Health and Wellness (LYF) has recently introduced its citrus flavored, vitamin-enriched water in an aluminum bottle. The Edmonton, Canada-based company chose the 16-oz Alumi-Tek aluminum bottles from Ball Corp for their packaging. Gwen Miles, CEO of LYF states, "This bottle provides a perfect vessel for this product because it has a very distinct and premium image that is consistent with the benefits the beverage offers. Plus it is reclosable, tamper-resistant, chills quickly, and is 100-percent recyclable." Traditionally used for beverages such as energy drinks, coffee, and nutraceutical beverages, this is an interesting packaging solution to the controversial plastic water bottle.

According to LYF, the beverage is a blend of vitamins and the EGCG antioxidant, which stimulates thermogenesis, a process critical to weight loss and fat burning. The beverage is 100% natural, using fruits and vegetable juice for color.

The 2009 Pentawards were recently announced and crowned the Kleenex "Slice of Summer" as Best in Show giving Kimberly-Clark the Diamond Pentaward.

Pentawards is the first and only worldwide competition exclusively devoted to packaging design in all its forms. It is open to everybody in all countries who are associated with the creation and marketing of packaging. The winners will receive bronze, silver, gold, platinum or diamond Pentawards according to the creative quality of their work.

The Platinum Pentaward winners receiving nods as the best packaging for the five major categories are:

• Beverages: Turner Duckworth, London & San Francisco, for Coca Cola Summer 2009.
• Food: Nosigner, Tokyo, for Kanpyo Udon
• Body: Wolff Olins, New York, for Living Proof, No Frizz
• Other Markets: Mouse Graphics, Athens, for Petrocoll, Spatula Putty
• Luxury: Dragon Rouge, Paris, for L’Or de Martell.

For a look at all of the winners, click here! The next competition will open on April 5, 2010.

The first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) took place in October, 1985, making this month the 25th year for the program. With other organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society on the Board of Sponsors, attention continues to grow for breast cancer awareness. Due in part to the collective efforts behind NBCAM, there has been a 2% annual decrease in breast cancer death rates since 1990. The increased survival rate is inspirational, but the fight continues.

About 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2009. In 1975 the incidence of breast cancer was 107 per 100,000 for white women and 94 per 100,000 for black women. Thirty years later in 2005, the number of new cases per year had risen to 126 per 100,000 for white women and 114 per 100,000 for black women.

As you go about your normal shopping habits this month, notice the various promotions to support breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure alone has over 150 corporate partners that make generous donations (proudly, some are customers of ours), which include percentage donations based on sales. For example, every pink Yoplait lid mailed back to the company contributes 10 cents to Susan G. Komen. Or if you’re in the market for a new car, Ford will donate $20 for each Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle test driven at a Ford dealership – up to $1 million until December 31st. For a full list of corporate sponsors and how your purchase can help, click here.

As huge "So You Think You Can Dance" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" fans, we also wanted to share this video in celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Newsweek has recently announced their "exclusive environmental ranking of America's 500 largest corporations." After working for over a year, the magazine has developed a ranking system based on actual environmental performance, policies and reputation. Hewlett-Packard was at the top of not only their industry (beating out Dell, Intel, and IBM), but also at the top of the Top 500. They are recognized for their "strong programs to reduce GHG emissions," as "the first major IT company to report GHG emissions associated with its supply chain," and for their efforts "to remove toxic substances from its products."

The Green Score for each company is based on three components: the Environmental Impact Score, the Green Policies Score, and the Reputation Score.

HP’s Green Score: 100 (out of a possible 100; companies at the top scored in the 80’s or 90’s); Ranked 1st in their industry and 1st in the Top 500

The Environmental Impact Score takes into account over 700 variables to compile the total cost of the environmental impact the company has for its global operations.

HP’s EIS Score: 64.80 (out of a possible 100; the average EIS was 50.12); Ranked 35th in their industry and 175th in the Top 500.  

The Green Policies Score is an assessment of the company’s environmental policies and performance. "Its scoring model captures best-in-class policies, programs and initiatives, as well as regulatory infractions, lawsuits and community impacts, among other indicators."

HP’s Green Policies Score: 97.90 (out of a possible 100; the average was 39.91); Ranked 2nd in their industry and 3rd in the Top 500.

The Reputation Score is "based on an opinion survey of corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals, academics and other environmental experts who subscribe to CorporateRegister.com. CEOs or high-ranking officials in all companies on the Newsweek 500 list were also invited to participate."

HP’s Reputation Score: 88.44 (out of a possible 100; the average was 34.44); Ranked 1st in their industry and 5th in the Top 500.

Dion Label Printing shares this eco-conscious mindset, and our digital press comes from HP. One of the environmental benefits of digital printing is a significant reduction of color setup waste. For more on the advantages of digital printing, click here!

To check out Newsweek’s Green Rankings 2009, click here!

Here’s great news for lactose-intolerant individuals (of age) out there: a cream-flavored liqueur that is completely lactose and dairy-free. Triibe is the first of its kind in that it is a clear cream liqueur made of organic ingredients including charcoal filtered Irish malt whiskey blended with honey and royal jelly. With flavorful hints of vanilla, caramel and chocolate, this liqueur is currently available in the UK, but can be purchased online and shipped internationally. The bottle design is classic and simplistic, but the opaque bottle blocks the liquid’s clear quality. The product itself is highly unique, but it would be great to see some packaging differences in the future. What are your thoughts?

For Triibe’s official website including cocktail recipes, click here.

Here are a few images of the redesign for Kraft cheese products. There are some mixed reviews thus far; however the design is streamlined across product lines, giving the brand a more cohesive appearance. The transparent area to view the product is smaller (as is the company logo), but the text now shows that this is a natural product. The design team, Spring Design Partners, explains more about their concept:

Our Design Insight Research™ uncovered an opportunity to change consumer perceptions through the positive, nostalgic memories and "real" experiences consumers associate with the Kraft brand. By leveraging classic Kraft equities and showcasing fresh off the block natural cheese that is cared for by people, not machines, we rejuvenated a timeless brand.

Designed in Sweden, this is the patented beverage container from Cyprus-based Cubis. The product was "designed to increase shelf value, reduce transportation costs and minimize environmental impact, but also to serve as a powerful marketing platform for the introduction of new brands and products." There is a flip top cap in the corner, and the containers are stackable. The design is said to be more eco-friendly than conventional plastic beverage containers because of its ease of transport, and its composition of recycled material.

Though the company claims that this container is also more user-friendly, it appears that it would actually require more effort to handle the odd shape. It is unique and intriguing, and consumer response should be interesting. What do you think?

Were you starting to think the days of giving a mixed tape were over? Well they are, but here is a far more creative and attractive way of giving a burned CD! Burney Cards include a recordable CD and foldable card/packaging designed by artists on the rise. Although the company is based outside of the US, the cards can be shipped internationally. Even with all of the digital music sharing, teenagers today still give the gift of music to their high school sweethearts. The cards are themed for more occasions than just love including congratulations, thanks, get well, everyday and apology.

Created by Dutch firm Schmeitz+Freitag, the Burney CD Card provides content-sharing consumers with a giftable alternative to download links and plastic jewel cases. The current line includes 24 styles of cards designed by up-and-coming artists. With designs for a variety of occasions, the cards let users record music, pictures or video onto the matching CD and send it along in the included slot, with a personalized message written on the card itself. The 15-by-15-cm cards are priced at EUR 5.95 each, with an introductory offer that provides one free card for every 10 purchased. Burney Cards were named finalists in this year's Creative Amsterdam Award.

About a week ago we wrote about cause marketing. Brand Packaging Magazine has also focused on this topic as its cover story in their August publication. The article elaborates on the topic and gives great examples of companies utilizing cause marketing, as well as tips on how to engage consumers in their efforts. One such example is Tide’s Loads of Hope. Often times individuals and families are not able to make financial donations to causes they support, but it is undeniable that they need products such as laundry detergent. Charitable donations through purchasing products are the perfect solution. For every bottle of Tide sold, ten cents is donated to the program which helps victims of natural disasters get clean clothes. So far the program has washed 30,000 loads of laundry via their mobile laundromats. While the company has done a great job with their TV advertising campaign, what really makes this product stand out on the shelves is the label. Consumers can easily identify that their purchase supports a good cause. For more examples of successful cause marketing, read the full article here!

Cause marketing programs are taking on new significance in this economy, as brand owners strive to broadcast their corporate principles, create closer relationships with consumers and offer the idea of greater brand value.

826 National began as a one-on-one tutoring center in San Francisco. The location rented was zoned as a retail store, so the company began to produce the unique products that had only been in the idea-phase ranging from pegleg oil to Captain Blackbeard beard extensions. Since then, other major cities have opened 826 National locations, complete with their own themed store-front. The money raised from product sales supports the free tutoring services for students who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Take a look at many of the products from the San Francisco location!

To raise funds, inspire creativity, and advertise our programs to the local community, most of our centers include a street-front retail store filled with unusual products, entertaining signage, and, of course, our books for sale. San Francisco’s pirate supply store sells glass eyes and one-of-a-kind peglegs, 826NYC’s Superhero Supply Company offers custom-fit capes, Seattle’s Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company sells all your space commuting appurtenances, 826michigan's Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair Shop specializes in must-have mechanical conveniences, while 826LA features a time travel store, there's a secret agent supply store in Chicago, and the Cryptozoology shop in Boston is now open!

A couple months ago, we blogged about the booming market for natural and organic baby care products. While this is a huge opportunity for health and beauty product manufacturers, it is equally important to keep in mind the moms doing the purchasing. This mom market breaks down into three categories: mom-to-be, mom-and-baby, and new moms. The products that these women are looking for vary and need to be marketed as such.
 
During pregnancy, women are looking for products to deal with the new cosmetic and skin difficulties on top of the ones that they may have had already. Stretch marks are obviously a factor needing attention, and Palmer’s “Tummy Butter” addresses this mom-to-be need. However, the product is barely set apart from its other cocoa butter lotions in location or appearance. Johnson & Johnson—a highly recognized baby care brand—has launched a “Best for baby, best for you” campaign to associate their trusted baby products with uses for mom as well. The suggest using their baby lotion as a makeup remover. Natural and organic products are also great “mommy and me” products as moms tend to be even more concerned about what products touch their babies’ gentle skin. Method’s “Squeaky Green Hair & Body Wash” has taken the natural baby product market by storm with its lid that doubles as a wash cup.
 
Last but not least are the post-pregnancy products. The most popular products address the problem of cracked and sore nipples. Products in this category include Essential Care’s Organic Nipple Balm and Dr. Lipp’s nipple balm. Products that are successful in the market address the concerns of being a mom, but don’t forget about keying into a woman’s needs. With today’s hip and stylish moms, stereotypical mom-marketing can get thrown out the window. If extending a well-known brand to include mom- and baby-friendly product, it should be relatable to original product line, while differentiating it enough to appeal to mom.

For the full article from Beauty Packaging, click here!

For those of you in the design field, or if you’re just generally intrigued by stylish packaging, take a look at these unique packaging concepts. The blog is run by a Brazilian-based team enthusiastic about design and the internet. Get inspired!

Nintendo will launch the Wii gaming consul in black in Japan next month. This gaming consul that became the “must have” during last holiday season now has a sleek, mature look with the black finish and coordinating packaging. Black was considered as the color for the consul in its initial development, as well as red, silver, and lime green, but the signature white was the only color chosen to be offered to customers. I prefer this more sophisticated look, but will it attract new gamers? Nintendo is testing this new color in Japan’s market first as it is not yet known if the black Wii will be coming to the U.S.

One growing trend that has proven successful in the health and beauty market is sampling. For new products, sampling gives the consumer the opportunity to try a product without breaking the bank, and it gives the company the chance to prove a product’s worthiness of a repeat buy.

Sample sizes allow for a variety of distribution techniques, from in-store to direct mail, and the advancements in packaging provide potential consumers with multiple uses of a sample. For example, the "Tear n’ Tuck" package from Unette can be resealed after its initial use, a great choice for liquid or cream-based beauty products. Samples can also be packaged in containers that are miniatures of the retail-size version, creating brand recognition when the time comes for that repeat buy. Another great feature of sampling is its ease of transportation. The inability to carry full-size liquids on flights and the fear of a beauty product container spilling during transit is solved by utilizing sample sizes of your favorite products (rather than settling for just any travel-sized version that can be found).

Beyond the many benefits to consumers that sampling creates, the sales numbers are really in favor of the companies utilizing this marketing strategy. A recent study by Arcade Marketing showed that for companies that sampled, "the entire brand jumped, not just the sampled product."

For the full article on beauty sampling, click here.

This appears to be the best solution to the excessive amount of lip glosses and lipsticks hanging around in my makeup collection! Avon has recently introduced SpectraColor Lipstick—an all-in-one multi-color lipstick. By simply turning the dial, you can switch to whichever color you desire. The colors to choose from vary widely (from "the caramels" to "the berries’) with shades in between the lightest and darkest tones.

According to Avon, the seven-shade range allows the consumer to create just the right look for any mood—just twist the dial and slide on the shine. Formulated with vitamins A, C and E, this lightweight, high-shine formula delivers beautiful color that lasts for hours, it adds.

And in case you were not aware, Avon products can be purchased online through an eRepresentative. So if you do not currently have an Avon representative, you don’t have to wait to find one or for an Avon party. To shop for this product, click here!

Funny guy, Will Ferrell, is taking sexy to another level with his introduction of three SPF 30 lotions- in Sun Stroke, Sexy Hot Tan, and Forbidden Fruit. Each label has a picture of Ferrell in various, almost naked poses. 100% of the proceeds from Will Ferrell Sunscreen will benefit the charity Cancer for College, a charity that awards scholarships to current and former cancer patients who are currently attending either a four year accredited university, junior college and/or graduate school.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. Approximately 65%–90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.

To learn more about the dangers of skin cancer, click here. To purchase Will Ferrell sunscreen and support Cancer for College, click here.

Does your product need a warning label? Do you need help designing your warning label? Then check out the Warning Label Generator! This website allows you to design a warning label in three easy steps. You simply choose the color of your warning label title, its image and then type the text you want to appear on your label!

Pitchmen is a new show on the Discovery Channel that follows infomercial talent Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan as they search for useful products that can be sold through direct response marketing. Inventors pitch their ideas to Billy and Sully. If the duo feel the invention has a large market and serves as a solution to a common problem, the products are then field tested to gather people's opinions. If the the field test is a success, the two hosts move on to shoot an infomercial. It's exciting to see the new products that may come to market as well as all the time, money and effort these inventors invest in their inventions.

We see it happening every day: the attention span for reading seems to be getting shorter and shorter. With print media rapidly declining and people complaining that “no one reads anymore!” it may seem easy to assume that everything should just be in the form of digital images.
 
It is not that people don’t read, it is that they are overloaded with information from so many sources that they need a teaser to make them interested in learning more about what you have to offer. So, in order to reach out to your audience you should use a short (and quick to read) message. The latest Twitter craze shows that people want constantly updated information that is short and to-the-point.
 
B to B Magazine recently took a look at campaigns utilizing brevity for effective ads. One such example comes from Vancouver Convention Centre. The image shows a familiar make-shift conference room with a water cooler and clock on the wall. The ad reads, “The most interesting thing in a meeting room shouldn’t be the clock”. This ad calls out to anyone that has ever gone to a dull meeting or conference, only encouraging you to check the website for what they have to offer.

Remember, in today’s world when it comes to advertising text, less is more. To check out more examples, read the full article here.

With stringent budgets, it’s more important than ever to produce effective marketing collateral. When considering the ways you reach out to your customers, you may find that digital printing can increase your marketing return on investment:

• Digital printing reduces the setup costs and does not use plates. Fewer steps means a shorter setup time and turnaround time.

• By printing shorter runs, it is far less likely that you will waste your marketing materials (whether they are outdated or a product is pulled). Not only does this save you money, it reduces waste.

• Digital print proofs are printed on the exact material and machine used to print your labels. This allows you to see exactly what your label will look like when printed.  

• Customizing your marketing materials has shown far higher response rates. Whether it is personalized to an individual or changed slightly for varying markets, "research by PIA/GATF found that adding color and personalization to a direct mail piece increases responses by 134%." Digital printing allows for variable data printing (VDP). This allows you to change text or the graphics on each piece without slowing the press. There are also various levels of VDP allowing more complicated VDP.

• Digital printing also allows for printing PURLs (personalized URLs) that are unique to the prospect. If your marketing campaign is utilizing this growing strategy through direct mail, look to digital printing. PURLs are known to increase response rates and therefore give more return on your marketing investment.

• If you are employing these personalization techniques, a good calculation of your ROI should be in terms of response rate. By dividing the cost of producing and mailing a piece by the number of responses, you will find the cost per response decreases as your responses increase through personalization.

 

The 2009 American Graphic Design Awards are right around the corner! This competition is presented by Graphic Design USA and sponsored by NewPage.

From Graphic Design USA: The American Graphic Design Awards is our four decade old flagship competition, and is open to everyone in the graphic arts community — graphic design firms, advertising agencies, inhouse corporate and institutional designers, publishers and other media. It honors outstanding new work of all kinds in 23 categories from print and packaging to internet and interactive design. Winners receive an embossed Certificate of Excellence, and are eligible for publication in our 350-page Design Annual and on our 100,000 visitor-a-month website.

Click here to download the entry form.

The type of font you use for your label should reflect the type of graphics you use on it. For instance, if you are selling a floral body lotion and want to portray the smooth, luxurious feeling you get from using your product, you wouldn't use a goofy looking font like Zooey. You might instead choose a font that screams luxury, like Romi. Everyday, designers are looking for graphics and fonts to portray the type of product they are selling. They may come across a font by browsing the internet or reading a magazine that they'd like to use, but can't because they don't know the font's name.

Well, they don't have to be clueless anymore, thanks to application "What the Font?!" from MyFonts. All you have to do is upload an image of the font you are looking for and What the Font will tell you its name! If you haven't found a font yet to help you with your design, go to www.myfonts.com and put in a descriptive word or phrase of what you're looking for, and MyFonts will give you a list of potential fonts to use.

About MyFonts:

MyFonts is your complete on-line source for finding, trying, and buying fonts. Established in January 1999 as a division of Bitstream Inc. (NASDAQ: BITS), MyFonts is a showcase of the world’s fonts available from one easy-to-use Web site. MyFonts provides the largest collection of fonts ever assembled for on-line delivery, and offers easy ways to find and purchase fonts on-line.MyFonts lets you search for fonts using any keyword you want. Use a descriptive term such as invitations, a font name such as Baskerville, or a foundry or designer’s name — and MyFonts returns the fonts that most closely match what you are searching for.

WhatTheFont™, one of MyFonts’s most popular features, lets you upload scanned images of fonts to the Web site, where WhatTheFont displays the closest match to your font sample.With tens of thousands of fonts on one easy-to-use Web site and the best search tools in the business, MyFonts is sure to help you find the perfect font.

I'm constantly searching for eco-friendly packaging to learn what marketers and designers are doing to make their products and packaging better for the environment. In my search, I came across the article "Sustainable is Attainable" in Beauty Packaging Magazine. In this article written by Tom Branna, marketers of household and personal care products explain how their innovative ideas are making the world a better place now and for generations to come. Click here to read this article!

Digital printing is one process that can play a vital role in brand protection and track-and-trace applications, according to a recent article in Package Printing Magazine. This article explains the many ways digital printing can help brands avoid counterfeiting and manage products on an individual basis rather than just by lots or batches. The use of variable printing on product labels allows individual items to be tracked from the plant to the distribution center to the store. If a product was possibly tampered with, a manufacturer can inform specific stores directly about the recalled product. This article goes on to discuss in great detail the various technologies associated with digital printing. Brand managers should understand what technologies are available and determine which should be used based on their specific product management needs. Click here to read the full article.

PepsiCo announced last week that they would be introducing their "Eco-Fina" bottle. The nation’s best selling bottled water, Aquafina, will now be packaged in the lightest half liter bottle of any nationally distributed water on the market. The "Eco-Fina" bottle features 50 percent less plastic (weighing in at 10.9 grams); that’s an estimated 75 million pounds of plastic annually that will be eliminated. Aquafina will also be eliminating the cardboard base pads in their 24 pack containers in an attempt to save 20 million pounds of corrugate by 2010. "Eco-Fina" 24 packs should be showing up in grocery stores nationally this month. PepsiCo has been committed to becoming more eco-friendly and this is just another way they have been helping to green the earth. Check out our blog entry about PepsiCo we did back in February about their attempt to help improve the environment.

Everyone is talking about Twitter, but what exactly is it? Twitter is a social networking website that allows users to read "tweets." These tweets are text like updates, if you’re an avid Facebook user it would be like your status update. Tweets are sent to everyone who has signed up to receive your tweets, or to a specific circle of friends.

Twitter was founded back in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams but has been gaining popularity quickly over the last 2 months. With news pieces done on shows like The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, NBC Nightly News, and even showing up in comic strip Doonesbury it is no wonder why this site is rapidly gaining new members.

Twitter isn’t just used to know what your friends are up to, businesses have started using Twitter to help with marketing research. "In the past, companies would hire a market research firm to understand their audience," says Mike Hudack, CEO of Blip.tv, a New York-based video website.

"Now we use Twitter to get the fastest, most honest research any company ever heard — the good, bad and ugly — and it doesn't cost a cent," he says.

Want to become a twitterer? Sign up today at www.twitter.com

Finally a transparent toothpaste tube! Colgate-Palmolive Co.'s Max Fresh® fluoride toothpaste is now packaged in a clear tube making it easy for consumers to know when to repurchase. As an extension of their Max Fresh brand, this new ultraviolet light barrier film tube is believed to be the first tube of its kind. Gone are the days of rolling up the bottom of the toothpaste tube, with this new clear tube you will be able to see every last drop!

"The introduction of the Colgate Max Fresh with Mouthwash Beads satisfies consumers' growing desire for fresh breath," said Tammy Park, brand manager, Colgate-Palmolive. "This innovative product, which features sleek clear tube packaging, is the first toothpaste in the U.S. to feature mouthwash beads--helping consumers to easily add an extra rush of freshness to their daily brushing routine."

Hasbro and Mattel has given Scrabble a facelift! America’s favorite word game needed a fresh younger appearance and that’s just what it got! As stated in the press release, "Phillips latched onto a younger, hipper audience’s need for instant gratification by re-positioning Scrabble as word game that delivers a steady stream of challenging turns and winning moments. With the tag line "Every word’s a winner" and colorful graphics that fly off the box top, the new design hopes to communicates the thrill of winning on every play."

The new Scrabble box is more lively. With its new bold vibrant colors and sharp appearance it is sure to catch the eye of shoppers, bringing Scrabble to a whole new generation. 

Do you hide your cleaning products under the bathroom or kitchen sink? Clorox disinfecting wipes has introduced a new packaging design that is sleek and modern. With their new canister designs you can display it anywhere in your home. “When we put the task to the design team, we started by asking why can't cleaning be easy -- and easy on the eye?" said Lisa Partnoy, marketing manager, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. "The new Décor line reinvents disinfecting, enabling you to say goodbye to messes with style."
 

Not only did Clorox disinfecting wipes change the look of their canister but they also created a single sheet dispense system that makes cleaning a breeze! So now you clean quickly and in style. Think you have a better design that Clorox would be interested in? Submit your original design here before March 15, 2009! Winner receives a $1,000 shopping spree from Macy’s and an opportunity to shadow their creative team!

Pantone© Inc, headquartered in Carlstadt, NJ, is best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS). PMS colors are used in several industries such as printing, paint manufacturing, fabric and plastics. In its early years, Pantone manufactured color cards for cosmetic companies. However in 1962, Lawrence Herbert changed the company direction and developed the its first color matching system.

Today, the company's primary product are its Pantone Guides, which consist of color swatches in a flipbook form. These PMS colors allow designers to 'color match' specific colors when a design enters production stage—regardless of the equipment used to produce the color. This system has been widely adopted by graphic designers, reproduction and printing houses for a number of years now. Pantone recommends that PMS Color Guides be purchased annually as their inks become more yellow over time. Color variance also occurs within editions based on the paper stock used (coated, matte or uncoated), while inter-edition color variance occurs when there are changes to the specific paper stock used.

Our internet searches for PMS colors gave us many results and descriptions of what these colors are and how they can be used. But one particular Pantone product caught our eyes... Pantone coffee mugs! Whether you are feeling a little 286 blue today or maybe you are a chirpy 388 yellow, Pantone has a mug for you! For more information on PMS colors, visit Pantone© 

Every time I hear the terms raster or vector images, I always have to Google the difference between the two. If I was a graphic designer, then these terms would be second nature to me. So this got me thinking... do our customers really understand the difference between the two? Wouldn't it be great if I researched this topic and provided an area our customers could go to for reference? Well, here it is! After much research to discover a simple way of explaining the two (several of my searches yielded results that made me feel like I needed a special decoder to figure out the difference) I came across the website for Logo Design Works. Here is a summary of their raster versus vector explanation...

Vector Graphics typically are generated using drawing or illustration programs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) and are composed of mathematically-defined geometric shapes—lines, objects and fills. Since vectors entail both magnitude and direction, vector elements thus are comprised of line segments whose length represents magnitude and whose orientation in space represents direction.

Vector graphics usually are easily modified within the creating application and generally are not affected detrimentally by scaling (enlarging or reducing their size). Because vector elements are mathematically-defined, scaling simply requires modification of their mathematical locations. However, vector files do not support photographic imagery well and often can be problematic for cross-platform exchange. Vector graphics typically are saved as EPS format.

Raster Images are produced by digital image capture devices: digital scanners or digital cameras, or by pixel editing programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). Raster images are composed of a matrix (grid) or bitmap of digital picture elements (pixels). Pixels are squares or rectangles described as black, white, gray or color. Raster images typically are saved as TIFF format, but can be saved as EPS as well.

Whereas conversion from vector to raster is easily accomplished, raster conversion to vector is much more difficult (and often is not possible). Raster images typically are easily shared across various platforms, but can be more difficult than vector graphics to modify. As well, raster graphics are impacted by scaling.

Original entry written by Mallesh Bonigala, an entrepreneur since 1999, specializes in logo design, graphic design, branding, website design and content management applications.

Not only is PepsiCo making a splash with their new packaging but earlier this week PepsiCo and Carbon Trust announced they would be partnering up to certify the carbon footprint of all PepsiCo products. The Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice is the first North American consumer product to receive the Carbon Trust Certification. The Tropicana brand has been on route to this journey over the last several years, they have already reduced the use of secondary packaging by over four percent, they recycle all peels and seeds to make cattle feed, and in 2008 even reduced its plastic usage by 20 percent.

Indra K. Nooyi, chairman and chief executive of PepsiCo, said, "PepsiCo's partnership with the Carbon Trust is a significant step in our environmental sustainability journey. As part of our company-wide Performance with Purpose initiative, we are committed to reducing our overall environmental impact. Understanding what contributes to the carbon footprint of our products is critical to achieving both our sustainability commitments and to driving efficiency gains across our global business."

The Carbon Trust is independent organization established by the UK government to tackle climate change. The Carbon Trust is attempting to turn the nation into a low carbon economy by working with organizations to abide by strict standards to reduce carbon emissions and produce low carbon technologies. The partnership with PepsiCo is one of a kind for North America, and hopefully will gain popularity with the rise of eco-friendly living.

To read more about PepsiCo’s efforts and their relationship with the Carbon Trust find the entire article here.

Bonny Doon Vineyard, the California based vineyard, is making a splash in the wine industry. With their unconventional labels and high quality taste this wine has made a name for itself in the industry, with the help of its eccentric owner, Randall Grahm. When Bonny Doon Vineyard did away with cork tops Grahm actually held a funeral for the cork. Bonny Doon Vineyard uses screw caps for their wines since they are not vulnerable to contamination. It is not the screw caps that make this wine stand out however; it is the unique design of each label that gives this company their mass appeal.

Bonny Doon Vineyard has a handful of designers that use their creative talent to make these labels interesting and distinguishable. Not only is the front label making a splash so is the back label! Bonny Doon is the first wine producer to list their ingredients on the labels. In 2004 Bonny Doon Vineyard switched to organic and biodynamic farming methods to promote green-friendly wine practices. With these new methods in place Randall Grahm felt putting the ingredients on the back labels would help promote biodynamic farming methods as well as warning people about the additives to wine.

Would you like Dion Label Printing, Inc to help you create unique wine labels?

Contact Us!

Color has always been the number one visual for packaging, but could shape be taking over? Package design has always focused on color first, followed by shape, graphics, and text. Custom shapes have been a part of packaging for a long time, with the Coca-Cola bottle being the most recognizable shape. The spirits industry has been taken a step forward with its shapely bottles and unique designs, and now the non-alcoholic beverage industry has begun to follow their lead.

Pepsi non-carbonated brands now feature an inventive shape with wavelike lines to simulate a slow moving stream. Lipton Iced Tea, Tropicana juice drinks, Aquafina FlavorSplash, and Aquafina Alive share the new lightweight PET bottle design. The large production volume of these products requires one bottle design for all three brands. A shared bottle design is possible because these brands share similar attributes: "refreshing," "natural," and "energy."

Shape is playing a large role in other industries as well. Cascade Complete automatic dishwasher detergent is a great example of promoting shape to communicate the brand's cleaning power. With its new eye-catching vortex design conveying the confidence of cleaning the dishes on the first attempt, it is noticeable that shape is a main player.

Structural design plays a key role in the overall package design and can help a brand become recognizable. Stuart Leslie from 4sight's stated, "You can communicate so much about a brand with structural design. This is a language of credibility to consumer. Bright color will draw the eye from a distance, but shape and form tell the story of the brand."

Click here to read the full article by Jim George.

The home fragrance industry has been booming lately with the introduction of reed diffusers and multifunctional room sprays. The fragrance market had a 6.2% sales gain for 2007, with the total retail sales of $5 billion. Research shows the home fragrance market will continue this rising trend over the next five years, with innovation and use of natural and eco-friendly products playing a key role.

The introduction of Febreeze products, Oust, and the Airwick Freshmatic Mini played a huge role in the result of historical growth of 18% in the air-sanitizing and odor control products category. Claiming to eliminate room odors rather then masking them has helped boost sales in this category. Scent diffusers also gained huge popularity over the past year posting a 10% gain. The safety and long-lasting fragrances have attracted customers to the reed diffusers as well as the room sprays.

Due to the lack of innovation and creativity in the candle industry this year they only had a minimal 2.4% gain in sales this year. This gain in the industry could have been helped by the introduction of the Febreeze and Oust candle versions. Due to their high volume sales within the room spray category they turned their fresh scents into candles. Relaxing and clean scents have been the key to success this year within the market. Considering the consumer budgets, with less to spend on vacations customers have taken a liking to beach-like smells. Remember potpourri? It is still spiraling downwards with a net loss of -1.8%. As the home fragrance market expands keep an eye out for new and exciting products. Check out the full article here.

In our current economic state, convenience is a huge driving factor for consumers. Not only has this impacted the customer but packagers have to reconsider packaging designs and materials, as well as their transportation and distribution processes. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscience and are demanding eco-friendly products and packaging. They are turning more and more to packaged food and beverages that are allowing them convenient, healthy alternatives to going out to eat.

Sargento Potato and Salad Finishers are a perfect example of restaurant style quality at home in an affordable package. These two lines are available in stand up pouches that are functional and have sustainable benefits, all while meeting the consumer’s requests. Another example of this would be Diageo’s Value Added Packaging gift packs that were across shelves this recent holiday season. These gift packs featured 100% recyclable materials and were paired with popular brands such as Jose Cuervo, Crown Royal, VO, and Captain Morgan. The new design of the gift packs featured recycled PET rather then the old polyvinyl chloride film. The change in the packaging materials is in direct response to consumer’s desire for sustainable products.

Baby Boomers make up a third of the U.S. population and spend $2 trillion each year, and they are spending their money on products that meet their desires. Consumer convenience is an essential need for the consumer’s hectic lifestyle and packagers have begun catering to their needs.

Click here to read the entire article. Looking for sustainable labels? Dion Label Printing can help you!

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Lars Wallentin is a successful independent packaging consultant that lives by the phrase "If you are not seen, you cannot be bought." Most of his career has been focused on the food packaging industry but he believes that his 10 ways to improve package design are universal.

Here are his 10 tips to understanding and improving package design:

Understand the Consumer. Ask yourself, what would I want? You are a consumer too; just use your intelligence and common sense.

Understand the Meaning of Simplicity. Less is more; do not overcrowd your design.

Understand Positioning. The packaging of your product must reinforce your brand.

Understand Hierarchy. Whoever is responsible for the total design package needs to make a hierarchy list for those who develop the package design to follow.

Understand Legislation. Laws of legislation can be interpreted different ways; use your common sense when having issues.

Understand Material. Material helps express the creativity of a product and what is in it. For instance, clear packaging has seen a craze lately since consumers want to visibly see what they are purchasing.

Understand Layout. Packaging can have any layout; whatever works best for visual impact is what you want to use to express your product.

Understand Ecology. Designing products to be eco-friendly and recyclable is a good way to educate consumers and make this world a better place.

Understand Economy. To make your design a success you should understand the market. You want to make your package, display, advertising, etc. stand out above the rest.

Understand Total Packaging. Total Packaging is a matter of packaging, display, and shipping. Visuals such as font, color, logo, and graphics are all key aspects of total packaging.

Click here to read the full article.

We enjoy updating our blog as often as possible. At Dion, we are always trying to inform you of new techniques and products out in the marketplace. We look for websites that inspire unique designs or help you in your creative processes and we offer tips to make your label ordering process easier. The more we can help you, the happier we are. So, in our efforts to search for design concepts as it relates to fonts, we came across this hilarious promo for Suitcase Fusion 2 (coming out Fall 2008), a software upgrade that allows people to manage their fonts. Enjoy!

Suitecase Fusion 2 Product Description:

Stop hassling with type when you can just create with it. Suitcase Fusion 2 has been completely rebuilt inside and out for Mac OS X Leopard. It has a sleek, straightforward design that capitalizes on Leopard's advanced functionality. On the back-end, Suitcase Fusion 2 has been built from the ground up on the same industrial-strength code that powers Extensis' Universal Type Server. It is simply the most modern, stable and reliable font manager available.

QuickFind performs fast, dynamic searches as you type Font Vault provides centralized repository for easy access and separates families into individual typefaces for precision and control Font corruption check and repair - Eliminates font corruptions and conflicts and repairs corrupt fonts when possible FontDoctor utility - Repair and easily cleans font caches Customized font sets - Similar to Playlists in iTunes - Provides easy way to sort fonts to quickly find and active them Manage system fonts - Override and/or disable non-critical system fonts

Suitcase Fusion (original) Product Description

Suitcase Fusion is the next-generation professional font manager for your office or studio. It fuses the power of Font Reserve with the award-winning usability of Suitcase, giving you more reliable font management -- no matter how many fonts you use, how many documents you work with or how demanding your workflow. Eliminate the guesswork in working with fonts, and ensure that you have the exact version of the font you need. Eliminate unnecessary font conflicts, avoid potential font wrecks (missing fonts, corrupt fonts, etc.) and stop duplicate font issues from interrupting your workflow. Use Suitcase Fusion to achieve reliable, stable and hassle-free font management! Preview Pane allows you to select, activate, even export fonts directly Optimized font file support for dealing with legacy fonts Duplicate font handling for easy filtering and removing of dupes Application Set attaches a font set to an application; every time the software opens, so does the set Detailed HTML reports for tracking font adding activity.

For more information or to download a free trial visit Extensis^® Suitcase Fusion. 

Do you know the top 10 global brands? How about the top 100? The data below comes from BusinessWeek's "2008 BusinessWeek/ Interbrand Best Global Brands ranking" published June 30, 2008.

Top 10 Global Brands
1. Coke
2. IBM
3. Microsoft
4. GE
5. Nokia
6. Toyota
7. Intel
8. McDonald's
9. Disney
10. Google

Click here for the top 100 brands.

Designers. Marketers. Everyone thinks our jobs are glamorous. We get to be creative, we get to have "fun." If they only knew. When consumers see a cool packaging technique, they think "What a clever idea. The person who came up with this is a genius." Marketers and designers alike know that with every good idea, come days (sometimes months) of painful droughts of nothingness. We search pictures, articles, quotes, anything and everything that will give us this one glimpse of a brilliant packaging idea. And, after staring at a computer screen for 8 hours straight (usually for several days), that glimpse of brillantness will usually present itself at 4 a.m. after tossing and turning restlessly in your sheets.

Often, we will spend hours upon hours creating [what we feel is] a great design that ends up getting shut down in upper management and we have to repeat the cycle of agony all over again. But sometimes, just sometimes, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and your 4 a.m. idea becomes a consumer's admiration of genius. If you think this idea is far fetched, share this story with a designer or marketer and ask them how they feel.

When it comes to packaging design, we all need a little inspiration. We hope these websites help spark some packaging ideas!

www.trendwatching.com- Learn what a trend is and how to apply a trend to your current operations. This site demonstrates various trends going on in multiple markets. 

www.thedieline.com- the great thing about this really cool design blog is that articles are not only segmented by date, they are segmented by industry and even events!

www.packworld.com

- read articles about packaging techniques, download white papers and get the latest headline packaging news.

Top 50 Graphic Design Blogs - Visit this blog by David Airey to see the top 50 graphic design blogs

www.packaginguniversity.com- Learn how to integrate packaging with customer's wants and needs

www.beautypackaging.com - Check out the latest in health & beauty packaging designs.

What website inspires you? We want to know!