Avoid Bad Packaging Design: 8 Modern Design Features

Your business has created the most amazing product—but it’s just not flying off the shelves! This is a company’s worst nightmare, but have you considered that low sales may be due to bad packaging design?

The way you package and market your product plays a huge role in whether or not customers purchase it, or even pick it up and think about it. With so much competition in grocery stores and retail stores, you need to stand out if you want to sell.

If your newest product needs some help, you may want to try updating your design. Ditch the boring, old-fashioned plastic packaging and try something new!

Keep reading to find eight creative packaging design ideas that are modern and on-trend.

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging

When it comes to packaging design inspiration, look to nature. Customers are increasingly aware of product waste and are leaning towards products that are more sustainable.

Think about how your packaging can be more eco-friendly. Often, this means ditching the single-use plastics and embracing paper, cardboard, or materials made from cornstarch or even mushrooms.

Although sustainable materials can sometimes cost more than plastic packaging, it’s worth the cost—you’ll attract eco-friendly customers that wouldn’t have purchased your product otherwise.

Or, ask yourself if your product even requires packaging. Some items can be sold just as they are.

2. Recycling Is Key

In addition to sustainability, you also need to think about whether or not your packaging can be recycled. Ideally, 100% of your packaging should be recyclable, as consumers are looking for this when purchasing.

If you absolutely need to use plastics, make sure you select a type that users can easily recycle. The packaging should be clearly marked as to how and where it can be recycled.

3. Think Color

When customers see a wide range of products on a shelf, they are making split-second decisions on purchasing. One way to stand out is by going bold with your colors.

Many companies are creating eye-catching designs in bubblegum pinks, teals, or black and white. If you’re looking for something on-trend, Pantone has revealed their colors of the year for 2021—Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

These colors are a vibrant grey and a lemony yellow, respectively, so try to incorporate them into your design.

4. Add Illustrations

Another fun way to help your packaging stand out is by adding illustrations to the design. Detailed, whimsical illustrations encourage customers to stop and look at the product and also help tell a story, which draws in shoppers.

Illustrations can work well on products such as wine bottles, food, children’s toys, and juices. If you’re going to try this trend, hire a designer to create something original, as you don’t want to use the same designs that are being used by other companies.

5. Incorporate Technology

Technology is everywhere and in every facet of our lives, so it’s no surprise that companies are embracing technology when it comes to packaging design.

You can use technology by adding a QR code to your package, which customers can scan with their smartphone. This links them to your website or a landing page, which can be fantastic for marketing campaigns.

Tech is also useful if you want to host any giveaways or competitions. For example, add a code under a bottle top, then encourage customers to go to your website to see what they’ve won.

You can also include your social media handles on your packaging, which encourages your buyers to follow you online.

6. Avoid Excess

For product packaging, minimalist packaging design is the wave of the future. Really think about how much packaging your product needs and try to limit your use of materials.

While delicate products are sure to need inner and outer packaging, many products can be safely shipped and sold with fewer layers and plastics. This is helpful to the environment, reduces waste, and makes it easier for your customers to open and access a product after purchasing.

7. Embrace Minimalism

Minimalism applies not only to the amount of packaging you use, but also to the design. Many companies are loving minimalist product designs, which stand out for their simplicity.

While busy, complex designs have their place, many businesses are finding that clean, bold designs are sure to increase sales, as customers are drawn to them.

8. Consider the Right Typography

You want your brand name to be instantly clear to customers, so one of the key features in product design is the font you use—also known as typography.

There are literally thousands of fonts out there, so it can be very hard to decide which one to use, especially if you’re designing packaging for a new product.

It helps to look for fonts that are easy to read, even from a distance, are unique, and won’t be confused for any of your competitors. Ideally, your company should have clear brand guidelines as well, as this helps marketers work out which fonts to use.

Embrace These Features and Avoid Bad Packaging Design

With these amazing design ideas, bad packaging design is a thing of the past. Use the ideas above to start developing packaging ideas that are innovative, original, and creative.

An update in packaging can make all the difference if you’re launching a new product or trying to increase sales on a current product, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Soon, you’ll see an increase in sales and your business will grow, thanks to your great product packaging!

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