Packaging & Labeling Design

We frequently use the terms “packaging” and “labeling.” But what exactly do they imply?

According to Wikipedia, “packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use.” The process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages is also referred to as packaging.”

Similarly, labeling is defined as “a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which information or symbols about the product or item are written or printed.” Labeling can also refer to information printed directly on a container or article.”

Don’t these sound about right?
But there’s far too much to packaging and labeling to be satisfied with dictionary definitions. With this post, I hope to discuss the significance of packaging and labeling, as well as the characteristics that are most important to your business.

You’ll also learn some tricks for getting your packaging and labeling just right, so your customers stick with you in the long run.
Let’s get started.

What is the purpose of packaging and labeling?

Packaging and labeling are extremely useful on a strictly functional level. Except for some grocery items that we can grab and take home in our own bag, such as a bunch of bananas, it’s difficult for us to think about products that don’t come in some kind of packaging and/or labeling.

In fact, if you buy bananas from a supermarket, they will almost certainly require a price label. And after you’ve weighed the bananas, you’ll apply that label to them. Bananas could already be labeled with the producer’s logo, as shown in the image on the right.

And it’s safe to say that packaging and labeling are everywhere, and while we may think we can live without fancy boxes, the truth is that they are more important than we realize.

Consider this:

You’ve been saving up for the latest phone. When you finally make it to the store, you pay and they hand you the phone without a box. You simply take it and put it in your pocket.
Isn’t it that interesting? In fact, you’ve just had a terrible client experience.

Contrast this with the actual unboxing experience you’ve been anticipating for so long. Saving money to buy a cutting-edge phone culminates in the magical moment of unboxing it. You tear off the outer foil, open the two-piece box, and remove the phone from its snug fit. Inside the box, everything fits and is in its proper place.
Unboxing of a phone
Everything appeals to you, and you’ll almost certainly keep the box (we know you will because we do!).

Behind the functionality is packaging and labeling (and what really matters)
The primary function of packaging that you should be concerned with
Aside from encasing and protecting a product, packaging’s primary function is to communicate an immediate benefit or value to the customer.
What will your product do for the client? What will they get if they buy from you that they won’t get from your competitors?

If you think about it, every product or business has been created with the intention of assisting someone in some way. The manner in which you present this depends on the type of product you’re selling and, more importantly, on the wants and needs of your target market.
What you’ve been selling, try to incorporate the product’s main benefit into the packaging design and writing. Always design with the needs of your customers in mind.

Packaging and labeling tells your story
The story of a brand is important because it allows potential customers to see the people behind the product. Clients who know you will become loyal in the long run.

What do you want new customers to know about your company? Perhaps you could explain the philosophy behind your products, how your company came to be, or what your values and beliefs are.

Make the most of your packaging’s ability to communicate. Show your customers how and why your company and products are a good fit for them and don’t be afraid to share your strengths.