Algo Diferent Designs: Packaging!

In the early days, packaging’s role was essentially practical; it helped the efficient distribution of the merchandise and presented the products in an attractive manner. These days these basic functions still play an important role in the form and the functioning of packaging, but, there is a lot more to be considered into packaging.

The basic role of the package is to protect the product, and bring information from the producer to the consumer. A package has to stand out from the rest of products in the same range, because research shows that consumers are unpredictable and 70% of their decisions are made at the point of purchase. This is why it’s important for packaging to be not only functional but also graphically appealing, so consumers can differentiate them from their competition.

These days, not only aesthetics are important, consumers have become more environmentally conscious, making producers look for different alternatives in packaging that is appealing and environmentally friendly.

CARABON FOOTPRINT & GREEN PACKAGING

A carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, an organization or product. In other words, it is the footprint or mark we are leaving behind in the planet. You can calculate your own carbon footprint these days, there are many websites that will ask you a series of questions and determine the amount of contamination you are producing as an individual. The mitigation of carbon emissions through the development of alternative projects, such as renewable energy and reforestation, are one way of managing the carbon footprint.

One of the most important things about green packaging or sustainable packages is understanding not only material choices, but energy use, afterlife issues, social impact and consumer perception issues. Company’s implementing eco-friendly actions are reducing their carbon footprint, using more recycled materials and reusing more package components. Also, sustainability really impacts design decisions, because it focuses all the attention on the issue of the product’s manufacture, its raw materials, production process, transportation, retailing, usage and disposal, and environmental impact. And, clearly, recycling affects packaging design because it influences the choice of materials, for the package.

Designers can play a really big part in supporting the environmental issue, by trying to influence their clients’’ choice of materials into recyclable options.

Some examples of creative and innovative package design: