We may have been taught not to judge a book by its cover but this is contrary in the world of marketing. A lot rides on the way a brand can package, design, and product label. Consumers often make buying choices based on the covering and packaging of products. This is because consumers are drawn to fresh and unique things. The packaging of the product does not just include its design and artwork but also the labeling content. Consumers care about how their loved products are labeled. An impeccably designed label can also attract new customers.
The product label design should align with your brand while being appealing and unique from your competitors. A lot of labeling designs have trended over the years and every brand has adopted them in terms of their own style. Similarly, there are certain trends that will make a wave in 2021 and should be kept an eye for when it comes to label design and content.
Packaging & Product Label Trends To Look Forward In 2021
Brands should keep an eye on these trends as they will be helpful while creating designs and also help with the development of such designs.
Reducing cost and Eliminating Risks
With most brands and companies being hit by the pandemic it is important to come up with projects that would reduce the cost of production and design. This can be done by eliminating the risks of errors and mistakes. Errors will only lead to overuse of resources and cost price.
As of 2021 brands should avoid methods that can lead to mistakes, efficiencies, and delays. One way to do this is by adopting automated systems that are digital. These normally have great features to reduce errors. For example, a system with an online proofing system would reduce the risks of human errors caused by manual proofing and also speed up the process.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Materials
Being eco-friendly and environmentally conscious is not just a passing phase. Most people now prefer brands that support environmental causes. This was evident in a recent study where it was found that 75% of adults in the USA are concerned about the environment.
The study also found that 87% of consumers in the USA preferred to shop from brands that have shown concern and commitment towards the environment. Many big brands have also joined the effort to be eco-friendly, for example, Coke’s 2020 goals and Nestle’s packaging pledge. As a brand, this is beneficial in many ways as sustainable materials create product labels that are recyclable and compostable as well.
For small firms who are just beginning to use product labels or need shipping labels, print your own labels is a fantastic alternative. One great approach to get started is to be able to print one sheet of labels at a time.
High-Quality Textures
The point of appealing to your customer does not just rely on the visual senses but also on other senses. Specifically for physical products, it means you have to appeal to their sense of sight and touch.
When a customer is attracted to your product’s cover they will also try to pick up and feel it later. According to a study by Bocconi University and Innsbruck University, it is noted that sometimes customers may get overwhelmed by the labels. They then rely on touching and feeling the texture.
For example, consider product labels that are embossed. Customers often consider these as high-end and worthy. So the buying decision is based on more than just seeing.
Unique and Bold Designs
Labeling your packaging in the most unique ways is the perfect way to grab a customer’s attention. Your labeling designs can be very impactful if they are created in a unique fashion while keeping up with the design trends.
For example, vintage and retro-futuristic designs are very popular currently and most likely will continue to dominate the design market for a while. Eye-catching designs, interesting patterns, and vibrant colors are sure to attract buyers. With so many products on the shelf, it is important that your product stands out.
Easy to Read Product Label
One of the most crucial things that often get sidetracked while designing labels is that at the end of the day it is for reading. It is important for brands to create labels that are fresh and creative but also easy to read. Nobody wants to spend a large amount of time trying to read a product label.
No customer will give that much time or effort to any product. So your labeling needs to be eye-catching but also easy to read. It should be easy for people to read and understand and have accurate information that primarily gives the exact message that your brand wants to relay through the product. The content should be exact and engaging at the same time.
Tiny and Illustrated Patterns
Small illustrations and patterns on the packaging are an emerging trend in 2021. This type of design serves as an embellishment and decoration for packages. The purpose is also to give an idea about the product and brand without revealing all the information about the product.
For example, a package for tortilla chips may contain tiny triangle illustrations to give an idea about the product.
Vintage Packages and Product Label
Vintage-inspired nostalgia has been a trend for a while now in many industries. From music to machines, it is a popular trend. This trend is here to stay and 2021 will see brands take this trend a step further in terms of authentication.
It will become difficult to differentiate packaging done in 2021 from ones done when our grandparents were young. The packaging this year will transport buyers to a different time.
Simple Geometrical Patterns
The minimalist look has also been a trend that has been around for a while now. Simple geometrical designs with bold colors will continue to be a rage in 2021.
Neat lines and sharp angles will continue to express packages. The designs are often abstract and create the opposite impact of tiny illustrations. The purpose is to get people curious. Nonetheless, the impression these types of designs leave on people is long-lasting.
Packaging with Story-Driven Labels
Storytelling is a very important part of any artwork. 2021 will witness brands bringing this storytelling to the packaging and labeling areas. Packages will contain stories of brand mascots. This a fun way to create a buzz around the brand as it gives the buyer the feeling of reading a continued comic book.
These types of cartoonish designs bring these mascots out of the websites and ads and to the packaging of the product where people can read their stories.
Focusing on Product Label Names
A lot of times packaging designs allow the product name or the brand name to take the spotlight. The start of the design is the name of the product or brand. A lot of innovative techniques can be used with lettering and placements. This type of packaging brings personality to the design. It feels like a work of art in itself. This is mostly done by businesses that have brand awareness as the main focus.
How these Packaging and Product Label Trends Can Help You
Great packaging designs are extremely helpful to create awareness about the products. It gets people talking about a product, even before buying it.
Making interesting product labels is quite convenient when you keep these trends in mind but it is also important to remember that no matter what trend you want to adapt, always make sure your labeling tells your brand’s story.These trends can be kept in mind if you’re looking to start afresh or rebrand your work in 2021.
