Create Product Packaging: Tips for a Premium Touch

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 Packaging is a crucial element that influences product sales and brand image. Even if a product is attractive, if its appeal isn't conveyed through its appearance, you may miss the opportunity to have consumers purchase it.

This article explains how to create packaging that adds value to your product and provides a higher level of presentation.

As a specialized printing company for labels and seals, we handle various printing methods. If you are considering creating product labels or original seals to differentiate yourself from competitors, please contact us through the link below.

Please feel free to contact us.

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The Role of Product Packaging

The primary roles of product packaging are to protect the product and make it look attractive. Even for similar products, different packaging can create different impressions. An eye-catching design makes it more likely to be picked up, which is why many companies pay great attention to this aspect.

One way to differentiate your product is by using original labels or brand logo seals on the packaging. The following image shows the package seal for yokan (a Japanese sweet) that we produced. The seal expresses the brand image of "Wagashi × Dagashi" (Japanese sweets and traditional Japanese snacks).

Hitsujiya Package Seal
(Production Example: Hitsujiya Package Seal)

As shown, packaging and labels can enhance the added value by creating a sense of luxury or uniformity in your products. Consider using labels and seals to maximize the appeal of your products.

How to Create Product Packaging

There are two main ways to create product packaging:

  • Create it yourself using commercially available packaging materials
  • Request a production company to make it

Method 1: Create it Yourself Using Commercially Available Packaging Materials

Creating packaging yourself with commercially available materials has the advantage of cost savings. This method is recommended when the sales volume is small or when you don't want to hold inventory, as you can purchase materials in small quantities. However, the disadvantage is that it can be difficult to differentiate your product since anyone can purchase and use these materials.

To make your product more attractive to consumers, consider adding value through original labels or seals. Even simple packaging can appear more luxurious and unique with the right labels or seals.

The following image shows a product label for coffee that we created. The top surface features embossed processing, adding an accent to the design and texture.

Blue Bottle Coffee Label
(Production Example: Blue Bottle Coffee Label)

By paying attention to design and color, even simple packaging can express originality that stands out from other products.

As shown in the example, using labels and seals can sometimes be more cost-effective than outsourcing packaging production. We encourage you to actively use them.

Method 2: Request a Production Company to Make It

Requesting a production company allows you to create original packaging designs. This method offers the advantage of being able to pay attention to details from the design stage, including colors, patterns, shapes, and materials.

If you want to add even more value, we recommend consulting a specialized seal printing company for product labels and decorative seals. By paying meticulous attention to appearance, you can maximize the appeal of your product.

The following image shows the packaging of popular Western confectionery often bought as souvenirs or gifts.

Butter Butler Ribbon Seal

We created the ribbon seal used to decorate the box.

Butter Butler Ribbon Seal
(Production Example: Butter Butler Ribbon Seal)

By using gold foil material and cutting it into unique shapes, we created a design reminiscent of a medal.

For high-priced products or gift items, the added value provided by labels is especially significant. Effectively utilizing them can help build your brand image and increase recipient satisfaction.

As a specialized printing company for labels and seals, we have experienced staff to consult with you during the creation process of packaging seals. If you have a specific use or image in mind, please feel free to contact us through the "Contact Us" link.

Three Key Points to Keep in Mind When Creating Packaging

When creating product packaging, keep the following three points in mind:

  • Clearly define your target audience
  • Research competing products and find points of differentiation
  • Consider the sales location and usage scenario

Point 1: Clearly Define Your Target Audience

When creating packaging, it is essential to clearly define the customer segment you want to sell to. If you try to appeal to everyone, the packaging may end up being unattractive to anyone. For example, even among women in their 20s, preferences may differ between those who favor a natural style and those who prefer bright colors.

When defining your target audience, go beyond just age and gender to include preferences and lifestyle. This makes it easier to translate these details into specific designs. Setting a clear target helps attract the interest of the customer segment and increases their purchasing intent.

Point 2: Research Competing Products and Find Points of Differentiation

Research the designs of competing products to find points of differentiation. Focusing too much on "making the product look attractive" can result in similar packaging among products with the same concept. No matter how good the product is, it will be challenging to get consumers to pick it up if it is not differentiated.

For example, if competitors use simple packaging, enhancing decorative features with labels and seals can be effective. Conversely, if flashy appearances are the norm, focusing on materials and textures is recommended. Successfully differentiating your packaging helps maintain an advantage without being drawn into price competition.

Point 3: Consider the Sales Location and Usage Scenario

Specifically envision the sales location and usage scenario for your product and plan the packaging accordingly. Optimal design and packaging specifications vary depending on the intended use and sales conditions.

For example, for sales on e-commerce sites, designs that are easy to view on smartphones are effective. This makes it easier for users to notice, potentially increasing page views and purchases. In department stores or supermarkets, differentiating from numerous competitors and convenience for carrying are critical factors for purchasing decisions.

For gift items, a luxurious and sturdy box that is difficult to damage is preferred, while for products intended for personal use, packaging that is easy to dispose of may be required. Consider the characteristics of the product and the specific scenarios to devise an effective packaging strategy.

Three Ways to Enhance the Appeal of Packaging

The following methods can help create packaging that consumers will be drawn to:

  • Give impact to the naming and catchphrases
  • Pay attention to materials and shapes
  • Differentiation through original labels and seals

Method 1: Give Impact to the Naming and Catchphrases

Impactful naming and catchphrases are crucial elements for attracting consumer interest. By incorporating copy that resonates with the target audience into the design, more people are likely to pick up the product.

If packaging is the "clothing" of the product, naming can be considered the "face" of the product. Sometimes adding playful copy can be an effective means of differentiating from other companies. By deepening the impact with the label design, the impression of the product and brand can be more lasting, leading to increased recognition. Thoughtful attention to naming, design, and labels can also contribute to enhancing brand strength.

Method 2: Pay Attention to Materials and Shapes

Packaging materials and shapes are crucial points to catch the consumer's eye and make them pick up the product. Paying attention to texture and feel can appeal not only to visual impact but also to the senses.

For example, paper materials range from common types to those with unique textures like Japanese paper, and glossy types. Resin-based materials are excellent for water resistance and durability, and can create clear cases that allow the contents to be seen.

Regarding shapes, options range from simple box types to bag types and those with windows. While ensuring the product is protected, choosing a different pattern from other products can be a means of differentiation.

Attention to materials is particularly effective when looking at the product up close, and shape innovation is effective when viewing the sales area from a distance. Aim for an impressive appearance without compromising on either aspect to attract consumer interest.

Method 3: Differentiation through Original Labels and Seals

Original product labels and decorative seals can help differentiate your product. Since labels and seals are attached to the outermost part of the packaging, they have a significant impact on the consumer's impression. By requesting a specialized seal printing company to create them, you can produce original labels and seals that match your image.

The following image is an example of a package seal we produced.

Ito Seaweed Shop Package Seal
(Production Example: Ito Seaweed Shop Package Seal)

It can contribute to a sense of luxury and enhance consumer purchase intent.

Labels and seals often include the product or company name, making them an important element in building brand image. With some creativity, they can leave a completely different impression, so create labels that match your product's concept.

The following article explains the process of ordering seals from a printing company in detail.

How to Make Stickers: Explaining the Steps to Order from a Printing Company

Types of Seals to Make Your Packaging Stylish

The following four types of seals are effective for enhancing packaging.

  • Foil Stamped Seals
  • Embossed Seals
  • Ribbon Seals
  • Hologram Seals

Type 1: Foil Stamped Seals

Foil stamped seals, made by pressing shiny "foil," are ideal for creating a sense of luxury. Their unique gloss and sophisticated impression make them popular for not only product labels but also standalone seals and stickers.

The following image is an example of a package seal with gold foil stamping.

Foil Stamped Seal
(Production Example: Heso Inc. Embossed Foil Stamped Seal)

By limiting the colors to one and applying foil stamping, an elegant sense of luxury is created. While it is difficult to reproduce detailed designs with foil stamping, we can handle minimum text sizes of 5pt and minimum line widths of 0.4pt (0.14mm), with slight variations depending on the material.

In addition to common gold and silver foils, colored foils are also available, allowing you to choose from a wide range of color variations to match your design. Foil stamping can be combined with various materials such as common seals and labels, making it a versatile and widely used processing technique.

Type 2: Embossed Seals

Embossing is a technique that creates three-dimensional patterns or designs by applying pressure to the material. Since it expresses patterns through bulges rather than color, it adds accents both visually and to the touch.

The following image is a seal we produced, with embossing applied to the central text and frame.

Embossed Seal Printing
(Production Example: Kou Inc. Embossed Foil Stamped Seal)

As shown, embossing is often used for logos or product names, highlighting important parts.

Applying only the embossing without changing the color can create a subdued sense of luxury. On the other hand, combining it with color printing can highlight the text or patterns to catch the consumer's eye. Its versatility and ease of combination with designs make it widely used in various scenarios.

Type 3: Ribbon Seals

Ribbon seals, which have ribbons attached, are ideal for adding decoration and presence to products. Although commercially available seals offer limited designs, ordering from a printing company allows for the creation of custom designs and sizes.

The following image is a ribbon seal ordered to decorate a Western confectionery package.

Original Ribbon Seal
(Production Example: Sucrey Inc. Ribbon Seal)

As shown, the charm of ribbon seals lies in the freedom to arrange them according to the product concept.

They are particularly suitable for products often used as gifts or in special situations. Applying them to limited-edition products can create a sense of specialness that is difficult to express with packaging alone.

Type 4: Hologram Seals

Hologram seals are special seals that shine in seven colors depending on the angle of light. Their presence makes them ideal for creating a sense of specialness or highlighting key points.

The following image is an example of a hologram seal we produced.

United Arrows Lepidos Hologram Seal
(Production Example: United Arrows Corp. Hologram Seal)

Here, we used a hologram film with scattered fine dots. Various types of films are available, making it easy to match the product's image while maintaining a glamorous appearance. Consider using them as one of the options to enhance your product.

Utilize Seals to Add Value to Your Packaging

Product packaging is a crucial factor that determines whether a product will sell. To have consumers pick up and purchase it, the appearance must be attractive. Original product labels, seals, and stickers play a role in maximizing the appeal and adding value to the product. Combine packaging and labels to differentiate from other products and make a purchase decision.

In addition to the processing techniques introduced in the article, we also create various types of labels and seals made to order. If you are considering creating them, please feel free to contact us through the link below. Quotes are available 24 hours a day.

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Author of this article

Tetsuya Kojimaのアバター Tetsuya Kojima creative director

With over 110,000 clients and approximately 3,000 sticker printing projects annually, we produce uniquely appealing stickers at competitive prices. Our core focus is always on delivering stickers that meet your satisfaction.

Please feel free to contact us. We are here to help with your needs.

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