When you hear Francis Ford Coppola’s name you probably think of The Godfather trilogy, Apocalypse Now or even his Academy Award-winning daughter Sophia. You may not initially think of a passionate wine maker. However he and his family have been making wine since purchasing a vineyard in California in the 1970’s. For the recently released Francis Coppola Reserve, a very colorful label was created for the limited edition wine. For more images of these unique wine labels, click here!

Within the last few years you have probably caught wind that drinking red wine actually has health benefits that come along with its more obvious pleasantries. It’s because of somthing called resveratrol. It’s a phytoalexin that was first discovered in the 1940’s and can be found in the skin of grapes. Most of the information I have found claims that there has not been enough research into the long term benefits for humans. However the testing on animals and insects, as well as human cells in Petri dishes, showed some hopeful results in the following areas:

Heart disease: Resveratrol helps reduce inflammation, prevents the oxidation of LDL "bad" cholesterol, and makes it more difficult for platelets to stick together and form the clots that can lead to a heart attack.

Cancer: Resveratrol is thought to limit the spread of cancer cells and trigger the process of cancer cell death (apoptosis).

Alzheimer's disease: Resveratrol may protect nerve cells from damage and the buildup of plaque that can lead to Alzheimer's.

Diabetes: Resveratrol helps prevent insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less sensitive to the effects of the blood sugar-lowering hormone, insulin. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes. (webmd.com)

While red wine is seen as the best way for the body to absorb resveratrol (because it is absorbed in the mouth and is least susceptible to oxidation), there are many supplements on the market capitalizing on the new-found, super-compound. They come in pill, powder, tablet and liquid forms. So while the jury is still out on the definitive benefits, resveratrol has the potential to be a very powerful substance.

When you think of Bruce Willis you probably think of a decent action scene with a few one-liners thrown into the mix. You probably never thought of a fragrance… until now. The modestly named men’s fragrance is already being called “the manliest scent in the world” by one individual. It is said to include scents of grapefruit, pepper and vetive. As for the packaging: “[It] plays on the actor’s macho image — a heavy, square bottle boasts an offset metal label with trompe l’oeil rivets and a solid cedar cap, sourced from sustainably harvested wood.” Keep an eye open for this new product that debuted this week. Let us know what you think!

This morning I came across the redesign of Justin’s Nut Butter. Ironically, yesterday Stacy and I were just enjoying a squeeze pack of the almond nut butter. We must admit, it’s pretty good stuff. And this is what the dieline had to say about the redesign:

Justin's Nut Butter, a line of small-batch, natural and organic nut butters, was recently redesigned to increase distribution in fine food outlets (e.g. Dean &DeLuca, Whole Foods, Crystal Farms) without jeopardizing existing sales at lower-price supermarkets (e.g. Kroger, Safeway, King Sooper.)

With a focus on their environmental impact, the owner and creator of the product line explains in his blog that he is in search of a biodegradable pouching material for the squeeze packs (apparently while riding his bike).

With online media taking the world by storm over the last few years, the future of print has frequently been questioned. In GD USA’s 47th Annual Print Design Survey, readers commented on their print usage and the outlook for print. Some interesting results included the fact that 91% of the respondents design for print for everything from brochures to packaging, and the use of digital print has skyrocketed. 51% of those surveyed are buying more digital printing than in the past for its quick turnaround and customization, not just a focus on price. For all of the survey results, check out the June 2010 issue of GD USA here!

“Private Label Beauty Packaging Poised for Growth” from Beauty Packaging Magazine took a look at the recent success of private label products in the health and beauty industry.

No doubt about it: The recent recession has spurred growth in the private label beauty market segment, say industry analysts. Private label players agree the economy is showing signs of a rebound, and they are optimistic that private label brands are gaining traction in the brand beauty market.

“Overall, private labels have done really well during the economic downturn,” says John Wright, head of retailing research at Euromonitor International. “Consumers have looked to save money as much as possible, and retailers have reacted to this by promoting their private label ranges.”

While they only capture 2% of the global beauty market, private label products are expected to continue to grow as consumer perception of quality for these products rises as well. The article also interestingly points out that during the recession consumers turned to less expensive indulgences like beauty products rather than the extravagant purchase of vehicles or homes, again contributing to their increase in sales.

For more on the success of private label beauty products, click here!

When I bought my sofa a year ago, lugging it to my apartment in the back of a truck was about as exiting as watching paint dry. But for those purchasing the Oi Sofa, the surprise is actually on the outside of the box. The pods are shipped in a cardboard box that is not for the straight-laced individual. The packaging is just as unique as the product itself—the pods can be swapped around to create various seating arrangements. You can read the details of the packaging case study here, as well as images of more tidbits of suggestive humor on the packaging. Enjoy!

The packaging for TrueCoffee’s new product offering of hot dogs was just too adorable to pass by. TrueCoffee has locations throughout Asia, and the design was created by Bangkok-based Subconscious. The packaging is meant to reach out to the teenagers visiting the shops, but it’s interesting that sometimes marketing and design can be cross-cultural. No need to segment here—I think the packaging would be equally appreciated here in the U.S.

A few months ago we featured McCormick’s seasoning-made-simple product, Recipe Inspirations. Now they’re bringing the fun to social media with a creative, interactive contest. By participating in the Recipe Inspirations application, not only are you able to have a little fun by designating your friends to various spices, but you also have a chance to win a trip to the Rachel Ray Show in NYC and other prizes. So hurry and figure out who adds that zing of paprika flavor to your life! Just be careful who you tag as dill weed. Contest ends July 12^th!

We haven’t even hit the official start of summer, but the fashion world is always ahead by at least one season. Which means that even though it feels like just yesterday that we reported on the spring colors, PANTONE has already released the fashion color report for the fall of 2010. The colors for the upcoming season include: Endive, Golden Glow, Living Coral, Lipstick Red, Purple Orchid, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Woodbine, Oyster Gray and Rose Dust.

To take a look at the full report including some great designers, click here!

We often browse what the folks over at trendwatching.com have to say about the latest consumer trends. Their latest has been termed “statusphere:”

As consumers are starting to recognize and respect fellow consumers who stray off the beaten consuming-more-than-thou-path, 'new' status can be about acquired skills, about eco-credentials, about generosity, about connectivity... All of this makes for a far more diversified 'STATUSPHERE' than most brands and organizations have traditionally catered to. Time to really figure out how and where your customers are now finding their status fix.

Which brings us to customization. As the site also explains, “Consumers no longer all want to be like the Joneses, the Mullers or the Li’s. When individuality is the new religion, owning or experiencing something no one else has is the ultimate status fix.”

The feeling of uniqueness, or being “special” is at the heart of so many consumers. A few big name companies took advantage of this mindset years ago which is why you can now build your own teddy bear, create your own ice cream concoctions or even have your name printed on small, round, chocolate candies. But we’ve also stumbled upon some lesser-known businesses focused personalization:

Atelier Shoes- create your own pair of shoes!

Otete & Anyo- custom stamps of your baby’s hand and foot prints!

TreeRing- personalized yearbooks for each student! Didn’t you hate spending money on a yearbook just to find your one awkward headshot?

Of course as custom label printers we are very aware of how important it is to give customers’ unique products. To get a quote for your custom labels, click here!

In any of today’s markets, consumers are more skeptical than ever, especially as many products or brands may not have delivered on the promises they’ve made. This is also true for the health and beauty industry, making sampling a trend that leads to sales if your product delivers on its marketing message. And when it comes to skin care:

Every person’s skin is a fluid, dynamic river of shifting conditions that are influenced by environment, diet, stress levels and lifestyle. Skin is never just one type; it’s an array of changing conditions, and thus a moving target. Although it’s a retailer’s dream for clients to develop loyalty to a favorite product, ensuring solid repeat sales, the fact is that their skin requires regular professional monitoring in order to adjust product recommendations. (www.skininc.com)

As more consumers are aware of the fact that their skin care needs are ever-changing, giving them the opportunity to try your products is critical. Here at Dion, we print pouches for beauty companies who wish to provide samples. Our HP6000 digital press is perfect for this since it allows us to print on very thin unsupported films, such as those for pouching. It also allows us to provide a solution for companies wanting to provide samples at lower quantities.

To read more about the importance of branding on this sampling level, read this article from GCI Magazine!

The other day Stacy forwarded me this creative packaging for Rellana Wool- a line of fringed yarn used to make hats and scarves:

I quickly remembered seeing the packaging—of all places—on justintimberlake.com. Surprisingly, last winter his website featured all kinds of unique packaging designs. It just goes to show how wide of an audience packaging has!

In the past, sun care products were in a niche of their own. However, with growing knowledge of the damage of UV rays and increased public concern for sun protection, traditionally skin care-only manufactures have begun to expand their product offerings:

The sun care segment of the beauty industry is undergoing a major evolution, not only in packaging, but in what actually constitutes sun care. With consumers’ increasing concerns over healthy living as well as their insatiable desire for convenience, the sun care umbrella has extended to include a plethora of products.

Not only are cosmetics and creams now containing SPF, but new products and packaging developments have also become a focus. Many of these products focus on consumer convenience, such as sunscreen travel wipes. Take a look at some of the trends Beauty Packaging has spotted, and be sure to know the upcoming regulations from the FDA for sun care products… especially when it comes to designing your packaging:

The new elements for the front panel include the new UVA 4-star rating system and text; additional text for the UVB SPF rating and a long information statement on UVA and UVB rays from the sun,” says Young. “The short story is that the packaging front, the focal point of the brand identity, must be re-designed. And actually, due to the inclusion of the Drug Facts Panel, the entire outer package needs to be re-designed.

I try not to be biased about the products we highlight on our blog, but as a (legal-aged) fan of Coors Light I felt compelled to feature their latest product and packaging developments. The first is a long-awaited fridge keg for home consumption. The company tested the product only in select markets last summer, so I tried to not get too excited. However, according to Food & Beverage Packaging, MillerCoors just announced that the at home keg system will be available nation-wide this summer.

In other packaging news, Coors Light also sponsored a charity concert in conjunction with Rhapsody International featuring rock band O.A.R. in Los Angeles on May 14th. The event introduced the new “Cold Activation Window” for all Coors Light packaging of 12-count cans or bottles and larger. Consumers can now see upon purchase that their beverages have reached their optimal cool temperature. Proceeds from the concert were planned to go to the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago and the LA Food Bank.

Graphic Design USA sponsors a variety of design contests throughout the year. We have featured some of the Inhouse Design and Package Design Award winners in the past. Right now, the American Graphic Design Awards is accepting applications for the best designs from the last year across various categories. So if you have designed a great publication, book, calendar, website, package or any of the other 18 categories, click here to enter! Get recognized! You still have plenty of time!

Stacy made a stop into a Starbucks recently and returned to the office with some intriguing packaging. The small brown bag that held her lemon pound cake read:

This may be no surprise to you because this initiative was announced last summer. But it’s great to know that such an eco-conscious company is thinking just as much about their customers’ health. The bag itself is made from 100% unbleached paper with 20% post-consumer material. It’s a component of Starbucks’ Shared Planet “Environmental Stewardship” ensuring the company acts responsibly. The company releases an annual Global Responsibility Report analyzing their sustainability goals. One of the loftiest:

It is our goal that by 2015, 100 percent of our cups will be reusable or recyclable, and we will significantly reduce our environmental footprint through energy and water conservation, recycling, and green construction.

That would be pretty impressive if it’s attained. Other sustainability programs announced just since January include a campaign encouraging customers to bring in reusable tumblers rather than cups, donations to protect forests when using the Conservation International Starbucks Card and working with municipal governments in their recycling programs.

To read more about how Starbucks works toward a better future, click here.

In case you weren’t aware, Iron Man 2 comes to theaters tomorrow! A few weeks ago we looked at various health and beauty products that paired with pop culture and the powerful sales opportunities that came along. So far for Iron Man, I’ve come across both Burger King and Diesel getting in on the action. The pairing of burgers and film is a bit far reaching, but The King seems to be going after boys with the promotional action figures in kids meals. Diesel’s fragrance, Only the Brave, has very creative packaging, but we’ll see if men are as fanatical about Iron Man as tween and even grown women have proven for all things Twilight.

While the eco-friendly movement continues to grow, there’s no denying there are still quite a few non-believers out there. It’s often difficult to envision how green efforts really help the environment, but as we like to say at Dion, “We cannot change this world in one day, but day by day we can help change this world for the better.”

A recent article in CRM Magazine mentions a few companies that agree. From Proctor & Gamble to Wal-mart, these companies have undertaken sustainability efforts that have resulted in significant environmental savings. Clearly they did not back down on the challenges that developing eco-friendly initiatives created for their businesses. These companies have collectively built and financed solar power buildings, reduced packaging waste, recycled materials and rainwater, and reduced electricity usage. For all of the details and to get inspired, click here, and here to see why Dion is “Proud to be Green”.

So the bad news first: my donut creation was not chosen as a finalist for this contest. I would say that I’m bitter, but as a true New Englander, I don’t think I could boycott Dunkin Donuts even out of spite (she says while sipping her caramel iced latte). On the up side, one of these inventive creators is one step closer to a prize package for developing Dunkin Donuts’ next donut. Click here to see the dozen finalists and cast your vote!

We’ve seen quite a few articles pop up about Pantone’s new iPhone app that gives access to their library of color. At first it had the initial “Great!” reaction, but then some of the pitfalls began to show their true colors—excuse the pun. Research done by VIGC showed that depending on which device you are using, the same Pantone color can look different on each device (above compares the Pantone 37-5-1 C on the iPhone 3G to the iPod Touch), which is different still compared to the GoeGuide seen below. Though to be fair, “Pantone does not represent the product as a precise color measuring tool” (graphicartsonline.com).  

For the reasons listed above, we often recommend color press proofs for labels that must match a certain color scheme. It is important that our customers realize the Pantone color they see on screen is usually very different from the actual Pantone color in a PMS book. Likewise, the printout from their laser or inkjet desktop printer may be different from both resources. With flexographic printing (which uses printing plates and ink stations), we can adjust color on press to match a Pantone color. In digital printing, this process is not so simple because the colors are all printed at once. A customer’s artwork file needs to be adjusted for color and then sent to the press for printing. Digital press proofs are printed using the exact HP Indigo equipment used to print your label order. These proofs are printed on the same material your labels will be printed on and can also be coated with UV varnish or lamination. So, as a customer, if you just want a dark blue without a specific Pantone match, you may forgo press proofs. However, if your logo is a specific shade of blue used among multiple products- then press proofs are the right option for you. When in doubt, get a press proof!  

If you’re a fan of shows like Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss, or the various Food Network Challenges, you’ll appreciate the chocolate shoes we came across. Often creative creations such as these look too good to eat, but chocolate lovers that can’t settle for “chocolate air” will be quick to devour these treats. The creator is not limited to shoes: take a look at potential gifts for everyone from car enthusiasts to guests at wedding and baby showers.

It’s nothing to new to say that the latest trends among tweens and teens drive sales of licensed products, but I bet that Urban Decay didn’t completely believe they’d be completely sold out of their Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows makeup box by the time I was even able to read the article introducing it in GCI Magazine. The intricate design of the packaging is remarkable in and of itself, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have tried a different long-lasting, color-rich shadowbox from Urban Decay. The graphics typical for the brand are not typically my style, but the pairing of this unique and quirky style of the brand with Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland seems like a no-brainer. Here you can see videos of how to achieve some of the looks from the movie with some of their other, not sold-out, products.

Beyond the success of this film, the article explains co-branding efforts for other popular films, such as the Twilight saga with Bath & Body Works—Twilight Woods body lotion being another product I shamelessly have to vouch for as well (and coyly anything associated with Robert Pattinson for that matter). Needless to say, jumping on a licensing opportunity for your product with a film popular with a group that has such an influential buying power is not to be missed. I’m sure Urban Decay has no regrets… besides not producing enough for the demand.

Recycling is one thing, and it’s obviously a trend that has yet to grow in the US at the rate it should, but packaging that can be decomposed back into the earth it once came from is on another level. Initially launched to our more eco-friendly neighbor, Canada, Frito-Lay’s 100% compostable bag packaging for their delicious SunChips snack was brought to kick off Earth Month in domestic Los Angeles. The packaging should become available nationwide by the end of next week (April 22^nd to be exact), and takes 14 weeks to break down in an active compost bin.

The company has teamed up with the U.S. Composting Council and Earth 911 to educate their consumers as well—a highly necessary initiative in a country with a far too low recycling rate to begin with. So here’s a quick debriefing on the basics of composting: of course you begin with the “feedstocks”—your scraps. The unpleasant thought of collecting your leftovers (and empty SunChips bags), however is slowly turned back into nutrient-rich soil through aerobic activity that requires those scraps, moisture and oxygen. So why bother composting? Here are some of the it gives back to our recourse-deprived Earth:

• creates rich, dense, porous, nutrient-rich soil
• reduces erosion and runoff
• creates a lot of organic matter and beneficial microorganisms
• improves soil pH
• can bind and degrade some pollutants (U.S. Composting Council)

For more on Frito-Lay’s eco-friendly efforts, click here!

Have you ever wondered how some businesses came up with their names? Or are you an entrepreneur trying to decide on the company or product name for your next venture? Well this slideshow proves that sometimes the biggest company names have come about pretty haphazardly. So when you and your partner are battling over whose name goes first, just flip a coin!

A few weeks ago we showed off the label redesign for Campbell’s soup and explained the research behind their design choices. Since then, neuromarketing has created even more buzz. Take a look at a light-hearted video that explains the technology (scroll to about 2:20 to see how it’s used for marketing purposes):

As opposed to surveys or focus groups, the highly scientific research eliminates human response error. Unfortunately, as this article explains, getting that research isn’t exactly cheap. The companies, like Campbell utilizing the technology typically have big dollar advertising budgets to begin with. It will be interesting to see if budgets will be allocated towards truly getting into consumers’ heads.

Boyajian Inc. produces a product line quite worth mentioning: “…the line boasts infused olive oils, Asian oils, vinegars and vinaigrettes, pure citrus oils, natural flavorings and extracts and smoked salmon. Boyajian has been honored with five of Boston Magazine’s prestigious “Best of Boston” awards. Products are sold in all 50 states and in several other countries. The company recently built a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility and corporate headquarters in Canton, Mass.” Their products have even been used by Martha Stewart in unique ways beyond just food recipes!

You can find Boyajian products at various retailers, but most recently the 25.4 oz garlic infused oil can now be found at Costco in the Northeast and Southeast. Below is a great recipe suggested for this quality product:

1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (20 to 40)
1/4 cup parsley, Italian flat leaf
1/2 cup Boyajian Garlic Oil
4 Tbs. fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Shell and de-vein the shrimp. Chop the parsley and set aside.

In a shallow baking dish, pour Boyajian Garlic Oil. Add the shrimp, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Toss ingredients to combine. Bake the shrimp in a preheated 450° oven, turning them once. Cook 6 - 8 minutes, until just cooked through. Stir in remaining lemon juice. Sprinkle parsley over shrimp and serve with a crusty bread.

Do you hate the taste of coffee or are you trying to break a soda habit, but just can’t seem to do without the caffeine boost? Well we came across a product that will be right up your alley. Avitae is simply purified water with the added bonus of 45 mg of caffeine. I like the unique shape of the bottle and the choice of a shrink sleeve label; the futuristic look compliments the unique product. The product’s taste fulfills the expectations anyone would have for water: healthy, pure and refreshing. But it also gives you the energy boost you’d be missing with regular water.

This product has potential significance in the realm of exercise as well. Recent research has shown that taking in some caffeine before working out has benefits; this article explains that it actually reduces pain, causing you to push yourself a bit harder during your fitness routine. And perhaps it will eliminate my pain of seeing people with a heart-stopping energy drink in hand at the gym.

It’s me avitae. That’s ah-vee-tay.

I’m made of nothing more than purified water and natural caffeine. I don’t have colors, flavors or any of those not-found-in-nature ingredients. So, if you’ve been living in the wasteland between boring bottled water and man I know this diet soda is bad for me and leaves a funny aftertaste, then I might come as a welcome change.

I’m caffeinated water

Do you remember paint-by-number kits from your childhood? The new Recipe Inspirations from McCormick remind me of those. It brings the same mindset to cooking and helps my lackluster skills in the kitchen. The kit takes out all of the guess work by combining all of the necessary spices to season some popular recipes. Plus, the back of the packaging tells you the other necessary ingredients and the recipe. For meals like Shrimp & Pasta Primavera, Garlic Lime Fajitas, and Spanish Chicken Skillet to name a few, these products are sure to be picked up by novice chefs and bring some flavor to meal time.

The new McCormick Recipe Inspirations collection puts flavorful twists on traditional recipes that will impress everyone at your dinner table. Recipe Inspirations makes trying McCormick’s best recipes fun and easy. Each packet includes pre-measured McCormick spices and herbs and a collectible recipe card. With just a few of your own fresh ingredients, you’ve got inspiration to make a memorable meal any night of the week.

As one of the most iconic labels in consumer products, even captured in pop art by Warhol, Campbell’s soup had to have some serious research behind their label redesign. That research? “Neuromarketing:” The team clipped small video cameras to the testers at eye level and had them later watch tape of themselves shopping for soup. Special vests captured skin-moisture levels, heart rate, depth and pace of breathing, and posture. Sensors tracked eye movements and pupil width. In layman’s terms, they judged the body’s “emotional” response to packaging (I know my heart skips a beat while shopping for condensed soup).

So what were the conclusions? The bowl was updated, steam was added, the logo was lowered, soup varieties were color-coded, and the spoon was removed. Personally, I appreciate the design, especially the new font for the soup variety text, but I’m quite surprised by the deviation. Many bloggers have contributed their opinions, and I expect that it will make greater headlines as the products hit the shelves… so what do you think?

The latest issue of Brand Packaging analyzed the effects of the recession. It’s a situation that has affected everyone, but rather than simply blaming our troubles on the current economic situation and giving up, we can look at how to learn, move on, and hopefully grow instead. The article compares coping with the recession to coping with loss, and how this influences consumer purchasing patterns:

Anger/Denial: At first consumers indulged in small luxuries that wouldn’t have major short-term consequences. Brands and even private labels that benefited were the ones that proved their value was worth the added cost. Others were ones with traditional/nostalgic value that consumers could take comfort in.

Bargaining/Depression: When consumers really started to feel the economic downturn, they shifted towards more thrifty habits. As a rudimentary example: even though people still dined out at restaurants, they chose less-expensive options (i.e. a pizza for the group rather than individual prime ribs. Trust me, I’ve seen this happen!).

Acceptance: At the end of the day, the major effect of the recession on consumer attitudes is a shift of the paradigm from a mindset of "what I want is what I need" to one of "what I need is what I want."

So here are Brand Packaging’s words of wisdom:

1. Don’t try to sell consumers what they don’t really need;
2. But, at the same time, don’t forget that behind every basic need lies an aspiration.
3. Use playfulness and familiarity to earn the right to engage with consumers.
4. Respect consumers by making clear, believable claims and making your portfolio easy to understand and navigate.
5. Give consumers a sense of control in the way they choose to interact with you.
6. Use packaging to give a fair picture of what is inside the pack, but don’t lose an opportunity to tell a compelling story.  

I’m not a completely ignorant person, but I did recently admit to Stacy that I thought that pomegranates were a newly discovered fruit. It seemed like everywhere I turned I heard something about pomegranates—from news briefs about their health benefits to recipes for Oprah’s favorite pomegranate martinis (which are delicious, by the way). This is just one example of the whirlwind that can be created by the discovery and marketing of the benefits of everyday foods and food components. There is a nation-wide audience more aware than ever about what they are eating—hence the growing organic and natural market.

The latest "discovered" food: fiber. Dietary fiber was the most sought-after beneficial food component according to a poll by the International Food Information Council last year, which means that consumers are reading their nutrition facts. As we all know, adequate consumption of fiber is important to stay, er, regular, but more it has also been said to lower cholesterol, control and prevent diabetes, reduce the risk of some cancers, aid in weight management and promote a healthy digestive system. Unfortunately, with a recommendation of 19 to 38 grams of fiber a day, combined with a metaphorical comparison of eating fibrous foods to eating cardboard, many companies were not able to capitalize on the opportunity… until recently.

Many new products have emerged to address the "cardboard" issue, such as Fiber One and FRITO-LAY’s catchy SMARTFOOD campaign. Others are showing their feathers, so to speak, about their already existing high-fiber content, like Kashi’s GOLEAN Crunch! and Quaker oatmeal. And how do they do this? Right on the packaging, of course. In order to attract consumers to read your nutrition facts, they must first be enticed by what the front of your packaging has to say. So make sure your product’s features stand out, and if you’re doing this with a label, let us help!

We featured Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle when they first announced its development. As one of the major sponsors of the Winter Olympics, the innovative PlantBottle packaging will be highlighted throughout this year’s games in Vancouver. True to form, Coca-Cola is also currently retailing Olympic-themed cans for the event as well.

"Our PlantBottle will be in the spotlight for the Olympic Games, introducing this innovative packaging to a global audience," says Nikos Koumettis, president Coca-Cola Canada. "The Coca-Cola Company has become the first to market with a recyclable PET plastic bottle made partially from plants, and we are excited that Canada is part of this major step in our journey towards sustainable packaging."

I’m not sure what’s in the air, but it seems to be headline-making new packaging week! Big name brands are getting serious attention for their makeovers. In the iconic board game category, Monopoly has opted for a modern anniversary edition:

Hasbro has unveiled the design of the new 75th anniversary edition of their classic board game, Monopoly, set to hit stores in fall of 2010. "Monopoly: Revolution Edition" is slick and round instead of dull and square, with debit cards and an ATM instead of paper money and a banker, clear plastic representations of the classic tokens (bye-bye, little boot!), and clips of popular songs (like Rihanna’s "Umbrella," Daniel Powter’s "Bad Day," and Beyonce's "Crazy in Love") that play after certain actions.

I’m a huge fan of Monopoly, as well as The Game of Life, which is also available in the new, electronic version. On the plus side, the games capture more realistic budgeting scenarios and a digitalized economy. The musical addition to Monopoly, not currently a feature for The Game of Life, is also awesome. But there’s something about the classic game that has to be missed by old-school fans. And the banker has no way of accidentally slipping a few $20s into their own account (not that I have ever done anything like that).

Invented in a garage by Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding in 1957, Sealed Air Corp began production of bubble wrap in 1960 and now makes enough Bubble Wrap to stretch from the Earth to the Moon and back. The company brings in annual revenues of over $4 billion. Obviously bubble wrap is important when it comes to its innovative influence on packaging. With all of those impressive statistics said, I’m just appreciative of all the years spent therapeutically popping leftover bubble wrap!

Ironically as I posted the battle of the brands blog, I came across this article link on packagingdesign.com. The private label vs. national brand debate is clearly a hot topic. While our last post gives an objective analysis of the packaging aspect, here we see how passionately the proponents for each side feel, and for good reason. National brands realize what’s at stake as store brands have become major competitors.

If you haven’t heard of Method products, you may want to become familiar quickly. The company offers a range of home and personal care products focused on their concern for sustainability. The products recently introduced to the Method Laundry line continue this tradition, with packaging mirroring the product’s innovation and functionality. We highlighted their squeaky green, hair and body wash for baby over the summer for similar reasons.
 
The extremely concentrated detergent formula allows for a more compact container. And if you’ve ever been irritated by the mess and residue from measuring caps, Method’s new design eliminates all of the fuss. Method’s detergent is biodegradable, nontoxic and made of 95% natural and renewable ingredients. This eco-friendly mindset is also evident in the packaging. Made of 50% recycled products and completely recyclable, the container is also smaller than traditional detergent bottles, meaning a conservation of both plastic and energy.
 
No measuring. No mess. A smaller impact on our Earth. Seems like an all-encompassing idea to me! What do you think?

Marketers are constantly scrambling for design solutions that stand out, communicate credibility, convey value, resonate with consumers, compel purchase and promote loyalty. Finding these solutions, however, is not easy.

One way to know what's happening broadly with consumer brands and packaging is to attend industry-specific events and shows. In the United States, some of the most important consumer products shows include the Food Marketing Institute Show (FMI), Natural Products Expo, Fancy Food Show, Boston Seafood Show, Dairy-Deli-Bake, All Candy Expo, Toy Fair, International Home + Housewares Show, National Hardware Show, Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, New York International Gift Fair, International Beauty Show (IBS) and Cosmoprof. While there are countless others, attending these will give you a good idea of what's going on in U.S. retail marketing and packaging design.

For the complete article, click here.

The latest issue of Beauty Packaging Magazine features what it takes to be eye-catching in the beauty industry, mostly because getting a glance is all the time you’ll get. So you must make a good impression in an instant. The article covers various techniques to create packaging with stand-out elements. The big three here are color, sophistication and texture. Companies in the beauty industry are branching out from the black and white color schemes to a broader palate, as well as utilizing metallics on either the product label or the packaging itself. Metallic and jewel-toned packaging materials give beauty products a touch of elegance, as seen with Dior’s J’adore perfume. And if you can get the consumer to actually pick up your product, unique packaging texture will also make your product stand out from the competition (a feature that isn’t just limited to the beauty industry).

For more on techniques to achieve these various design features, read the full article here!

In 2009, we witnessed a big flop in Tropicana’s rebranding effort. Experts are now weighing in on Coca-Cola’s rebranding of their orange juice brand, Minute Maid:

The visual brand assets that distinguished Tropicana were traded for a generic, minimalistic, trendy package design. In barely over a month, Tropicana’s refreshed packaging was scrapped due to consumer discontent and lost sales; the traditional packaging was quickly reinstated.

Do you think this will be a successful rebranding? Or should Minute Maid have simply sat back to collect on Tropicana’s mistakes?

2009 marked the first full year for Dion’s blog, so we decided to take a moment to reflect on some of its highlights. With almost 200 entries this year we had a lot of options for choosing our favorites! Here are the top blogs we selected:

Products we’ve blogged about and tried:

"Neuro Brand Beverages": Stacy and I were lucky enough to receive samples all the way from the west coast of this product line. We loved everything from the product itself to the unique bottle design.

Colgate Wisp Blogs: Stacy likes these blogs, because not only were she and Karly able to write about these new products, but they also took the time to try them and decide how the design of the product actually had a functional purpose: the cool blue dot in the middle held the brush-able tasty liquid that helped clean our teeth, the fancy swish at the end acted as a toothpick.

• "Colgate Wisps: Hit or Miss?"
• "Brush on the go!"

"The Dear Hunter": This blog was near and dear to my heart not only because I love the design of the case but I’m also a huge fan. I also surprised myself with my respectable amateur photography skills.

Blogs highlighting good causes:

"October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month": Incorporating so many elements related to one important cause made this blog special. Non-profit organizations, products, television, celebrities, and even the world of dance came together to show support for breast cancer awareness.

"Labels Raise Awareness": Provided insight to companies that utilize their labels in raising money (and increasing sales) to help fight a disease. It’s a unique way of using labels. Some tell a story, some have funky shapes and designs… and some help save lives!

Some lighter moments:

"Sunscreen is no laughing matter!": This blog also falls into the above category, but funny man Will Ferrell always brings a little something extra. (You may have recently seen his engagement photo "crash" in the New York Times). They say that getting someone to laugh and then giving them important information helps them to retain the message. Ferrell certainly gets our attention on sun protection.

"Update on Blue Q": Once we quieted our giggles over the new humorous products from Blue Q, we stumbled upon the videos of their sales team and were off again. We’re not sure about you, but the leg lifts get us every time!

The most highlighted rebranding failure of the year:

Tropicana Blogs: The blogs about the whole Tropicana debacle is cool because it shows why packaging is such a key component of selling a product. From a marketer’s point of view, it also explains why so much research needs to go into brand changes to increase (not decrease!) sales.

• "PepsiCo and Carbon Trust Unite"
• "Out with the new, In with the Old?"

What were your favorite moments?

We hate to be pessimistic, but we wanted to give you a chance to say goodbye to some products, companies, stores, etc. that have either already closed or plan to stop production during or before next year. Either way, you won’t be seeing the following in 2010:

• Heading to the Ben & Jerry’s flavor graveyard: Chocolate Almond Nougat (formerly: The Gobfather), Vermont Python, Strawberries & Cream Light, Ginger Snap, and Coconut Almond Fudge Chip
• Max Factor makeup in the U.S.
• Prescriptives skin care and makeup from Estee Lauder
• Kodak Kodachrome film
• Hershey’s Cacao Reserve and Starbucks chocolate
• Nivea’s facial product line
• Kraft’s South Beach Diet frozen entrees
• Pillsbury Perfect Portions biscuits
• Kraft Roka Blue cheese spread
• Aparts and Joose (caffeinated alcoholic beverages) from Anheuser-Busch & Miller
• Harley-Davidson’s Buell Motorcycles
• Abercrombie & Fitch’s brand Ruehl
• Smith 7 Hawken garden stores
• Virgin Megastores
• Circuit City
• Microsoft Money & Encarta
• 300 different coins from the U.S. Mint
• 140 American banks (only 25 closed in 2008)
• GM’s production of the Pontiac brand ended, and Saturn vehicles will end in October
• Speaking of halted vehicle production, Toyota Solara, Dodge Durango, Mercury Sable and Honda S2000 will be no more.
• Magazines: Gourmet, Southern Accents, Metropolitan Home, Vibe, Nickelodeon, Travel & Leisure Golf, National Geographic Adventure, Blender, Domino, and Portfolio
• TV shows (some not so surprising): ER, Guiding Light, MADtv, Monk, According to Jim, Battlestar Galactia , Deal or No Deal, Everybody Hates Chris, Without a Trace
• Retired sports figures: John Madded, Bobby Bowden, Tony Dungy, Alonzo Mourning, Curt Schilling, Oscar De La Hoya, Tedy Bruschi, Lisa Leslie, Amelie Mauresmo

We’re trying to hold in our disappointment for some things on this list, too. Hopefully an upswing in the economy will bring even better things. For the complete list, click here.

We frequently feature packaging and brand redesigns, but did you know that 20% of redesigns lead to sales slumps? Only 10% of them actually result in increased sales. Packaging World Magazine recently analyzed the effects of revolutionary redesigns—ones that change at least two primary design elements. Even though these designs have the highest risk, they have the highest potential for return if you can be a part of that 10 percent.

One of the key features of winners on the shelf is that they stand out visibly. Now this may seem like common sense, but getting consumers to reconsider your brand gives you another change for a purchase. These designs stand out because they are in contrast to their competitors, usually in structure rather than graphics.

Failing redesigns typically occur because of a decline in shopability. Sales fall because consumers are left saying either "Is this my brand?" or "Where is my product?". This hesitation leads them right to the competition, usually stemming from changes in brand identity (such as the logo) and/or changes in versioning (product names, treatment, or placement on the package).

Ultimately, it is important to make a significant packaging change that stands out on the shelf for potential new customers while ensuring that your already brand-loyal customers have no hesitation about the redesign. Keep Domino Sugar and Baked Lay’s in mind; both products proved that revolutionary redesign can be successful so long as they maintain brand identity.

For the full article, click here!

Although the introduction of the new, digital-looking Sunmaid raisins girl took place in 2007, the trademark icon is being heavily scrutinized even on the front page of the search engine Yahoo! Perhaps it’s just a slow news day, but it’s intriguing to find packaging design news on such a website, bringing it to the general public’s attention. It’s evidence once again that consumers are keenly aware of branding, and have strong opinions about their favorite brands. The current attention to Sunmaid may be due to recently released commercials featuring the modernized icon, which has been compared to "a Barbie Doll in Amish attire" or "as if Julia Roberts decided to don a red bonnet and start picking grapes." Traditionalists and feminists alike have scorned the new image for its drastic change from the simple, original watermark created of Lorraine Collett Petersen in 1915. Sunmaid asserts that the updated girl introduced almost three years ago reflects the changes in society and the modern woman focused on health and nutrition. Although it’s true that the model could use a makeover, the highly digital-looking image does remind me quite a bit of a Barbie computer game that I had when I was a kid. What do you think?

The market for men’s health and beauty products has been noticeably growing, which is why companies are focusing research into how to captivate the male audience. Of course these products need to stand out on the shelves from women’s products, but marketers are finding that it takes much more, starting with the brand’s identity and overall message. Needless to say it is important to know what kind of man you are targeting.

For many men, simplicity and efficiency are key making multi-function products perfect for this segment. Companies such as Nivea and TowelDry have created products specific for these needs. Nivea for Men’s Active 3 combines a body wash, shampoo and shaving gel that encourages men to simply "Shower. Shampoo. Shave." And new to the scene is TowelDry, keeping there product line minimal. After finding that their targeted men prefer to use one cleaning and one styling products the company developed hair products that clean, condition and lightly style for fine, medium, or thick hair, as well as a styling gel.

Beyond the actual product features, the entire packaging concept should reflect the brand’s message. From the packaging shape and functionality to the label design and use of color, the packaging should call out to men, especially because they browse the aisles less often than women. Aveda Men’s line of hair products reflects their eco-friendly status (made of 95% post-consumer recycled material) with neutral colors and a bottle shape more reminiscent of—fittingly—a beer bottle.

 For more on packaging for this market, read the full article here!

Who better to promote an iPhone application that addresses the fear of flying than someone who seemingly has no fears? Virgin Atlantic’s leader Sir Richard Branson introduces a video clip explaining this new app to wary travelers. In the hopes that those too afraid to fly will overcome their fears and reward Virgin Atlantic with their consumer loyalty, the app is inspired by the company’s Fear of Flying course offerings. Because they were so successful, Virgin Atlantic launched this program which is far more accessible and cost-conscious.

"This is Virgin Atlantic innovation at its best. Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Fear of Flying course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better. The app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight." –Sir Richard Branson

My friends and I have been exchanging Lolita glassware gifts for years, and it’s been great to see the company grow to extend their product offerings. What began as hand-decorated martini glasses eventually broadened to wine, champagne, and shot glasses as well as beer pilsners. Today, you can also find margarita glasses, hot beverage glasses, sundae bowls, ornaments, flasks, and most recently gel candles. The designs cover a broad range of events that inspire the gathering of friends from birthdays and holidays to girls’ nights out and even divorce. You’ll be sure to find a theme appropriate for any personality… even golf-loving men. As an added bonus the glasses come with a drink recipe to fit the theme.

The recent addition of candles to the Lolita line brings another great gift, and it appears as though if properly cleaned the glass can be used after the candle has burned completely. They are currently offered in wine, champagne and martini glasses. For a look at more Lolita gifts, click here!

Though it is subtle, here is the redesign for Canada-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade. The redesign was done by design firm Anthem Worldwide and focused on the brand’s key equity elements: "all natural flavours" and "a Canadian original." The company has already realized positive returns on the packaging changes.

"In our competitive industry, speed to market is crucial," said Chris Pfeifer, Director of Marketing, Specialty Beverages, of Mark Anthony Group Inc., parent company to the Mike’s Hard Lemonade™, "Anthem’s fresh, evolutionary and contemporary design expressed the true values and character of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade™ brand and enabled us to take this project from brief to shelf in just 16 weeks."

Continued Pfeifer: "Anthem’s understanding of the core essence of the brand and key consumer insights allowed them to quickly establish credibility with the brand. Since the new design was launched, sales for these Mike’s Hard Lemonade™ products at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, or LCBO, have been ‘outpacing our competitors’ by a margin of 10 to 20 percent, most of which we attribute to the new packaging."

Fans of Samuel Adams have more to look forward to than their upcoming seasonal winter beers. The Boston Brewing Company has recently unveiled the limited edition Samuel Adams Barrel Room Collection. It includes three varieties of beer in packaging obviously different from their regular bottles, but with a label design and the traditional font that strongly associates the product extension to the parent brand. The packaging design was done by another Boston-based company, Adam&Co. The collection currently includes Samuel Adams® New World Tripel, Samuel Adams® American Kriek, and Samuel Adams® Stony Brook Red, which have been aged in Eastern European oak barrels that allow small amounts of oxygen in to the brew that smooth out the flavors.

"For years, we've been playing with barrels at the brewery, aging small batches of beer in our Barrel Room. Before now, these beers have only been available at beer festivals or to a few lucky visitors to our Boston Brewery," said Jim Koch, Brewer and Founder. "Our Boston Brewery is where every Samuel Adams style of beer is dreamed up and nurtured. It has been our hub of innovation since I started brewing here in 1988; I like to think of it as the ultimate brewer's workshop."

For more images of this new product, click here!

Creative Review magazine in the UK recently teamed up with Cyperpac to distribute their periodical in a plastic bag that dissolves in water. This is part of a series the magazine has dedicated towards sustainability. In September the issue was sent in an envelope that could be re-used as a binder for their Monograph series, and the November issue will be sent out in the Harmless-Dissolve bag. The idea of literally making trash disappear without any harmful environmental effects is incredibly forward-thinking. Click here to see the process in action!

Harmless-Dissolve uses a hydro-degradable plastic to produce a stronger and lighter plastic bag which completely dissolves in water leaving no damaging residue. This fantastic product can replace poly-wrap on magazines, cotton laundry bags in hospitals and, with natural anti-static qualities has broad utility in the electronics industry.

From January to June, sales volumes for PepsiCo were estimated to have dropped 17.5 percent. Gatorade lost 4.5 percent of market share for sports drinks, but still dominates with 75% market share. And despite recent weak sales, the rebranding of PepsiCo’s Gatorade sports drink is said to be on target. The company also plans to launch various new brands to appeal to consumers that have shifted away from Gatorade. Leading the rebranding for Gatorade and other PepsiCo beverages is PepsiCo’s Americas Beverages chief Massimo d’Amore who has repackaged approximately 1,000 products. The "G" campaign for Gatorade included a new label with a big letter "G" and a smaller signature lightning bolt. Research by PepsiCo found that the campaign scores high in "the coolness factor." Clearly, PepsiCo foresees this rebranding will be far more successful than the disastrous Tropicana rebranding.

WeilBaby from Key Baby, LLC has recently introduced its product line of baby bottles, sippy cups, nipples, pacifiers and other accessories made with TritanTM EX401. This is a copolyester resin from Eastman that is BPA-free. Research within the last few years has caused some controversy for consumer products made of plastic because of the harmful effects for humans when exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA). It is especially thought to be harmful in the development of infants, making this product line even more intriguing. The bottles and cups also feature the AirWaveTM venting system which is said to reduce or eliminate air bubbles which can cause colic, gas, and spit-up for infants and toddlers. With its sleek and contemporary design from HLB, Inc. combined with its child safety and health features, WeilBaby clearly targets the modern mom.

"We recognized a gap in the marketplace for well-designed, healthy, safe, yet practical baby bottles," says Steve Schmidt, CEO of Lutz, FL-based Key Baby. "We’ve provided what parents are looking for--BPA-free bottles that are clear, durable, long-lasting--as well as good for the environment."

A partnership between a computer manufacturer and nail polish manufacturer seems odd at first glance, but the intriguing collaboration results in more customization options for consumers. Dell’s Design Studio will have rights to 26 OPI colors for Dell Mini, Inspiron and Studio laptops. There will be 20 classic colors with names like "Big Apple Red," "Strawberry Margarita," "Rosy Future" and "Kyoto Pearl," and my personal favorite "I’m Not Really a Waitress." During the holiday season there will be 6 Holiday Collection colors including "Dear Santa," "Merry Midnight" and "Smitten with Mittens." This customization only adds to Dell’s marketing strategy of building your own computer, and specifically targets women already familiar with the shades they are sporting on their nails on a daily basis.

"Dell and OPI’s offerings are a fresh collision of style and power, color and technology," said Rachna Bhasin, general manager, partnerships and personalization or global consumer. "OPI’s high style and Dell’s award-winning technology combine to offer people stylish options that deliver the ultimate combination of color and connectivity on the go."

From September 23rd to 26th, Dion exhibited at booth #339 at the Natural Products Expo East at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. With over 21,000 industry members and 1500 booths, it was a showcase of the growing popularity for natural and organic products. It is no surprise that many attendees were interested in the eco-friendly material and soy ink labels featured at our booth (to request eco-friendly samples, click here!). Some trends we spotted were gluten-free foods, probiotic supplements, products made with goat’s milk, and products made from coconut. Next year, the show will be held at the same location on October 13-16, 2010.

Earthbound Farm seems to have a lot going on during the celebration of their 25^th anniversary. First and foremost, the company is switching their plastic clamshell packaging to 100% post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PCR PET). This switch will:

• Save 424,224 million BTUs (MMBTUs) of energy
• Avoid 16,191 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
• Save 68,307 gallons of water
• Keep 1,308,623 pounds of solid waste out of the landfill

Earthbound Farm will also be advertising this feature right on the label. (What would be a better idea than including an eco-friendly label as well: request samples here & a quote here!) The other side of the label will feature quotes from the winners of the company’s contest. Children age 17 and under can win a $500 savings bond if their quote is chosen. Kids must complete the following sentence: "Thank you for choosing organic — it matters to me because…" The contest remains open until December 31st, or until the entry form is removed. On top of the printed quote and savings bond, $500 will be donated to the winner’s environmental charity of choice.

Earthbound Farm’s website explains:

We believe that using and creating a market for post-consumer recycled materials like PET (known as "upcycling" — turning waste materials into useful products) is one of the best sustainability options available today. There are many opportunities to create a larger market for PCR materials and help reduce the burden on our landfills; we hope that other companies will see the value in adopting packaging with PCR content, and that consumers will seek out PCR packaging when they shop.

The month of September will feature a renaming of Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream. In celebration of Vermont’s legalization of gay marriage on September 1st, the company has partnered with Freedom to Marry to rename the ice cream Hubby Hubby. Well-known for their social advocacy in their home state, Ben & Jerry’s peanut butter cookie dough with fudge and pretzel ice cream features two men in tuxedos on the packaging. The company hopes that this initiative will encourage other states to follow their lead. Currently, Hubby Hubby is only served in Vermont, but Freedom to Marry hopes that successful gay and lesbian marriage campaigns will bring the special edition ice cream to other locations.

From springwise.com:
The company is no stranger to big social gestures. Their employee-led Ben & Jerry's Foundation donated over USD 1.9 million in 2008 to "support the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding, and to support Vermont communities." It's no surprise, therefore, given their penchant for left-leaning publicity, that they are making themselves part of this historic occasion in Vermont. It could help their bottom line, too. As our 'hubby' trendwatching.com noted in its briefing on Pink Profits, more and more companies are discovering the brand loyalty and profits to be gained by appealing to the relatively high-earning GLBT market.

We don’t usually write about music, but the packaging for the latest album from The Dear Hunter was too gorgeous to pass by. You may have never heard of the band, but “Act III: Life and Death” is the third installment of a planned six-part concept album. The indie/alternative/progressive/rock band has been gaining raving fans across the country and overseas, and is virtually impossible to compare to any music out there, especially mainstream. If you have an appreciation for musical genius, be sure to pick up the album (and read the fanatical reviews). It follows a young man’s journey set in the WWI era. This is reflected in the creative and original packaging. As if opening a time capsule, the holder contains 4x4 “post cards” featuring song lyrics on one side and war images (with a Dear Hunter twist) on the other.

Guitarist Erick Serna commented on the design: “We wanted the packaging to look like the cover of an old school leather bound book, so Casey and our artist/design, Glenn at we are synapse based out of Sydney, Australia, collaborated on stylistic ideas. Thankfully our label was all for it and we’re completely satisfied with the outcome!”

Check out The Dear Hunter on their website or MySpace for current tour dates, music samples, discography, and other information.

Green Bay Converting, Inc. has introduced Ever Green bathroom tissue: the 2-ply bathroom tissue made of 100% recycled- minimum 20% post consumer- fiber. What’s more intriguing about this recycled product is the 100% recyclable packaging. Made without any plastic content, the design is similar to the soda "fridge pack," allowing easy dispense of the rolls. The carton also has a slot to collect the empty rolls, allowing the entire system to be recycled. Finally, making their eco-conscious process complete, the containers are shipped on pallets made of honeycomb corrugated cardboard, also 100% recyclable. As for the tissue itself, it is whitened without chlorine-based chemicals, contains no added dyes or fragrances, and is hypoallergenic. All-in-all, it appears to be a necessary commodity reducing its environmental impact.

From Green Bay Converting, Inc.: It's more than our name - it's our philosophy.  Packaging made from recycled and recyclable materials.  Even the pallet this product was shipped on is made from honeycomb corrugated cardboard, so it's fully recyclable!  By buying this product you are creating a strong and sustainable market for recovered paper grades.  Together, we can reduce the need to harvest trees, cut harmful emissions, and help eliminate the need to landfill these very valuable and very recyclable sources of paper fiber.

The Dannon Company has just announced their latest promotion: Dannonomics! This is a customer-loyalty rewards program in which buyers receive $1-off coupons through either instant savings coupons or mail-in rebates from their purchases. The promotion runs from August 10, 2009 to October 31, 2009. The brands included in the promotion are: Activia, Dannon "Fruit at the Bottom," Dannon "All Natural," Danimals, DanActive, and Light & Fit. Here is how it works:

• Get $3 in coupons when you spend $15 on any 1 brand
• Get $6 in coupons when you spend $20 on 2 or more brands
• Get $15 in coupons when you spend $40 on 3 or more brands

The redemption form can be found on the promotion website. For those of you that are regular purchaser of these dairy products, take advantage of this offer, as The Dannon Company celebrates 90 years of business!

Neuro drinks have hit the market in California and are marketed as a celebrity beverage of choice. They are formulated with ingredients to promote various moods and activities (from the neurobliss to neurosporti). This is the latest bottle design, which clearly stands out. The bottle shape is a bit reminiscent of the Mondo fruit drink bottle, with a cap similar to that of a body wash… enough to peak curiosity for an impulse buy.

Neuro drinks are already in over 1,500 retail locations throughout California, making this the most aggressive drink brand launch in the state's history.  The six skus are either "lightly carbonated" or "non-carbonated" nutritional beverages.  If you do not live in California, you can purchase 12-packs of the product online on the company’s website. With the A-list celebrity following of this product, be on the lookout for Neuro--it is hitting the U.K. in October and rolling out throughout the U.S. in 2010.  Neuro is also sponsoring "Perez Hilton Presents" rotating North American music artist tour, bringing the product to cities across the U.S. and Canada this fall.  Check the Neuro website for the Tour Blog to see what is happening (www.drinkneuro.com).

For more images of the bottle design, click here!

Graphic Design USA magazine recently published their winners for in-house design accomplishment from American companies. Categories for these creative design awards include: annual reports; advertising; announcements, invitations & cards; brochures & collateral; calendars; catalogs; direct mail & direct response; editorial design; identity design; internet design; multimedia & interactive design; packaging; P-O-P, signs displays & environmental graphics; posters; public service & pro bono projects; and sales promotion. Winners ranged from retail giant Walmart to Tastefully Simple. To see these award-winning designs, click here!

This Graphic Design USA awards program is, quite simply, the original and premier showcase for the outstanding, and too often underappreciated, work of inhouse design departments at America's great companies and institutions.

Recently, DuPont announced the winners of their 21st annual awards for "packaging innovations in enhanced sustainability and performance". The winners were "chosen for their demonstrations for innovative products and processes resulting in breakthroughs in sustainable packaging." The event was held through a global virtual forum for the first time. Click here for a link of the results!

The winners:

• Aveda™ Vintage Clove Shampoo from The Estee Lauder Companies – U.S.
• Whole Foods Baked Goods in Sealed Air’s Renew-A-Pak™ compostable bakeware from Biosphere Industries – U.S.
• Ecolean Group’s Lightweight Packaging - Sweden
• Healthy Choice Trays from ConAgra, Developed and Produced by Associated Packaging Technologies – U.S.
• Invisible Case Polyouters from Procter & Gamble – Belgium and Turkey
• All Days Pads in Tray and Hood Carton from Procter & Gamble – Germany and U.S.
• Bertolli® Pasta Sauce Pouches from Unilever and Amcor Flexibles – U.S.
• Prilosec OTC Pack from Procter & Gamble and Alcan Packaging – U.S.
• Pangea Organics Holiday Gift Boxes – U.S.
• Easy Pour Barrier Containers from A&C Packers - Australia

In today’s market, products that give back are important to consumers. This is true not only of eco-friendly products, but also socially-conscious ones. Brands associated with a charity or cause in particular reach out to women—and more specifically—moms. A 2008 Cause Survey from Barkley found that 86% of women and moms say it is important for companies to support a cause. Sixty-nine percent of moms stated they will try a brand because it supports a cause, and 58% will actually pay more for a brand that supports a cause she cares about.

Pampers is a great example of successful cause marketing. Their "1 Pack= 1 Vaccine" campaign has diapers flying off the shelves because purchasing the product gives the cost one tetanus vaccine to the UNICEF fund. A friend of mine actually incorporated this into her baby shower, giving a raffle ticket to each guest that brought a pack of Pampers for her daughter-to-be. Moms across the nation helped the Pampers-UNICEF partnership provide 31 million vaccines.

If your cause marketing campaign utilizes an awareness month, take advantage of digital printing for your product label. The short-run printing method allows you to incorporate your cause marketing right on the label of the product, creating awareness at the point of purchase. For more on the benefits of Dion Label Printing’s digital printing capabilities, click here!

In the last couple of months in particular, the popularity of Twitter has skyrocketed. Just last week, Samuel L. Jackson used the latest craze in social media as a part of his comedic bit as host of the ESPY’s. With everyone from celebrities to your next door neighbor sending tweets, it is no surprise that the application has been tapped into by businesses of all kinds. It is a great way to get information out on products or services in a timely and economically-friendly way. But for how long with the use of Twitter be free for businesses?

According to a recent a recent article in Global Cosmetic Industry, reports from The Wall Street Journal and Associated Press revealed that Twitter founders admit that there will one day be a fee for the service. Though they have not elaborated on their future plans to drive revenue, it is clear that the site will need support as they expect users to jump from 1.6 million to 32.1 million in the next year. In other words, take advantage of Twitter now; develop its marketing potential before it comes at a cost, or worse, before the fad fades.

Follow us on Twitter!

Via Roma is a producer of traditional, authentic Italian products ranging from pasta to desert cookies. The design of the packaging was done by United*. It features photographs of real people living in the region of Tuscany, capturing an authentic visual of everyday, Italian life. Paired with an elegant company logo and soft blue text, these products are sure to stand out on the shelf.

The design team explains, "There are 3 million people in Tuscany. All different & all unique. This authentic Italian brand shows their true character, expression & emotion, in a way that has not been seen before in U.S. retail design."

FREE. It's a word we don't hear very often these days. I was searching for information on color when I accidentally (and happily) came across an advertisement for a FREE quart of paint from Glidden. Could this be true? I mean it's not even a measly pint of paint, but a full quart! I rubbed my eyes and counted to ten then looked again. Yep! The offer was still there. So, what's the catch? I thought to myself. Do I have to buy a certain amount of paint? Do I have to sign-up for a newsletter or Glidden membership? Nope and Nope. This promotion is all part of The Glidden National Paint Giveaway. All you have to do is go to their website, pick out the color you want and tell them where to ship it!

Click here to get your paint now!

The 25 years old brand, Finesse, has been revamped by their new parent company Lornamead. Through packaging changes they have "evolved the brand’s communication structure, simplified the communication, and maximized the strengths of each package surface". The decision for change came from research that showed the target market (women age 35-54) was willing to give this older brand "another try". The face-lift to the packaging includes what Lornamead calls "the burst"—a symbol to represent the "self adjusting" features of the brand. The design streamlines the look of product line: the color of the burst matches the color of the text of the product feature. It also places the burst on the same horizontal plane. This standardized look allows the consumer to quickly spot the hair-care feature they are looking for, and has resulted in a 10% increase in sales for Finesse.

Consumer purchasing habits are changing in today’s economy. One such shift is that consumers are moving away from national brands to private label brands. It appears that consumers will stay loyal to store brands even when the economy improves. Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) and GfK Custom Research North America have been conducting ongoing research to find that "91% of respondents will keep buying store brand products after the recession ends, while only 8% say they will stop buying these products once the economy turns around." This is due to consumer perception that private label brands are just as good, or even better than, national brand products.

Not only are private label brands proving that they can get the repeat buy from customers, but they are increasingly attracting new buyers. The recession is an important purchasing decision factor for 54% of the study’s respondents, and a very important factor for 35% of respondents. This has increased the amount of purchasers switching to store brand products. In 1999, 18% of food and beverage purchases were store brands. This has increased to 24% in 2008, with 97% of all US households consuming private label foods and beverages on a regular basis.

A drop in sales for national brands is predicted (MediaBuyerPlanner reported that Procter & Gamble decreased in global sales volume by 5% for its Q3 2009) with private label brands to benefit.

We read and write a lot about how marketing consumer goods is more difficult than ever. To set your products apart from the abundant options for consumer beauty products, your promotions need to be creative and take advantage of technology and trends. Here are some recent tips from Global Cosmetic Industry on how to not only reach out to new customers, but to keep the loyalty of your existing ones:

Kits. Offering a combination of smaller sized products for the price of one normal-sized product is a good way to get new or existing customers on board for your entire product line.

Samples. Whether they are priced lower or free, attached to normal sized products or offered on their own, samples allow customers a low risk opportunity to test your product.

Free Stuff! Free samples are a great idea for an in-store/spa promotion. It’s a way to attract new customers without them having to make an investment.

Get online. Between e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, or your company website, quick and easy online access to your target market allows you to send out up-to-the-minute information and promotions.

Go green. The green movement continues to grow, so allowing customers to contribute through the purchase of your eco-friendly products will show return even though they may be more expensive. At Dion Label Printing, our processes are eco-friendly, and we have eco-friendly material for your labels. Request samples here!

Know the competition. Keep up to date with the promotion tactics of your competitors.

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You may already be familiar with the cold-activated blue mountains on the label of Coors Light bottles. But the company has also recently introduced this feature on 8-, 10-, 12- and 16-ounce Coors Light and Coors Banquet cans. The confidence of serving a perfectly chilled beer is created by thermochromatic ink. This ink on the bottle labels and aluminium cans is temperature sensitive. In these cases, the ink turns color as it cools, but it can also be activated by heat, based on the desired activation temperature.

Boisset has also introduced a Cooldot® on bottles of their Mommessin Beaujolais Grande Reserve. Best served chilled, the Cooldot® spot changes color when the wine temperature is optimal for serving. The aluminum bottle is also more environmentally friendly than the traditional glass wine bottle. Thermochromic ink can be function and style: it is a way to ensure your product is used at its best and an added feature that, if applicable, will make your product stand out.

Dion Label Printing, Inc. has the capability to print thermochromic inks. To request a quote, click here.

A recent article in the April/May 2009 issue of Beauty Packaging discussed some of the challenges of branding in the beauty industry. Obviously the concept of beauty and style is ever-changing, as are its icons. We have shifted from attempting to achieve perfection to embracing what may have been previously seen as a flaw (take Cindy Crawford’s birth mark for example). Most recently there has been a trend towards the natural look. Knowing and understanding what goes into the products that come in such close contact with our bodies has given organic products a competitive edge. These concepts come into play when it comes to not only labeling and packaging the product, but also in branding. For example, the sleek, futuristic look of Cargo’s Blu_ray High Definition line has an ultra-chic appearance, but it seems to disguise both the features of the product and the product itself. This line of products alleges high performance during filming, while still looking natural. However, most of us don’t think about how we will appear on screen. Therefore the stylish black packaging with minimal text gives a futuristic feeling that works for a certain niche market of those in the entertainment industry, but it appears to be one that the everyday consumer is shifting away from.

A completely different effect is created when the consumer can see the product that the label is selling. This scrub from Caudalie has a label with readable ingredients and a clear jar that shows off the product. The jar is reminiscent of ones that could be found in a kitchen, again suggesting the product’s accessibility and naturalness. Consumers get a real sense of what the product has to offer and can appeal to anyone. This product shows that creativity and style do not have to be sacrificed when packaging beauty products. There should be a balance between the message your brand is giving to consumers and the sophistication of design.

Brand Packaging's Sustainable Packaging Design Gallery is an online showcase of packages that have creatively addressed their impact on the environment. Brand Packaging has chosen companies that have made valiant efforts to go green as well as show how environmentalism can still address the marketing considerations of a brand. This online resource center also contains a directory of suppliers and brand/design firms offering sustainable products and services. This resource center divides eco-friendly packaging into four main groups: recycled materials, compostable packaging, reusable format and sourced reduced.

Click here to visit this gallery!

More and more companies are donating a portion of their profits to charity. This is fantastic! Donating to charity can help the world in so many ways. There are charities out there that help fight cancers, HIV, and other diseases. There are charities that help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. There are charities that help clean the environment and help make our world a better place. There are charities out there that help preserve natural habitats and keep animals safe. There is a charity available to help just about any cause.

So, how do consumers know their purchase is helping to fund a cure for a cause? How do consumers know that they are doing good for the world by purchasing your products? There are several things manufacturers can do to raise awareness, but there is only one way manufacturers can raise awareness and increase their chances of consumers purchasing their product over the competition. Manufacturers can add pages to their website telling consumers about their do-good efforts, they can send out direct mail pieces or even spend money on complex marketing campaigns using TV advertisements and print media. But the only way manufacturers can raise awareness and increase their chances consumers will purchase their product over the competition is to... put it on their label! That's right! Customers may or may not see your marketing campaigns, but when they are browsing store shelves to purchase a product they will be sure to see your label! If you are a manufacturer who is thinking about or already donating profits to charity, make sure to put it on your label! This will tell more people about your efforts, help you gain more customers, and ultimately help you donate more to charity!

NEW PACKAGING

Propel fitness water is a lightly flavored, non-carbonated water beverage containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and four different B vitamins. It is a product of Gatorade which is marketed by PepsiCo. This low-calorie, nutrient enhanced beverage has only 10 calories. It's designed to help hydrate and nourish the body.

In early 2009, Gatorade changed Propel's bottle design to give it "a fresh new look." Packaging also claims that the new 500 mL bottles contain 33% less plastic and 33% less label than their 500 mL bottle predecessors. This packaging change is the equivalent of taking 6,800 cars off the road per year. Propel's logo remains the same, however, the words "Fitness Water" have been removed from packaging, leaving the only description as "Vitamin Enhanced Water Beverage." The redesign also brings a substitute for Sucrose Syrup in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Not only has the company changed the looked of Propel's packaging, but it also expanded its products using a line-extension strategy by adding a blueberry pomegranate flavor.

OLD PACKAGING