Desjardin Blog - EN

People understand and react to colors in mysterious ways. Some colors can elicit both positive or negative responses while others lean more in one direction. Most colors, other than gray, are associated with overall positive emotions. That's what years of color research has found, yet scientists still haven't answered some of the deepest questions about the connection between colors, emotions and behavior.

 The link between colors and emotions taps into deep psychology that is still not completely understood by researchers. While it's clear that color can be perceived and felt in multiple ways, packaging designers can use known studies of the past century and earlier to gain insight in how colors play a compelling role in attracting consumers in retail stores and affecting purchasing decisions. 

At one time not much thought went into packaging food products other than whatever it took to keep food from spoiling and provide the longest possible shelf life. But in recent decades, marketers have been diving deeper into psychological research that helps connect visual stimulation with consumer behaviour. Here are unique ideas for modern food packaging.

The food packaging industry has gone through many changes since the rise of the first metal packages. Industrialization was the driving force behind metal being an early choice of material for the mass commercialization of food products. Here are key turning points in history since the industrial revolution that have led to the current state of increasing demand for packaging made with aluminum and other metals.

Smart packaging includes modern technology such as RFID chips that communicate with manufacturers, warehouses and retailers. The addition of wireless heating in containers has provided new opportunities for food marketers to sell modern conveniences. Smart technology is helping reduce waste, track products more closely and provide longer shelf live.

Food packaging is much different today than most of the 20th century. It has gone through a metamorphosis from plain, simple and utility-based packaging to more elaborate and creative designs. Metal is steadily gaining favor over plastic for sustainability reasons, as consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of environmental issues. Here's a deeper look at important food packaging trends heading into the 2020s.

The packaging of biscuits and confectionary involves creativity, as well as paying attention to safety regulations and consumer behaviors. Here's a deeper look at what a food packaging designer should be aware of when deciding on suitable materials.

People associate tastes, aromas and flavours with packaging shape, name and sound, according to a study from the University of Oxford. Understanding of this mix of sensory perceptions can help product packaging designers improve communication with consumers.

A majority of shoppers of private label products take packaging design into account in shaping their purchasing decisions, according to a University of Ulster study in Northern Ireland.  How can private label manufacturers materialize on this?