One of the many creative ways for brands to stand out on retail shelves is to use premium packaging with custom embossing. This finishing technique involves using good quality materials and presenting them as elegant and durable. An embossing effect gives the package an extra dimension that attracts attention. Here's a look at how this concept gives packaging an impressive appearance for consumers who seek premium products.
Choosing Embossed Packaging
It's easy to get confused about embossing at first glance, but once a designer understands the difference between embossing and debossing, it becomes more clear. A raised texture on a box's surface indicates an embossed image. If the image has a depressed surface, it's an example of debossing.
Both embossing and debossing can be done on paper, card stock, cardboard, chipboard, corrugated materials or even metal. These techniques can enhance a logo or other type of messaging to appear more unique and sophisticated than what's commonly found in conventional packaging. Some designers use embossing or debossing to emphasize certain words. Essentially, adding raised or depressed silhouettes of text or images creates memorable experiences for people who view them as refreshing.
Deciding on Customization Options
A premium product can catch attention if it's encased in premium packaging with custom embossing. If the brand is trying to maximize the chances of standing out from other brands, it pays to make the extra investment in customized packaging. Consumers of premium products will instantly connect the idea of embossing or debossing with elegance when compared against competing brands that don't attempt to be unique.
How can a packaging designer customize embossing? By working with brands to create various versions of packaging that reflect the company's different market segments. Some brands may favor embossing while others favor debossing, perhaps after conducting customer behavioral studies. Customers can be asked in surveys how much they like the feel of a package and the degree to which it has emotional impact.
There are also different levels of embossing to consider, ranging from light to deep. Light embossing typically occurs on a thin substrate, whereas a thicker substrate can accommodate deep embossing. The quantity of units needed will also impact a decision on customized packaging. While embossing on paper materials is more affordable, using metals such as aluminum or brass can make the package much more noticeable and memorable.
Staying Within Eco-friendly Parameters
Part of the idea behind premium packaging with custom embossing stems from sustainability. It's a minimalist way to create elegance without impacting the environment. That kind of thinking goes a long way when seeking to reach informed consumers who want to participate in eco-friendly economics.
If embossing uses dyes, they should consist of eco-friendly materials. The overall embossing process should maintain the recyclability of the material. The end result can look like a package designed with expert craftsmanship while still being cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Adding a Touch of Class
A custom package will look sophisticated using a specific type of finish such as matte or glossy. Metal adds to the luxurious 3D effect of a package. Aluminum, which is the most recycled metal on the planet, has a captivating shine that combines with embossing to create powerful elegant effects.
White gloss creates the illusion of glass-like imagery. Silver gloss provides a more metallic presentation. A matte finish has a more smooth and subtle texture without reflection or glare. Usually a glossy finish is more associated with luxury, whereas matte has a more subtle tone. Either one can add a touch of class to the package, depending on the product and the target customer's experiences and expectations.
Getting Attention with Embossing
The goal of getting customer attention in a store can be achieved using premium packaging with custom embossing. The packaging simply needs to match the values and emotions that connect the product with the user. One reason embossing is an effective solution for standing out in stores is because it's not an overly-used visual technique compared with standard or universal packaging traditions.
Another reason why embossing adds energy and glamour to a package is because it gives the customer something to feel with their fingers. Touching an embossed image creates a memorable sensation that may associate with something special like a unique gift idea. Since embossing can be done numerous ways, it gives packaging designers a wide array of choices for customizing packaging for specific market segments.
