Customizing the right beer packaging for you is a process that takes time and the consideration of several different factors. Finding the right fit for your beer is about finding a packaging that perfectly fits and represents your brew and brand. Your customer has their first experience with a product through its packaging and presentation, giving packaging an important role in connecting you with your customers. Customizing your beer packaging may seem overwhelming as you sift through different materials and designs. But with this guide, you’ll find an easy path that will enable you to develop the perfect fit for your beer products.
Key Consideration for Customizing Beer Packaging
Know Your Audience
The process of customizing packaging for your beer begins before even looking at packaging options. Understanding your target market is where to start. Ask questions like: are your customers craft beer enthusiasts that connect with a unique, artisanal vibe? Or are they looking for something more casual and simplistic? Knowing what gets the attention of your target market, like graphics, color tones, and aesthetics, will guide you in choosing a design and packaging style that connects with them.
Align Packaging with Your Brand
When choosing the packaging for your beer products, you’ll also want to think about elements that reflect your brand’s story and personality. Ask questions like: is your brewery focused on sustainability, artisanal craft, or unique flavors? You can use colors, typography, and imagery on your packaging that align with your brand’s values. Considering these elements at the beginning of customizing packaging is essential because you’ll want to ensure consistency in your branding across labels, carriers, and secondary packaging to create trust and recognition with your customers.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
On a serious note, there are some industry regulations that your packaging must adhere to. Things like labeling requirements for alcohol content, health warnings, and recycling symbols must be included in your design. Make sure you’ve researched to know what legal requirements your packaging must consist of and ensure all the required information is clear, legible, and fits effortlessly into your design.
Material Selection
Based on your brand’s values, choosing the right materials for your packaging affects sustainability and beer quality. Several options include recyclable cardboard, glass, or biodegradable wraps. It is also important to consider that your packaging needs to maintain the quality of the beer by protecting it from light, temperature changes, and physical damage.
Elements of Custom Beer Packaging
Labels and Graphics
The label of packaging is typically the first thing a customer notices, so remember that your label is your opportunity to make an impression. To make your label stand out, consider using bold typography, graphics, and colors. Create designs representing your brand's personality, like hand-drawn artwork, accents, or storytelling.
Bottle or Can Shape
Depending on your audience or brand preference, you’ll need to choose what kind of container your beer will be packaged in: a bottle, a can, or another option. You have many options when making this decision and what you based your decision on should reflect what you want to communicate with your customers.
Secondary Packaging
Once you’ve decided on what kind of container to package your beer in, you’ll begin thinking about secondary packaging. Secondary packaging opens another world of communication and engagement with your customers. You’re able to design labels for both your containers and the secondary packaging giving you two different avenues for presenting your product.
Special Features
Special features are things that either set your brand apart or something that you offer that is for limited time. Maybe your packaging always has a different saying printed somewhere on the packaging for customers to look forward to. Or perhaps your brand offers limited edition beers and creates limited edition packaging that is fun and different, or more classy and elegant. You could even think about engaging customer through technology with QR codes printed on your packaging.
Steps to Design Custom Beer Packaging
Define Your Objectives
It’s time to think about what you want to accomplish with your beer packaging. Take time to define your packaging goals, like increasing brand recognition in a certain market or promoting the release of a special edition. Defining your objectives will inform all your design decisions.
Working with Professional Designers
Your packaging is a big deal, so don’t take its design lightly. Think about working with a professional designer to offer yourself packaging that performs as well as possible. You may be able to use certain design tools and create basic concepts, but partnering with an experienced designer gives you the assurance that your packaging is high-quality, creative, and print-ready.
Prototype and Test
Once you have your design, make sure to get a prototype printed to test your packaging and work out any issues before printing in bulk. Get feedback from employees, customers, and friends to help you identify what works and doesn’t.
Finalize and Produce
Once you’ve finalized your design, find a manufacturer that is trusted and well-recommended to bring your design to life. Your production partner should offer consistent quality, scalability, and customization options that meet your needs.
Trends in Beer Packaging Design
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainability is a value that both breweries and customers are prioritizing. Try using biodegradable materials and reusable carriers. You may even consider going with a minimalist design to reduce waste.
Minimalist and Clean Designs
The modern market is attracted to minimalist designs that use clean lines, neutral colors, and simple typography that creates elegant and timeless looks. Think less is more when creating your designs.
Interactive Packaging
Get customers engaged through technology from your product. Try adding QR codes or NFC tags to your labels that share your brewery’s story or provide promotions.
Vintage and Retro Aesthetics
Packaging inspired by retro ideas makes people feel nostalgic and makes your product stand out on the shelf. Vintage logos, old-school fonts, and classic illustrations are trendy and attractive right now.
Cost Considerations
There are a few factors that affect the pricing of your beer packaging, from materials and design to order volume. Certain materials and finishes may cost more than others. You may need to weigh the pros and cons of what materials and finishes you want for your packaging with the quantity to see if ordering in bulk may balance the cost of having better materials or finishes. It is possible to have good packaging within your budget. Just focus on what is most important to you and prioritize those things.
Tips for Choosing a Packaging Partner
You want to look for a partner that holds your values and offers the specifications you’re looking for in your packaging. Look for suppliers that are experienced, have positive reviews, and are willing to work with you to meet your custom needs. When choosing your packaging supplier, feel free to ask questions. You have the right to know all the information upfront and be assured they are the right fit for you and your brand.
Conclusion
Your brand deserves to be well-represented through its packaging. You have the power to stand out and engage with your customers through your custom beer packaging. Choose designs that align with your goals and materials that meet your needs. With custom beer packaging, the possibilities are endless. Reach your customers and present your brand the way your target market wants and your brand needs through custom beer packaging.
