Dutch Packaging Design

Stepfive creates new distinctive retail and catering concepts for food and beverage brands on a daily basis. We develop new concepts, recipes, brands and packaging design together with our clients. We also revitalise existing products on our own initiative, because we are convinced many products could have a more successful brand appearance with the right adaption and repositioning. For example, we have created this new concept for Bloody Mary.

This Bloody Mary concept can be used for the catering and retail sector. The bottle has two facings (meant for standing and hanging) and can therefore be placed on a shelf, perhaps in a retail environment, or can be suspended within catering establishments. You also have the option of attaching a connecting piece with a hose, allowing drinking glasses to be filled with Bloody Mary from a bottle hanging on the bar.

The packaging design for the international figure Bob the Builder^TM luncheon meat and liver paté was created by Stepfive for Zwanenberg Food Group. This delicious sandwich filling for children appeals not only to the youngest ones. Due to it’s strong presence, it also looks very desireable on the shelf. Bob the Builder^TM makes lunch and breakfast even more fun!

Packing design evolves. An edible bottle made from organic materials that is biodegradable too? No problem. Dr. David Edwards (professor at Harvard) is working on the WikiCells project that looks into creating edible packaging. WikiCell membranes can hold the drink together and can also be consumed afterwards. These membranes could be made out of something tasty, like chocolate or candy.
There are some hurdles to be taken though. Hygiene for instance. Products in ready-made packaging go through many hands – literally – before they reach the end consumer, and despite the companies’ assurances of their products’ safety, it is unlikely that consumers would be willing to nibble on something whose hygiene can so clearly be compromised. Still, marketing and recycling experts agree that there is room for experimentation.
Wish to try some of Edwards’ experimental edible packaging? You can sample them at the stunningly beautiful Lab Store Paris.

Dutch bakery FreeOf produces all kinds of bread products completely gluten-free for people on a diet, for those who simply want to eat gluten-free or for those who suffer from gluten sensitivity. This disease can be defined as a non-allergic and non-autoimmune condition in which the consumption of gluten can lead to symptoms similar to those observed in coeliac disease or wheat allergy. For FreeOf, Stepfive created an appetizing looking and modern packaging design for the complete range of FreeOf products.
It’s time to enjoy healthier, better tasting and better looking gluten-free breads!

The exhibition ‘Food Forward‘ presents scenarios for the future of our food based on the work of artists and designers. The starting point is the video ‘The Hunt’ by Christian Jankowski (DE) that humorously puts the estrangement between city dwellers and food on edge. John O’Shea (UK) pushes the limits of the law in his attempts to achieve a more humane meat production and meat consumption scheme. Michiko Nitta and Michael Burton (UK) will present two scenarios from their larger study of life after agriculture: the symbiosis between humans and algae and a functional food regime. Arne Hendriks (NL) finally explores the possibilities and consequences of shrinking men to 50 centimeters.
Food Forward Exhibition:
15 January 2012 / 01 April 2012. Location: Hogewal 1-9, The Hague, The Netherlands

Linera is long known for it’s diet-related products. But The Times They Are A-Changin’ and so does our perception of healthy living, which is more based on a healthy diet as being a lifestyle then occasionally being on a strict diet. So Linera asked Stepfive to redesign the packaging design of their current line of products in order to fit this modern take on healthy living. Therefore, Linera set some basic rules: the Linera branding must not be altered. Nor should the focus on the target group, which consists mainly of female consumers. Furthermore, the design must be colourful and have an active feel to it.
We think we managed to do just that. We’ve gained Linera’s presence by adding a big purple oval in which the product-type is communicated. The result is this highly recognisable line of modern Linera-products that can stand the times for at least a number of years.

It’s that time of the year again. And as we’re used to, we like to thank our clients and other relations with a special gift for the successful cooperation this past year.
This years theme is ‘All the Best!’ (‘Het Beste’ in Dutch). Not only because the wine, a Domiziano Negroamaro del Salento, is best judged by a professional specialist journal, but also because we launched our renewed website this week. You can find all the best of our latest and past projects with our clients over there.
Stepfive Communication & Design wishes you All The Best for 2012!

An entirely new brand called ‘Via Organica’ launched a complete new range of organic pet food. Focus of Via Organica is primarily on the Dutch retail channel and secondly the Bio-supermarkets. Stepfive created a new packaging design with a fresh and modern illustrative look. There are several strong color variations for each different categorie and every one of them has its own typical illustration. For now Via Organica only involves organic chicken food, the next step will be food for all kind of pets.

Food companies have five years to implement the mandatory nutrition labelling rules of the European Union’s Food Information to Consumers Regulation published today, said international policy experts EAS (Strategic advice on nutritional products).
Xavier Lavigne, Food Law Manager at EAS, said that the clock starts ticking towards the five-year deadline for nutrition labelling requirements from 20 days after publication, therefore from 13 December 2011.
”The regulation introduces a minimum font size of 1.2mm for all mandatory label information, and 0.9mm for products whose packaging has a largest surface of less than 80cm2.”
More information on the EAS website.

Again a wonderfull asset for our bookshelf, “packed” with inspiration: THE ART OF PACKAGE DESIGN. A recent assembly of international designers is creating highly outstanding and savvy designs to complement the nature and function of a product. Editor Wendy Xu included the Atelier LaDurance Japanese Denim packaging in the publication that is about innovative packaging designs that functions beyond ‘simply product wrappers’. A creative treasure published by Gingko Press: www.gingkopress.com