Dutch Packaging Design

The event for everyone who admits that packaging is ”more than just a box around a product”. If you’re responsible for your company’s goods, such as SRP, shelf standout, the development of new designs or a product’s life span, then PACKAGING INNOVATIONS 2012 is your number one must-see exhibition of the year.
Wednesday 28 / thursday 29 november 2012, Passenger Terminal, Amsterdam

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.

Packaging design always had to look slick on the shelves, be functional, protective and attractive, not too heavy and most important: at a prominent place in stores, dying to be bought. But what remains from all of this when we’re shopping online? Do we choose only the products nowadays, or is there still an important role left for packaging design?
Shikatani Lacroix’ Design Lounge did an interesting study on this theme.
Want to know the answers? Go here.

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.

An entertaining and yet educative app for the iPhone and iPad is launched by ‘Plastics Make it Possible‘. The name? Bin It! A fun and addictive new game that challenges you to recycle your packaging and other stuff in a fun way! Bin It is a free game. Download it in the app store.

Ryan Partnership Chicago, a leading expert in marketing campaigns for emerging and established consumer brands, did a huge research project on health and eco-consumers. One conclusion: consumers prefer a single green score on packs.

”We know that consumer commitment to earth-friendly products is increasing,” says Christine Nardi Diette, president of Ryan Partnership Chicago. ”But all of the green messaging is creating more confusion than confidence. Consumers are challenging manufacturers and retailers to be clear about their commitment to sustainability.”

More? Check: www.onegreenscore.com