Dutch Packaging Design

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.

A recent study by Accenture, ComScore and Dunnhumby USA shows the importance of an attractive webshop in relation to actual purchases in-store. Shoppers who visit websites for consumer packaged goods brands before setting foot in a store spend up to 37% more on those brands in-store than those who didn’t come to these websites. Web visitors also returned to the store more often to buy the brand: 3.2 buying occasions per month against 2.3 for non-visitors. Site visitors also spent more per month in the product category of a brand whose site they’ve gone to.
Read the complete study here.
More on (online) shopping and packaging design here.

This manufactorer, based in Europe, delivers quality toys with a high degree of educational values. These toys are built to last and are internationally recognized with lots of prestigious awards. Stepfive created several packaging concepts that fitted this high standard of quality, while gaining presence due to the use of bright colours and clear typography. Using different materials was a handy tool that allowed us to make a clear difference between the many product groups. We also created an opening in each design that allows buyers to actually feel the products’ quality – an essential factor in deciding wether or not to buy the toy.

Stepfive created these packaging designs for Maître Paul’s Oranje Cupcakes. The goal: creating a visually appealing and festive package which could be presented like, as it were, a real gift. Especially for typical Dutch traditions and parties such as ‘Queen’s Day’, but for (inter)national sport events as for instance soccer championships as well. ‘Cause after all, the Dutch colour is orange. Maître Paul’s Oranje Cupcakes are the perfect treat for those special little moments. They are nice to give and fun to get!  There are three cupcakes per package.
More on Maître Paul Cupcakes original design here.

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.

A kick-start of 2012 with this news. Look-O-Look’s Toppermix was voted Product of the Year 2011! A representative panel of 6,000 Dutch consumers criticized it best among all others. A reason to be cheerful and so are we at Stepfive headquarters!

More on Look-O-Look’s winning Toppermix (design by Stepfive) here.

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!