7 Iconic Packaging Designs That Have Made a Lasting Impact

Consumers are not only motivated by attractive and functional product designs but also by compelling packaging solutions. Consider the elegant, tiny light blue box and you may instantly associate it with an iconic jewelry brand. Due to creative and smart product packaging designs, many of today’s established products can be easily recognized by the package itself.

The use of color, shape, texture, and font in product packaging can largely influence the way consumers perceive and experience a brand and its products. Certain brands with easily recognizable product packaging designs have become staples in people’s lives and pop culture—even with the name and logo covered or removed.

This article looks at some of the most iconic packaging designs and what makes them memorable and identifiable to people. Keep scrolling to learn more about how packaging affects consumer behavior, as well.

7 Packaging Designs That Have Made an Impact

1. The McDonald’s Happy Meal

The McDonald’s Happy Meal in its iconic red and yellow box can put a smile on every child’s face. The packaging brings about joy and excitement as children anticipate the toy inside. For adults, the box can trigger nostalgic memories.

The Happy Meal has been around for over 40 years, helping McDonald’s establish itself as a family-friendly brand. The packaging design has evolved, but its structure remains the same. The old box previously had puzzles and mazes printed on it, while the new box showcases a minimal design with bold red and yellow colors intended to trigger happiness in those who receive the accompanying toys.

2. Campbell’s Soup Can

Andy Warhol’s art exhibition helped popularize the Campbell’s Soup can. Since then, the red-and-white theme has become internationally identifiable. The cans had originally showcased a blue and orange color theme until company executive Herbert Williams saw the Cornell University football team live and was motivated by the uniforms’ red and white colors.

Campbell’s Soup cans recently launched their first redesign in 50 years, using modernized typography while keeping  the brand’s signature red and white color palette. The redesign is intended to appeal to the new generation of customers who spend more time cooking at home. This stays true to the brand’s mission of bringing a sense of goodness and comfort.

3. Tiffany & Co. Blue Box

Tiffany & Co.’s blue box has unarguably one of the best packaging colors and is among the most recognizable packaging designs in the world. The distinctive color is trademarked and known as the Tiffany Blue®. This color may have been selected due to the turquoise gemstone trend in the 19th century.

The Pantone® Matching System standardized the box’s iconic blue color, and the custom color was aptly named 1837 Blue. Tiffany & Co.’s packaging design, like its brand, has become synonymous with beauty and opulence. The company also ensures that its blue boxes and bags are produced using materials from recycled and sustainable sources.

4. The Pringles Can

In the snacks aisle crowded with bagged chips and treats, Pringles stands out with its unique food packaging. The iconic canister was invented by a chemist named Fredric Baur in 1966, creating an efficient storage method that would package the chips properly.

The innovative packaging design remains an uncommon packaging for chips. Still, it effectively prevents the chips from breaking during transport from production to consumer. Today, the Pringles cylindrical packaging remains one of the most creative and enduring packaging designs. Consumers continue to find unique ways to eat them (e.g., inserting a piece of paper into the can to easily slide all the chips out). 

5. Heinz Ketchup Bottle

Heinz’s upside-down squeezable ketchup bottle was designed with functionality in mind. Its upside-down structure makes it easier to dispense the product by squeezing the plastic bottle. Since it sits on its cap, this also reduces exposure to air, avoiding spoiling. 

6. Apple’s Modern Minimalist Boxes

Apple is known for its sophisticated product designs and functionalities—and its product design philosophy extends to the packaging itself. The recognizable slim and simple white box looks as elegant and alluring as the product inside.

Apple’s modern minimalist packaging design—from the clean graphic design to the unintrusive box structure—has become a packaging trend not only in the tech industry but to other segments as well. The brand’s iconic packaging container, devoid of unnecessary paper and plastic packaging (except for the plastic wrap), truly gives users a memorable unboxing experience.

7. Toblerone’s Triangular Box

There are a couple of theories as to what inspired the recognizable triangular packaging of Toblerone. Some say creator Theodore Tobler was inspired by the Swiss mountain Matterhorn. Others think Tobler got the design inspiration after visiting a cabaret show in Paris, where the dancers formed a human pyramid.

Whatever the truth is, the box (and the chocolate itself) stands as one of the most identifiable and unique packaging designs in the world. The packaging also makes the product easy to store and carry. 

Stand Out Through Packaging

When it comes to branding strategies, businesses should leverage the importance and impact of product packaging. Whether it is a slight change or a complete design overhaul, innovative and unique packaging solutions can elevate how consumers experience a brand.

From colors, typography, form, and function, product packaging significantly influences how people relate to brands and their products. However, beyond protecting its contents, effective packaging can also help communicate your brand’s values to your target audience.

Get in touch with Meyers for your custom packaging needs or recommendations to take your packaging to the next level. Bring your vision to reality with our professional printing solutions. Contact us today to learn more.