How to decide on packaging for your CPG beverage brand?
Packaging and design are as important as the contents inside. They’re like a small billboard for your product in the sea of billboards sitting on a shelf (or in the pages of the internet) that beckons your customers to support your brand. It is crucial that these elements are discussed while formulations begin.
Which is better, the bottle or the can? Here are some things you should consider when choosing your packaging:
Carbonation levels: Bottles have better control over carbonation levels (this rings especially true for fermented products, like kombucha or beer).
Light: Both cans and bottles are dark enough to prevent oxidation from outside sources of light.
Safety: Cans are thinner, lighter, and safer to transport than bottles. This means there is less of a risk for damage loss of bottles during transport.
Expenses: Bottles are heavier to produce, making them more expensive to bottle and transport (higher fuel costs!). However, due to the rise in demand for cans, the price of aluminum has increased. Additionally, the upfront production cost for cans tends to be higher than bottles. You will need to compare MOQs and pricing costs with your co-manufacturer.
Taste: Consumers have reported that they (slightly) prefer the taste of beverages in bottles vs. cans.
Recyclability: Both cans and bottles can be recycled!
Labeling:
Vinyl/Polyester labels can be used for both cans and bottles; they are very durable and resistant to tears in the label. You can purchase them in gloss and matte.
Paper can be used for a cool vintage aesthetic but is prone to tears and is not liquid resistant.
Shrink wrap labels look like they were directly printed on the can, with the protection of a clear sleeve.
Inline/wrap-around labels are actually printed directly on the can–this means you can have more flexibility with the design, which is also represented in cost.
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