Retro, vintage packaging is a type of packaging that’s inspired by nostalgia. It’s taken over the food and drink industry, along with other major industries. But one might wonder if this type of packaging is worth it, or if it’s nothing more than just a fad.
Here, we’ll go over the different aspects of vintage packaging, and why it might be good for your modern item.
The Aspects of vintage Packaging
A lot of brands are tapping into this. Some may do it to reference the history of a brand, and it can be used for items with a longstanding history of their product. Some, such as ice cream, chips, and so much more, and other companies are taking a more expensive route for this.
Retro design elements are what a lot of these vintage packaging brands go for. Colors that are more solid such as blues and reds for instance, are used. With fonts, they use a more retro look, similar to times of the past.
Some also use graphics that are unique and tap into that past part. For instance, some may refer to an old sort of icon when they’re showing off a product, and customers can remember the nostalgia of back then.
Another aspect is using traditional materials with a modern twist. Glass bottles for instance, aren’t used as much anymore, but someone can offer limited edition forms of packaging, offering a unique twist that really stands out in the packaging that’s there.
The goal of this is to help bring out the past and invoke that same sort of pleasant persuasive element that many people love: the element of nostalgia.
Examples of Nostalgia in this Packaging
You’ve seen this with sodas for example. Coke products used their old retro designs to stand out, offering a throwback to the classic types of packaging.
Pepsi as well reintroduced some of the sweetened sugar version of the soda that they had back in 2010, and this was a unique little throwback.
In our world, a lot of people just want the simplicity of the past, and we are likely to distrust that which isn’t familiar, and a lot of people feel this when it comes to the design and branding of things. companies either become too busy, or unpredictable. People want to be sterile and minimalist. With these factors, a lot long for times when things were simpler.
That’s why nostalgia is in. People want items that can reflect the types of packaging of the past. Food along with beverage brands use this to address the pain points.
The challenges of this packaging.
Obviously we know the benefits, which is tapping into the nostalgia of the product to a customer’s psyche, thus building a better connection with them. but there are a few challenges that come along with this, many of which are worth mentioning in a lot of cases.
The first is that it needs to definitely show authenticity. You can’t just nostalgia bait people—they don’t like that, and they won’t like it when you do it. you need to assess the market reception, and from there, choose the types of packaging that you want to have. By using these different options, you’ll be able to foster a unique sort of quality design.
Make sure that when you do this, it emotionally taps into what customers want. vintage is in, and when used wisely, you’ll not only entice more customers with nostalgia, but also create a brand that’s fun, authentic, and one that people will love and wish to support.
