The nitty-gritty details on cool packages

Just returned from judging the 2010 AIMCAL Metallized & Coated Product competition, and once again, it was great getting into the nitty-gritty detail of the design and converting of the entries. Without naming names, here are descriptions of what I personally think were some of the cooler products.

LEFT: AIMCAL competition entrants await judging.

A drink-pouch SBS carton laminated with metallized-PET film is reinforced in the load-bearing areas with uncoated recycled board. The result is a non-corrugated container that offers source reduction with consumer sales appeal.

A pattern-metallized susceptor on a carton’s interior can be used opened or closed to reheat the product two ways in the microwave depending on the consumer’s preference.

A custom holographic pattern unites labels, cartons and point-of-purchase materials for a holiday product promotion.

A polycarbonate film directly integrates high-security, demetallized holography while eliminating the use of all adhesives. It is compatible with laser engraving, adding overt security in addition to variable data.

A metallized-film lamination becomes an injection-molded label for a special promotion. While other decorating methods were available for the up-charged product (metallized ink), none approached the final sparkle of the metallized film.

A UV-printed polyester film laminated to SBS board is printed with a rainbow pattern and a sparkling coating that adds tactile-feel attributes in a number of ways.

Two trends stood out: 1) Imported rice packaging has definitely gone upscale with 8-color gravure printing and consumer-convenient handles and zipper closures on large-scale bags and standup pouches. 2) Are there any cosmetics, perfumes or liquors that AREN’T in shiny, metallized cartons? How does a product stand out when they all look alike?