Print Design Formats

A newspaper you can plant? It’s real-and it’s brilliant! 🌱 Back in 2016, The Mainichi Shimbun-one of Japan’s biggest daily newspapers-published a special “Green Newspaper” edition printed entirely on biodegradable, plant-embedded seed paper using plant-based inks. After reading, the instructions encouraged people to tear the paper into small bits, plant them in soil, water daily-and watch herbs and pollinator-friendly flowers bloom within weeks. This impactful innovation was developed collaboratively by Dentsu Inc. alongside The Mainichi, guided by their motto: “The Mainichi doesn’t take action only through information, but also by solving global issues.” 🌿 Why it mattered: 👉 Printed in 100% biodegradable paper embedded with seeds like poppies, daisies, herbs 👉 Made with recycled materials and vegetable-based inks 👉 Encouraged schools across Japan to use it as a hands-on educational tool about recycling 👉 Circulated to over 4 million readers and generated around ¥80 million (~USD 700K) revenue "Printed for Greenery Day on May 4, 2016… embedded with seeds that would grow into flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinators-or herbs to eat." Some users shared concerns: “Most of the seeds are crushed during printing… it’s probably just a marketing gimmick.” But overall, the initiative sparked widespread admiration and conversation globally-showing how a single printed page could inspire new thinking about environmental design. 🚀 How this story works for India: ✨Readable innovation: What if reputed Indian dailies printed periodic seed-paper editions? ✨Educational value: Schools could distribute them to teach recycling and sustainability hands-on. ✨Branding impact: A powerful narrative linking media, eco-awareness, and tangible action. #GreenInnovation #EcoFriendly #SustainableLiving #SeedPaper #MainichiShimbun #CircularEconomy #PlantableNewspaper #ClimateAction #india LinkedIn The Mainichi Newspapers

Peel and Reveal. From the vibrant hues of an apple to the intricate patterns on a mango, the skin of fruits tells a story of growth and ripening. Ever noticed the unique patterns and blemishes on a piece of fruit? From the speckled skin of a banana to the dimpled surface of an orange, nature's artwork is full of imperfections that add character and charm. Imagine if your packaging could capture that essence, mimicking the fruit's natural markings and aging process? That's exactly what designers are exploring with the innovative concept of packaging that mirrors fruit skins, complete with embossed brown spots. By mirroring these natural markings in packaging design, brands are celebrating the beauty of imperfection, challenging the notion of flawless aesthetics and embracing the authenticity of the natural world. And it's not just about aesthetics. In a society where a flawless appearance often reigns supreme, embracing the quirks and irregularities of fruit skin sends a powerful message—reminds us that beauty comes in all forms, including the unique patterns and variations found in the natural world. Secondly, it enhances the sensory experience. By incorporating texture into packaging design, brands can engage multiple senses, creating a more immersive and memorable interaction with their products. Moreover, it fosters a deeper connection to the source. When packaging mirrors the appearance of fresh produce, it reinforces the idea of authenticity and transparency. Consumers can visually connect the product to its origins, fostering trust and confidence in the brand's commitment to quality and sustainability. Consider Loukas Chondros' packaging for Bananostafido. Inspired by banana peels, it mimics their markings and aging process with embossed spots. Designed for easy opening, it even features a perforated area that mimics the act of peeling a banana. The inner surface of the box resembles the pale yellow of a banana peel, again a nod to the fruit. These small details, transform a simple act like opening a box into a delightful moment of discovery—it's packaging that invites you to engage with it, creating a connection between you and the product inside. From farm to table, the journey of the fruit is reflected in every detail of the packaging, creating a narrative that resonates with consumers. In stores inundated with mass-produced goods and cookie-cutter packaging, designs inspired by nature offer a breath of fresh air. They remind us of the beauty that surrounds us, celebrate the charm of imperfection, and invite us to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. So, the next time you grab that piece of fruit, take a moment to really look and feel its skin—and consider how that same sense of wonder can be captured in the packaging that surrounds it. Think this packaging is spot-on? #packagingdesign #design #productdesign #graphicdesign 📷Loukas Chondros

🖨️ Still using ink made from fossil fuels and crushed insects? What if your ink could grow? This is living ink. Grown from fungi. Stored in cartridges. Designed to replace petroleum-based inks. Developed by GROWinK as part of their MYCO Color System, these inks are extracted during the natural stages of fungal growth from spores to mycelium to fruiting bodies. Each color (like Xylindein, Melanin, Obscurus) mirrors the CMYK spectrum, but is entirely natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic. 💀 Meanwhile, most conventional inks today? ❌Rely on petroleum-based pigments ❌Contain synthetic polymers and toxic solvents ❌And yes, sometimes include animal derivatives like shellac and cochineal In contrast, MYCO inks: 🌱 Break down naturally 🧫 Use small-scale pigment extraction on petri dishes 🖌️ Offer entirely new aesthetic possibilities ♻️ Lower the carbon footprint of printing 🚫 Require zero fossil fuels or animal inputs This is sustainable, regenerative and it’s fungi rewriting CMYK. From packaging to posters, imagine if every print you touched came from a living system instead of a dying one. The future of materials is growing, literally. And it looks like this!! 🌱🍄 #biomaterials #sustainability #ink #dye #color #printing #fungi #future #materials #innovation

Most CPG brands obsess over color, image, and type—but many overlook one of the most powerful tools: #Pattern. Fashion brands have known this for decades: Burberry’s plaid. Louis Vuitton’s print. Versace pattern. Dior’s repeat monogram. Goyard’s chevron. These luxury houses have built entire empires on that repetition. No logo necessary. You see the pattern, you know the brand. Instant recognition. Instant equity. Yet in CPG, pattern is mostly treated like background noise—often decorative, delicate and forgettable. But that’s beginning to change. Pattern is emerging as a new way to disrupt the aisle and build long-term memory. Here’s why it works and how some brands are wielding it well: 🔁 Repetition Builds Recognition Consumers don’t read, they recognize. Our brains have evolved to seek out patterns across sound, sight, and structure, which makes rhythmic pattern one of the most efficient and subconscious memory builders in branding. Just ask LaCroix. The brand’s wild brush strokes, applied to every can and box, have become a cultural hallmark and pop culture icon recognized even out of context. ⚡Contrast Creates Disruption Most of today’s packaging leans on soft gradients, ingredient photography, or muted minimalism. Pattern provides a welcome jolt—offering texture, contrast, and structure that interrupts the visual noise of the aisle. MASA’s bold and graphic vertical stripes on a neutral backdrop create a rhythmic signature that grabs attention and demands consideration. Likewise Sound’s sound-wave patter create a gravitational pull in a cluttered beverage shelf. 🌀Flexibility with Structure Pattern systems don’t have to be rigid or monolithic.  Brands that build on a flexible framework—balancing consistency with creative expression—can move seamlessly across different packaging types, product lines, and campaign elements while still staying true to their identity. ROAR uses bold geometric patterns that differentiate by flavor yet remain unmistakably the brand. And Siete adapts its cultural motifs across products, pack sizes, and merchandising without ever diluting the brand. 🌎 Culture & Story Patterns tell stories, they express identity, they signal place. As more and more BIPOC founders enter the CPG space, pattern is becoming a tool to not only stand out, but also to communicate values and a sense of community. From Ayeya’s african-inspired icons to Chuza’s mexican-inspired stairstep geometry, brands are using their cultural roots to inspire their design. 🏁 Scalable Equity Good pattern systems don’t just live on the pack. From digital ads to shipping boxes, merch to motion—patterns give brand worlds texture and cohesion. They’re one of the few assets that can expand without explanation, and signal brand even in the absence of logos or copy. Pattern, used strategically, is more than just design. It’s brand equity, it’s story, it’s disruption. And it’s long overdue for a comeback in CPG. #designstrategy #cpg #fashion

I spent the last few days under fluorescent lighting and on top of ugly carpeting and still left feeling utterly inspired. Today I shared the top trend takeaways from Expo West for Dieline's Shelf Life, but catch a sneak peek of each below: Sustainable Packaging Innovation Brands are rethinking packaging with eco-conscious solutions. Neo Tea’s biodegradable bamboo tea bags and milkadamia’s flat-pack oat milk sheets—created via a 2D printing process—are leading the charge in reducing waste and emissions. The Rise of the Edgy Adjective CPG brands are embracing bold, provocative names to stand out. From The Killer Brownie® Company and Killer Spice to Uglies Kettle Chips, brands are using intensity, indulgence, and irony to capture attention—sometimes even turning their own names into merch. Maybe the Liquid Death and Dave's Killer Bread effect? Trad Masc Goes Mainstream Masculine #branding is on the rise, with Guinness launching hyper-masculine beef jerky and Agro plant-based jerky featuring a buff farmer on its packaging. Even Nic Nac nicotine pouches are targeting high-performance men, reinforcing the rugged, no-frills aesthetic that’s gaining momentum. Swirly Type Takes Over Groovy, high-contrast typography dominated Expo West, showing up across categories from GOODLES and Graza to Beny Yogurt and Simply Protein. This retro-inspired look thrives on social media, aligning with maximalist, Y2K, and personality-driven branding. Cocoa’s Crisis & the Chocolate Evolution With cocoa prices soaring, brands are adapting. Midday Squares leaned into transparency with “Cocoa stole the budget” messaging, while Mez Chocolates is exploring mesquite as a cocoa alternative. Wild West Chocolate is tackling sugar concerns with fruit-based sweeteners, reflecting the broader shift toward ethical, innovative chocolate alternatives. Link to article in the comments!

Let's talk pulp. As designers, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with packaging. Molded paper pulp has emerged as a versatile and sustainable option, but navigating its strengths and weaknesses is key to unlocking its full potential. The material's versatility makes it a strong contender for replacing a variety of traditional packaging: - Plastic Clamshells - Polystyrene Foam Inserts - Blister Packs ✅ Pros of Paper pulp: - Made from recycled paper or agricultural byproducts, it's biodegradable and compostable, reducing environmental impact. - Highly moldable, it can be crafted into complex shapes and sizes, catering to a wide range of products. - Easily printed on and dyed, it allows for unique designs that tell your brand story. - Offers excellent shock absorption, protecting fragile items during transport. - ligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions, resonating with eco-conscious consumers. ❌ Cons of paper pulp: - Can be susceptible to water damage, limiting its use for some products. - Production can be more expensive than traditional plastics, especially for intricate designs. - May not offer the same level of structural strength as some plastics for heavy items. - Compared to some plastics, it can be heavier, impacting shipping costs. As adoption increases, costs decrease and innovative treatments emerge, molded paper pulp's potential is vast. By understanding its strengths and limitations, we can unlock its true potential as a sustainable and versatile packaging solution. #packagingdesign #design #sustainability

What does it even mean for #printingink to be eco-friendly? One of my favorite things about our EcoAlly community is how detailed they are in their questions around #sustainability. They take the time to optimize even the small details - inks, adhesives, labels, etc.   EcoEnclose gets dozens of questions weekly about #printing #ink and how to make the most #ecofriendly choices possible while still meeting aesthetic, budget, and MOQ requirements. Our comprehensive #Sustainable Printing and Ink Resource Center was developed to be your go-to spot for questions about custom branded packaging and sustainable ink decisions. https://lnkd.in/gcX6dJjN Here are a few common questions we get! 👉 What is ink made out of? Printing inks typically include some or all of the following: pigments that gives the ink its color, binders that help pigments adhere to their substrate, carriers that carry the pigment to the substrate (and then evaporate), additives to enhance properties such as gloss, and drying agents that help the pigment dry quickly after being applied to the substrate. 👉 What makes ink more or less eco-friendly? There are a lot of factors - Is the carrier solvent-based? Does the carrier emit VOCs when drying? Does the printing process require high energy use? What is the pigment derived from? How does the ink impact the quality of its substrate when recycled or composted? No ink is perfect, but some are better than other across many of these factors. 👉 How do different inks rank in order of sustainability? As described above, ink's level of sustainability is driven by a combination of inputs, impact on air pollution during manufacturing, impact on packaging end of life, and more. Taken together, our internal ranking is as follows - Most eco: Algae Ink™; Very eco: Inks with water or soy-based carrier; Somewhat eco: UV curable, toner; Low eco: Inks with solvent-based carrier. Your printing ink will largely be dictated by your printing method, which is driven by your substrate, quantities and desired aesthetic. We can help you choose the most eco-friendly ink possible for your printing method. 👉 How does ink impact packaging end of life? Recyclable packaging can typically be printed with any type of ink and still be recyclable - but your ink choice can improve or degrade material quality in its next life. Algae Ink™ and soy or water-based inks are friendliest to the repulping process; toner, UV and latex inks can degrade quality. Ink is a bigger concern in composting, so making compatible ink choices are particularly critical when designing your packaging for the compost. Shout out to Tayler Insuaste Sarah Quirk and McKenleigh Spitler for bringing this resource to life! #sustainablepackaging #packagingdesign

Packaging is no longer an afterthought. It’s a lever for growth, consumer trust, and competitive edge. Over the years advising and investing in CPG brands, I’ve seen packaging shift from being a cost center to becoming a growth driver. The latest wave of launches show us that when packaging innovation is done right, it addresses three core needs at once: consumer usability, sustainability, and regulatory/safety expectations. Here are a few recent examples worth analyzing: 1️⃣ Target’s Collective Good Wine Packaging wine in lightweight paper bottles made from recycled materials isn’t just a sustainability story, it’s a supply chain play. Lower weight reduces shipping costs and emissions, and the format is approachable for consumers who are increasingly eco-conscious. 2️⃣ AeroFlexx By developing a flexible format that performs like a rigid bottle, AeroFlexx is redefining the “middle ground” between convenience and sustainability. For investors, it shows how material innovation can unlock entirely new categories. 3️⃣ Radienz Living x Graphic Packaging International Their recyclable child-resistant box for laundry pods demonstrates how safety and compliance can coexist with curbside recyclability. This is a blueprint for how regulation and consumer trust can accelerate adoption of new formats. 4️⃣ Xampla Using plant proteins to create biodegradable packaging isn’t just a scientific breakthrough, it’s a potential paradigm shift. If scaled successfully, it reduces dependency on single-use plastics while tapping into agricultural byproducts that might otherwise be wasted. Lesson: In CPG, packaging innovation is no longer just a function of design. It’s a strategy that blends supply chain efficiency, consumer trust, and long-term resilience. Brands that recognize this early will set the standard for the next decade. 👉 My question to fellow investors, operators, and founders: Which of these forces will reshape our industry fastest, consumer demand, regulatory pressure, or breakthrough materials? #trevorhague #CPG #packaginginnovation #sustainability

In this episode of Packaging Today Show, we unwrap two mind-blowing innovations reshaping the future of packaging—from AI-powered color accuracy to cheese that literally packages itself. No, this isn't sci-fi—it's the packaging industry in 2025. 🧀 Self-Packing Cheese? Nestlé Says Yes. We dive into Nestlé Central America's revolutionary cheese wrapper made from cheese. Collaborating with Ogilvy Colombia, they've turned leftover whey protein into a biodegradable bioplastic that decomposes in under a year. It’s edible-adjacent innovation with the potential to redefine food waste and eliminate single-use plastic from dairy aisles. Could this be the gateway to a new era of food-product symbiosis? 🎛️ Color Matching Gets an AI Upgrade At Esko World 2025, X-Rite and Esko dropped a game-changer. Their new duo—eXact 2 spectrophotometer + Print Clone AI—is turning color matching into a frictionless, press-ready science. We explore how this tech partnership is helping digital printers replicate brand colors perfectly, cut down on press make-readies, and slash packaging waste across global supply chains. 💡 Whether you geek out on sustainable substrates or love seeing AI tighten up the print floor, this episode is for you. 🛠 Topics We Cover: Bioplastics made from food byproducts Smart color profiling for digital presses AI in the print production workflow The future of circular packaging design How brands like Nestlé are pushing material innovation 📦 If you care about the future of sustainable packaging, brand integrity, or just love nerding out over smart design—this episode’s got your name on it. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with your packaging-obsessed crew.