In a cluttered marketplace that is constantly searching for the 'next big thing', bespoke package design adds differentiation and a competitive edge. Each bespoke project is unique, but there are always certain steps you need to take to turn your vision into reality.

Stage 1: Discover

A new design is born with an idea – one that fills a particular need. The packaging provider works from inspiration from the client or hatched within its own design department. Either way, this inspiration should reflect the current consumer mind-set, based on market research and trends analysis.

In-house brainstorming is needed to flesh out the concept. It must be original, on-trend and meet consumer demand.  Technical possibilities must be explored, along with advances in other manufacturing industries that could be applied to the beauty packaging sector.

Stage 2: Define

Defining a new product sounds easier than it is. The underlying questions are: What is it? What function will it provide? Does it fulfil a real need?

A brand should be completely clear on how its product will look, how much it will ultimately cost, and all the viable options in terms of shape, volume capacities, dispensing systems, materials, finishing and decoration. To do this, a brief is drawn up – the all-important starting point that outlines every single requirement, from the technical to the aesthetic. The more detailed the brief, the more successful the project. 

Stage 3: Design

Using a range of high- and low-tech tools, from hand drawings to rendering software, the design team and packaging engineers then offers the client some alternatives within the definitions of the brief.

Shapes are experimented with and decoration and printing options explored, often in collaboration with in-house specialists, involving external suppliers where necessary. These could include advanced screen-printing options, surface treatments for glass or plastic, or perhaps the additions of wooden components (a cap or sheath).

Stage 4: Refine

This stage involves lots of discussion between the design team and the client – hashing out a final vision from the ideas cloud that was generated in the previous stages. Shapes, dimensions and finishes are refined and tweaked with the designers, costs pinned down with product managers and engineers step in to ensure the technical criteria is being met.

During this stage the client is presented with 3D renders based on technical drawings – a critical touch point within the development of a never-before-made product. If a mould already exists, a prototype will be presented. If not, it will come at the beginning of the production stage.

Stage 5: Produce

With the project and all its technical aspects locked down, it is ready for industrialisation. Schedules are approved and manufacturing facilities prepared for the technical requirements and production volumes involved.

If a new shape has been created, so must a mould. When this is done, a low-quantity test run is carried out first, so that the client can approve the samples. This is not just a matter of aesthetics. A compatibility test may need to be taken with the formula. Lab technicians test for functionality and any adverse affects due to a formula's water and alcohol content. If the client does not have lab-testing facilities, an established packaging provider will be able to carry out this process at additional cost.

Whichever the case, this step is critical to the product's – and the brand's – integrity once the product is on the shelves.

And…Seduce!

And there you have it! Your unique, bespoke pack, ready to seduce consumers and the media and who knows – be eligible for a packaging award. It's time for the brand's marketing department to work its own particular magic.

The process can take time but, working with a competent, experienced and above all creative packaging partner, it should be an exciting journey of discovery that boosts your brand's value in both sales and prestige.