Back of Packaging Design Elements

DesignerPeople
7 min readApr 30, 2021

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The first attention we render in any packaging design is front of packaging design. The primary display panel on the show is the area reserved for the brand identity and all of the direct communication elements. The complete structure of the packaging design, this area is considered the front panel, which attracts majorly.

But one thing which we always tend to skip or ignore is valuing the back of the packaging as a promotional tool. It is also an essential part of the packaging and act as more than just a placeholder for the ingredients label. It’s an underutilized area of the package that can sell an engaging brand.

With changing customers taste, lifestyle their purchasing habits are also evolving. They are now more health-conscious compared to any other time. They are now keen on reading about what will they consume and what is required for their fitness routine.

They may be interested in reading critical product information such as nutritional value, ingredients and calorie count. Still, the back panel provides other opportunities as an outstanding packaging backside is worth the effort lavished upon it through the rewards of attention gained and appreciation received.

1.Highlight the central element in detail

At the back panel, you have the opportunity to highlight a glimpse at the front of the Packaging Design. When people are attracted to packaging by checking out PDP, then they, of course, want to read more because of generated curiosity, and now your back panel works best to answer them.

Olay demonstrates this point on the back panel of its Total Effects product line. A prominent graphic number “7” echoes the seven signs of ageing, detailed within a gold bar on the back panel.

2.Brand Story

Are you the one who has sourced ingredients from acceptable sources or have fine quality products? Make sure you talk about that in this section. Your brand story, how you started, what motivated you to start or maybe just your USP why customers should buy from you will stir an engagement for customers.

Stories always attract people, which will connect emotionally with your brand, so make sure next time you don’t skip making this part creative.

Hence this accomplished by building a real-life relationship rather than merely attempting to conduct a hard sell.

Source: 1.packagingoftheworld.com/2015/05/tg-green-tea-pouches.html, 2.packagingoftheworld.com/2020/08/paul-and-mike-farm-to-bar-chocolate.html
Source: behance.net/gallery/95158423/FOREST-STORY-Peanut-butter
Source: 1.behance.net/gallery/111999245/Zebras-coffee-brand-identity, 2.packagingoftheworld.com/2019/12/belmio-coffee-relaunch.html
Source: 1.behance.net/gallery/6635195/CRUNCHIES, 2.packagingoftheworld.com/2010/10/fresh-easy-kids-cereals.html

3. Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information is something people do heck before making any purchasing decisions, also known as dietary facts as per 100 gm or 100ml or serving of

the product on the label containing the following: —

(i) Energy value in kcal;

(ii) The amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat in gram (gms) or ml;

(iii) The amount of any other nutrient or health claim is made:

The number of fatty acids or the number of saturated fats, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids should declare on the back of the packaging.

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4.Health claims

It is a representation that states that the relationship exists between food and health and includes nutrition claims to describe the physiological role of the nutrient in the development, growth, and normal functions of the body.

Also, Read Packaging Design Ideas for Inspiration 2021

5.Nutrition claim

It is a representation that states that a food has particular nutritional properties which are not restricted to the energy value but include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

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6. Veg or Non-veg symbol

Non-Vegetarian food will bear a declaration made by a symbol and colour code as the indicated product is Non-Vegetarian Food. The symbol shall consist of a brown shade-filled circle while green colour for vegetarian food declaration.

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7. Colour added or not

You will always get to read the below sentences on your packaging; while many us plan for a healthy lifestyle here prefer no added food colours, which keeps food natural and authentic.

CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL COLOUR(S)

OR

CONTAINS PERMITTED SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S)

OR

CONTAINS PERMITTED NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S)

Also, Read Coffee packaging design inspiration

8.Barcodes

They are lines with vertical bars and spaces representing a numerical code that connects to the file in the store’s database, which tells about the item’s price, stock, photo and more. They always help the business to maintain their inventory, operational functions by eliminating guesswork and clerical errors from their supply chain.

Now we have boring identical-looking barcodes; we have many attractive and engaging barcode shades depending upon the type of product.

source: 1.in.pinterest.com/pin/281756520410425567/?nic_v2=1a43WXPaw, 2.bytescout.com/blog/creative-barcode-designs.html
Source: 1.bytescout.com/blog/creative-barcode-designs.html, 2.designbolts.com/2019/01/17/60-most-interesting-creative-barcode-designs-ever-for-inspiration
Source: 1.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-barcodes/, 2.designbolts.com/2019/01/17/60-most-interesting-creative-barcode-designs-ever-for-inspiration
Source: 1.behance.net/gallery/20848703/Milk-Drink, 2.andrewkeir.com/create-barcode-design/

9.Country Origin

The country of origin shall be mentioned on the label of food imported into India. The food that undergoes processing in a second country where its nature is changed, where the processing is performed, shall be considered the country of origin for labeling.

source: 1.behance.net/gallery/54900511/Back-Forty-Beer-Company, 2.behance.net/gallery/116697395/Pedon-Ce-di-Buono-in-Italia
source: 1.behance.net/gallery/72459891/Packaging-Design-Tea-Packaging, 2.behance.net/gallery/116602405/Single-Origin-Honey

10. Usage Instructions

How to use the product should be mentioned on the back of the packaging, storage, or even recipes that will add value to your product. Infographic representation will always help to make maximum people understand the usage.

11.Warning Instructions

Caution sentences will always help people identify what not to do for specific people, such as below.

That includes soy, peanut, dairy, wheat and many more, which many people are allergic to and cause health issues.

Source: sfa.gov.sg/food-information/labelling-packaging-information/understanding-food-nutrition-labels

12.Other important Information

Mrp, pricing, address of manufacturing, manufacturing date, expiry date, FSSAI, customer care contact details are some of the essential data which no businessman can miss as per regulation.

Source: 1.littleblossom.co/products/organic-baby-puffs-pumpkin, 2.in.pinterest.com/pin/23432860546639035/
Source: packagingoftheworld.com/2015/05/this-corn.html
Source: packagingoftheworld.com/2013/04/hubbards-amazing-mueslis.html
Source: 1.in.pinterest.com/pin/539728336577138426/, 2.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/05/sunrice-noodle-meal-kits.html

Conclusion

To make your brand stand out, do something new you can add surprise to engage customers that will hold their attention. Such as illustrated ingredient stories on the back panel to bring meaning to the brand name.

New recipes infused with the brand’s spirits and many more will add a competitive advantage over competitors.

If the product is reusable, recyclable make sure you mention that it is an environmentally friendly cause. You can add few more things depending upon the industry you belong to. If you need any help or want to design beautiful packaging designs, connect us today, we will make you reach the next level in your league.

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DesignerPeople

DesignerPeople is integrated creative agency, specializing in brand development and packaging innovation for Food, FMCG and Cosmetics brands.