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In the world of retail, your packaging is often the first thing customers notice. It's not just a protective casing for your product; it's a powerful marketing tool that communicates your brand values and draws customers in. But creating the perfect packaging isn’t always as easy as it seems. Many growing retail brands make common mistakes when designing their packaging, which can negatively impact the customer experience and sales. With decades of experience, we’ve learned what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to packaging. Here are 5 common design mistakes in the industry and how to avoid them for packaging that gets noticed. 1 - Overcomplicating the DesignThe Mistake: One of the biggest mistakes many brands make is overcomplicating their packaging design. With the desire to stand out, some brands add too many elements: multiple colors, too many fonts, clashing designs, and excessive text. While it might seem like a good idea to get as much in there as possible, overcomplicating your packaging can make it look cluttered and unappealing.
2 - Ignoring FunctionalityThe Mistake: While an eye-catching design is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of functionality. Some brands design packaging that looks amazing but fails to protect the product, is hard to open, or doesn’t provide a good user experience. For example, fragile products in flimsy packaging or a box that’s difficult to open can lead to frustrated customers and increased product returns.
3 - Forgetting About SustainabilityThe Mistake: As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for consumers, many brands are still using packaging materials that aren’t eco-friendly. Whether it’s plastic that can’t be recycled, excess packaging, or materials that aren’t sourced responsibly, consumers are noticing. A lack of sustainable practices can not only hurt your brand’s reputation but also alienate eco-conscious consumers.
4 - Lack of Branding ConsistencyThe Mistake: Your packaging should be an extension of your brand. Some brands make the mistake of neglecting to carry their branding through their packaging. This can happen when the colors, fonts, and messaging don’t align with what the brand is about or what its target audience expects. Without consistency, your product risks blending into the background or, worse, confusing potential customers.
5 - Not Planning for the HolidaysThe Mistake: Many brands make the mistake of not thinking ahead about how to capitalize on seasonal sales, particularly during the holidays. While your packaging may look great for most of the year, a missed opportunity for seasonal designs can hurt your chances of connecting with customers during the busiest shopping periods.
Final ThoughtsPackaging is more than just a protective layer for your product—it’s your chance to make a lasting impression on your customers. By avoiding these common packaging mistakes, you can create designs that not only look great but also provide a positive customer experience, align with your brand identity, and tap into sustainability trends.
At Encore International, we specialize in helping brands like yours design, develop, and deliver custom packaging solutions that stand out. Whether you're looking for functional packaging, holiday-themed designs, or eco-friendly materials, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Need help with your packaging design? Reach out to us and let’s work together to create packaging that elevates your brand! Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who shape our lives with love, wisdom, and strength—and what better way to celebrate than with packaging that feels just as thoughtful? This year, we’re highlighting three unique color palettes inspired by moments of connection, beauty, and joy. Whether you're designing for confections, cosmetics, or home fragrance, these palettes offer a fresh take on Mother’s Day packaging with vibrant seasonal hues and soft, feminine touches. Each palette is paired with a custom rendering to help visualize how color can transform your packaging design into something truly memorable. Pastel GardenSoft cream, lilac, lemon, blush, and sage come together in this gentle, garden-inspired palette. Think blooming lavender, crisp spring mornings, and a quiet walk through nature. Perfect for chocolate boxes and delicate treats, this palette brings a serene elegance that feels light and timeless.
Picnic in BloomPlayful yet grounded, this palette blends sunny orange, mint, sky blue, soft sand, and grassy green for a cheerful, outdoorsy feel. Inspired by spring picnics and quality time under blooming trees, these colors are perfect for home fragrance packaging that’s uplifting and cozy.
Modern RomanceWarm, romantic hues like coral, peach, rose, buttercream, and deep plum create a modern twist on classic florals. Inspired by bold flower arrangements and heartfelt celebrations, this palette is ideal for cosmetic packaging that feels indulgent and personal—just like the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Whether you're looking to evoke quiet luxury, heartfelt joy, or fresh-air fun, these palettes offer endless inspiration for your next Mother’s Day launch. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us to start designing packaging as beautiful and meaningful as the occasion itself.
As brands and consumers continue to prioritize sustainability, finding the right packaging and accessory solutions that balance durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility is more important than ever. That’s why Tyvek bags are becoming a go-to choice for businesses looking to create waterproof, lightweight, and recyclable packaging solutions. What Makes Tyvek an Innovative Material?Tyvek is a versatile, nonwoven material made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers. It combines the best properties of paper, film, and fabric, making it exceptionally strong, tear-resistant, and water-resistant while remaining lightweight. Unlike traditional materials, Tyvek is also breathable, preventing moisture buildup and preserving the integrity of the contents inside. Eco-Friendly Benefits of TyvekFor Earth Month, we’re highlighting how Tyvek bags support sustainable packaging efforts:
Our Latest Tyvek Bag DesignsWe’ve created a collection of innovative Tyvek bag renderings to showcase its versatility. Whether you’re looking for premium reusable tote bags, sleek cosmetic pouches, or durable travel cases, Tyvek offers a solution that is stylish, functional, and eco-conscious. Explore Our Tyvek Presentation To see how Tyvek can elevate your packaging, check out our full presentation featuring various bag styles and applications. Join the Sustainable Packaging MovementAs we celebrate Earth Month, we encourage brands to embrace eco-friendly packaging materials that minimize waste and maximize impact. Tyvek is an ideal choice for businesses looking to blend innovation, sustainability, and design flexibility.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to explore custom Tyvek solutions for your brand! Color Trends: A Dynamic FusionThis season’s color palette balances calm, nature-inspired hues with high-energy, futuristic tones. Shades like Transformative Teal capture an Earth-first mindset, while bold accents like Electric Fuchsia push the boundaries of creativity. From the soothing elegance of Blue Aura to the warm vibrancy of Amber Haze, this palette is designed to evoke emotion, energy, and innovation. Patterns & Materials: The Art of LayeringSpring/Summer 2026 highlights fluid, layered designs that play with light, shadow, and translucency. Patterns embrace layers, fluid geometry, and nature-infused motifs, creating a sense of movement and depth. Materials follow suit, with an emphasis on sustainability and tactile appeal—think innovative bio-based alternatives, lightweight metals, and recycled composites that offer both form and function. Packaging Inspiration: Where Creativity Meets PurposePackaging this season is an interplay of modern minimalism and organic fluidity. Expect to see soft edges, layered finishes, and unexpected color contrasts that enhance the unboxing experience. Brands are leaning into eco-conscious solutions while still delivering visually striking designs that stand out on the shelf. Explore the Full Trend Report Our Spring/Summer 2026 Trend Report takes a deeper dive into these themes, offering inspiration for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve. Download the full report here and connect with us to explore how these trends can shape your next packaging project.
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and what better way to capture the essence of the holiday than with beautifully curated color palettes? Whether designing packaging for confections, fragrances, or special gift sets, the right colors set the mood and create an emotional connection. We've created three distinct Valentine’s Day color palettes to inspire your next packaging project. Each one evokes a unique feeling, from timeless romance to playful charm. Romantic StrollDeep reds, warm neutrals, and earthy greens come together in this rich, sophisticated palette. Inspired by a dreamy walk through a tree-lined park where heart-shaped petals dance in the breeze, this palette blends deep burgundy, rich red, golden brown, and warm ivory. It’s perfect for elegant advent boxes or high-end gift packaging that exudes classic romance.
Passion & BloomA bold mix of reds and pinks with soft neutrals for a striking, dramatic effect. This palette captures the energy and passion of Valentine’s Day with vivid reds, deep crimson, dusty pink, and soft beige. The artistic floral heart illustration inspired a design that’s ideal for luxury candy boxes, chocolate packaging, or high-impact promotional items.
Vintage Love LettersA delicate mix of blush tones, soft greens, and warm corals with a nostalgic feel. Taking cues from vintage Valentine’s Day cards and romantic florals, this palette offers a refined mix of dusty rose, muted sage, warm cream, and coral red. It’s a perfect choice for fragrance boxes, keepsake tins, or packaging with a soft, feminine aesthetic.
Valentine’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s an opportunity to create packaging that tells a love story. Whether you’re drawn to deep, romantic hues, vibrant passion-filled tones, or soft vintage-inspired pastels, these palettes provide the perfect foundation for your designs.
Looking for a custom packaging solution for your next project? Let’s bring your vision to life!
How to Use Mocha Mousse in DesignMocha Mousse is a perfect foundation for packaging across industries. Its rich tone evokes elegance and pairs effortlessly with other colors and materials. Here are a few ways to incorporate it: 1. Complementary Accents: Pair Mocha Mousse with warm metallics like gold or copper for a luxurious feel, or use soft neutral tones like beige and cream to highlight its comforting nature. 2. Bold Statements: For a striking design, contrast Mocha Mousse with pops of vibrant color—teal, coral, or mustard—to create a fresh and modern look. 3. Sustainable Appeal: Mocha Mousse works beautifully with natural, eco-friendly materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, and recycled cardboard. This combination ties into the growing consumer demand for sustainability. Mocha Mousse in Action
At Encore International, we see endless possibilities for integrating Mocha Mousse into custom packaging solutions. From charming chocolate boxes to sleek cosmetic bags and sophisticated wood boxes, this versatile shade can elevate your brand and captivate customers.
To explore how Mocha Mousse can transform your next packaging project, contact us for a consultation. As the clock ticks down to midnight, your brand’s packaging can shine just as bright as the celebrations! To help inspire your New Year's Eve designs, we’ve created two dazzling color palettes paired with custom packaging concepts. Each palette captures the excitement and elegance of the holiday, offering versatile ideas for your products. Golden CelebrationColors: Forest Green, Warm Gold, Honey Gold, Cream, Midnight Blue Raise a glass to the New Year with this radiant palette. Deep forest green and midnight blue create a bold foundation, while warm golds and cream add sophistication and sparkle reminiscent of a celebratory champagne toast. Paired with elegant geometric wine boxes, this palette is ideal for showcasing premium wines or spirits in luxurious style. The textured finish and rich hues ensure your packaging makes a striking statement for any festive occasion.
Firework Fantasy Colors: Soft Blush, Warm Peach, Cream, Rich Chocolate, Indigo Night Capture the magic of midnight fireworks with this inviting palette. Soft blush and peach tones bring a warm and cheerful energy, balanced by cream, rich chocolate, and indigo night for depth and elegance. Paired with a fireworks-themed tote bag, this palette is perfect for celebratory gifting or retail bundles. The playful yet refined design combines functionality with a festive flair, making it a standout choice for New Year’s celebrations.
Whether it’s bold, elegant, or playful, the right packaging can set the tone for the New Year and leave a lasting impression on your customers. Which palette speaks to your brand’s style? Reach out to us today to explore how we can bring these concepts to life for your next project.
Start the new year off with packaging that shines as bright as the celebrations! Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, brings warmth, tradition, and joy. From candlelit menorahs to spinning dreidels, this holiday provides endless inspiration for seasonal packaging designs. We’ve created three color palettes to help your packaging shine as brightly as the menorah itself! Light and LoveColors: Sky Blue, Caramel, Honey Gold, Cream Celebrate the warmth of Hanukkah with this inviting palette. Soft sky blue and creamy neutrals create a cozy base, while caramel and honey gold add richness and tradition. Paired with a small hinged lid chocolate box, this palette is perfect for gifting delicious treats with a handcrafted, heartfelt touch.
Gilded Glow Colors: Midnight Blue, Teal, Golden Yellow, Burnt Orange Inspired by the glowing menorah against a midnight sky, this luxurious palette combines deep blues with golden accents and hints of teal. Ideal for elegant and timeless designs, it shines beautifully on a shaped tin featuring a menorah design—a keepsake-worthy piece perfect for upscale holiday gifting.
Festival Brights Colors: Sandy Beige, Gold, Bright Turquoise, Hanukkah Blue Celebrate the festive energy of Hanukkah with this vibrant palette. Bold blues and cheerful turquoise pop against sandy beige and warm gold for a lively, modern look. Featured on a colorful tote bag, this palette is perfect for reusable packaging that brings joy and functionality to the season.
Whether you’re designing for gifts, food, or seasonal promotions, these palettes—paired with thoughtful packaging ideas—celebrate Hanukkah traditions while standing out on the shelves.
Looking for more custom inspiration? Let us bring your festive ideas to life! Encore International is proud to announce a remarkable performance at this year’s NJPEC (New Jersey Packaging Executives Club) Package of the Year Awards! Over the years, our commitment to delivering innovative, custom packaging solutions has been at the heart of everything we do. This year, we submitted five entries across four categories, and we’re thrilled to share that each project received recognition. A Closer Look at Our Winning Designs
A Legacy of Innovation and ExcellenceThese awards are a testament to Encore International's 25-year journey of pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in packaging. Each project reflects our commitment to partnering with brands to create packaging that not only looks exceptional but also tells their unique story.
Our success at NJPEC underscores our vision of empowering brands with innovative, sustainable, and impactful packaging solutions that elevate their market presence. We are honored to have our work recognized and remain dedicated to helping our clients achieve their branding and packaging goals. Bring the magic of Christmas to your packaging with these three festive color palettes! Whether your brand calls for traditional holiday vibes, a touch of nostalgia, or a fresh take on the season, these palettes inspire designs that evoke warmth, joy, and celebration. Cozy Christmas CharmColors: Red, Soft Pink, Forest Green, Sage Green, Warm Beige This palette captures the heartwarming essence of Christmas at home. Picture cozy evenings by the tree, wrapped in soft blankets, surrounded by the love of family and pets. The mix of festive reds, greens, and soothing pink tones creates a nostalgic and inviting look. Ideal for home fragrance or bath and body packaging that brings comfort and joy.
Whimsical Winter MarketColors: Evergreen, Chestnut Brown, Cream, Midnight Blue, Cranberry Red Transport your customers to a bustling Christmas market with this richly hued palette. Deep greens and blues are complemented by warm brown and cream, while cranberry red ties it all together. The result? A luxurious and festive aesthetic perfect for artisanal goods or premium holiday collections.
Vintage Holiday VillageColors: Pine Green, Mint, Golden Yellow, Cream, Bright Red Step back in time to a cheerful Christmas village with this vintage-inspired palette. Bright red houses pop against a snowy backdrop of green and cream, with hints of yellow adding warmth and whimsy. Perfect for confectionery or playful gift packaging, this palette delivers classic holiday spirit with a charming retro twist.
Whether you're creating limited-edition packaging or adding a touch of holiday flair to your designs, these palettes are here to inspire. Which one will you use this season?
Discover the perfect color palette for your holiday packaging! Explore our blog to find inspiration for your next custom design. Ready to create something magical? Contact us today to bring your ideas to life! |
