Requirements for bread packaging in Ukraine are not strict and mandatory. But responsible producers use it to keep their product fresh, and to comply with sanitary regulations during transportation. Packaging also performs informational and marketing functions. Therefore, more and more manufacturers are striving to create original, memorable packaging for bread.
Evolution of bakery products packaging in Ukraine
Ten years ago, a common sight in the store were bread trays, from which the seller took the products and immediately put them in an individual plastic bag.
As a result, this product of daily consumption had not the most attractive characteristics:
- was getting stale fast;
- crumbled;
- did not always meet sanitary and hygienic requirements.
When bread packaging became the norm in Ukraine, manufacturers started using:
- flexo-printed bags;
- stretch wrap;
- polypropylene sheeting;
- shrink polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film;
- varnished cellophane;
- paper bags.
These materials are used by manufacturers of bakery products not only in Ukraine, but also in the EU. The branded packaging was printed with the manufacturer’s logo as well as the necessary product information. However, most types of packaging materials cannot be used with high temperatures. Therefore, a process break is needed to allow the bread to cool before packaging.
PVC film, for all its convenience, is not the best option for packaging. Baked goods are packaged at about 100°C, and heated PVC film can release chlorine and dioxins, which are harmful to the body. PVC food packaging is banned in Japan and several European countries.
Cheap, durable, safe and convenient packaging materials are polypropylene and polyethylene. You can even pack hot bread in polypropylene bags. In addition, transparent branded packaging has a positive effect on the perception of the product. Logos and other information can be applied to the bags, or a label can be glued on top, or self-adhesive tape can be attached.
For consumer convenience and product safety, polyethylene and polypropylene bags can be supplied with:
- with a flap or clip closure;
- with perforation holes.
At COLORO, we not only design the packaging but also we’ll print the first run !
The most modern, environmentally friendly and most functional packaging material is kraft paper. Unbleached brown paper is more commonly used for bread packaging. The structure of the paper ensures the necessary air exchange even when packing hot bread.
Logos, production date information and other marketing information can be applied to paper bags. Sometimes paper bags have a cellophane “window” to better showcase the product.
Bread packaging design – European experience and global trends
In no European country will you see a vendor wrapping baked goods in the usual rustling “kulek”. In Germany, Italy and Spain, paper bags are used for this purpose. They are labeled with the manufacturer, date, and other useful information. French rolls, breads and other bakery products are packaged in shrink-wrapped polyester film. It is topped with a self-adhesive label with the baking date and logo.
О the coolest logos in history you can read about on our blog.
A great example of minimalism and eco-friendly is the paper bread packaging from Honolulu (USA).
Owned by Christopher C., the privately owned bread shop supplies fresh bread to restaurants, cafes and individual families. The unique properties of its product are emphasized by packaging with identification elements: seal and monogram.
It seems like the packaging was designed for the design of bread, but in fact paper bags are versatile. Branded self-adhesive tapes are provided to secure the package:
Bright examples of original bread packaging
Private bakery Bread & Butter (Toronto, Canada), which produces organic bread, emphasizes the concept of its products with original designer packaging. The originality of this bag is that it not only helps to preserve the product, but also serves as a stand for slicing bread.
On the outside of the packaging we see all the necessary promotional information:
Bread packaging:design
Lithuanian producer Vilniaus Duona, which is known for its traditional baked goods, supplies bread in colorful logo packaging. The name Breadberry itself echoes the English word berry, and the packaging is reminiscent of candy or candy wrappers. The packaging design was developed specifically for the export brand to give it an identity.
Each package features a signature character – a bird with a baker’s hat. The bird is presented as an expert who chooses the best grains for bread. The transparent packaging material allows store visitors to see the product before purchasing.
About, how packaging design is created you can read about on our blog.
Designer packaging that helped diversify the breadsticks serving:
A collage of colorful pictures reminds us that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.
Polish bakery MMM, founded by brothers Magic, Mark and Martin, supplies baked goods locally and nationally. The packaging is used to play up the brand’s story: three brothers honoring the tradition of craftsmanship.
The transparent material allows you to familiarize yourself with the product, and the color coding makes it easy to identify bread varieties.
KOLORO is building the foundation for a strong brand
Bread packaging design: trends and perspectives
Packaging is not only about identifying the manufacturer, but also about taking care of the customer. Bread packaging materials must be recyclable and environmentally friendly. High-quality and functional bread packaging that helps keep the product fresh and soft will be appreciated by customers.
When developing a bread packaging identity and design in 2018, we recommend turning to trendy minimalism and the simplistic retro and “kid-friendly” style featured in our examples. Elegant, informative and at the same time simple packaging with color identifiers allows the customer to see the product and make sure of its quality.
Remember that packaging design shapes the consumer’s attitude not only to a particular product, but also to the manufacturer. Turn to the professionals when you need packaging design. At KOLORO, they know how to create strong images.
