The LittleKnown Stories Behind 8 Iconic Packaging Designs
Table of Contents
- Coca Cola Contour Bottle
- Tiffany and Co Blue Box
- Campbells Soup Cans
- Apple Product Packaging
- McDonalds Happy Meal Box
- Pringles Can
- Chanel No 5 Bottle
- LEGO Boxes
Coca Cola Contour Bottle
The Coca-Cola Contour Bottle, with its instantly recognizable shape, has become an enduring symbol of American culture and one of the most iconic packaging designs in history. Introduced in 1915, the bottle was designed by the Root Glass Company of Terre Haute, Indiana. The brief was to create a bottle so distinctive that it could be identified by feel in the dark or when broken on the ground. The design was inspired by the cocoa bean pod, reflecting the unique curvature and ribbing that defined the bottle. Over the decades, the Contour Bottle has remained remarkably consistent, despite minor tweaks to keep up with production advancements and evolving brand aesthetics. Today, it represents both the heritage and innovation of the Coca-Cola brand.
Tiffany and Co Blue Box
Perhaps no packaging is more synonymous with luxury and sophistication than the Tiffany & Co. blue box. The iconic shade of blue, known as Tiffany Blue, was chosen by founder Charles Lewis Tiffany for the cover of the Blue Book, Tiffany’s annual catalog, in 1878. The color was soon adopted for the jewelry boxes, which are famously tied with a white satin ribbon. The exclusivity of the box has been maintained meticulously; Tiffany & Co. does not sell them, and they are only available with a purchase from the store. The box itself has come to symbolize the very notion of fine craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and extraordinary love stories.
Campbells Soup Cans
The Campbell’s Soup Cans are not just packaging; they are pop culture icons immortalized by Andy Warhol in the 1960s. The original red and white design was supposedly inspired by the colors of the Cornell University football team’s uniforms. First introduced in 1897, the Campbell’s Soup Can design has become one of the most recognizable grocery items worldwide. The layout is practical, featuring the brand name prominently along with the type of soup it contains, making it easy for consumers to find their favorite variety. Warhol’s revolutionary art, which replicated the cans, turned them into symbols of consumerism and the mundane beauty of everyday objects.
Apple Product Packaging
Apple’s product packaging has set a gold standard for combining design, functionality, and user experience. From the original iPod box to the current iPhone and MacBook packaging, Apple has focused on minimalism and precision. The boxes are designed to open slowly, creating a sense of anticipation and unveiling. Attention to detail is evident in everything from the crisp, white image on the front of the box to the snug fit and finish of each component inside. This approach to packaging plays a significant role in the overall brand experience and is a testament to Apple’s commitment to design excellence.
McDonalds Happy Meal Box
Since its introduction in 1979, the McDonald’s Happy Meal has become a beloved part of childhood worldwide. The brainchild of Dick Brams, the concept was to combine food with a toy, neatly packaged in a colorful, grab-and-go box. The design of the Happy Meal box has seen numerous iterations, often featuring characters from popular movies and TV shows, which further entice children. Its practical design includes a handle for easy carrying, and the cheerful colors and playful imagery create a sense of fun and excitement. The Happy Meal box is more than just packaging; it is an experience that has delighted generations of children.
Pringles Can
The Pringles can is a marvel of packaging innovation and an engineering masterpiece. Created by Fredric J. Baur, who sought to address the issue of broken chips found in traditional bags, the canister was designed to protect the delicate crisps from damage. The cylindrical can is made from a combination of paperboard, a metal bottom, and a resealable plastic lid, ensuring freshness and integrity from the first chip to the last. The Pringles can also stands out visually on the shelves, making it easily identifiable among other snack products. Its unique design has sparked countless parodies and has even inspired artists to create sculptures and intricate constructions from the empty cans.
Chanel No 5 Bottle
The Chanel No. 5 bottle is as legendary as the fragrance it holds. Introduced by Coco Chanel in 1921, the bottle’s design was radical at the time, featuring a simple, rectangular shape with clean lines. It was a stark contrast to the ornate and intricate perfume bottles of the era. The design was inspired by the aesthetic of laboratory glassware, chosen to reflect the modern, avant-garde nature of Chanel herself. Over the years, the Chanel No. 5 bottle has become an icon of luxury and sophistication, its minimalist elegance symbolizing timeless beauty. It remains one of the most recognizable perfume bottles in the world.
LEGO Boxes
LEGO’s packaging has evolved significantly since the company started producing plastic bricks in 1949. Early boxes were simple, resembling those used for ordinary toys. However, as LEGO expanded, so did its packaging strategy. Modern LEGO boxes are designed to be visually appealing and functional, with vibrant images showcasing the product and clear indicators of piece count and age appropriateness. The boxes often feature intricate artwork and sometimes even hidden messages or fun facts about the set. They are designed not only to protect the product but also to enhance the building experience, serving as a gateway to the joy of creativity and imagination that LEGO inspires in children and adults alike.
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