Fun Packaging Friday: Fire up the grill!

It's kind of gloomy here in Milwaukee today, but it's supposed to be hot and sunny this weekend. Which means grilling! And I stumbled across this new grilling tool brand and thought the identity and packaging design was unique, smart and fun.

IGNITE Grilling by CMA Design

First can we talk about that logo and tagline? Is a flame or a face? It's a memorable mark either way. And the spark on the reminds me of lighting the grill. But that tagline "Sear-iously Good Grilling" is pun-erific. This approach feels youthful and fun, different from the usual players in this market that use their experience in the space to engage customers (hello weber).

IGNITE Grilling by CMA Design

The IGNITE grilling brand and packaging was developed by CMA Design out of Texas. Again they differentiated the brand through color with the bold orange and blue combination, ignoring the traditional convention of red and black in the grilling space. The messaging is really clear and the layout is flexible enough to work across a number of different packaging formats without feeling forced or over-templated.

If you have a few minutes take a peek at this page on CMA Design's website. They break down their design process from starting with positioning and logo sketches to all the options they shared with their client to get approval on the final design.

Brand Brief: Special Delivery

But where do I sign? This is less packaging and more promotion, but still pretty cool. As part of the launch to Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Amazon delivered their largest Prime package yet.

Amazon delivers

They really committed to executing the concept with the details of the air holes in the box and shipping label. And there is even a SmileCode integration.

It’s the T-Rex! Welcome to @JurassicWorld. pic.twitter.com/esaG0GrEv9

— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) June 2, 2018

Fun Packaging Friday: Scannable Packaging

And we're not exactly talking QR codes. Well maybe. But some new inclusion of QR Codes, UPCs and other things to scan on packaging are bringing customers more than just websites with deeper product bullet points and details. These ideas are encouraging people to adopt more sustainable habits or creating new product types.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are nothing new. But getting customer's to adopt the habit of bringing back their bags for every trip can be a hurdle. How many times have you gotten to grocery store to realize your bag is in the trunk of your car, or worse at home? Tesco created a bag that incorporates the reason why to reuse and a benefit to the customer. The bag graphics have whimsical illustrations of whales, fish and turtles that will be saved by not using disposable plastic bags and a UPC that scans for a discount with each use.

Tesco Unforgettable Bag

Reimagining Boxes

While reusing all of those boxes we're getting from our online purchases seems like a no brainer, Amazon wants to give people some creative ideas on how to use them beyond storing old stuff in the basement or shipping a gift to your grandma. To do this, Amazon is introducing SmileCodes. These codes, when scanned in your Amazon app, unlock instructions on how to turn your box into pretty cool crafts. According to AdWeek Amazon will be including SmileCodes on a third of the boxes they ship.

Personalized Packaging

In this unique union of technology and packaging you can include a personal video message with the Cadbury Chocolate you're gifting to a loved one. I'm having flashbacks to singing Hallmark cards. Oh wait, they still make those. Right now this Cadbury Milk Tray is available in the UK. The idea of being able to add to the product with a personalized message makes this an instant and thoughtful gift.