It used to be simple. You knew your brand's positioning, and packaging was about creating a sleek logomark, memorable design or cool marketing message to connect with consumers. That's no longer the case. Modern consumers are savvy and focus on living better, healthier lives and taking steps to save the planet. That means you now also have to take into consideration your industry at large and the broader impact of your product.

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has announced the top winners of its 76th annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. These folding cartons and rigid boxes represent some of the best paperboard packaging manufactured by North American converters over the past year.

Our poll in February asked: Which design feature turns your head the most? The top answer was minimalism. Here are other designs that readers love.

Your company’s brand identity is everything visual about your brand. Make sure your products don’t get left on the shelves in 2019 because of dated, unattractive packaging design.

While consumer preference has been trending toward warmer tones in recent years, Clariant color-trend watchers see a shift to cooler blues and greens in the palette they developed for 2020.