Soap packaging is evolving with increasing customer expectations and preferences. Brands are coming out with better and innovative packaging for soaps to differentiate themselves.
Customization of labels is a popular trend in soap packaging. It helps to engage the customers more meaningfully with the brand.
Transparent packaging which highlights the visual appeal of the packaged soap is an emerging trend.
It allows the customers to see the soap without opening the packaging.
Green and eco-friendly packaging is another trend being extensively used by brands to establish their commitment to the environmental preservation.
Eco-friendly packaging holds the brand and the manufacturer in a positive light and helps to drive the sales.
In this article, we will talk about:
- Famous soap brands
- type of soaps
- soap packaging materials
- soap packaging tips
- example of good soap packaging
Soap Market Share
The global soap market was estimated at $97.26 billion in 2016. With increasing incomes and changing customer preferences, the soap market is growing steadily.
Better hygiene practices and healthcare awareness are also key drivers of the soap industry.
Procter & Gamble was the leading soap manufacturer in the US in 2011 with a market share of 19.6%.
Johnson & Johnson took the second position with a market share of 9.8% and was followed by Ecolab Inc. with a total market share of 5.8%.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing market for soaps due to a rapid increase in incomes and the fast pace of urbanization in countries like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc.
Famous Soap Brands
Soaps are personal hygiene products and come in different types and forms. Dove is one of the most popular and largest selling soap brands in more than 80 countries.
About 114 million people in the US used Dove in 2017. Olay from Procter & Gamble is another globally popular soap brand.
Olay is famous for its anti-aging properties. Ivory another iconic soap brand from Procter & Gamble is popular in the world for its purity.
Burt’s Bees is a leading brand of soap from the house of Clorox. Its buttermilk soap is made from buttermilk and is ideal for children.
Type of Soaps
Soaps have a different composition and use. The common categories into which the soaps can be classified are as follows:
Novelty Soaps
Novelty soaps are attractively designed in different shapes and sizes. They can be in the shape of a duck, soap-on-the-rope, or other playful shapes.
These soaps are not only used for cleaning dirt and germs but they are also meant for amusement.
Novelty soaps are generally designed for children to capture their attention and make bathing an enjoyable experience.
Perfumed Soaps
Perfumed soaps have a refreshing fragrance and aroma which is achieved by adding ingredients and perfume to the soap.
The soap still performs its basic function of cleaning dirt from the body while providing an excellent perfumed fragrance.
Medicated Soaps
Medicated soaps are like normal soaps only but with the distinct difference of added medicinal ingredients.
Antiseptics and disinfectants are added to the soaps to give them medicinal value.
Medicated soaps are meant to treat certain medical disorders and infections and provide a useful alternative to the customers.
Glycerin Soaps
Glycerin soaps contain a high concentration of glycerin. During the manufacturing process, glycerin is added to the soap.
Glycerin is a component of oil or fat and adding it to the soaps enhances the nurturing features.
Glycerin soaps moisturize the skin and keep it soft and hydrated.
Laundry Soaps
Laundry soaps are formulated to wash clothes and clean dirt and stains. They are effective in removing solid particles and organic materials from clothes while washing.
Laundry soaps are available in the market in solid and powdered detergent form.
Kitchen Soaps
Kitchen soaps can be classified into two categories- cleansers and dish detergents.
Cleansers are used to remove heavy oil and hard to remove stains and contain mild abrasives. Dish detergent is made to fight tough grease and dirt.
Dish detergents can be classified into machine dishwasher detergent and hand dishwasher detergent.
Materials Used for Soap Packaging
Soaps should be packaged in materials which can protect it from weather elements and prevent damage.
Good packaging design can enhance the value and premium feel of the soap and can be a major driver for sales and visibility of the brand.
Some commonly used packaging materials for soaps are provided below:
プラスチック
Plastics are used for packaging of soaps. Use of plastic creates transparent packaging which enables the customers to see the product without opening the packaging.
This enables the customers to make informed purchase decision quickly. Packaging with plastics also offers the benefits of being lightweight and cost-effective.
Plastic packaging is simple and attractive and it saves resources on designing and is also cost-effective for transportation.
Branding and designing on plastic packaging are easier and impressive.
紙
Paper is the most common material used for packaging of soaps. The paper packaging can be designed in a number of textures and patterns.
Paper packaging provides a sufficient barrier between the soap and the external elements and protects it from damage.
Paper packaging is very versatile and allows flexibility in branding and designing of the packaging elements.
It is also lightweight and cost-effective. These days brands are using eco-friendly and recyclable papers for soap packaging which does not pose any threat to the environment.
段ボール
Cardboard packaging is more durable compared to plastic and paper packaging. It provides better protection to the packaged soap during transit and from external elements like moisture and oxygen.
Cardboard box packaging looks more premium than paper packaging and attracts the customer’s attention.
Cardboard packaging also provides more space and flexibility for displaying information and design elements which creates a better impression on the potential customers.
Cardboard boxes are also made from recyclable paper and are thus an eco-friendly form of soap packaging.
Soap Packaging Design Tips
Some of the important considerations for designing attractive and safe packaging for soaps are discussed below:
Durable and Protective Packaging
Soaps should be packaged to protect them from external elements. They can get easily damaged and contaminated when they come in contact with moisture, oxygen, sunlight, etc.
The packaging of the soaps should be done using materials which have high barrier properties and can protect the packaged soaps from external weather elements.
Cardboard box and plastics provide packaging have good barrier properties and provide adequate protection from external elements.
In addition to protecting the soaps from weather elements, the packaging should also be durable enough to protect the soaps from impacts and abrasions during transit to the retail shelves.
Minimalistic and Elegant Packaging
Packaging for soaps is becoming important over time. There has been a trend towards more premium and modern packaging for attracting the customer’s attention.
Soap packaging should make use of minimalistic designs which are eye-catching and preferred by the customers.
The use of fonts and graphic illustrations should be minimal and only the relevant information should be displayed on the packaging.
Hot stamping and embossing of logo and the brand name on the packaging also enhances the feel of the packaging.
Minimalistic packaging is more elegant and it enhances the visual aesthetics of the packaging.
It gives a more premium and luxurious feel to the packaging and the packaged soap.
Clear and Honest Labeling
Soaps are manufactured using many ingredients. It is important for the manufacturers to clearly and honestly mention all the ingredients used in the manufacturing of the soap.
Some customers may be allergic to specific chemicals so they can check the ingredients before purchasing.
They can also check if the soap has any harmful chemicals or ingredients. The claims made on the label of packaging should be honest.
If the manufacturers claim their soap to be natural and organic then it should correspond with the ingredients used.
Clear and honest labeling projects a positive image of the soap and helps to build brand recognition and loyalty.
Convenience and Utility
The packaging for soaps should provide convenience and utility to potential customers.
The packaging can make use of transparent see-through die-cut windows which can help the customers to get a sneak peek into the soap without tearing the packaging open.
The packaging should also allow the customers ease and convenience in opening it and accessing the soap.
Packaging which is too cumbersome and difficult to remove the product from is generally not preferred by customers.
The packaging should make use of only necessary packaging elements as additional and unnecessary packaging is disposed of and does not add any value to the product.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Soap manufacturers are moving towards green packaging.
Green packaging is necessary due to the strict government regulations and also the conscious of the businesses towards conservation of the environment.
Soaps are fast moving consumer goods and thus they are frequently purchased. If they do not have eco-friendly packaging then they can produce a considerable amount of waste which is dangerous to the environment.
Soaps should make use of recyclable and eco-friendly packaging to address this concern.
Customers prefer products with eco-friendly packaging over products with harmful packaging materials.
Using green and sustainable packaging also boosts the image of the brand among the customers.
Examples of Good Soap Packaging
Some examples of good soap packaging are provided below:
Scullery Soap
Scullery soap is a popular brand and is made from all-natural ingredients.
The packaging is retro and due to one-color labeling and old-fashioned typewriter text resembles the 19番目-century graphics and product packaging.
The packaging design is minimalistic but highly attractive. these soaps are labeled with hand-written numbers to identify the batch number and come wrapped and sealed in a sticker.
Zador Soap
Zador manufactures its hand-made soap which is completely organic and skin-friendly.
The packaging is also done manually and is a perfect mix of traditional and luxurious taste.
The packaging of the soap is done in bright and vivid colors and add warmth and a premium feel to the product.
Apothecary Soap
Apothecary is a brand of soap which manufactures completely organic soaps made from the best ingredients.
The packaging is done in the form of a small book with hardcover binding and a string attached to secure the packaging.
The packaging of the soap is unique and instantly captures the customer’s attention.
Float Soap
Float soaps come in round shape and in different textures, colors, and patterns which makes it different from the competition.
Packaging is in square shaped boxes and resembles the color of the soap. There is a transparent circular window which provides a sneak peek to the customers and help them make an informed purchase decision.
The packaging unfolds completely to reveal the soap’s ingredients and information.
Menta Soap
Packaging for Menta soap is artful and makes use of hand-illustrated graphics of fruits, herbs and other natural ingredients.
This is in line with the soap which is 100% organic and made from natural ingredients without adding any harmful chemicals.
The packaging seems artistic and promotes the importance of organic soaps and cosmetics.
Celeste Skincare
Celeste Skincare is a collection of soap bars with natural fruit enzymes. These soaps are 100% natural and are pH balanced.
The packaging is done in square-shaped boxes with the variant of the soap and its color clearly printed on the front. The packaging is simplistic but elegant.
Rawganique Soap
Rawganique is a chemical free and organic brand of soaps.
The packaging features haphazard and geometrical strips which are on a yellow and off-white label that slides over the soap bar.
The packaging is eye-catching and helps to build brand awareness and brand recognition with the customers over time.
Delicate Horoscope Soaps
The beauty brand Fresh launched its limited edition Fresh Zodiac soap line. The soaps are organic and made from natural ingredients.
The soap collection features four fragrances, one for each element of the zodiac.
The packaging is done in bright colors and a string attached over the oval-shaped packaging to secure it.
Khulu Soap
Khulu soapbox designs are unique and very attractive. The soaps promise to cure fatalities by promising spell incantations.
The soap packaging design is inspired by the voodoo culture and features colorful tiki graphics and witty phrases promising to address the various ailments by spells.
Rewined Soap
Rewined soaps are hand-made and manufactured using natural ingredients like coconut, olive, and soybean oil.
The packaging is minimal and elegant and makes beautiful use of letterpressed wood veneer, color-coded wax seals, and signatures on each soap bar.
The wood veneer adds charm and elegance to the packaging against the backdrop of grey and white soap bars.
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