Packaging and labelling guidelines

dsm-firmenich

For dsm-firmenich, the worlds leading nutrition and health company, we created a visual system for packaging and labelling. In a playbook we provided practical guidelines as well as a wide range of examples to help craft impactful packaging solutions.

In short - For dsm-firmenich we created a design system for packaging and labelling. In a playbook we provided practical guidelines for effective packaging and labeling design as well as a wide range of examples to help craft impactful packaging solutions.

Discover

We gathered requirements for packaging & labelling after which we identified the various packaging & labelling types and set-up for the design phase.

Discover

We gathered requirements for packaging & labelling after which we identified the various packaging & labelling types and set-up for the design phase.

Phase 1

Discover

We gathered requirements for packaging & labelling after which we identified the various packaging & labelling types and set-up for the design phase.

2 weeks

Design

Defined design principles as well as a grid, use of type and layout system after which we designed all packaging and labeling solutions.

Design

Defined design principles as well as a grid, use of type and layout system after which we designed all packaging and labeling solutions.

Phase 2

Design

Defined design principles as well as a grid, use of type and layout system after which we designed all packaging and labeling solutions.

2 weeks

Deliver

We finalized our designs and delivered a comprehensive guidelines document in which all packaging and labeling and their specifications have been specified.

Deliver

We finalized our designs and delivered a comprehensive guidelines document in which all packaging and labeling and their specifications have been specified.

Phase 3

Deliver

We finalized our designs and delivered a comprehensive guidelines document in which all packaging and labeling and their specifications have been specified.

2 weeks

Situation and Challenge: Following its merger and new brand identity launch, dsm-firmenich aimed to unify its brand expression across packaging, labeling, and sampling as one company. With a diverse range of packages and labels, it needed a cohesive design system that could accommodate various types and materials.

Foundational discovery and define work

27

In a unified system, we determined there was a need for 27 different solutions.

In a unified system, we identified 27 different solutions.

We aim to ensure brand consistency, sustainability, and a flexible system for all solutions

We set up three elaborate design principes as foundational basis for all designed packaging and labelling solutions.

We classified all packaging types: branded packaging with direct printing, branded packaging with labels, and unbranded packaging requiring labels.

Small

Medium

Large

XLarge

Horizontal

Vertical

We made a system of labels with both horizontal and vertical layouts

Foundational discovery

Determining your grid

Determine your grid

We created a grid that works regardless of package or label size.

Dm Sans

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUWVXYZ

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuwvxyz

Use of type

We defined how to apply DM Sans on each of our solutions.

Logo placement

We make sure the logo is placed consistently on all expressions.

Action - We did a foundational discovery is which we designed a grid system for all packaging and labeling solutions, and defined use of type and logo placement. After we experimented with proportions, composition and color. We did the creation of initial illustrations of various labels & packages alongside 3D mock-ups.

Establishing a grid system

The grid system is applicable to all packages and labels. A canvas for content.

Experimentation with logo placement and color

Branded asset experimentation and alternations

Branded + labelled product - Paper bag

Branded product - caps

Labeled products - Tin can

Example deliverables

Result - We completed a flexible visual system playbook with a comprehensive documentation with all packages and labels crafted and ready for use.

The playbook

Special thanks to..

Renée Dunn

Art Director & Designer

Matthe Stet

Art Director

Made with coffee in Amsterdam