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National Packaging Design Day – May 7, 2024

National Packaging Day is celebrated on May 7 every year in the United States. It’s a special event to recognize the craft of package designs and the design professionals who create them. It encourages people to appreciate the artistry of package design which has become a very important factor in modern-day marketing. In sales, customers assess a product by its package design. It is the one activity in the world where the famous maxim “don’t judge a book by its cover” is completely ignored.

History of National Packaging Design Day

Until the late 1800s, packaging containers were expensive. They were mostly reserved for luxury goods, such as jewelry or premium foods. These packaging wares were not disposable items. Eventually, some manufacturers recognized an opportunity to promote an “after-use.” The Dixie Queen company began designing its punch-cut tobacco tins to resemble picnic baskets (and later lunch boxes). Its name was stamped on the tin “basket’ and these items remained popular into the early 1900s.

The rise of dual-use packaging in the late 19th century provides some of the earliest examples of branded consumer packaging. The tradition continues today with, among many examples, consumers using recyclable, branded tote bags from their favorite grocery stores.

In 1817, the first paper cardboard box was invented. It was a brilliant innovation that led to the commercial production of paper bags in England. The first commercial production of paper bags in England was in 1844.

Francis Wolle, an American, invented the bag-making machine in 1852, which eventually paved the way for glued paper sacks, the kind we use today. In 1890, NABISCO created the first branded consumer package.

The National Packaging Design Day was founded in 2015 by Design Packaging to create awareness of package design, presentation, and its role in a product’s brand.

National Packaging Design Day timeline

1817
Paper Cardboard Box is Invented

The first paper cardboard box is created and leads to the commercial production of paper bags in England.

1844
Commercial Production of Paper Bags Begins

The commercial production of paper bags commences in England.

1852
Francis Wolle Invents Bag-Making Machine

Francis Wolle invents the bag-making machine, which eventually paves the way for the production of glued paper sacks.

2015
It is Declared a Holiday

May 7 becomes the official date for the celebration of National Packaging Design Day.

National Packaging Design Day FAQs

Who designs packaging for products?

A package designer guides the design process from beginning to end. They conceptualize, design, and execute a prototype.

What is tertiary packaging?

Tertiary packaging is one of the three types of wrapping used to protect manufactured goods during shipping or storage.

What is the third stage in package design?

The third stage in package design is the concept development stage.

National Packaging Design Day Activities

  1. Post and share design ideas on Social Media

    A social media post can help to create awareness for this special day. Share the hashtag #NationalPackagingDesignDay on the various social media platforms you are active on.

  2. Participate in packaging design workshops

    You can also celebrate this holiday by attending packaging design workshops to hone your creative design skills. These training sessions are highly educational and can help you in developing a new skill.

  3. Arrange for a packaging design session for celebrations

    You can observe this day by organizing a session with family and friends where you package and design gifts for each other. It can be a fun and exciting creative session that everybody enjoys.

5 Facts About Packaging Design

  1. The shipping box was patented in 1903

    The first cardboard shipping box was granted the right to patent in 1903.

  2. Millions of plastic bottles sold every minute

    Over one million plastic bottles are sold every minute of every day.

  3. Over 80 billion shipping boxes

    In 2021, more than 80 billion corrugated shipping boxes were used.

  4. 78 million tons of packaging waste

    Each year, over 78 million tons of packaging waste is produced.

  5. Half of all packaging can be recycled

    Half of all packaging can be recycled to reduce the amount of packaging waste and the cost of producing new packaging.

Why We Love National Packaging Design Day

  1. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on packaging design

    This holiday allows us to learn more about packaging designs. It helps us better understand the marketing art that influences many of our buying decisions.

  2. We get to appreciate the professionals who design packages

    This day gives us a chance to show our appreciation for design professionals who create attractive packaging designs. We celebrate and recognize the artists of remarkable packaging designs just as we honor artistic works from other fields.

  3. It encourages people to explore their creativity

    National Packaging Design Day inspires creatives to explore their inner genius. It is a fun day for creative experts and those who admire their artistic works.

National Packaging Design Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 7Tuesday
2025May 7Wednesday
2026May 7Thursday
2027May 7Friday
2028May 7Sunday

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