Terms from food, packaging & design – simply explained.

Allergen labeling makes it mandatory to indicate which allergenic substances are contained in a food. It protects consumers and is regulated by law, e.g. by the FIR.

Augmented reality packaging supplements the packaging with digital content that is displayed via smartphone or AR devices. This creates interactive brand experiences directly on the product.

A barrier layer protects the product from external influences such as oxygen, moisture or light. It extends shelf life and quality in food and consumer goods packaging.

Pouch packaging is flexible packaging made of film or paper that requires little material and can be used in a variety of ways. They are particularly suitable for food, powders or snacks.

Bioplastics are materials that are either biodegradable or made from renewable raw materials. They are intended to replace conventional plastics in a more sustainable way.

The blister card is the printed cardboard carrier to which a transparent plastic blister is applied. It is used for the presentation and fixation of products in retail.

Blister packaging combines a molded plastic tray with a cardboard or film backing. It protects the product and allows a clear view of the contents.

Brand architecture describes the structure, relationship and roles of brands within a company. It defines how independent or connected individual brands appear.

Brand assets are visual, verbal or sensory recognition features of a brand such as colors, logos or typography. They ensure consistency and strengthen the brand identity.

Brand storytelling uses stories to convey the values, origin and personality of a brand. It creates an emotional bond and makes brands more tangible.

Brand stretching refers to the expansion of a brand into new product categories. The aim is to use the existing brand strength for new markets.

Category management optimizes product groups in retail by grouping and managing products from the customer’s perspective. It enables more efficient shelf and product range design.

The carbon footprint of packaging measures all emissions generated throughout its life cycle. It shows how climate-impactful a material or packaging solution is.

Co-branding on packaging combines two brands on one product in order to expand target groups or strengthen the brand image. It increases awareness and trust.

Connected packaging links packaging with digital content, often via QR codes or NFC. It enables product information, interactions or traceability.

The digital product passport collects information on the material, origin, production and recycling of a product. It supports transparency, the circular economy and EU legal requirements.

Disposable packaging is intended for single use and is disposed of after use. They are often more resource-intensive than reusable options.

Eye tracking analyzes where consumers look first and for the longest time on packaging. It helps to optimize designs specifically for attention and comprehensibility.

Facing refers to the number of visible product fronts on the shelf. More facings increase attention and availability.

The folding carton is a cardboard packaging that is supplied flat and easily erected. It is versatile, printable and widely used in retail.

A flowpack is a flexible tubular bag packaging that completely encloses the product in a film. It is often used for snacks, baked goods or single portions.

Food packaging design encompasses the design, choice of materials and function of food packaging. It combines protection, brand impact and regulatory requirements.

Private labels are products that are sold under a retailer’s brand. They offer alternatives to manufacturer brands and serve price and product range strategies.

Under certain conditions, compostable packaging decomposes completely into organic material. It must comply with tested standards such as EN 13432.

Limited edition packaging is a temporary packaging design. It attracts attention, creates a collectable character and supports marketing campaigns.

Line extensions expand an existing product line, for example by adding new flavors or formats. They strengthen the brand within the same category.

Branded products come from an identifiable manufacturer and stand for consistent quality and recognizability. They differ from private labels through independent branding.

Reusable packaging is reusable and can be recycled several times. They reduce waste and resource consumption.

Monomaterial consists of only one type of material and is therefore particularly easy to recycle. It facilitates separation by type in the recycling process.

The life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. It shows how materials, energy and emissions interact.

On-pack promotions are campaigns directly on the packaging, such as coupons, competitions or giveaways. They increase impulse purchases and brand loyalty.

A packaging relaunch revises the design or structure of existing packaging. The aim is to achieve a more modern look, better functionality or a stronger market position.

Paper-based packaging consists mainly of paper fibers and is easily recyclable. They are a popular alternative to plastic packaging.

A peel-off lid is an easily removable lid, usually made of foil or composite material. It allows quick access while providing good product protection.

A planogram is a shelf plan that specifies positions, heights and facings. It ensures uniform presentation and optimum sales impact.

The point of sale (POS) is the place where the product is sold – in-store or digitally. It is central to brand impact and purchasing decisions.

A portion pack contains a single, precisely measured amount of a product. It offers convenience, hygiene and easy dosing.

The primary packaging is the direct product protection and is in direct contact with the contents. It influences hygiene, shelf life and safety.

Private labels are a retailer’s own brands that are sold exclusively in its product range. They enable differentiation and price positioning.

Product packaging encompasses the structure, material and design of direct product protection. It combines functionality, brand impact and legal requirements.

Prototyping creates early samples or models of packaging. It tests form, function and effect before it goes into production.

Recyclability describes how well packaging can be technically and practically recycled. It depends on the material, design and infrastructure.

Shelf positioning defines where a product is placed on the shelf. It influences visibility, sales and brand impact.

Recyclate is recycled material that is recovered from waste and reincorporated into products. It reduces raw material consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Secondary packaging encloses the primary packaging and is used for transportation, bundling or brand presentation. They are usually not in direct contact with the product.

Shelf impact describes the extent to which packaging immediately stands out on the shelf. It determines attention and impulse purchases.

Shelf Ready Packaging is designed so that it is easy to open and can be placed directly on the shelf. It simplifies logistics and product presentation.

Shelf visibility measures how visible a product is on the shelf – in terms of color, contrast, position or size. It has a significant influence on the purchase decision.

A sleeve is a printed banderole or cover that is pulled over packaging. It enables flexible design and seasonal customization.

Stand-up pouches are flexible pouches with a stable base that stand upright on the shelf. They offer good visibility and high material efficiency.

Tertiary packaging bundles transport units such as pallets or shipping cartons. They are used for protection, transportation and logistics.

Test markets test new products or packaging in limited regions or target groups. They provide data for risk assessment and market launch.

A tray is an open tray or cardboard tub that stably carries or presents products. It is often used in retail and in shelf-ready solutions.

Composite material consists of several layers of different materials, such as paper, plastic or aluminum. It combines specific functions, but is more difficult to recycle.

Packaging design encompasses the creative and functional design of packaging. It combines brand impact, user guidance and technical requirements.

A reclosure makes it possible to reseal packaging securely after opening. It increases convenience, shelf life and portionability.

Recognition value describes how clearly and quickly a brand or packaging is identified. It strengthens brand loyalty and differentiation on the shelf.