By Kat McDaniel, Principal at MEDiAHEAD

Brands that use labeling are going through some big changes this year to gain market share.

They’re not just thinking about cool designs, but are incorporating some new design trends to connect with their customers. Some of the trends shaping the industry include QR codes, anti-counterfeiting, sustainability, and inclusivity.

The biggest trend in packaging is reduction of plastic, using glass, paper, aluminum, or materials that facilitate easier recycling. Labels can be printed and removed during recycling, unlike printed plastic.

Custom Labels

Custom labels are also gaining momentum – allowing customers to personalize their jars or having multiple designs that they can collect. J. Rieger just launched vodka sodas with vintage Tiger designs that are collectable.

Rieger Tigers Labels

QR Codes

The emergence of interactive labels through QR codes has connected the customer to the brand’s social media presence. By scanning the codes, consumers can gain instant access to a wealth of information about the product, fostering a deeper connection with the customer.

Anti-Counterfeiting Labels

Anti-Counterfeiting Labels

Because counterfeiting is rampant, manufactures of labels must work with customers to keep their products safe. Using invisible ink or tamper-evident labels are a must to protect the band’s reputation. If a consumer buys a counterfeit brand, they can lose all confidence in the product and not purchase it again.

Need some fresh ideas?

If you involve our production team early in the creative process, it will lead to the best outcome. Collaborating with us opens many possibilities that a designer may not be aware of. Die-cuts, foils, and embossing can enhance he creative message you are trying to get across.

Red Dog BBQ Label

By Betsy Bennholz, Promotional Products Sales Manager at MEDiAHEAD

Ah, the thrill of the unknown! Merch boxes are like Pandora’s box, but with less Greek tragedy and more unicorn stickers. The anticipation of not knowing what awesome items await inside is a joyous roller coaster ride for the senses. The possibilities are endless.

Merch Box What’s in Your Merch Box? The Element of Surprise

The best items for a merch box depend on the target audience and the purpose of the merchandise. Here are some popular choices that tend to work well and hints to keep your branded items on the coveted prime real estate of a desk or the walking billboard of a person’s body:

  1. Exclusive or Limited-Edition Items: Anything that can’t be easily obtained elsewhere tends to generate excitement. This could include a cup or laptop decal, a unique animal shaped stress reliever, an absorbent desk or car coaster, or a reusable, foldable tote bag.
  2. Practical and Useful Items: Quality merchandise that people can use in their daily lives tends to have a longer lifespan. This could include items like mugs, water bottles, tote bags, or notebooks, often featuring creative designs or quotes related to the brand or theme.
  3. High-Quality Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other apparel items are classic merch box staples. The key is to ensure they are made from high-quality materials and feature attractive designs that people would want to wear beyond just supporting the brand.
  4. Personalized or Customizable Items: Offering the option to personalize or customize merchandise adds a personal touch. This could be through custom engravings, embroidered initials, or allowing customers to choose their preferred colors or designs.

Ultimately, the best items for a merch box are those that resonate with the audience, align with the brand’s identity, and offer value beyond just being a promotional item. Variety and creativity also play important roles in making a merch box memorable and desirable. We can create this experience from start to finish! Let’s talk.