When and Why to Redesign Your Business Packaging
May 23, 2025
Business packaging plays a bigger role than many realise. It shapes how your product is seen, how your brand is remembered, and whether your item makes it into a customer’s basket. But as your brand grows or shifts, the way you package your products may need to evolve too.
Whether you’re selling snacks, skincare, or stationery, your product packaging should work as hard as you do. If it no longer supports your business goals, it could be time for a redesign.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed doeius mod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Nabeel Parry – Moverie Manager
Signs Your Packaging Needs a Redesign
Redesigning isn’t something you do on a whim. It’s a decision driven by clear signs and real-world needs. Here are a few to look out for:
1. It No Longer Reflects Your Brand
Brands change. You might have updated your logo, changed your tone of voice, or moved towards more ethical sourcing. But if your brand identity packaging still looks like it did five years ago, it could be sending the wrong message.
2. Your Packaging Feels Dated
Design trends move on quickly. While you don’t need to follow every trend, customers notice when packaging looks tired. Modern packaging design uses clean lines, clear fonts, and clever layouts to stay current without losing your brand’s essence.
3. You're Reaching New Customers
If you’re targeting new markets — whether in age, geography, or values — your packaging should speak to them. Colours, layout, and wording should feel relevant to your audience. What worked for early adopters might not suit a broader customer base.
4. Sales Are Slipping
It’s not always the product that’s the issue. If your packaging doesn’t catch the eye, it may never get picked up. A strategic redesign can boost visibility and spark new interest, especially in crowded categories.
The Business Case for Redesign
Redesigning packaging is more than a creative exercise — it’s a business decision. Here’s why it’s often worth the time and investment:
Makes Your Product Easier to Notice
The shelf — physical or digital — is full of options. Packaging that’s bold but clear gives you a better chance of standing out. A well-structured redesign can guide the buyer’s eye to the key benefits of your product.
Supports Better Functionality
Redesign isn’t only about looks. Practical improvements like resealable bags, tamper-evident seals, or better stackability add real value to your product. These small changes can improve both customer satisfaction and logistics.
Keeps You Aligned with Regulations
In some industries, labelling rules change often. Redesigning gives you the chance to make sure all information is clear, accurate, and compliant — especially if you’re entering new regions.
Helps You Stay Competitive
Look at what your competitors are doing. If they’re rolling out innovative packaging solutions, it’s worth asking how your own offering compares. Falling behind in design can create the impression your product is outdated — even if it’s not.
When to Consider the Shift
So, when is the right time to take action? These moments are often good triggers for a packaging redesign:
- A product relaunch or new line extension.
- A company rebrand or repositioning.
- Poor customer feedback about packaging.
- A shift towards eco-friendly or reduced-waste goals.
- Entering a new market or retail channel.
Each of these is an opportunity to align your packaging with where your business is heading.
Sustainability and Innovation in Packaging
Today’s buyers care about more than just how a product looks — they want to know it’s been made responsibly. If your current packaging isn’t doing its part, consider switching to sustainable materials, or reducing excess layers.
This is where innovative packaging solutions make a difference. Materials like recyclable paper, compostable films, or refillable containers not only reduce environmental impact but also show customers that you care. It’s a smart move for both brand image and long-term efficiency.
What to Keep in Mind During Redesign
A redesign should be planned, tested, and implemented with care. Here’s how to do it right:
Start With a Clear Goal
Is your aim to improve sales? Communicate new brand values? Reduce waste? Whatever your reason, define it early. This will guide design choices and keep your project focused.
Involve the Right People
Designers, printers, marketing teams, and — where possible — your customers should have input. Even a small trial with regular buyers can highlight issues you didn’t see.
Stay Consistent Where It Counts
Redesign doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Some parts of your brand identity packaging — such as colours or logo placement — may still work well. Keep the parts that support recognition and trust.
Communicate the Change
If your new packaging looks very different, let your customers know. A short note on the pack or a social media update helps maintain confidence and avoids confusion.
Final Thought
Your business packaging is a key part of how people experience your brand. If it’s not helping you connect, compete, or grow — it’s worth rethinking. The best packaging redesigns aren’t just about beauty; they solve problems, tell a clearer story, and reflect your brand’s next chapter.
When approached with care and clarity, a packaging refresh can do more than update your look — it can reignite interest, build trust, and drive sales.
