# Swapped Packaging Brands adopt non-reflective packaging to create allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published May 29, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bewildered-branding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Swapped Packaging trend? **Swapped Packaging:** While straightforward packaging offers sincerity in its simplicity, it can be fairly mundane. Diverting from expectations, brands are turning to designs that are visually unrepresentative of the product it contains, adding abstract aesthetics to traditional, everyday products. The use of non-reflective packaging speaks to a shift towards more thought-provoking, and mentally stimulating forms of consumer engagement. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 11, 2013 to Oct 13, 2015 - Published: May 29, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Swapped Packaging trend ### Abstract Packaging Design Brands are creating visually unrepresentative packaging designs to add abstract aesthetics to traditional everyday products, representing a shift towards more thought-provoking forms of consumer engagement. ### Luxury Packaging Design Product packaging is being designed to take inspiration from the perfume industry, transforming traditional products including laundry and condiments into more luxurious offerings with packaging that looks and smells like perfume. ### Circular Vessels Circular packaging is becoming more popular, offering a sleek and iconic appearance to products including vodka. This design can add a luxurious vibe to a product and is ideal for premium offerings. ## What the Swapped Packaging trend means for industry ### For Packaging Design Specializing in unique packaging design that goes beyond a product's traditional, everyday look by using abstract aesthetics to create mentally stimulating consumer engagement opportunities. ### For Luxury Goods Creating packaging designs inspired by the perfume industry offers a way to transform traditional products into a luxurious experience, with packaging that looks and smells like perfume. ### For Premium Spirits Using circular vessel packaging can add a luxurious vibe to spirits, and can be an ideal design for premium offerings that are looking to stand out on the shelves. ## Trend signals for Swapped Packaging Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 56%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Swapped Packaging trend 5 featured examples from Feb 11, 2013 to Oct 13, 2015. - [Perfume-Like Laundry Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laundry-products): The L'eaundry Concept Makes Laundry Products Seem Decadent (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Companies in the home cleaning product industry can explore creating specialty, high-end laundry products that appeal to consumers looking to elevate their laundry experience. - [Medicine Bottle Brew Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eighthirty-coffee-packaging): Eighthirty Coffee Packaging Was Cured of a Comparatively Bland Image (Category: Marketing) Implication: Packaging design is becoming increasingly important in the food and beverage industry to differentiate products and increase consumer appeal. - [Restructured Condiment Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cagninadesign-heinz-ketchup): CagninaDesign Heinz Ketchup Packaging Gets a Stiffer Silhouette (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovating on unique packaging designs to enhance branding, customer experience and usability of condiment containers. - [Perfume-Like Vodka Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ciroc-x): The 'Ciroc X' Packaging is a Sleek Circular Vessel (Category: Marketing) Implication: Brands can explore new and luxurious packaging designs to attract premium consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors in the crowded alcohol market. - [Pharmaceutical Wine Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyprus-wine): Tsikoudia is a Uniquely Bottled Offering from a Cyprus Winery (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporate innovative packaging and branding concepts to create unique and appealing product offerings that stand out in the crowded and competitive wine and spirits market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)