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# Crosswise Coffee Branding
Starbucks Special Edition Packaging Seeks a Different Approach

By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-07-24 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-special-edition-packaging
References: [packagingoftheworld](http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2011/07/starbucks-less-is-more-student-work.html) & [carlamezherdesigns.blogspot](http://carlamezherdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/07/starbuckss-special-edition-package.html)

Product wrapping notoriously results in a great deal of excess and wasted paper, so it's excellent to see that [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-compostable-coffee-cups) Special Edition packaging starts with a different approach to minimizing material used. The brew bundle is labeled with the motto "Less is more," which acts as a clever description of the cardboard box and the supreme flavorful taste of just a small cup of this brand of coffee.

Appropriately, the parcel contains a [tiny round mug](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-premium-mixes-matcha-latte-with-reusable-cup) designed to be filled with the full-bodied hot beverage, as well as three types of the coffee house's favorite grounds. The four items are enveloped in a simple [corrugated carton](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-packaging-solution) that can be effectively assembled by person with no adhesives necessary. Created by Carla Mezher, Starbucks Special Edition packaging saves on the economic and environmental costs of both material and labor.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.3/10
- Popularity: 72% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Minimalist Packaging:** The trend of minimalistic packaging can help reduce waste and environmental impact.
- **Sustainable Materials:** Using sustainable materials in packaging can help businesses minimize their environmental footprint.
- **Unboxing Experience:** Creating an enjoyable and unique unboxing experience can enhance brand perception and customer satisfaction.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Food and Beverage Packaging:** The food and beverage packaging industry can explore sustainable and minimalist packaging solutions to reduce waste.
- **Coffee and Tea:** Coffee and tea companies can focus on creating memorable unboxing experiences to differentiate their brands.
- **E-commerce:** E-commerce businesses can leverage minimalist packaging trends to reduce shipping costs and improve sustainability.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Producer-Focused Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-coffee-packaging.md)
- [Plant-Inspired Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lor-coffee-packaging.md)
- [Modern Coffee Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-coffee-packaging.md)
- [Card-Labeled Coffee Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blueprint-coffee.md)
- [Modern Coffee Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-products.md)
- [Paper-Made Shrink Wrap Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traywrap.md)
- [Playful Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunday-coffee-project.md)
- [Fiber-Based Recyclable Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mother-parkers.md)
- [Sustainable Product Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperbased-solution.md)
