In the competitive beverage marketplace, products need to create a memorable first impression and stand out from the rest on retail store shelves. Inks and coatings help to convey what is inside a can or bottle, but also play a key role in differentiating brands, according to packaging materials experts.

The old saying goes that a picture is worth 1,000 words. For beverage-makers, the design of their packages far exceeds that word count as it serves as the first in-person connection to consumers — both new and old.

When Madonna sang, “You know that we are living in a material world, and I am material girl,” the American singer could not have foreseen that her “Material Girl” song would eventually characterize her in the mainstream media. Although Madonna was not singing about glass, aluminum or plastic, these primary packaging materials, like the 1984 pop hit, have become classics.

According to Cleveland-based The Freedonia Group, demand for pouches in the United States will grow 4.4 percent a year through 2020 to $10.1 billion,primarily driven by the introduction of pouch packaging into new markets and the integration of high-value features, such as re-sealable closures and spouts, in more mature markets.   

NEPA Carton and Carrier Co. Inc. has served the folding carton industry from its present location since 1984, bringing to the industry more than 50 years of collective experience.

Forty years ago, Kenner Products released Stretch Armstrong, an action figure that could stretch from its original 15-inch frame to four or five feet. Although not in the toy-making business, packaging materials manufacturers have had to literally stretch their capabilities to keep pace with beverage-makers seeking clean, sustainable labels that feature vivid colors, images, specialty inks and soft-touch finishes to connect with consumers.

Regardless of a beverage's content or packaging, a plastic or metal cap or closure is necessary to keep the packaging spill-proof and contents fresh. Thus, beverage-makers are committed to giving consumers caps that are easy to open, tamper-resistant and biodegradable while still communicating the brand’s identity by using a variety of colors, shapes and graphics.

Packaging allows brands to communicate with consumers before they even drink a product. When considering the increasing number of SKUs on retail shelves, having an appealing package is a crucial element to consider for new products as well as existing products’ package redesigns.

The editors of Beverage Industry selected the Top 10 packages released in 2015. These 10 were then put to a vote by you, the readers. Check out which packages emerged as the Best of 2015.