Article · June 14, 2026

Packaging decisions that set a brand before any advertising

The packaging decisions that shaped a refillable brand: material and format, the hierarchy on the label, shelf legibility, and the decision we would reverse today.

By Verdehouse· Updated September 17, 2026
Flat lay of brand assets: colour swatches, grid sheet and geometric marks
Flat lay of brand assets: colour swatches, grid sheet and geometric marks

We spent more on packaging design than on our first year of advertising, and it has done more work.

## Three decisions that held

One format across the range so refills are unambiguous. A label hierarchy that leads with what the product is for rather than the brand name. Enough contrast to read at arm's length in poor light, which is how products are actually seen on a shelf.

## One we would reverse

We used a colour system to distinguish variants and it fails for anyone who shops by memory rather than by reading. A shape or texture cue would have carried more of the load. Colour alone asks the customer to remember your system.

Where this applies

  • Branding
  • Graphic Design

Work with Verdehouse

This article comes from the work Verdehouse does. See what they offer, the results they can evidence, and how to start a conversation.

More from Verdehouse