In the 21st century, the trend of the future is to look to the past. For several years now, vintage has been an increasingly recurrent style in areas such as fashion and decoration, providing a nostalgic touch that recalls the elegance of times gone by. The packaging sector also knows how to exploit this aesthetic and here are some ideas to transport you to a retro world.
Vintage style, a retro look at the past, even in packaging
Although the terms “vintage” and “retro” are often used interchangeably to refer to this style, there is a variation in their meanings. Vintage refers to products that are really old, while retro refers to new, modern products that imitate the aesthetics of a bygone era. However, here we will refer to vintage style in a generic way.
1.Cardboard and kraft paper, very effective vintage materials
The best way to remember the past is to use traditional materials. That’s why cardboard, glass, wood or fabric are often found as raw materials in the packaging of products that want to look classic. Our post boxes with reinforced zips are a good starting point for a vintage look, as they don’t have adhesives, but you should add other details to complete the aesthetic.
Lighter products can be wrapped in 100% recycled kraft paper. However, for larger products and shipments, wooden boxes will not only give you security, but will also look like something out of an old warehouse.
2. cords and bows as vintage reinforcements
Small details go a long way towards achieving this nostalgic aesthetic. If you need to wrap your parcels, vintage-coloured kraft wrapping paper looks natural, is made from kraft and is available in six eye-catching and elegant shades.
You can accompany the wrapping by tying it with matt raffia ribbon in a choice of seven colours, or with natural raffia braid if you want a more rustic effect. If you want to give it a more sophisticated touch and finish it off with a bow, the satin-effect ribbon in five colours; if you’re going for something more festive, the ribbons decorated with a pattern of white polka dots on a red background or on a black background are very 1950s.
3 Filling, vintage inside and out
To look good, it’s not only important to take care of the outside, but also the inside of the packaging. Coloured tissue paper not only protects the contents, but also adds a touch of cheer with its wide range of shades. However, this paper is also available in white, should you opt for a more sober and discreet decoration. In addition to the paper, coloured filling paper strips also decorate and secure products.
Similarly, Span-pack popcorn is used to fill empty spaces. 100% recycled, they take you back in time when you open a box and look for its contents.
4.There’s nothing more vintage than labelling by hand
To seal packages properly, brown kraft paper labels suit this type of packaging. However, these coloured round adhesive labels will add a more playful touch to vintage packaging.
On the other hand, is there anything more traditional than writing the recipient’s name or address by hand on a label? These beige cardboard labels with a reinforcing eyelet and metallic thread are very resistant and are also available in other colours. You can write on these labels or directly on the cardboard packaging with the retractable tip pens, available in black, blue and red; but if you need to write on other surfaces, there are also permanent markers in black, blue, red and green with a thicker tip.
5.Geami® WrapPak system, a vintage effect with a difference
To conclude this series of tips, here’s our most original idea: the Geami® WrapPak. This machine interweaves kraft paper and tissue paper to protect your products.
It’s also eco-responsible, because it uses a single-material wrapper, and you can choose between three types: electric, manual or mini. The combination of the two papers and the cut-out pattern give your product packaging a retro style.
At RAJA we know how important the unboxing experience is and using a vintage style sets you apart from your competition. Although we can’t confirm that any time in the past was better, we offer you the ideas and our materials to take this nostalgic trip back in time!